Janet Leslie (Newman) Makar

SALEM – Janet “Leslie” (Newman) Makar, a lifelong resident of Salem and beloved wife of the late Dennis Makar, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at the age of 79.

Born and raised in Salem, Leslie was the daughter of the late Lester and Jeannette (Labbee) Newman. She was a graduate of St. James Catholic High School in Salem, class of 1960 and continued her education at Salem State College and Lesley University where she earned her Master’s degree in Education.

Leslie devoted her entire professional career as an elementary school teacher where she tended to the early needs and education of first graders. She dedicated 38 years working at the Kiley Brothers Memorial School in Peabody where she enjoyed each day making a positive impact on young and inspiring lives.

Leslie found great joy in nature and wildlife as well as caring for her adopted pets. She along with her husband, Dennis, took pleasure in feeding many other animals as part of their daily routine. Dennis and Leslie were inseparable. For many years they spent their summers boating when members of the Salem Willows Yacht Club. They always enjoyed and appreciated the simple things in life. They loved taking daily trips to Marblehead, their walks through Salem, their stops for coffee or lunch, and their chance encounters with their many friends. Always willing to do and see the good in others, Leslie and Dennis were deeply devoted to their faith and were longtime communicants of the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem. Leslie was kind, loving and considerate. She will be deeply missed by her family and dear friends.

Leslie is survived by her sisters, Donna Armstrong and her husband, Roger of  Danvers;  Judy Brennan and her husband, Frank of Georgetown;  her brother, John Newman and his wife, Kathee of Gloucester, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

ARRANGEMENTS: Leslie’s funeral will be held from O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, June 10^th at 11 A.M. followed by her funeral Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 11:30 A.M. Visiting hours prior to her service from 10 to 11 A.M. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Relatives and friends invited. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslie’s memory may be made to any animal rescue of your choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.    

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