JANET ELIZABETH PETERSON MONDOL
In the quiet of her home, surrounded by her loved ones and with the calm dignity that so characterized her life, Janet Elizabeth Peterson Mondol passed away on August 16, 2009, just four days before her 51st birthday, from a cancer-related illness.
Janet was a well-known advocate in the effort to preserve Ventura’s “Two Trees”, co-designer of the Ventura open space plan to create trails above the city, and strong supporter of youth sports in Ventura.
Janet was born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 20, 1958 to Amiel Wayne and Elizabeth (Bette) Peterson. She married J.K. Mondol in Saginaw, Michigan on May 13, 1978. Janet graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a dual major science degree in Aerospace & Computer Engineering in 1980.
The couple moved to Westlake Village, California in August 1981, when Janet was recruited by Bunker-Ramo Corporation, a defense contractor. She traveled extensively as a System Engineer, helping pioneer the first satellite communication system and the first office automation system for computers.
In 1988, Janet left her full time career to focus her time and energy on her family. Janet wanted to devote more time to raising their three sons, Logan, Lee, and Max, and also Godson/nephew, William Lancaster. The boys were the center of her world.
Janet was a partner with her husband J.K. Mondol and together they built one of the area’s top real estate sales and development organizations, Pacific Rim Realtors and Pacific Rim Commercial. They became great ambassadors for the Ventura area, spreading goodwill throughout the city to preserve and enhance its heritage.
An avid sports fan, Janet inspired her husband and sons’ love of sports. Together they contributed thousands of dollars and hours of their time to the community, and are well known for their involvement with city Parks & Recreation, PAL (Police Activities League), the AAU (Amateur Athletics Union), the Boys and Girls Club, and Ventura Cougar Sports Boosters Clubs where, as a past President, Janet created several sustainable fund raising features that will help the program for many years to come.
Janet loved nature and hiking. Her knowledge of plants and landscape design was extraordinary. She loved to travel with her family, and visited many wonders of the world. She was an avid reader and focused on places she visited, botanical gardens, trails and museums.
Janet’s joy, enthusiasm for life, and charismatic smile touched many. She is survived by her husband, J.K. Mondol and their sons Logan, Lee, and Max all of Ventura CA; parents Bette and A.W. Peterson (Michigan); her five sisters, Susan Anderson(Texas), Dr. Margaret Peterson (Ventura, CA), Kathy Zemanek (Florida), Sharon Smythe and Teresa Baker (Michigan), many nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support those programs that were so important to Janet:
Ventura Two Trees Preserve, Ventura Botanical Gardens, or student athletics.
A Celebration of Janet’s life and a Vigil were held on Thursday, August 20th, 2009 in the Chapel at Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, CA. A Mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura.
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August 17, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Teresa Baker
My beautiful sister Janet, I love you.
You’re now at peace and safe with God.
Your baby sister, Teresa.
August 22, 2009 at 2:02 pm
J.K. Mondol
Teresa,
Thanks for putting this blog together and also for all the love you have shared with Janet, the boys, and I over the years and especially during our recent difficult times. You, Peg, and Kathy have been so wonderful, and so have mom and dad. I don’t know what we would have done without all of you! Peg taking time from her work to help Janet deal with her illness for the past few years, Kathy coming all the way from Florida and Maine three times to help us move, and you and Peg helping comfort Janet in her final hours.
I also would like to thank Judy Fairchild. She has been a Godsend and a true friend who has done so much to comfort our family during these difficult times. Janet loved her very much! She is much like Janet in regards to her spirit, and is also a great advocate for having open space and trails above our city. I’m confident she will play a major role to be thanked when the Two Trees Preserve comes to fruition. I will never forget how she and Lisa Anglin came to our rescue to help in planning Janet’s service. Lisa was just awesome! The boys and I love her voice!
Our family’s life has truly been blessed by all of our family and friends. We have so any fond memories of you all! I would like to thank everyone for making the celebration of Janet’s life very special. She was a beautiful person inside and out and the love of my life for 33 years. I will miss her very much!
Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and also feel free, if you like, to celebrate her birthday as the boys and I will every year on August 20th.
Love,
JK
August 19, 2009 at 5:06 pm
karen634
Janet’s inner joy was always evident by her warm and contagious smile. Even living far away and seeing her in person only a few times in recent years, that is the impression of her that is lasting. Now I see her with angels wings, smiling above use all, watching and guiding her family lovingly. She is still with us.
