Janet Burton Fraser's Obituary
Ever so cheerful. Ever so kind. These few simple words greatly define, Our Mother.
Janet Burton Fraser passed away peacefully at the Alpine home of her daughter, Cindy Leishman, on December 28th, 2019. Her death followed her favorite time of year, Christmas and many loving visits with beloved family and friends. Those who knew Janet and even those who didn’t, couldn’t help but experience her generous spirit, her infectious laughter and her ability to accept all who crossed her path as a future friend. Her ability to love people as they are, endeared her to both young and old alike.
Janet began her 82 years of life in the town of Nephi, Utah on May 21, 1937. She was the firstborn of Clarence George and Orean Neilson Burton and considered herself having a privileged upbringing in the Salt Lake City area. Her privilege was to have parents who loved her, siblings she adored and cherished throughout her life, plenty of garden fresh vegetables and fruit, a comfortable home and most importantly, an extended family that joined together often. Her friendships lasted over her lifetime. She valued her family. Her children were her heroes and all grew to be worthy of her admiration.
Janet attended East High School and graduated in 1955 along with many of her childhood friends. She participated in the Acapella Choir, danced in the Orchesis Dance Group and learned to play the piano. During her young teenage years, she suffered severe hearing loss after a medication error treating her severe appendicitis. Her previous interests became different but her friends remained true and assisted her with her new challenges. Her life was forever changed.
After attending BYU for a short time, Janet moved to work in Southern California during a break from school. While attending a young adult pool party, she met her future love at the home of actress Rose Marie Reid. Janet’s beautifully set hair and makeup were promptly ruined by a toss in the pool by the handsome, So Cal surfer enthusiast, Don Fraser. Following a brief, whirlwind courtship, the two married at Memory Grove in Salt Lake City on August 20, 1956. They were later sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. This began a 60+year marriage voyage that sailed from Southern California, Washington State, Northern Utah, Southern Nevada and then up the highway to their relaxing home in Hurricane, Utah. Janet made friends in every port along the way. Don and Janet built a life together that involved service and fellowship in different capacities as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They worked to build church buildings in the burgeoning area of Ventura County, served in Ward leadership and inspired in the youth programs. Janet’s most favorite calling was working with the Singing Mothers Choir and decades of visiting teaching. Their Southern California life was marred with the tragic death of their second infant daughter, Christine Marie. Nevertheless, they were blessed in the future with three more daughters and a son.
When her eldest daughter married, Janet yearned to complete her educational goals. Listening to a “by chance” radio announcement while driving the freeway, she became aware of a program for hearing impaired students. She was quickly approved and began a new chapter as a 40 year old college student. Her declared major of Theater Arts was a challenge because of her hearing loss. Accommodations enabled her to have some very choice experiences and roles in her college productions. Her biggest cheerleaders were her husband, children and extended family as she walked to receive her Bachelors Degree diploma.
Janet was excited to move her family back to Utah when the opportunity came. Raising her children and their various activities kept her fully engaged. Those precious few years in Fruit Heights, Utah would provide memories of Lake Powell boating, Church History Tours, working in the Church Genealogy Department and living by and enjoying her siblings while raising their children together. She also enjoyed the highlight of her travels to the Holy Land and Europe with her Mother, friends and family. Everywhere she went, she enhanced the trip for everyone.
Janet became a Grandmother during this time and started this phase of life with excitement and anticipation. She personally witnessed the birth of two of her grandsons and assisted in caring for her beloved babies. As each of her 22 grandchildren developed their talents in music, sports, dance and especially theater, she was front and center clapping for an encore whenever possible. In her younger years, she was out in the foaming beach surf teaching her grandkids to body surf, breaking out in song while playing the piano with her posterity, taking them on Zion Canyon drives in her convertible and providing good conversation to their incessant curiosities. She graduated with them from outings to Pistol Pete’s Pizza, Las Vegas and Lagoon roller coasters, miniature golf to the greens in a golf cart and shopping trips to Toys R Us. Janet was a hopeless romantic and sought out every detail concerning her grandchildren and their love interests. She felt a Grandma could say anything and it would be “Okay”. She encouraged finding joy in small and simple things and was truly a light to those around her. At present, she has been blessed with a quiver full of 28 eternal great grandchildren.
Following the 2017 passing of her husband, Janet has spent her last years associated with and getting to know her younger grand and great grandchildren in her Alpine home. She frequently expressed appreciation for those neighbors and Ward members who have been so kind to her and included her in their lives and activities. She has been well cared for by her Symbii Hospice team. Lately, the question was often asked, “Is there is anything she would like to do before passing on to the other side?” The answer is always her favorite saying, “I’m soooo happy! I’m ready to go! I’ve lived a good life! Make sure I have a white casket with red roses!” Her final dictated letter to her family included these words, “I want you to know my love for you. Heavenly Father loves you unconditionally and that is why we have the Plan of Salvation, to guarantee our return to Him where we will all dwell together! Thanks for all the lives you already live. I am very proud of each one of you! With love, Grandma Janet.”
Janet is survived by her four daughters and one son, Debbie and Neil Clifford of Timber Lakes, Utah, Susie and Jim Barlow of Henderson, Nevada, Cathy and Don Mickelsen of Pahsimeroi, Idaho, Cindy and Todd Leishman of Alpine, Utah and Steven and Jill Fraser of Bloomington, Utah. Also survived by her siblings Robert and Kristine Burton of Pleasanton, California, Susan and Steve Holt of Washington, Utah, MaryAnn and Lynn Keller of Las Vegas, Nevada, Brother and Sister in Law, Stuart and Ginny Fraser of Telluride, Colorado. Preceded in death by her parents Clarence “Hy” and Orean Neilson Burton, her husband’s parents Hugh and Mary Fraser, Daughter Christine Marie and two eternal great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 6th, 11:00 am at the Alpine 9th Ward, 901 E Village Way, Alpine, Utah, with a viewing for family and friends prior from 9:00 – 10:45 am prior to services. Interment will be held at Alpine City Cemetery.
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