Janet Pirhala

Janet Buttery Pirhala, 88, a longtime resident of Monroe, CT, peacefully transitioned to the next life in her home in Jackson, MO on 01/11/2023. Richard, her loving husband of 71 years, son Richard Jr., and daughter Kathy, who devotedly cared for her mother for several years, were with Janet to assist in her journey. Also, Janet’s beloved cat, Little Guy, never left her side in her final days.

You always knew what Janet, known as “Ma”, by all the neighborhood kids on Pastor’s Walk, had on her mind, as her thoughts always spilled into words. And if you didn’t like what she had to say, she’d threaten to beat you with a wet noodle (or worse, a wooden spoon).

The delicious pagachi Janet and Richard painstakingly prepared were legendary amongst family and friends – who would flock to the house on holidays to enjoy the traditional Slovak dish. We wish the same could be said for Janet’s pork chops.

Spending the early years of her marriage caring for four children left Janet little time for personal pursuits. After she pushed the final bird from the next, Janet and Richard began to enjoy traveling. Some of Janet’s favorite places were Misquamicut, RI; Pennsylvania Dutch country; North Conway, NH; Boston, MA; and an annual trip to Missouri to visit Kathy and her family.

Janet loved all animals, especially elephants, goats, and her own pets. She cherished visits from her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She also enjoyed joining in prayer with missionaries from the Mormon church.

Janet will be deeply missed by Richard, who walked alongside her in life for 75 years; Richard Jr. and wife Denise; Kathy and husband Ron; Sharon and husband Mike; 6 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and her cat, Little Guy. Her daughter Denise greeted Janet upon her entry to the afterlife, as did other loved ones who had already passed.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:1-3