Janet Leigh Chute

SOUTH PORTLAND – Janet Leigh Chute, an inspiring woman, was born on July 16, 1974, in Portland, Maine, and passed away peacefully on May 14, 2023.

Janet’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit, resilience, and love for others. Despite the mental and physical limitations she experienced due to a brain tumor discovered at the age of 4, Janet always maintained a positive attitude and remained an inspiration to all who knew her. Raised in South Portland, Maine, Janet attended Dyer School and Brown School in South Portland where in the fourth grade, she met her lifelong friend and Girl Scout sister, Kristen Tully. Due to Janet’s educational needs, she attended the Cerebral Palsy Center during her middle school years before returning to South Portland High School, graduating in 1994. She went on to work for Maine Medical Center in the Materials Management department, putting together admittance kits for the hospital for over 10 years.

Janet’s love for life was evident in her hobbies and interests. She loved going to the movies, Schooner Fare concerts, playing cards and Monopoly (winning most of the games), and her yearly trip to the Cumberland Fair with Kristen. She enjoyed spending time with others, and her favorite thing to do when she saw people was to exclaim, “Gotcha!”. Janet’s penchant for helping people and her positive attitude shone through in everything she did. Janet took part in many programs made available by the Therapeutic Recreation Center of Portland over the years. She was an active member of Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, where she cherished her church family, and they loved her deeply in return. In 2016, Janet moved to a group facility in Windham where she received wonderful and loving care from all of the staff.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) This verse encompasses Janet’s unwavering faith and the strength she embodied throughout her life. Janet is survived by her loving family: her parents, David and Marcia (Tolman) Chute; sister, Peggy Chausse; and niece, Caroline Chausse. Janet is also survived by uncles, aunts, and many cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, 790 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Janet’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens Avenue Congregational Church Hope Fund, 790 Stevens Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103