Love,
cousin Karen
August 19, 2009 at 8:20 pm
4medinas
JK and Boys,
Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in your time of sorrow. We love all of you very much. Your lovely wife and mother will be truly missed. She was such a wonderful person.
Mike & Andrea and Owen and Miles Medina
August 20, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Hank Tovar
JK
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons in this sorrowful time.
If I can help in any way, please let me know.
Hank Tovar
August 21, 2009 at 6:20 am
Sharmila Murthy
I knew Janet as a conscious seeker and a lover of God and all of God’s creation. I knew her as a strong woman, a proud mother and a loving wife. She had an infectious smile, even if you did not see her lips, you could see her eyes smile. Her ever quest to learning and her open mindedness kept us forever fascinated about life and fascinating as a person. She inspired me to create the Ventura healing center. She made me aware of how much people needed to understand the wholeness of the mind-body-spirit.
Max, Lee and Logan- my dear ones: I want you to know I am here you for as long as I am, and as long as you will have me. I know you have the world to support you, and love you. But I want you to know your mother continues to love you.
She is my sister, we were sisters on the same path. I am proud to call you my own, only because she trusted me with her love for you.
Whether it is physics, mathematics, music, give me a ride or what is for dinner, call me. I want you to know my home is your home, my love is yours to claim.
JK my brother, love you m’dear! Let’s meet around her favorite fire in my backyard, reconnect and heal.
Sharing God’s love with you m’dear ones!
http://www.sharmilamurthy.com
August 22, 2009 at 12:25 am
Mark Z.
I only knew Janet a brief while. In that I have loved her Sisters, I think enough of her is within them that I may say, truly, she must have been wonderful.
From all us here by Lake Michigan………….
August 22, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Blythe TwoSisters
It was just two weeks ago that I was talking to my mother (Susan) and Rowan about how when I was a child I wanted to be called Janet. Susan was surprised I wanted to be called Janet when I have such a cool name. As an adult I was finally able to explain how much my love for Janet caused me to want to be called Janet. Janet always supported me, even when I had pushed the patience of all those around me. I know as a child, I was a hand full. They didn’t call me motor mouth for nothing!!!! Janet just showed me love and kindness and encouraged me to never silence my laugh. I inherited the loud Peterson laugh and it is vibrant! It can embarrass others around but she encouraged me to never silence my laugh by laughing out loud herself. For the past year, I have been thinking about taking on a middle name, Star. Friday of last week, I knew exactly what it is I need to change it too; Jstar!
Janet, I am grateful for your love and have the honor of knowing you in this life. I am thankfully for the family you have brought into my life, Jitz’s kindness and my male cousins rule.
With all my love!!!!
Blythe
August 22, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Elizabeth (Bette) Peterson
My Beautiful Janet,
51 years ago we saw the first sunrise and sunset together. Yesterday, the sunset over the ocean was spectacular, and I was thinking of all the special sacred occasions we have shared.
Your Baptism
Your First Communion
Your Confirmation
Your Wedding
and the last Sacrament — Annointing of the Sick — that we received together last Saturday.
You are in God’s hands, and in my heart.
Mom
August 31, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Dick & Linda Bortolott
Dear J. K. Theresa told us about the passing of Janet. We are so sorry for your and your familie’s loss. Please know you are all in our prayers and thoughts. Love, Linda and Dick Bortolott
September 4, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Anita Miller Spoke at Janet's service on August 20th, 2009
“ANET OUR ANGEL”
“Has anyone in here seen a real Angel? I have and if you knew Janet, so did you.
I have one request from you today, which I believe comes from Janet. I visited Janet last Friday evening. The only words she could whisper were, “I can’t talk”. But as I looked into her beautiful blue eyes, I heard her say to all of us, “Now it is your turn to go and be someone’s Angel.”
Janet did so much for our boys, our high school and our community. But she did it without any fan fair. She did it because she loved to help and make a differende in peoples lives.
I am greatful to have been able to walk in her shadow.
Janet’s legacy will live onb as we fulfill her request and go out of here and be someone’s Angel, as she was for all of us.
Lord I thank You for letting me meet one of your Angels on this earth. I ask you Lord to inspire all of us here to follow Janet’s footsteps to make this world a better place.”
August 23, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Tehnaz Robinson
A year later and still find it hard to believe Janet’s no longer with us, but an angel looking down on us. She cherished her family so dearly and touched the lives of all she came in contact with. May eternal rest grant unto her, Oh Lord, May perpetual light shine upon her and may her soul rest in peace, Amen.
August 23, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Mark D. Zemanek
As I recall there was a Trust fund set up for her son. Will someone refresh that information for me?