Janice Ann Faustino

Janice Ann Faustino of Clifton, mother and caregiver to children, died Wednesday October 18, 2023, just one day shy of her 76th birthday, she was surrounded by her three sons and extended family at Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River, NJ. She was born to Rose and John Valvo Sr. in the Bronx, where she grew up and graduated from Christopher Columbus High School. She was married in Mt. Carmel Church on 187th street and moved to Tenafly, NJ where she raised her family. Janice’s love and care for others could not be contained, which was why she chose to work in schools with children as a paraprofessional; first at the Malcolm S. Mackay Elementary School, then the Tenafly Recreation Department and later at The Englewood on the Palisades Charter School. She was a notary public, proficient typist, prolific xerox copier, and outstanding cook. Her connection seeking and laughter were gifts she shared with everyone. Baking was her true joy in life. And anyone who was lucky to know her has tasted one of her desserts including her famous cheesecake. Parallel to her passion in the kitchen was her love for her extended family. Janice had a way of collecting people and making them all sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She belonged to St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Cresskill, NJ attending mass and befriending parishioners and the clergy alike. She was faithful to the end of her life, making frequent donations to the religious organizations that provided her strength in prayer. Janice was often referred to as an “Angel on Earth.” She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John and Bee Valvo of Flagstaff, AZ; three sons, Peter Faustino of Rye Brook, NY, Christopher Faustino of Paterson, and Nicholas Faustino of Clifton; her cousin Robert Donadio of Clifton; her daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. While Janice’s family grieves her brief battle with an aggressive cancer, they are choosing to remember her spirit and celebrate her love of life. Arrangements by Barrett Leber Funeral Home in Tenafly, NJ with a private ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY where she joins her parents, younger brother, and Bill Smoltino in a family plot.