Janine T. Giles, 64, of Hadley, Massachusetts died at home Wednesday, December 23, 2020 after an eight month battle with ovarian cancer.  Even in her final days, she brought her family together to share memories, laughter, and words of love.

Janine was born November 19, 1956 in Northampton, Ma. to the late Vernon T. Thomas and Gilda M. (Grandonico) Thomas.

She attended Hadley schools and earned an accounting degree from the UMass School of Management in 1978.  Upon graduation, Janine worked in the business office at Hampshire College and eventually held the position of assistant comptroller.

In 1988, Janine left Hampshire College when she and her husband Tom purchased the Hadley Garden Center – the business where they had first met fifteen years prior, while working together.  Janine handled paper; Tom handled plants.  Her diligence and attention to detail were instrumental in their successful 32 years of ownership.  Though primarily working behind-the-scenes, Janine was grateful for her interactions with customers and staff, especially her feline co-workers.  Janine and Tom sold the garden center in January of 2020 and assisted in the transition of ownership before retiring in March.

Janine was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Hadley for over thirty years, serving on various committees.  She was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Hopkins Academy.  

Janine attended all of her children’s school functions and could be heard cheering and offering officiating advice at sporting events.  She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and UMass Basketball. 

Rarely one to sit still, Janine often started her day with a brisk neighborhood walk.  She also attended exercise classes and had a strong presence in her fitness community, forming friendships with both classmates and instructors.   At the end of a busy day, she would steal a few moments to do a crossword puzzle or watch her favorite sportscaster.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Thomas V. Giles, daughter Brittany J. Giles and her husband Tony Pazmino, of Voorheesville, New York, son Thomas L. Giles and his partner Samantha Tye, of Boston, brother David Thomas (Beverly) of Woodstock, Georgia, sister Cheryl Boisselle of Ludlow, sisters-in-law Marcia Sokolnicki of Madison, Connecticut and Luanne Topper (Michael) of Hudson, New Hampshire, four nieces, two nephews, and several cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union St, Springfield, MA 01105 or Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N. Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002.