Janice Cobb

STERLING - Janice Marjorie Cobb (Gross), 80, passed peacefully on January 11, 2026 surrounded by her family after a courageous 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. A resident of Sterling for many years, she was born and raised in Nyack, NY, the daughter of Helen and Arthur Gross. She was predeceased by her siblings Helen Henry, Kenny Gross, and Jerry Gross, to whom she was very close. 

Janice is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Eugene M. Cobb. She leaves behind her loving family, which includes her two daughters, Tawnya Elfman and Rachael Cobb-Douglas, and her son, Michael Cobb, along with her daughter-in-law Jessica Weathers. Janice's cherished grandchildren are Maya Maria Luisa, Eva Rachelle, Juliana Elyse, Jasmine Olivia, Zachary Orion, and Vivian Wren. In addition to her immediate family, Janice is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Susan Huntley, and her cousins, John Henry and Stephanie Leister. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews as well as extended family. 

Jan attended high school at South Lancaster Academy, in Lancaster, MA, where she met the love of her life, Eugene. She attended nursing school at Atlantic Union College and worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years, including 30 at Leominster Hospital. Janice was the life of the party and lit up a room with her laughter wherever she went. She brought energy, humor, and kindness to every gathering, putting others at ease with her warmth and generosity. Jan was an avid gardener. She loved to sew, knit, scrapbook, journal, write poetry, sing, play the accordion, and collect seashells by the seashore. She created lasting memories by baking with her children and grandchildren and was well known for her exceptional apple pies. She had wanderlust and enjoyed being outside, traveling with her family, camping, hiking, biking, and adventuring. She later traveled extensively on bicycle throughout the US, Canada, and Europe with her partner in both life and adventure, Gene. They gained recognition for their travel photography exhibitions at Bartlett Art Gallery, including one that chronicled her breast cancer journey. In retirement, she and Gene traveled throughout the Northeast in their camper (The Majestic) but always eagerly returned to spend time with her grandchildren. As Jan grew older, Gene's care and support for his wife showed the depth of their enduring love. 

Jan's family would like to express a special thank you to her many caregivers at the Jewish Health Care Center in Worcester, The Wellness Center in West Boylston, and to Cathy Ian Kealy, in-home CNA.

A celebration of Janice's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association https://donorservices.alz.org.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral Home. www.milesfuneralhome.com