Born in Lynn, December 22, 1946, to the late Carmine Chiaradonna and Catherine (Blaisdell), she graduated from Lynn English High School in 1964. At age 17, she eloped with Leonard (Len) Legere and spent the next 56 years married. Was it smooth sailing? Never. But they persevered through all the craziness that life had to offer.
Janet never shied from offering her opinions or quick-witted comments, compromised her beliefs, or entertained the other side of the argument. She was passionate about her family, friends, and home. Socializing was her raison d'être; she was the ultimate hostess who never let you leave hungry (or completely sober). She concocted her dishes without recipes, including her famous stuffed mushrooms, ham, chili, marinara sauce, and meatballs. Thanks to all of you who brightened her day, stopped by her home or shared a meal/drink.
In her 20s, she turned her love of dance into a career as one of the first aerobic dance choreographers/instructors in Massachusetts. Eventually, she took a job as a Meter Maid, where she walked the streets of Lynn and befriended countless people. She also co-owned and helped run Legere Auto Body.
She played an active role in her children's lives and welcomed their friends into her home as if they were her own. Many recounted fond memories of her backyard summer, holiday, and Super Bowl parties.
Together with her husband, they built their dream house in Georgetown. There she discovered her love for gardening and ability to nurture plants. Guests were surprised to learn that she maintained the yard and lush gardens on her own.
Janet was one of the "3 Jans" (along with her best friend Janet White and cousin Janice Chiaradonna); their antics spanned the North Shore and Boston, where they frequented many restaurants and bars. She seldom met a martini she didn't like.
In addition to her husband Leonard, she leaves three children: Michelle and husband Kerry Reitz of Newton, MA; Lenny and wife Heather of Revere, MA; and Craig of Epping, NH. She relished her role as Yammie/Grandma to Douglas and Parker Legere and Kaiden, Sawyer, and Natasha Reitz. She also leaves two brothers Roger Chiaradonna and wife Carol of Lynn and Gary Chiaradonna of Revere.
Due to COVID-19, we will celebrate her life with a memorial service this summer. Instead of flowers, kindly consider donations in her honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Janet_Legere ).
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