Janet Estella Pehrson Brown's Obituary
Janet Estella Pehrson Brown, who set a new standard for what it means to be a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Jan. 16, 2026, at her daughter Leslie Paul’s home in Sandy.
Janet was born April 30, 1936, in Salt Lake City. She was the second of Paul and Ruth Pehrson’s eight children. During her early years, Janet’s family lived on Yale and Belmont Avenues. She loved that neighborhood and throughout her life talked about the fun she had taking the bus to town and playing at Liberty Park.
The Pehrson family later moved to Millcreek, and Janet attended Granite High School for two years and then went to Olympus High School and was part of the first graduating class in 1954. At Olympus, Janet met many lifelong friends, including her husband, Wayne Brown.
On June 10, 1957, Janet married Wayne in the Salt Lake Temple. They had five children – Stephen, Michelle, Jennifer, Jeff and Leslie.
Janet found much joy and fulfillment with her family and posterity. Janet had 23 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Janet’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved being held by her. She was always ready to sing a song, recite a poem or a rhyme, or tell a story to a child in her arms.
Janet’s home was always full of love. Everyone was welcome in her home without judgement. She loved to cook and bake, with homemade apple pies being one of the dishes she was best known for.
Janet was an avid reader and loved to study the scriptures. She took classes on the Book of Mormon to deepen her understanding of one of her favorite books.
With her family and friends, Janet loved to play games, laugh and watch sports – especially the Utah Utes. Besides her home, Janet’s favorite places in the world were the family cabin in Idaho along the Teton River, Flaming Gorge and anywhere along the ocean.
Janet was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Throughout her life, she was willing to serve and held many callings and almost always made many friends during her service. Janet was proud of her pioneer heritage and was a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Janet loved working and serving in the temple. She and Wayne served a mission as temple workers in the Washington D.C. Temple from 2002 to 2003. She then served several years as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple.
Janet is survived by daughter Michelle (Joe Hanna), daughter Jennifer (Scott Brown), son Jeff (Chantal), daughter Leslie (Brian Paul) and daughter in- law Cindy Brown; brothers Paul Pehrson (Karen), David Pehrson (Gloria); sister Pat (Dave Ricks); sister-in-law Lindy Pehrson; and brothers-in-law Gordon Brown and Bob Allred.
Janet was preceded in death by her husband Wayne, her parents Ruth and Paul Pehrson; in-laws Clara and Ed Brown; son Stephen Brown; sisters Ruth Hill and Karen Allred; brothers Rick Pehrson and Nels Pehrson; sisters-in-law Marilyn Brown and Joy Brown; and brothers-in-laws Gary Brown and Bert Hill.
Janet’s family would like to give a special thanks to Alissa and Laura with Hospice for Utah, who cared for Janet in her final days.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the LDS Church at 3820 S. 2000 E. in Holladay. The funeral will be at 11:30a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, with a viewing from 10:00a.m to 11:15 a.m. at the LDS church on 3820 S. 2000 E.
The services will be able to be streamed online using this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/ydspczPcB_M Or on the Salt Lake Valley View Stake’s YouTube channel.
Interment will be at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
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