Janet Condra is often recognized because she was Larry Bird’s first wife, but her life is much more than just that connection. She grew up in a small Indiana town, experienced young love, marriage, motherhood, and the challenges of raising a family largely out of the public eye. While Larry Bird’s basketball fame made headlines around the world, Janet quietly built a life based on resilience and privacy.
This article explores her story in detail — from her early years and brief marriage to Larry Bird, to her life as a single mother, her second marriage, and her lasting impact as a strong, private woman.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Condra |
| Birth Year | 1950s (Exact year unknown) |
| Birthplace | French Lick, Indiana, USA |
| Education | Springs Valley High School |
| First Marriage | Larry Bird (Married 1975, Divorced 1976) |
| Children | Corrie Bird (daughter with Larry Bird), Mandy (daughter with Mike Deakins) |
| Second Marriage | Mike Deakins |
| Profession | Mail carrier (Indiana) |
| Current Residence | Likely Indiana, USA |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
| Social Media Presence | None (Prefers privacy) |
Early Life and Background
Janet Condra was born in the 1950s in French Lick, Indiana, a small town known for its close community and deep love of basketball. She grew up in a simple, friendly environment where neighbors looked out for each other and children played freely outside. Janet attended Springs Valley High School, where she was well-liked and active in school activities. It was here that she met Larry Bird, who was also from French Lick and showed early promise as a basketball star. Their shared hometown and high school experiences laid the foundation for their relationship and eventual marriage.
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Meeting with Larry Bird
Janet and Larry’s relationship started as many teenage romances do — with young love, hope, and the simple joys of growing up together. They went to school dances, spent time with each other’s families, and supported one another. Larry was already dedicated to basketball, practicing hard and dreaming of a future in the sport. Janet was his steady supporter during those early years, cheering him on while also experiencing the ups and downs of adolescence. Their story was the talk of their small town, seen as the perfect pairing of two young people dreaming about life ahead.
Marriage to Larry Bird
In November 1975, Janet and Larry married in a modest ceremony with family and close friends. Both were very young, and their marriage came at a time when Larry’s basketball career was rapidly developing. The excitement of young love soon faced the reality of life’s challenges. Larry’s growing fame meant long hours of practice and travel, leaving little time for their relationship. Differences in their goals and lifestyle became more apparent, leading to strain. After less than a year, they divorced in 1976. Their brief marriage marked the end of their romantic partnership but not their connection.
Who Is Larry Bird?
Larry Bird is one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, known for his incredible skill, competitiveness, and leadership on the court. Born in 1956 in Indiana, Bird rose from a small-town kid to a legendary figure in professional basketball, spending his entire career with the Boston Celtics. He won three NBA championships, earned three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and became famous for his clutch shooting and basketball IQ. Beyond playing, Bird also made a mark as a coach and executive, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Birth of Their Daughter
Shortly after the divorce, Janet found out she was pregnant. In August 1977, she gave birth to Corrie Bird, the daughter of Janet and Larry. This new chapter was filled with both joy and hardship. Larry was focused on his career and was not involved much in Corrie’s early life. At first, Larry even doubted his paternity, which added to Janet’s challenges as a single mother. A paternity test confirmed Larry’s fatherhood, and although he accepted responsibility, he was distant during Corrie’s childhood. Janet became the sole caregiver, working hard to provide a loving and stable home.
Life as a Single Mother
Janet faced many struggles raising Corrie alone, but she showed remarkable strength and determination. To support her family, Janet worked as a mail carrier in Indiana. This steady job allowed her to remain independent and connected to her community. Despite financial pressures and the absence of Larry’s presence, Janet focused on raising her daughter with love and care. She chose a quiet life away from the spotlight, protecting her family from media attention and public curiosity. Her dedication created a stable foundation for Corrie to grow up with dignity and security.
