Jean F. (LaRose) Rejniak

Jean F. Rejniak, 91, of Northampton, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Jean was born February 12, 1933, in Northampton, MA to the late Joseph and Rose (Pratt) LaRose. The youngest of seven, Jean grew up on Hawley St., Northampton. Jean attended local schools and married Alvin A. Rejniak June 7, 1952, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton and had their reception at the Hatfield Club. By 1956 they had built their home on Coles Meadow Road from timber cut and milled from their land and shortly thereafter, began raising a family. Jean and Alvin lived on Coles Meadow their remaining years. Jean helped Alvin farm in their early years and worked at Pro Brush in Florence. Once Jean began a family, she stayed at home to raise sons Mark and David. As the family grew, Jean returned to work. She worked at Food Mart for many years as a cashier and in customer service, retiring in 1993. Jean spent countless hours researching the family’s genealogy documenting both sides of the family. Her granddaughter Rebekah and several other cousins (Jim, Robert, Vanessa LaRose) have taken an interest in her research and have continued digging deeper into the family genealogy. Jean and Alvin enjoyed many trips to Cape Cod and every Saturday, when the weather was cooperative, they would travel to the many tag sales in the area bringing home countless treasures. Jean and Alvin were fond of Polka dancing and followed the Polka circuit in the Valley. Jean was a member of the Hatfield Historical Society, local Genealogy Societies and the Whately Grange. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Northampton and taught Sunday school classes during her two boys' childhood years. She was "Woman of the Moose" when the Moose Club was in Northampton. Jean was an avid gardener and enjoyed preparing meals for her family. She took great pride in making her LaRose specialties of spaghetti, cheesecake, Spanish rice, galettes, and penuche. She also used to target shoot pistols with Alvin. Jean and Alvin were fond of their many pet animals, (dogs, chickens, geese, ducks and a heifer) as well as raising a rescued baby squirrel that was able to be returned to nature when it grew up. Jean is survived by her husband, Alvin, sons Mark (Barbara) and David (Debra) Rejniak; grandchildren Rebekah (Matthew) Davis, Steven, Jeffrey (Emily), and James (Danielle) Rejniak; great grandchildren Josie, J.D., and John Rejniak, and many nieces and nephews. She was also anticipating the arrival of another great granddaughter in mid-November. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rose (Pratt) LaRose, brothers Joseph O. (Buddy), Robert, Albert and John LaRose and sisters Harriet Purvis and Lila Scagel. The family would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff, caregivers and Highland Valley Elder Services who helped Jean over the years. Calling hours will be Saturday November 16, 2024, from 10 AM – 12 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON. A prayer service will follow at 12PM in the Funeral Home recited by Rev. Anna Woofenden of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family requests any donations in Jean’s memory be made to the Hatfield Historical Society, 39 Main Street, Hatfield, MA 01038. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Jean F. (LaRose) Rejniak

February 12, 1933 - November 5, 2024