Jane A. Caputi

Jane Ann (Maki) Caputi, 76, of Fitchburg, MA, passed away Friday, December 08, 2023, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family.

Jane, known to many as “Macs”, was born March 22, 1947, in Fitchburg to the late Toivo O. and Anna (Kuriger) Maki. As a lifelong resident of Fitchburg, Jane graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1965 where she met and shortly after married her husband of 53 years, Thomas Richard Caputi. Together they raised their two children, Carrie-Ann and Jeffery, where they spent their weekends and summers shared between Wyman’s Lake in Westminster and Falmouth on Cape Cod. However, no matter where she was, Jane was happiest when in the presence of her family and took immense pride in her children and grandchildren.

From Finnish descent, it was important to Jane that she lived up to the unique Finnish concept of sisu which can be described as a special strength and persistent resolve to continue and overcome when in the face of adversity. Jane applied this to her everyday life, meeting every obstacle with a quality of stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, bravery, grit, and resilience, as sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. For Jane, this was not just a saying, but something that she upheld till the very end, as displayed by her unassuming, kind, persistent, independent, and loving nature.

Not only was Jane a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother, but she was also passionate about her career, as she often shared stories with her grandchildren of her time at Crocker Technical Papers, breaking the mold as a lab-technician receiving equal pay for her work. This, however, was short lived as Jane soon worked for Fitchburg State University, on their McKay Campus, for over 25 years, retiring in 2014. In her spare time, Jane enjoyed playing cribbage and was an avid reader, she could finish a book in just one sitting if she put her mind to it. In addition, Jane enjoyed spending time on the beach, going to lunch with her friends, and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren.

Jane leaves her loving husband of 53 years, Thomas R. Caputi of Fitchburg; her daughter Carrie- Ann (Caputi) Arciprete and her husband, James, of Fitchburg; her son Jeffery M. Caputi and his wife, Elise R. and daughter Danielle A. Rivers, of Saugus; her four grandchildren, who lovingly called her Ducky: Vincenzo C., Sophia M., Rocco G., and Lucia R. Arciprete; her two brothers Tom A. Maki and his wife, Beverly, of Leominster and David W. Maki and his wife, Barbara, of Moorpark, CA; two brother-in-laws: Robert A. Rice III, of Cape Elizabeth, ME, and Mark J. Caputi and his wife, Jean, of Rindge, NH, and a sister-in-law, Louanne S. Maki, of Gardner; along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Gail F. Rice, and brother Robert J. Maki.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Jane for a period of visitation on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Christ Church, 569 Main St, Fitchburg, MA 01420, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow mass at Forest Hill Cemetery, 115 Mt Elam Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Lastly, the family would like to express their sincerest thanks and appreciation to the HealthAlliance Home Health and Hospice Care Team for their graceful patience, care, and support, to ensure that Jane was comfortable and at peace during her final days.

Arrangements under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420.
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.