McKernan-Markoff, Janis

McKernan-Markoff, Janis, 76, died Sunday, March 8, 2026 in Milford, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Markoff. Born in New London, CT, a daughter of the late Joyce Louise (Davis) McKernan and late Joseph McKernan Sr and adoptive mother, the late Shirley McKernan, she had lived in Blackstone, MA for about 10 years, previously living in Cranston, RI.

Janis received her undergraduate degree from Salve Regina College and her graduate degree from the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth.  She was a nurse with a remarkable 47-year nursing career, who devoted her life to caring for others and improving the healthcare system for patients and caregivers alike. After discovering her passion while working in a nursing home, she attended the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing in 1969 and went on to serve in hospitals, long-term care, hospice, and home care across New England. She held leadership roles including President of the Nurses Union in Cranston, RI, where she helped raise professional standards, advocate for patient rights, and secure educational opportunities for nurses. A Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 18 years, she helped establish field hospital operations and maintained her clinical skills while serving her country. She was also a pioneer in dementia care, founding an Alzheimer’s Demonstration Project and helping initiate the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island. She held board positions for the Narragansett Bay Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and at the Healthcare Association for Research and Training in Cranston RI. Throughout her career—as a nurse, educator, union leader, consultant, and executive—she championed compassionate care, patient dignity, and professional excellence, leaving a lasting legacy of service to patients, families, and the nursing profession.

Janis was also an active community member with membership in the Red Hat Society for Woman and member of the Franklin Lions Club since 2017, where she served multiple years as secretary and membership chair. She had a love for photography and often would take photos of local authors for their books.

Janis is survived by her brother Jeff McKernan and his wife Donna of Concord, NC; her brother Jay McKernan of Groton, CT and partner Gail; her sister Jody Roby of Westerly, RI, widow of the late David Roby; and her sister Jill LaPiana and her husband Fred of Myrtle Beach, SC. She was predeceased by her brothers Michael McKernan and Joseph McKernan Jr., and is also survived by Joseph’s wife, Irene McKernan of Pawcatuck, CT. Janis was a cherished aunt, great-aunt, and great-great-aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and she leaves behind a wide circle of dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and friendship.

Graveside services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Lincoln Park Cemetery. Shiva will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to:

Mass Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.

Debbie Hayes, Treasurer

37 Island Road

Millis, MA 02054

or Ellie Fund

200 Reservoir Street, Suite 300

Needham, MA 02494

or Lions Club LCIF.

 

To view the pre-recorded service, please click here.