WALLINGFORD - Janet Cunningham DeFrancesco, 53, of Wallingford, died Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, at her home surrounded by her loving children and dog, Qyak.

Janet was born in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 9, 1957, daughter of William Eugene and Patricia Burgess Cunningham, of Cheshire. Janet was a 1975 graduate of Cheshire High School. She was a legal secretary and a full time mother.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her four children, Megan Abbott and her wife, Joanna, of Manchester, as well as Justin Podbielski, Kyle Podbielski and Chelsey DeFrancesco, all of Wallingford; her grandson, Calen Jaxon Abbott; her five siblings, Linda Remillard, Sheila Adams, Stacey Peel, William Cunningham Jr., and Gregg Cunningham; and 13 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her niece, Kelly.

Though her absence is trying, Janet's 28-year battle with melanoma was inspiring to all who knew her. Her children are proudest of her strength, selflessness and miraculous composure in embodying her love and devotion during her most straining hour. She was as graceful in her passing as she was tenacious in her life. May she finally be at peace.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to the Janet DeFrancesco Memorial Fund, which will go to benefit Kyle and Chelsey's education. Gifts may be mailed c/o Megan Abbott, 61 Schaller Road, Manchester, CT 06042, or by visiting www.injanetsmemory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Yalesville Funeral Home, 386 Main St., Yalesville. www.yalesvillefh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record-Journal on Jan. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet DeFrancesco

8 Entries

Gina

February 16, 2011

Meg, I am so sorry about Janet. I remember how unbelievably close you two were and i know what you're going through. She was your rock and you were hers. She was the strongest yet gentlest person I have ever met and I don't doubt she put up a fight. Never has there been a time when I have thought of Janet and not just SMILED! She had such a powerful presence. If there is anything at all I can ever do, don't hesitate to call. You know I'm here.

Darvin Wheeler

January 6, 2011

To the family of Janet DeFrancesco. I am a friend of Janets fom afar.
I only knew her via the phone network. I was greatly impressed by her desire to succeed, and the frienliness she had on the phone. I live in Arkansas, and my wife and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the family. May God Bless all of you, Janets loveing friend, Darvin Wheeler.

Angela Johnson

January 5, 2011

Megan and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May you find peace and strength as you go through. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Gail Vernali

January 4, 2011

It's hard to know what to say, except that you are thought of in sympathy. No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for good-bye.

Freida Cole

January 4, 2011

Megan,
My condolence to you and your family in your hour of Bereavement
Freida

January 3, 2011

Dear Pat,Bill,Megan and family,
How sad we were to hear of Janet's passing. She sure gave her illness a fight. You are all in our prayers. May she rest in peace.
Love, Fran and Mike Bontatibus

January 3, 2011

Megan and family im so sorry for your loss. I always remember her in the bleachers for every soccer game we played.Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerly, Katie Rys Datchuck

January 2, 2011

Bill, Pat and Family:
Sheila and I are so sorry for your loss. She was such a brave young lady! You and your family are in our prayers.

Ron & Sheila McReavy

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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