Birth date: Aug 18, 1960 Death date: Sep 2, 2025
Janet Mary Atherton, 65, of Mt. Holly, NC died September 2, 2025. She was born on August 18, 1960 in Chicago to the late Robert and Arlene Probstfield. She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Atherton. Survivors include Read Obituary
My sweet, beautiful momma. I love you more than words can say and I miss you so much more. You fought the hardest fight but you didn’t lose. You’re a true warrior. You didn’t lose to cancer. You fought like hell and never complained. I will always carry you in my heart . I know you are now my guardian angel. I love you so much momma.
Janet gave so much and asked for so little in return. She was a “plus” and a bright light to those around her. She was courageous and rarely complained about anything. Instead, she looked for opportunities to help others. Janet would invite her new friends to join her at Bunco, Game Club, Bocce Ball, Bible Study, or Mah Jongg. She included us in her circle of happy activities. We went on dinner excursions with neighbors, and Janet rallied a group of friends to attend a few movies. She was our unofficial social director.
Janet lost most of her hair after one of the rounds of chemo. When it started to grow back it looked like she had an edgy short haircut. I told her she looked like Annie Lenox (Eurythmics) with her new edgy hair and her beautiful blue eyes.
During one of my visits to the hospital, I was able to call Donna Sherman and put her on speaker phone while Janet was awake and alert. Donna wasn’t able to make the trip, so we were all happy the call worked out.
I will miss my dear friend, her beautiful smile and her positive and seemingly indominable spirit. Rest in peace, Janet. Thank you for being my friend.
The Bereavement Ministry Team and the Parish Community of St. Mark Catholic Church extend our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Be assured that you and your family are in our prayers.
My sweet, loving sister❤️❤️❤️
I will always remember Janet's smile, stunning blue eyes, and ever present TEAL signature color. Janet had an ever-present upbeat positivity, faith, generous spirit and gratitude! Never angry or defeated, she was a very brave fighter in a "small package"
1) Janet was the 2nd person I met at Imagery, introduced by my sister. We just popped over to meet her and Janet, always with her beautiful smile, invited us in to see her home; (we 3 had the different versions of the same model). She was proud that her daughter, a nurse, had installed the ceiling fans and pendant lights herself!
2) We attended a "TEAL night" hockey game, met a few of her Teal Sisters, and half time zamboni with Teal survivor passengers.
3) We enjoyed going to some concerts together, lunches, game playing, music bingo, etc.
4) I spent between 4-6hrs at her bedside during 4 days of her final hospital stay. We shared our life stories, travels, pets (she & her dogs, me & my cats). When she dozed off, I stayed with her, so she wasn't alone when she awoke.
5) in May, there was a Ladies Afternoon potluck party at Janet's. A sort of "goodbye party" and it was a smashing success! Women from all over our Imagery neighborhood & Teal friends, came to Janet's home, to hug, chat, and enjoy her company. She had made MANY friends in 5yrs at Imagery.
6) MOST HEARTWARMING moment was Sat when her granddaughter, Rorie, walked into Janet's hospital room, with her friend (arranged by Kim, her daughter)
Janet expressed her joy & disbelief of suddenly seeing Rorie by covering her mouth, eyes widened! Suddenly, Janet was energized. Janet has Rorie sit by her, holding her hand and said, "this (Rorie's visit) is THE BEST present!" (Janet's birthday was earlier in the week). Rorie visited for 2 hrs with her grandma. You could see Janet's happy spark, so proud of her granddaughter, who's studying to be a mechanical engineer. Nice to see that Rorie has her grandma's strong, determined spirit, and she will be successful of course she will, Rorie will have her grandma watching over her, from Heaven above.
PS - it was good to also have a chance to spend time with Kim and Renee during the 4 days.
Janet's friend Holly, was at the hospital too. Holly had spent lots of time with Janet, at her chemo appointments, doctors appointments and hospital stays. She was a very good friend to Janet.
Janet was my friend and fellow Teal Diva, a sisterhood of women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. She was sweet, kind and funny. She always had a smile on her face. She would seek me out at Teal Diva events and always made me feel special. I will miss her tremendously. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends and all who loved her as I do.
