Janet Ann Laplante

Port Orange, FL-- Janet was an avid, self-taught, artist who enjoyed dancing, camping and boating throughout a life that created close friendships and a fabric of family members that became tightly knit around her. To meet Janet, was to meet a soul that was thoroughly present with you in each moment. Janet's magnetism and her ever-positive outlook helped all she met to feel uplifted, inspired. Friends and family were happy to be with her and join her in an enthusiastic quest to live each day to its fullest. Janet, the daughter of Joseph R and Elizabeth M Gagnon, was raised in Cohoes, NY and graduated from Cohoes High School. After graduation, Janet went on to complete her degree at The Mildred Elley Business School and began her career with the State of New York. Shortly after that, Janet met William (Bill) L. LaPlante Jr., whom Janet married in 1952. Bill and Janet were inseparable and had a loving marriage for over 59 years. In addition to Janet's husband Bill, Janet is survived by Janet and Bill's 4 children, William L. LaPlante, III (Sandra), Mark J. LaPlante (Diana), Christine M. Gagnon (Douglas) and Michelle A. LaPlante. Janet is also survived by her sister, Elva Shulga and her grandchildren; Deidre Meier (LaPlante), Renee C. Springer (Gagnon), Erica A. LaPlante, Elizabeth M. Hudak (Gagnon), Douglas C. Gagnon, Jr., Keith M. LaPlante and William D. Gagnon, in addition to two great granddaughters, McKenna C. Springer and Hudson G. Meier and her niece, Jeanne Rappazzo, and nephew, Joseph Shulga.
After being married, Janet worked at Mohawk Paper and later at The Record in Troy NY, working in various assignments, one of which was writing obituaries for families struggling with the loss of loved ones. How unique; an obituary for a woman who wrote so many obituaries for so many grieving families? Well, Janet, indeed, was unique. Janet was one of the fortunate few that could maintain the balance between family, work and community. Janet was a former Girl Scout Leader who modeled the principles of a positive intent, balance in life and reverence to the young people she influenced. Janet was a member of Holy Trinity Church (formerly St. Marie's) in Cohoes, before she and Bill retired to Port Orange, Florida in 1992. Janet has left behind an exemplary legacy. So many friends and family members will miss her dearly as they recall how, without exception, Janet overcame many challenges in life without complaint and without allowing life's circumstances to deny she or her family any of the abundance or opportunities Janet she saw in the world.
Janet passed away on September 3rd at her home in Florida following a long illness. Family and friends are invited to the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY for the wake and to celebrate Janet's life on Sunday, September 18th, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 19th at 9:00 AM at the Holy Trinity Church in Cohoes. Interment will be at Noon on Monday at The Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.