Janie H. Peterson

I've worn the St. Patrick's Day medals that Janie has made proudly for years. Everytime I put one on it will be a rememberance of her. God Bless. Collette Peck former President Hibernian Society of Utah.

So sorry to hear of Janies passing. I always loved to listen to her talk. She will always have a special place in our hearts. May the Lords choicest blessings be with you and your family. May you feel the Lords comforting Spirit during the coming days and weeks. We send you our love and condolances.

We are sorry to hear of Aunt Janie passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out all of her extended family at this sad time.

Janie Hoare (aka OHare ) Peterson Funeral Homily Sharing in the dying process of someone and their family is always difficult, regardless of how well you know them. But Janie had a way, even in her final days, of befriending you immediately. I felt as though we literally became instant friends. Her first question to me was to ask if I was Irish. I told her that 50% of me was and the other 50% was German. She asked what my Irish family name was and I told her it was Doolittle. She immediately said, ?So you're a Do Nothing?? All I could do was laugh as she gave me a devilish little grin, and I knew I had just made a new friend. Perhaps it's because our human nature is weak and understands so little the ways of God. Or maybe it's because after a long battle to remain with all of you whom she absolutely adored, it was the relatively peaceful way in which Janie finally passed from this life into the loving embrace of God. Whatever the case may be, even as we mourn and ponder over regrets and better times, we can find solace in our faith and confidence in our Heavenly Father, who is undoubtedly happy that his beloved child is in his arms again. Peace may not be found today, maybe not tomorrow, but it will come. The sacramental signs of our faith convince us that this is true. The Paschal Candle ~ present at Janie's baptism and confirmation is also present here at her Funeral Mass today. The flame on this Paschal candle represents Christ's light in our lives. At her baptism Janie was told to keep that light burning brightly within her and throughout her life. From what I've learned from Janie and from some of you, Janie's light shined most brightly when she laughed or shared that sly twinkle in her eye that gave you an idea she was up to something mischievous or when she listened to the Irish music she love so much, but maybe most of all when she danced an Irish jig. We all experience joy, pain, and tragedies throughout our lives. There is nothing new under the sun in that regard. However, what may be less common is to acquire an ability to share the light we possess with others so that our light brightens the lives of others. She was clearly that light for each of you. And for over 50 years she shared her light with an invaluable partner: her husband, Edwin. Edwin I can say with certainty that, regardless of the ups and downs we all experience throughout our lives, you were also her light as well. Janie's children, Kelly, Russell, Melonie and Cindy, and all her grandchildren were significant flames of joy that brought tremendous light to her life. If there was one theme in Janie's life that stands out it was a theme of music, dancing and laughter. This theme she passes on to us. It's a theme that has more of a spiritual impact on us than we might first realize. I think this was her way of wanting to create brighter futures for everyone she came in contact with. (((In fact, I can see her now doing the jig with St. Patrick and the angels and saints.))) So when she was given a Christian mandate at her baptism to keep the light of Christ alive in her heart ~ she completed that task successfully. She brought that Christian dignity unstained into everlasting life, and passes the flame of faith and charity on to us. The Funeral Pal ~ draped over her casket reminds us of the white baptismal garment she received at her baptism. This pal is also a sign of those times she received the sacrament of mercy. I am talking about those moments in one's life when our clothes are made white as snow because of His mercy (pointing to Christ on the crucifix) and the sorrow we experience for having sinned against others. In other words, atoning for our shortcomings by acts of mercy, in finding strength to forgive other of these mistakes, in the selflessness, compassion, and the love necessary to place others before her, Janie more than atoned for any shortcomings she may have experienced through life. The point is this: Blessed are those who have shown mercy for mercy shall be theirs. Allow this fact to provide you with some degree of comfort. These are only a few or the attributes Janie leaves with us. The Easter Candle, the White Pal, the Crucifix that reminds us of the crosses Janie shared with Christ throughout her life, the Book of Gospels that remind us of the Christian teachings she tried to live so faithfully. The culmination of these sacramental signs of our faith reassure us that Janie now shares in the promises of these mysteries. A life well lived is rewarded by Our Heavenly Father and through the sacrifice of Jesus. Janie's promise, and therefore yours, is that she is raised from the dead to a new life in Christ, eternally. It will take time to heal from this loss, yet Janie's light continues to burn through us by virtue of our having known her. The best way to honor her and to assist in our own healing is by allowing her light to pass on to others through us. How can we do this? Over the next little while we might search for ways to offer an act of mercy to another in need in her memory. There are so many around us who have no apparent reason to laugh or sing or to dance an Irish jig. Janie was a source of laughter, music and dance. She inspired the same in others. In other words: find a way to be a source of light, laughter, music and dance in the life of someone in need. These attributes that Janie leaves with us created dazzling memories and brilliant futures in the lives of those she touched. It was a legacy she passes on to each of us so that we might be inspired to pass the same on to others.

JANIE: I AM GLAD I SAW YOU BEFORE YOU LEFT US. I READ THE OUR FATHER TO YOU IN ARAMAIC AND YOU REALLY ENJOYED IT. THAT IS MY LAST MEMORY OF YOU. YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT LADY TO KNOW AND I KNOW YOU WERE LOVED BY YOUR DAUGHTER CINDY AND HER SPOUSE RICK. VAYA CON DIOS- THE ALVARADO FAMILY (delphi and valor) 21Nov09

Ed, we would like to extend our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Janie's love for those she held dear will certainly live on in all of those she has left behind. May fond memories cheer you in the days and weeks to come. Our thoughts are with you.

To Cindy and the entire Peterson klan. Im very sorry for you loss. Your mom was a great lady and I have many fond memories of her laughing , dancing and gift wrapping. I really wanted to attend the service but am sick with a cold that I hope is not the flu. Know that you are in my thought and prayers during this difficult time. Carol and David John