Janet Marie (Peterson) Deal, 54, St. Louis, died at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at Barnes Jewish Hospital after fighting a very brave battle against cancer. 

Janet was born Jan. 17, 1955, in Galesburg, the daughter of Roy and Elaine Peterson. She married Charles W. Deal on March 8, 1975, at First Lutheran Church in Galesburg. He survives. Also surviving are two sons, Ryan and Connor Deal. Janet also is survived by her father, Roy Peterson of Galesburg; one sister, Carol (Mike) Noll of Galesburg; one brother, Jim (Kelly) Peterson of Fort Pierce, Fla. Janet also is survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elaine. 

Janet attended Galesburg High School, graduating in 1973. She also attended Southern Illinois University and had completed her CPA degree. She was employed as a certified public accountant and manager of finance at Washington University in the St. Louis area. She was a member and past president of the Toastmasters' Club of Washington University and a member of St. Louis Basketmakers' Guild. She loved creating beautiful baskets and jewelry. Above all, the most important thing to Janet was her family. 

A memorial service for Janet will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at First Unitarian Church, 5007 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, 63108. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society PAWC. 
 

Published in The Register-Mail on Feb. 17, 2009