Janet Caroline Peterson Parks

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Janet Caroline Peterson Parks on February 21, 2024, at the age of 89 of Cutler Bay, Florida. Born in Calais, Maine on February 15, 1935, she was the daughter of Carl Gregory Peterson, Sr. and Augusta Mae Daniel Peterson.

Janet is survived by her husband of 64 years Wilmer Clarence Parks, brother Dr. Carl Gregory Peterson, Jr. , two sons and their wives Roy (Susan) Parks and Thomas (Damaris) Parks; grandchildren, Sarah (Kurtis) Alva, Johnathan (Ashley) Parks, Danielle (Michael Oliva) Parks, Emily (Cole Chambers) Parks, Ryan (Christina) Sarhan, Evan (Nicky) Hicks and Joshua Duarte; great-grandchildren Kurtis “KJ” Alva and JoyAnn Alva.

Janet graduated from Miami Senior High - Miami, Florida in 1952 and earned her Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education in 1957 from the University of Miami - Coral Gables, Florida with the academic distinction of summa cum laude.

Janet and her brother were grateful for having shared their childhoods in both Calais and Miami surrounded by cousins. Each year they split their school year between Calais and Miami spending the coldest winter months in Miami as this was a promise made by their father to their mother.

Janet loved travel, camping and had a great joy of music. She would enthusiastically sing with her Frustrated Maestros group at many Family Motor Coach Camping rallies along the Eastern United States. She looked forward to these events with excitement each year. When she taught Elementary school and Sunday school she had her Autoharp instrument tuned up and ready to play and sing Michael Row the Boat Ashore.

As a dedicated Christian she was committed to always pray with anyone who was sick. “Love others and think good thoughts” were her last instructions. Her last statements were also of gratefulness. Thankful for the upper front tooth implant work her dentist grandson Johnny had performed that allowed her to smile with happiness and eat food normally.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am on March 9, 2024 at the Calais Cemetery in Calais, Maine performed by Rev. Sara Gavit, Rector - St. Anne's Episcopal Church.