Janette M. Padula

Janette Padula, 76, a longtime resident of Tiverton, RI, passed away on April 29, 2026. Though illness had taken a toll on her body, it never touched the strength of her mind.

Born on March 24, 1950, she was the beloved daughter of the late Edward and Madeline (Conley) Heath, and sister to the late George Heath, Steve Heath, and Edward Heath Jr.

She was the devoted wife of Donald Padula, who was truly her soulmate. She is survived by several nieces and nephews: Dawn Heath, Phylis Heath, Christie-Ann Gomes, Maegan Heath, Douglas Heath, Alan Heath, Ryan Heath and was the aunt of  the late Diane Lambert. She shared a particularly special bond with Maegan and her great-niece Jaela, whose knock-knock jokes and words of encouragement kept her smiling through her toughest chapters.

She cherished her cat, Daisy Mae, who brought her endless comfort and companionship.

A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, Jan spent many dedicated years working at Quaker Fabrics until its closing, and later retired from Swarovski. She built a life rooted in independence, hard work, trust, and connection.

She will be remembered for her warm heart, her beautiful eyes, and the love she poured into the people around her. She found joy in life’s simple but meaningful moments—golfing alongside her husband for many years, hosting gatherings filled with love and laughter, traditions, reading, traveling, and indulging in quite a bit of retail therapy.

She overcame more than most people ever knew, yet she still moved through this world with dignity, grace, and compassion. Her home was always welcoming, her spirit always generous, and her presence always comforting. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A celebration of her life will be held at McGovern’s Family Restaurant on July 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.