Wethersfield, Connecticut
Janet M. (Giguere) Laraia, 70, of Ellington, beloved wife of Gerald C. Laraia died Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Rockville General Hospital. She was born in Bristol daughter of the late Louis and Florence (Alberghini) Giguere and had lived in Ellington for over 23 years. Prior to her retirement, Janet was an elementary school teacher at Orchard Hill School in South Windsor for 43 years. She received her B.S. degree from the University of Hartford, and her M.A. from The University of Connecticut. She was a longtime Hartford Hawks fan, an animal lover and a avid golfer. Besides her husband Jerry she is survived by a cousin Joan Bidwell of Rocky Hill and her sister-in-law Frances Turkington of Avon. The funeral will be Thursday, January 2, 2014 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Ave. Hartford. Burial will in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. There will be no visiting hours. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com
Read MoreGerry and Frances....I just found out about Jan's death. My deepest condolences to both of you on your loss. May she rest in peace with love and joy in Heaven.
Christine Loveland-Cerro
April 14, 2014 | VA
Jan Laraia was one of a kind! She put so much of herself into her students and classroom. We loved attending the Hartford Hawks basketball games, a place where Jan and her husband felt right at home. Jan would arrange for the basketball players (boys and girls) to come and read to the kids during Dr. Suess week. You would think the NBA was visiting Orchard Hill- the kids would just stare. Prayers to Jan's family. Now she is with her mother, someone she missed very much. XOX
Sue, Rene, Alani and Mitchell Bagcal
January 02, 2014 | South Windsor, CT
Jan was a dedicated educator and mentor to many at Orchard Hill School. May memories of her provide you with comfort and solace. My deepest condolences to you all.
Melissa Potamianos
January 02, 2014 | Ellington, CT
JERRY we all lost a good friend..
Andy Boyko
January 02, 2014 | Manchester, CT
Jan was a wonderful teacher to countless students and a friend to many of us at Orchard Hill. She always came into my 4th grade classroom on the first day of school to check on her former students. I was always touched by her commitment and caring. My deepest sympathies. Cathy Nystrom
January 02, 2014
Gerry - on behalf of all of us at the University of Hartford I extend sincere sympathies to you. Jan was an enthusiastic fan of the Hawks and I will always "see" the two of you in the stands cheering the Hawks on. Her commitment and loyalty goes well beyond cheering as she led and organized many an event supporting the student athletes. She proudly created leadership opportunities in her elementary school, always teaching the importance of "giving back." She will be with us all.
Patricia Meiser
January 02, 2014 | Manchester, CT
So sorry to hear of Jan's passing. At Orchard Hill, she was always eager to help everyone, to share a funny story, as well as her wealth of knowledge. She was a kind soul who was always looking out for children. May she find peace in heaven, and her family here with fond memories of her. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Karyn Kruzick
January 01, 2014 | South Windsor, CT
I was so sad to hear of Jan`s passing. She taught both of my kids for third grade and was a great support to me when I worked on the PTO. My sympathies are with you and your family
Kim Cavanaugh
January 01, 2014
Dave Brooks just called us in Florida to tell us of Jan's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Jan touched many lives including ours.
Margaret and Frank Lavezzoli
January 01, 2014 | Sarasota, FL
