Obituaries 04-23-2026

Janice  Goldstein

Her life revolved around her family

Janice (Shuman) Goldstein of Winthrop entered into rest on April 15, 2026 at the age of 88.

The beloved wife of Sumner A. Goldstein; they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in October. She was the devoted mother of Susan Freedland and her husband, Eric of Marblehead and Eric Goldstein and his wife, Nancy of Worcester; cherished grandmother of Josh Freedland, Emily Roberson and her husband, Harry, Joey Goldstein, Adam Goldstein and his wife, Gabrielle and Drew Goldstein and his fiancée, Camille Mihalchik; loving sister of the late Helen Rubin, Norman Shuman, Jannet Goldman, Merrill and Irving Swartz, and Julian Schwartz. Janice was also predeceased by an infant brother, Arnold. She was the adored aunt of many nieces and nephews and the dear daughter of the late Morris Shuman, Margaret (Towsinski) and Morris Schwartz.

Born in Everett, Janice was raised in Everett until the age of five, when she and her family moved to Winthrop. A proud graduate of Winthrop High School, Janice continued her education at the Chandler Secretarial School.

Janice went on to enjoy a long-dedicated career, working for Lot 1, Paine & Webber Company, and in the Fine Jewelry department at Filene’s Basement. Known for her professionalism, kindness and attention to detail, Janice made lasting friendships wherever she worked.

Janice’s life revolved around her family. Everything she did was to be sure her entire family was happy. She did not miss an important life event whether it was a game, a graduation, a National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, a birthday, or just being part of having dinner to be with everyone. Her ultimate pride and joy was her five grandchildren, and her greatest joy was being their “Nana” and fostering their closeness and happiness.

A funeral service was held at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin Street, Salem on Friday April 17 followed by interment at Greenview Cemetery, Fuller Street, Everett. Following the burial, the family observed a memorial gathering at the home of Eric and Susan Freedland.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For more information or to register in the online guestbook, please visit www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com

Sheryl Kae Merchant

She will be remembered for her generous heart and the deep love she had for her family and friends

Sheryl Kae (Biedrzycki) Merchant of Winthrop, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026 at the age of 86 surrounded by her loving family. Sheryl leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of the late Edith Wills and Constantine Biedrzycki, and stepdaughter of the late Floyd Kruszka, who played a significant role in her upbringing and helped shape the kindness and strength that defined her throughout her life.

One of Sheryl’s proudest memories was appearing on American Bandstand in her youth — a moment she always cherished. While in France, she met the love of her life, James H. Merchant, Jr., who was stationed there with the U.S. Army. After returning to the United States, they married and built a life centered on faith, family, and dedication to one another.

Sheryl worked for many years as an accounts payable and receivable clerk in the heating oil industry, concluding her career at Garden Fresh. Following her retirement, she devoted her time to serving others. She volunteered at her church making sandwiches for the homeless, generously supported animal shelters, and often opened her heart and home to stray cats. Sheryl’s caring and compassionate spirit touched everyone who knew her.

She was the devoted wife of the late James H. Merchant, Jr., and the loving mother of Jimmy Merchant and his wife, Kathleen of Peabody, Mark Merchant and his wife, Vicki of Texas, Sherry Pirkle and her late husband, Greg of Georgia and Dawn Sinibaldi and her husband, Joe of Peabody. She was the cherished grandmother of Jesse, Michaela, Julia, Gianna, Joseph, Shelby, Jaclyn, Kara, Matthew, Hailey, Braylon, and Aspen and the proud great-grandmother of Cole. She is also survived by her dear cousin, Pam Hernalsteen of Texas.

Sheryl will be remembered for her generous heart and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her loyalty knew no bounds – she stood firmly beside those she loved and would fight for them without hesitation. Her kindness and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 11:30 a.m. Services will conclude with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter at www.mspca.org or an animal shelter of your choice.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.