Janet J. Daigle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at the Arbors in Shelburne, Vt., on October 15, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on December 2, 1936, in Winooski, Vt., Janet was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Donna Poplawski. She was predeceased by her son Steve Daigle and loving grandson Benjamin DeFrancesco.
Janet’s life was a testament to love, friendship and dedication. After graduating from Winooski High School, where she ranked third in her class, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Daigle, on August 13, 1955. They shared a 71-year marriage, filled with many adventures and the joy of raising a family. Together they nurtured their six children in South Burlington and Jonesville, Vt.
In Jan’s early years, she worked as an office representative at Dupont in Wilmington, Del., while supporting her husband during his military career. Upon returning to Vermont, she dedicated herself to her family before reentering the workforce. Janet began her career at Smith Bell & Thompson and later as a commercial insurance underwriter for Hackett Valine & MacDonald and then Coburn Insurance Agency, where she was known as “Big Rig Mama.” Janet’s professional leadership was recognized when she became president of the National Association of Insurance Women, an accomplishment of which she was quietly proud.
Janet’s life was enriched by her many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed the camaraderie of her Monday-night bowling league, found peace and joy in gardening, and loved the simple pleasures of watching movies and reading books. The latest edition of the National Enquirer could always be found on the coffee table. She cherished sharing a glass of wine with her treasured friends and family, creating countless memories filled with a lot of laughter and love. Janet enjoyed traveling to Maine, New York, Florida and California, visiting friends and families, with always a good story to recount later after her travels. Janet had a special gift for making children feel loved and welcomed; they naturally gravitated towards her warmth and kindness.
Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Richard L. Daigle; and children: Dave Daigle and wife Donna, Cathy Daigle-Bradley and husband Scott, Deb DeFrancesco and husband Joe, Rick Daigle and wife Terese, and Jim Daigle. She leaves behind five grandchildren, Jeremy, Krista, Jeff, Lauren and Christian; as well as her brother, Michael Poplawski; sister, Helen Boucher; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friend Bernadette Fischer. A wake to honor and celebrate Janet’s life will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at LaVigne Funeral Home in Winooski, Vt. Visiting hours are 5 to 7 p.m. A private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Arbors Associate Holiday Fund, or a charity of your choice, in memory of Janet’s generous spirit.
The family expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to the nurses on Miller 6 at the University of Vermont Medical Center and the entire staff at the Arbors for the compassionate care that Janet received during her residency and final days. Janet’s legacy of love, strength and kindness will forever remain in every heart of those who knew and loved her.