Jeannette B. (DesRoberts) LaVallee (Jan), 90, a lifelong resident of East Hampton Connecticut, peacefully passed away early Wednesday (April 23, 2025), at Aaron Manor in Chester. Born June 26, 1934 in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Aime A. DesRoberts and Juliette (Peloquin) DesRoberts. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Roland, who passed in 2008. Jan is survived by a daughter, Kim (Philip) Stepczyk of East Haddam, son, Keith (Cindy) Lavallee of Bogart, Georgia, granddaughter, Juliette (Todd) Orlansky of Atlanta, Georgia, granddaughter, Meredith (Patrick) Metcalf of Watkinsville, Georgia, granddaughter, Erin (Buck) Bankston of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, plus 5 great grandchildren.

Jan was an only child and had a close relationship with her father. Living on Lake Pocotopaug, while other girls her age were playing with dolls, Jan was learning how to make fishing lures and spending countless hours on the lake fishing with her dad in a boat they made together. When she was not fishing or hunting, she would help him at his autobody shop on East High Street.

This love for learning carried into her adult life where she excelled at all her endeavors. After being a bookkeeper and working at a local bank for many years, she decided to go back to school at Manchester Community College to become a phlebotomist. She went on to work at Middlesex Hospital and ultimately landed at the Phoenix Insurance Company in Hartford, performing blood work for the Medical Department. With the decision to outsource all lab work, Jan accepted a position in the IT Department where she retired years later.

Jan had a love of music, art, tennis and cooking, and was known for her epic meat pies and chestnut dressing. She was also an accomplished piano and guitar player, loved to sing, loved good food (as long as it was HOT) and never said no to a fine glass of scotch. She loved gardening and was a consummate sun worshipper with the family spending many summers vacationing on the Cape, in Maine, on Nantucket, or just hanging out at Sears Park.

Most importantly, she was a loving wife, mother, friend and mentor. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Aaron Manor and her friends there Frank and Charlie for taking such good care of our mother. And thank you to the staff of Middlesex Hospital Hospice for their special care and support.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday April 30th at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. Burial will be held privately at State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jan's name can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.