Janis Michelina Chesna

Janis M. (Palermo) Chesna, 78, of Worcester, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Worcester.

Janis is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, Frank A. Chesna; their children, Michael Chesna of Worcester, and Lisa (Chesna) Palermo and her fiancé David Pilling of West Boylston; a sister Maryann Wilder and her husband Jim; her sister-in-law, Elaine Palermo; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Patrick Palermo. Janis was born in Worcester, daughter of the late, Albert and Mary (Pecorelli) Palermo, and has lived here all her life.

Janis’ career was one of caring, and she took her work to heart caring for patients as a nurses aide for many years at Worcester State Hospital and at Jewish Healthcare. She loved being surrounded by family and delighted in sharing her magnificent Italian cookies that she spent hours tirelessly baking during the holidays. She loved owls, filling her home with symbols of them. She also enjoyed contributing to the Native American reservations in Connecticut, where she was often enamored by “The Wonder of It All”.

Calling Hours will be on Monday, November 17, from 10 am until 11:30 am, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 am in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment at Saint John’s Cemetery will be held privately for family only.