In Memory Of
Mary Janet Chitwood
1939
2024
Mary Janet Chitwood
October 27, 1939 — February 9, 2024
M. Janet Chitwood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, at the age of 84. She fought valiantly against cancer, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, love, and education.
Born on October 27, 1939, in Joplin, Missouri, Janet's love for music blossomed early. She grew up playing the piano and the cello in the Joplin Senior High School orchestra. Music was a passion that continued throughout her life. In 1960, she met Michael R. Chitwood on a blind date, while working at her first job as a secretary at Vicker's in Joplin. In 1961, she married Mike, beginning a remarkable journey filled with love and travel.
Their travels spanned the globe, including an around-the-world cruise (twice!), creating cherished memories and a deep appreciation for different cultures. In 1970, a brief move to Pueblo, Colorado, saw Janet playing cello in the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, keeping her love for music alive. In 1973, they settled in Salt Lake City, where Janet joined the P.E.O. sisterhood and finally pursued her lifelong dream of higher education. Earning a bachelor's degree in geography from the University of Utah, she embarked on a new chapter, working in the travel industry at Morris Travel and American Express Traveler Cheques, sharing her passion with others.
In 1990, Janet and Mike made Aurora, Colorado, their final home. But her wanderlust never faded and their world travels continued. She instilled that same love of exploration in her children and grandchildren, taking each on unforgettable international trips during their high school years. In 2016, on one of her many international trips, she and her daughter, Meredith, completed a life-long goal and hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain consisting of 500 miles in 5 weeks.
Janet was preceded in death by Mary Wilcoxson (mother), William 'Red' Wilcoxson (father) and Larry Wilcoxson (brother). Janet is survived by and will be deeply missed by her husband of 62 years, Michael R. Chitwood; children Mitchell R. Chitwood (wife Rhonda), Kerri K. Miller (husband Christopher), and Meredith C. Klopfer (husband Jeff); grandchildren Hunter Chitwood, Tony Dagner, Bailey Dagner, Hannah Klopfer, and Abby Klopfer; and countless friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the PEO Sisterhood, an organization supporting philanthropy and education for women, a cause close to Janet's heart.
Donations should be sent to:
PEO Sisterhood Chapter AC
(in check 'notes' section, include: "PCE Mary Janet Chitwood")
Mail to:
Ginny Hughes
636 East 3990 South Unit A
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
A Celebration of Life will be held in April. Details will be announced at a later date.
Born on October 27, 1939, in Joplin, Missouri, Janet's love for music blossomed early. She grew up playing the piano and the cello in the Joplin Senior High School orchestra. Music was a passion that continued throughout her life. In 1960, she met Michael R. Chitwood on a blind date, while working at her first job as a secretary at Vicker's in Joplin. In 1961, she married Mike, beginning a remarkable journey filled with love and travel.
Their travels spanned the globe, including an around-the-world cruise (twice!), creating cherished memories and a deep appreciation for different cultures. In 1970, a brief move to Pueblo, Colorado, saw Janet playing cello in the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, keeping her love for music alive. In 1973, they settled in Salt Lake City, where Janet joined the P.E.O. sisterhood and finally pursued her lifelong dream of higher education. Earning a bachelor's degree in geography from the University of Utah, she embarked on a new chapter, working in the travel industry at Morris Travel and American Express Traveler Cheques, sharing her passion with others.
In 1990, Janet and Mike made Aurora, Colorado, their final home. But her wanderlust never faded and their world travels continued. She instilled that same love of exploration in her children and grandchildren, taking each on unforgettable international trips during their high school years. In 2016, on one of her many international trips, she and her daughter, Meredith, completed a life-long goal and hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain consisting of 500 miles in 5 weeks.
Janet was preceded in death by Mary Wilcoxson (mother), William 'Red' Wilcoxson (father) and Larry Wilcoxson (brother). Janet is survived by and will be deeply missed by her husband of 62 years, Michael R. Chitwood; children Mitchell R. Chitwood (wife Rhonda), Kerri K. Miller (husband Christopher), and Meredith C. Klopfer (husband Jeff); grandchildren Hunter Chitwood, Tony Dagner, Bailey Dagner, Hannah Klopfer, and Abby Klopfer; and countless friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the PEO Sisterhood, an organization supporting philanthropy and education for women, a cause close to Janet's heart.
Donations should be sent to:
PEO Sisterhood Chapter AC
(in check 'notes' section, include: "PCE Mary Janet Chitwood")
Mail to:
Ginny Hughes
636 East 3990 South Unit A
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
A Celebration of Life will be held in April. Details will be announced at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Janet Chitwood, please visit our flower store.
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