Relationship with Larry Bird After Divorce
Larry Bird’s relationship with Corrie remained distant for years. While he provided financial support by setting up a trust fund for her, he was rarely involved in her daily life. Larry’s commitment to his basketball career and personal life often took precedence. Over time, though, Larry recognized the importance of repairing his relationship with Corrie. Although their connection was slow to develop, there have been efforts to build a stronger bond. Janet’s role as the steady parent remained central, ensuring Corrie’s well-being amid the complexities of their family dynamic.
Second Marriage and Family Life
Years after her separation from Larry Bird, Janet remarried a man named Mike Deakins. This part of her life has been kept very private, reflecting her continued preference to avoid public attention. Janet and Mike had a daughter named Mandy, who later pursued a music career, performing at family events like Corrie’s wedding. Janet’s second marriage brought her a renewed sense of stability and happiness. Choosing privacy, Janet focused on her family and home life, building a new chapter free from the pressures of fame and media scrutiny.
Career and Independence
Janet’s work as a mail carrier reflected her values of steady work and community connection. Though not glamorous, this job gave her purpose and independence. It allowed Janet to support her daughters while staying grounded in a familiar environment. Her choice to maintain a simple, honest life demonstrated her resilience and refusal to be defined by her past marriage to a celebrity. Janet’s story resonates with many who find strength and pride in everyday work and family devotion rather than public recognition.
Life Today
Today, Janet Condra continues to live a quiet life, likely still in Indiana. She stays out of the public eye and does not maintain any social media presence. She values her privacy and prefers to keep her family life away from media attention. Janet’s story is not one of fame but of endurance, love, and personal choice. Those who know her speak highly of her kindness, integrity, and the protective nature she has always shown for her daughters. Her life stands as an example of how one can find peace and fulfillment away from the spotlight.
Legacy and Reflection
Janet Condra’s legacy is one of strength, privacy, and love. Though her life intersected with fame through Larry Bird, she chose a different path—one focused on family and personal dignity. Her journey from a small-town girl to a young wife, then single mother, and finally a woman who found her own way, is a powerful story of resilience. Janet shows us that not all stories related to famous people are about fame itself. Sometimes, the most meaningful stories are about the quiet struggles and victories that happen behind the scenes. Her life is a reminder that true strength often comes from the love we give and the lives we nurture, far from public view.
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Janet Condra Net Worth
Janet Condra’s estimated net worth is around $500,000, primarily from her work and personal investments. This is modest compared to Larry Bird’s estimated net worth of $75 million, which comes from his basketball career, coaching, and executive roles. Janet’s net worth reflects a life of steady work rather than celebrity wealth.
Conclusion
Janet Condra’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every famous figure, there are real people with their own journeys, struggles, and strengths. While she may be best known as Larry Bird’s first wife, Janet’s life stands on its own, marked by resilience, quiet determination, and a deep commitment to her family. Choosing privacy over publicity, she faced the challenges of single motherhood and built a stable, loving home for her daughters. Her story shows us that true strength often lies not in the spotlight but in the everyday choices we make to protect and support those we love. Janet Condra’s life is a testament to the power of dignity and perseverance beyond fame.
FAQs About Janet Condra
1. Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird. She is a private person who focused on raising their daughter and living a quiet life after their divorce.
2. When did Janet Condra marry Larry Bird?
Janet Condra and Larry Bird got married in 1975 but divorced less than a year later in 1976.
3. Does Janet Condra have children?
Yes, she has a daughter named Corrie Bird with Larry Bird and another daughter named Mandy from her second marriage.
4. What happened to Janet Condra after her divorce from Larry Bird?
After the divorce, Janet raised her daughter as a single mother, worked as a mail carrier, and later remarried while keeping her personal life private.
5. Is Janet Condra still in contact with Larry Bird?
Their relationship has been distant, especially during Corrie’s childhood, but Larry and Corrie have made efforts to reconnect in recent years.
6. What is Janet Condra’s current occupation?
Janet Condra worked as a mail carrier in Indiana, although she has mostly stayed out of the public eye since then.
7. Where does Janet Condra live now?
She is believed to still live in Indiana, maintaining a private and low-profile lifestyle.
