Janelle “Nellie” Mary Leduc, 62, of Colchester, Vermont, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Janelle was born in Burlington, Vermont, to Emmanuel and Val Leduc on September 24, 1963. She grew up on Cheesefactory Road in Shelburne, surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Her Leduc and Fay cousins were more like siblings, sharing a closeness that remained strong throughout her life. Janelle also shared a special connection with her Kilburn family, including her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family circle was wide, close-knit, and incredibly important to her. There are so many who loved Janelle deeply and are devastated by this tremendous loss.

Janelle graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School in 1981 – and remained an active member of their alumni network.

Nellie built a long and fulfilling career in the construction industry, getting her start at

Pizzagalli and Engelberth before finding her true professional home at DEW Construction. For the past 28 years, she served as DEW’s "Office Manager Extraordinaire." One of her coworkers said it best, “She brightens up everyone’s day when they enter the building, goes out of her way to make everyone feel appreciated, and is always willing to help out in any way.” Janelle’s coworkers all mentioned her over the top, “HAPPY BIRTHDAYS,” Crazy Christmas Countdowns, DEW CREW football pools, and always having the best Halloween costumes. Nellie proudly wore her DEW swag everywhere she went. “There was no one else we would rather see at the beginning and end of our day.”

Her friendship with Don and Karen Wells and their children was truly indescribable. What began as coworkers and babysitting, grew into a lifelong friendship and a bond that went far beyond that. Over the years, she became a cherished part of their lives, sharing in the joys, milestones, and everyday moments that make a family a family.

Outside of work, Janelle lived life as an adventurer (always calling shotgun). She loved cruising, vacationing with family, live concerts, and the movies. Anyone who knew Nellie knew she was a passionate fan of Kenny Chesney. “MY KENNY,” she would say. She was a member of the "No Shoes Nation,” saw Kenny over 27 times live, and proudly displayed her fandom with her “NO SHOES” license plate. Her unmatched knowledge of music, movies, and pop culture made her the best member of your trivia team. Janelle never missed her “day of beauty" with Sandy. She had a knack for making everything feel extra! Like keeping her Christmas tree up year-round and redecorating it to match the appropriate season. Nellie never showed up empty handed. She brought her famous Mac and Cheese to any party, a six pack of Ultra to share, and – of course – a few diet cokes in her bag.

Though Janelle didn’t have children of her own, she had so many “kids” in her life she loved and supported. She was the ultimate Aunt – and now Great Aunt – to so many!! She spoiled her “kids” with presents, candy, flowers, balloon bouquets, dinners out, first concert tickets, and more movies than anyone could imagine. She’d go see or watch anything with her “kids,” always splurging for the good treats. At the hockey rink, she had a whole group she proudly called “her boys.” She never forgot a birthday or special occasion, always finding the perfect hilarious card – with a special note written in her most perfect handwriting. As her “kids” grew up, they got to know the “Naughty Nellie” side of her, including learning a few of those four-letter words their parents definitely weren’t teaching them. She was the loudest cheerleader, would always pick up the phone if you needed her, and was just full of unconditional love. To so many, she simply became “Aunt Nellie.” If you were lucky enough to know Aunt Nellie, you know she had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person.

Janelle was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Emmanuel and Val Leduc, and her brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Marilyn Leduc.

She is survived by her brother, Patrick Leduc, and his wife, Wendy; her cherished nieces and nephews, Jodi (Craig), Kyle (Beth), Kaylynn (John), Garrison, Shanyn, and Corinne (Stuart); and her adored great-nephews and great-nieces, Ezra, Carter, Nolan, Christian, Emmy, Ava, Greadyn, Theo, Isla, Flynn, and Sawyer.

She will be greatly missed by surviving extended family and friends – the St. Hilaire and the DuBois just to mention but a few of so many.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 17th at 10AM at the Double E Performance Center at the Essex Cinemas – 21 Essex Way, #300, Essex Junction, VT 05452