Jane T. Gulla

Jane T. (Walsh) Gulla, age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts with her loving family at her side. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 30,1932, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret (Tinsley) Walsh. Jane was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1950. Following her graduation, she took a position with Holiday Coffee on South Street in Walpole, working as a secretary and receptionist.

As a young woman, Jane's brother, “Butch”, asked her to join him on a double date where she met his friend, Alfred S. Gulla, beginning a beautiful love story. Jane and Al were married on July 9,1955, in her home parish of Saint Catherine's Church in Norwood. The young couple made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, welcoming three children, Matthew, Anne, and Teresa. After welcoming her children, Jane left her position at Holiday Coffee, taking on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. While home base was in Walpole, Jane and her family eagerly looked forward to their annual summer vacation on Cape Cod. Eventually, Jane and Al realized their dream of owning their own place in East Dennis, completing construction of their summer home in 1972. 

Jane loved entertaining in her home, often inviting friends and family for parties throughout the year. Her favorite party was the annual family Christmas party, always held on December 26th, opening her home to all whom she loved. Jane and Al enjoyed Friday nights listening to music with the company of their friends at The Lord Fox or Lafayette House in Foxborough. She was a faithful friend to the R.B. Girls Club, reuniting with her high school friends for a long afternoon of stories and laughter.

Occasionally, she would take day trips visiting antique shops in search of a pretty dish to add to her collection. Time at home was often spent reading a favorite mystery and cheering on her favorite New England sports teams. 

More than anything Jane was devoted to her family. From exciting beach trips in the summer to constant support of all their athletic endeavors, Jane loved being a Mom to her three children and ensured each one knew how much they were loved. Jane was thrilled to receive the title of Nana, welcoming her six grandchildren with open arms. Watching them grow up and start families of their own brought Jane so much joy, as did holding her newborn great grandchildren.

Beloved wife of the late Alfred S. Gulla.

Loving mother of Matthew Gulla and his wife, Linda, of Norfolk, Anne Keller and her husband, William, of South Walpole, and the late Teresa Richard and her surviving husband, James, of Walpole.

Cherished grandmother of Katherine Breen and her husband, Michael, of Weymouth, Lauren Keller and her husband, Arnaud Tanielian, of Brooklyn, New York, Diana Bardol and her husband, Sean, of Walpole, Jessica D'Arcy and her husband, Ryan, of Stoughton, Kimberly Sykes and her husband, Tyler, of Medfield, and Gregory Richard of Maine; and great grandmother of Dylan, J.J., Maeve, Ryleigh, C.J., Cooper, Léo, Kayla, Tyler, and Mya.

Sister of the late Margaret Daniels and her husband, Raymond, Dorothy Mattson and her husband, Fred, and William Walsh and his wife, Penny.

Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jane's Life Celebration on Monday, January 27th, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jane's name may be made to the Walpole Scholarship Foundation, P. O. Box 58, East Walpole, MA 02032 noting the Teresa Gulla Richard Memorial Scholarship on the memo line of the check. Donations can also be made by visiting https://www.walpolescholarshipfoundation.org/ and selecting Teresa Gulla Richard Memorial on the donation page.