Janet R. Elacqua

East Greenbush - Janet Harper Elacqua passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family. Janet was born June 15, 1935 and was raised in Albany, NY by the Sisters of Charity.

Janet graduated from St. John’s High School in 1952 where she met the love of her life Sonny Elacqua. They were married on June 20, 1953. It was truly a match made in heaven. They shared a life together raising their five children for 72 years. Janet was a woman of virtue and strength and had a deep devotion to her faith. As a mom, she was a constant source of love, reassurance and support. She was the thread that held the family together. She always made time to be at every school activity or sporting event, cheering her children and grandchildren on. She was always there no matter what the family needed even if just a hug. Janet was gentle, but firm. One look from those Steely blue eyes and you knew you crossed the line. Janet loved organizing parties of any kind, making every holiday or birthday special down to the smallest detail. She was the life of the party with her wit and contagious laugh. She created a home full of love. There was always room at the table for another relative, friend or whoever just shouldn’t be alone.

Janet had boundless energy, even doing jazzercise twice weekly well into her 80s. She was the designated birthday cake baker for the entire class. Janet loved music and dance and frequently attended the opera, the Symphony and multiple theater venues in New York City. She loved traveling often to Italy and the Caribbean.

Janet was predeceased by her husband Anthony (Sonny) Elacqua and her sister Florence Rea. She  is survived by her children Mary (Pietro Bartocci) Elacqua, James (Melissa) Elacqua, Anne (Jeffrey) Antidormi, Elizabeth (Thomas(T.J)) Henchey and Amy (Henry) Hitchcock, her grandchildren Anthony (Lindsay) and Caitlin Elacqua, Jeffrey and Samuel Antidormi, Kyle (Teresa) and Ryan Henchey and Henry Hitchcock, her great grandchildren Mia and Stella Elacqua, Noah and Madelyn Henchey, and several nieces and nephews. Janet was loved beyond words, and her memory will inspire all those who knew her to live with the same strength, grace and love that she showed.

The family would like to thank her phenomenal caregivers Lorinda (Lin), Rosa, Paula and Kate.

Calling hours will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Historic Saint Mary’s 10 Lodge St., Albany, NY from 8:30 to 10:30 with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 Interment at Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont, NY

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144.

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