Survivor Profile: Claire Janaro


Claire Janaro was introduced to Peoples Temple through Phyllis and Eugene Chaikin. Around March of 1972, Claire and her husband Richard were offered the position to run “The Ranch” and subsequently moved to Redwood. Claire was known as “Earth Mother” to the residents of The Ranch and was known to make requested dishes such as Mexican Hot Chocolate (Beck, 2020). When Peoples Temple moved to Jonestown,  Claire and the residents at The Ranch took it upon themselves to send tapes of them teaching, freeze-dried food and care packages.  Claire’s husband, Richard, and three children both left for Jonestown in 1977. Claire eventually went down to Jonestown as well, however was en route to Jonestown from Georgetown when she learned of Ryan’s assassination. Richard survived as well as he was on board the Albatross, a ship transporting goods between Trinidad and Georgetown. All three of her children died at Jonestown. 

Claire and Richard returned to Los Angeles and The Ranch. Where reporters lined up to interview and videotaped the residents. The Ranch was shut-down and the land sold in Spring of 1979. Claire and Richard starting becoming a “central place” for survivors. Giving furniture to those who needed it and organizing reunions. 

Claire was best known in Peoples Temple for her love of people and her willingness to help those in need.

 

Beck, Don. “Remembrances: Claire and Richard Janaro & the Ranch.” Alternative Considerations of Jonestown Peoples Temple, Jonestown Institute, 27 Sept. 2020, jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=102522.

 

 

Return to Survivor Profiles