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Janet Peterson Obituary
NEWBURYPORT, MA - Janet Richards Peterson, 91, died March 24 surrounded by family at her residence in Newburyport, MA.
She was born on October 7, 1919 in Evanston, IL, the younger of two daughters of Keene and Jennie Parker Richards.
She grew up in the Poughkeepsie, NY area while her father was General Manager and Consulting Engineer at Vassar College.
Jan was an active thespian even as a young girl at Putnam and Bennett Schools, and then at Vassar, where she studied with Haley Flanagan.
The then-unknown Glenn Miller Band played at their Vassar Prom in 1939.
Graduating from Vassar with an AB and MA by 1942, she did research, where she met her husband, Dr Ralph E Peterson.
She traveled extensively, and lived in Germany, Maryland, New Jersey, Vermont, and Florida before settling near family in MA. Six children, another Masters Degree, divorce, and 33 years of AA: she achieved her dream as an actress; a member of SAG, dozens of plays, movies, musicals, and best actress awards.
She was an avid sailor on the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, a teacher, a dynamite bridge player, an advocate for the elderly, and confidante and mentor for hundreds of people.
She is survived by six children: Susan Young of Boxford, MA; Merrill Peterson of Tucson, AZ; Lawrence Peterson of Palm Springs, CA; Patricia Jamison of Topsfield, MA; Dean Peterson, currently serving in Cuidad Juarez, Mexico; and Sandra Peterson of Newport, RI.
She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and her best friend since 1926: Sally Marsh Sinnott
Guernsey of Clinton Corners, NY.
A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at 2nd Congregational Church, Rte. 133, West Boxford, MA on Saturday, April 9 at 11 o'clock in the morning.
For more information, call 978-352-2565 or email [email protected].
Memorial contributions can be sent in her memory to the Lighthouse Foundation, c/o Beacon Hospice, 529 Main St., Suite 101, Boston, MA 02129.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Peterson
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF
April 15, 2011
Jan came to the Franicscan Center in Tampa often. We have missed her in recent years since the move to MA. She will be in our memories adn our prayers. Our sympathies to her family.
As Henry in "The Fantasticks"
Tim Barden
April 8, 2011
I had the distinct pleasure of directing Jan in "The Fantasticks" some time ago. Cast as "Henry - the Old Actor", she was brilliant. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but so grateful that I had the chance to work with her and see her magical performances.
Trudy Martell
April 4, 2011
janet and I were neighbors, in Bolton for maney years. we had many good talks, and partys. I sure will miss her, would love to hear from Dean or Patty. bless all of you. Trudy Martell, 62 line road, Alburgh VT. 05440.-telephone-802-796-3408.
Mary McKhann
April 3, 2011
She lived a rich, full life and will be be greatly missed by all her friends in Vermont.
John Horne
April 3, 2011
I remember Janet very well from the many meetings we attended together in Vermont. My sympathies to her family.
Mary Elkins
April 3, 2011
Jan was an amazing woman with such a sense of humor about life in general. I learned quite a bit from her when she lived here in Vermont.
She helped me and a lot of other women achieve our sucesses through her guidence and strength. She had a lot of grace and wisdom that will live on as part of her legacy. When I think of Jan, I can't help but smile. My deepest sympathy to Jan's family. Rest in peace Jan.
Kayte Devlin
April 3, 2011
I am so sad to hear this news. Another light goes out on BROADWAY. What fond memories of Jan and the Essex Players with Mom and Dad. The Fun Cast Parties. Jan was a very vivacious and loving Lady. She played Strong Characters as she was in life and will be missed. I am so sorry Tricia and FAMILY. With sympathy , Kayte (Helen) Devlin
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