Janet Schirripa
Janet Eve Plumley Schirripa was born at 8am August 4, 1957 in Mercy General Hospital, Tupper Lake, NY. Her birth was immediately preceded by an 11 mile midnight boat ride from the remote Plumley’s Camp, on Long Lake to the town dock, 15 minutes to get the car out of storage, and a 20 mile ride over mountain roads to Tupper Lake. When the doctor failed to show up, the blessed Sister-in-Charge delivered the person temporarily known as “Baby Girl Plumley”, daughter of the late Carl E. Plumley and Mary L. Plumley of Long Lake and Syracuse, NY.
Janet grew up enjoying summers in the Adirondacks with her family, and continued camping with her own family and friends throughout New England for many years. She received her B.S from the University of Buffalo, where she met Joe Schirripa, her husband of 43 years and the love of her life. She also earned a MSW from Syracuse University and carried her social worker “chops” into professional leadership in foster care as well as a college counselor, a high school administrator, and a church mission and ministry coordinator, among other roles. Janet was a masterful jigsaw puzzle assembler and a talented cook and baker. She was a community-builder who inaugurated fire pit parties in the cul-de-sac in North Raleigh where she, her husband, and her beloved dog Ted have lived for 12 years. Friends from prior phases of her life in Central New York, Nashua, NH and Largo, FL join her many friends from Raleigh celebrating her joy-filled life.
Janet’s husband Joseph and children Daniel Schirripa and partner Corri Buch, of Apex, NC and Anna Schirripa Breese and wife Juniper Breese, of San Francisco, CA survive her. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses: Harlan Plumley and Michelle Miller of Newton, MA; Ann Plumley and Tom Clough of Arlington, MA; and Eric Plumley and Robin Ridner Plumley of Nashua, NH. Janet dearly loved her nieces and nephews Lauren Thompson, Adam Plumley, Susannah Plumley, Emma Lessard, Ethan Plumley, Sergio Schirripa, Allie Schirripa Polonsky, A.J. Schirripa, Matt Schirripa, Natale Schirripa, and Reggina Schirripa. Honorary nephew Simon Sills and honorary nieces Sorcha Sills, Vanessa Sowell, and Ana Gutierrez held a special place in Janet’s heart.
Janet’s family especially wants to thank the huge group of neighbors, friends and colleagues along with the many medical professionals and caregivers who brought her through the last phase of her life. They give a special call out to Dr. Adnan, Dr. LeCompte, Dr. Wehbie, and the staff at UNC Chapel Hill and Rex Hospitals, PruittHealth Raleigh and Transitions LifeCare.
Janet died of pancreatic cancer on March 28, 2025 in the manner she had hoped: at home, cozy and at peace, surrounded by family and love from near and far. Her memorial service will be held at Community United Church of Christ, 814 Dixie Trail Rd, Raleigh, on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11am. Committal of her ashes will be private.