Janet Josephine Soldati, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, left this world peacefully on January 27, 2022 at the age of 98. She was lovingly named “Mimi” by her grandson, Gary Michael, and that is the name she went by for 40+ years.
Janet was born in Great Barrington on July 14, 1923, the daughter of Joseph and Katherine Krzynowek Olszewski, and graduated from Searles High School in 1942. On December 1, 1945 Janet married Aldo Victor Soldati and together they were lifelong residents of Housatonic. She worked for Soldati & Sons Painting Contractors and was Head of the Keypunch Department at Marian Fathers in Stockbridge for 22 years, until her retirement in 1986. She was a faithful patron of All Saints Parish in Housatonic and a proud member of the Rosary Sodality.
As the oldest of six children, Janet was a very hard worker and always valued family first. She adored babies and always had a house full of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Embracing pride for her Polish-Catholic heritage, she enjoyed cooking Polish foods and dancing the polka. A loving and devoted grandmother, she never missed a school play, concert, or game. Her love for sewing, knitting, and crocheting kept her grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren, endlessly warm with her beautiful sweaters and blankets. She enjoyed watching her beloved Celtics and Yankees, as well as playing golf in her earlier years with her husband and son. She knew the importance of keeping her body moving and was an avid walker well into her 90s. She will always be remembered for her selfless and ardent care for her family.
After a full life, Janet leaves her son Gary R. Soldati (Patricia) of West Stockbridge; her grandson Gary Michael Soldati (Kara) of Texas; her granddaughter Cheryl Soldati Clark (Scott) of Colorado; her great-grandchildren Josephine Jeanne Soldati (her namesake), Paxton Scott Clark, and Connor Aldo Clark; her brother Robert J. Olszewski of Mexico; nieces Janis T. Hayden of Georgia, Felicia M. Heed of Washington, and Maria Spear of New York whom Mimi loved like a daughter; and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Aldo V. Soldati; her brothers Richard J. Olszewski, Francis J. (Ruby) Olszewski, and Edmund S. Olszewski; and sister Victoria H. Wool.
To ensure the safety of friends and family due to COVID-19, a private burial will be held at St. Bridget’s Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s name may be made to Fairview Commons Nursing & Rehab Center or HospiceCare in the Berkshires. Condolences may be made through the Birches-Roy Funeral Home website.
