Jane I. (Goolsby) Ricci

Jane I. (Goolsby) Ricci 93, of South Weymouth, wife of the late Philip R. Ricci, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2020 at South Shore Hospital. Jane was born in Salem on February 20, 1927 the daughter of George S. Goolsby Sr. and Catherine F. (Fay) Goolsby.

Jane was a woman of great faith, a teacher, a loving mother and a dedicated friend to all who knew her.  She grew up in Salem, MA. She aspired to become a nun and traveled to Europe to teach English to children in Germany. She had to leave the convent, right before taking her final vows, to care for her sick mother. She later married Philip Ricci and raised six children. She was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, teaching CCD and was known for her colorful and unique apron creations at the annual Christmas Bazaar. She was an accomplished tailor and sewed fashions for the family as well as local businesses. She traveled the world with her husband and made friends in every location they visited. As a passionate Red Sox fan, she was always ready to talk about the latest game. During the last years of her life, she loved taking long hikes with her son Michael, riding in her electric wheelchair at his side and enjoying the fresh air.

Jane is survived by her children, Philip Ricci of Brockton, Joanne (Ricci) Dawson and her husband Michael of Cornelius NC, Karthryn Ricci and Gerry Barker of S. Weymouth, Elizabeth (Ricci) Holbrook and her husband Neal Skorka of S. Weymouth, Michael Ricci of Woburn and Jane (Ricci) Schraut and her husband David of Abington, five grandchildren; Brian Holbrook of S. Weymouth, Sarah Degnan of Huntersville, NC, Kelly Dawson and  Nate Creech  of Wendell, NC, Hannah and Max Schraut of Abington;  great grandson Chase Degnan of Huntersville, NC, her sister, Dorothy Wilson of Allison Park, PA, and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, George Goolsby and sisters, Kathleen Bouchard and Mae Balboni.

Normally, the funeral is an opportunity for the community to gather in support of one another. Although we cannot gather together with Jane’s family at this time, friends may still offer their support by sharing a special memory or message by clicking the link above.

Due to Covid-19, internment will be private. A memorial mass and a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Donations may be made in her name to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445.