Janet Perdun Peterson, 83, passed away at Glassy Mountain Farm in Landrum, S.C. on December 31, 2017.

She was born in Queens, N.Y. and was the daughter of the late Winfield Hancock Perdun and Dorothy Reeves Perdun. She graduated from the Connecticut College for Women in 1955 where she majored in Spanish Studies. Later in life she continued her education and received a BS and master’s degree in nursing.

Janet remained an avid golfer throughout her life and served on the WGAM for many years. She was a member of the Duxbury Yacht Club, The Cliffs Valley Country Club, and the Biltmore Forest Country Club.

Janet participated in her local equestrian community, The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, USEF, and NY Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Janet was also a past board member of the Foothills Humane Society. Her delight in the past few years was being part owner of the steed Brunello who was USEF National Horse of the year in 2015 and 2016.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, E. Norman Peterson, Jr., sister Barbara Perdun Russell, and grandson Michael Christian Peterson.

She is survived by her four children and their families: Karen Peterson Symons (Ralph), her daughters Cameron and Hayden McConnell, and her step-children Kathleen and Wilson Symons all of Grand Bay, Ala.; Christian Norman Peterson (Danielle) and his daughters Tia, Lucy, and Pearl of Freeport, Maine; Brenda Cameron Peterson and her son Leif Nygren of Fairplay, Colo.; and Michael Hancock Peterson of Battleground, Wash. Additionally, she is survived by her two nephews, Daniel Robinson and Winfield Russell, her sister-in-law Joyce Thurmer, and her brother-in-law Donald Russell.

Being a consummate advocate for animal rights, Janet wished her commitment and dedication to rescuing innocent animals would inspire those around her to foster a positive impact in the world as she did. Throughout her life, she worked to build a community that reflected those same values. Her endless love and compassion will forever be remembered by her friends and family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the following: Foothills Humane Society, P.O. Box 126, Tryon, NC 28782.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.