Janet L. Chalfant, age 90, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Janet was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late Susanna M. (Layman) and Frank E. Diffendall. Janet graduated from Conrad High School and went on to work as a secretary for Hercules. After leaving Hercules, Janet began working at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, where she held many positions including the Assistant Director of Religious Education, teaching both CCD and RCIA classes, and running the Giving Tree program. Janet's faith was extremely important to her, and she was a lifelong active parishioner at St. Matthew with her husband, Deacon Harold Chalfant.

Animals held a soft spot in Janet's heart, frequently taking care of and adopting stray cats as well as her beloved rescued greyhound Kaebe. Janet found great joy in watching the birds that would come to her feeders (especially the Cardinals), which Harold dutifully kept full for her. She also enjoyed traveling and taking road trips with him. Their adventures spanned Graceland to the Grand Ole Opry, Alaska to Hawaii (where they took a helicopter tour of Kawai!); Rome, Italy to Arizona where her son lived – and once gifted them with a hot air balloon ride – to many years of camping on Assateague Island with their daughter and granddaughter. She loved watching the wild ponies on the island. She also loved her morning coffee with Jumble puzzles and crosswords… especially with Wawa's Holiday Blend.

Janet served her community, church and family well, always with grace and humility, never seeking the spotlight. But she could be surprisingly witty and quick with a funny retort.

Janet is survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 70 years, Harold R. Chalfant; daughters, Catherine "Andie" Chalfant, and Maribeth A. Samluk and her husband, John J. Samluk; granddaughter, Jesse T. Connell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends whom she loved.

In addition to her parents, Janet was also predeceased by her son, Stephen R. Chalfant (whose birthday was December 21st); brother, Francis Diffendall; and sister, Ruth McAvaney.

Visitation for Janet will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804, where friends and family may call from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Janet's name to Sunday Breakfast Mission, P.O Box 352, Wilmington, DE 19899 (sundaybreakfastmission.org)