Janet Sue Morley

Janet Sue Morley

February 7, 1936 – April 6, 2026

Janet Sue Morley passed away on April 6th, 2026, at her home after a valiant effort to overcome an overwhelming condition. Janet Sue was set to have a 90th Birthday Celebration on 2/7/2026. She could have easily given up to defeat but not Janet Sue. She was mentally and emotionally resilient and brave throughout her entire life.

It all began on February 7, 1936 when her mother gave birth to a wide-eyed energetic baby girl. She and her mother instantly became close, and her mother referred to Janet Sue as “Lamb” ”Blossom.” They were inseparable. One could say her mother had unconditional acceptance and affection which incidentally was mutual. Janet’s love and devotion to her mother was everlasting. She would call out to her mother and say “mother” during the past 2 months. In the past she became a caregiver for her mother and now she was needing her mother to reverse roles and be the caregiver. She was proud of her mother’s remarkable singing where she always sang on key. Her mother’s love for music became an influence on Janet who played the piano, sang alto always on pitch and listened to a variety type of songs and singers. As time elapsed Janet Sue had her first big challenge which she ultimately triumphed over, a Seizure Disorder. During those times many did not want to be around individuals who had seizure attacks and reacted with “fear, “misunderstanding” and perceived them as a “stigma.” Janet Sue nevertheless was courageous and went forth victorious. What an inspirational role model she became and continues to be. She would complete high school at East High and attend the University of Utah. She can be described as a quick learner, avid and fast reader, curious, and analytical. She is creative and can write material first draft. She was a balanced student. She was proud to be recruited and accepted at Alpha Chi Omega Sorority where she resonated with college events, adventures and charitable activities. What’s more her mother became the Secretary at the Alpha Chi Omega thereby enhancing her participation and sorority experiences. Janet Sue then pursued her college involvement and was accepted at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Upon her graduation she pursued many diverse opportunities in her field such as adoption supervisor, foster care, and assessment of nursing facilities. This is how I met Janet Sue in foster care where she referred a great many children to the facility. Janet Sue has helped me in my work, told me to keep my head up high and analyzed case dynamics with me. The professional relationship extended into her family constellation and how I eventually was invited to many family events. I was treated as a family member. I had come from back East with no family in Utah. This is where my Jewish background and the families Mormon background were greatly understood, valued and accepted. Janet Sue is to be commended for her anti-bias against racism and discrimination. She has been a great support to the Utah Jewish community and became distressed whenever she heard about antisemitism. She was supportive of all my Jewish Holidays. When she was able she would attend some holiday services with me. Despite her challenges she did light a candle on this Passover. She had also been selected to open the ark on holidays. She has had an abiding concern about my safety and wanted phone calls for reassurances whenever I attended synagogue or stayed at work late. Although she did not like the late stays, she would ask for a vanilla milkshake!

Janet Sue was a passionate and devoted sports fan. She was a Crimson Club member and by herself flew to San Antonia for a March Madness game. She has had season tickets for the Utah Utes football games. She used to attend many Jazz games in the past. Janet Sue answered a sports question on KSL and won a trip to Europe which was so exciting! She also had cultural interests such as symphony and theater as well as opera.

This was balanced by her love of animals especially dogs. She raised many dogs and gave them all unique names. She was loyal, nurturing and empathic to the many dogs. She could tame even the most fierce dog. One dog in particular would greet everyone coming up the stairs with a growl except Janet Sue who had rescued this dog. She continues to get mail asking for contributions to animal organizations. When she was able, she supported the Humane Society and attended annual dinners. Then too Janet Sue loved the patio and resonated with the trees and flowers as well as plants. She liked decorating the patio with outdoor animal figures and chimes, Janet Sue also planted tomatoes and relished the harvest. She enjoyed the indoor plants as well.

Once again she faced still another challenging hurdle Macular Degenerative Disease. Once again, she demonstrated unwavering determination and received injections from the Moran Eye Center team led by Dr. Paul Bernstein. While one eye was damaged there was hope for the other eye where her aim was to drive her car again. Driving the car was a passion. Each month she would go to the eye center and get injections where there was hope for one of her eyes. Unfortunately, she could not follow through with the appointments lately. This was a hardship. She did want to get out of her home hospital bed to look out of the patio and front door, yet it was difficult to know if she had any sight. Prior to her latest health challenges. She and her caregiver Rocio went to the store to pick out a hoodie for my birthday. She accomplished this on the walker even with eyesight deficit. I was so touched.

It is important to note how dedicated and loyal as well as generous she has been to her many nieces and nephews residing locally and on the East Coast. They all adored her. One great niece wrote “Aunt Janet made me feel welcome from the moment I met her; she was always wearing the biggest smile!” Another wrote “she was a bright light and her warmth was unparalleled.” Another great nephew wrote “I feel so lucky to have been part of Janet’s world. Her unconditional love and support were a gift and her sense of humor was an inspiration.” Another great niece wrote “we feel so lucky to have had Janet in our lives…..I will always remember her vibrance…….she was truly such an important part of our family.” Another great nephew wrote “Janet was always so kind to me…….I will never forget our trip to see you guys and going to March Madness and the Jazz game.” Janet kept up with her other nieces and nephews out West. She had special talks about their accomplishments such as missions, school progress, their special interest and careers.

And as I end the talk you should know I could go on forever. When her 90th birthday was to be celebrated in a private room, she was more concerned talking about her niece Janet Goble (before Janet Goble’s recent passing ) and all of her attributes paying tribute to her rather than to her own birthday celebration. This demonstrates her pervasive unselfishness. It is now time to bid you a farewell with prayers you will see your mother who can welcome you with outstretched hands with a vanilla milkshake. Of course, I wish I still could but I must remember your distress will end as you depart from this earth. Thank you for giving me a beautiful life filed with love, devotion, blessings and compassion.

Janet Sue Morley is survived by her wife Alyssa B. Levy, her sister Nancy Harrison, her niece Julia Harrison, her niece Claudia Lignell, nephew Clark Harrison and niece Debbie Harrison; and niece June Christensen, brother in law Phil Goble; brother-in-law Geoffrey W. Levy, sister in law Roberta Levy, sister in law Mary Jane Dickson, and brother in law Tom Dickson.

She is preceded in death by her mother June Morton Morley, father Milton Cedric Morley, her sister Joanne Park, her niece Janet Goble and brother-in-law Steve Christensen.

A heartfelt thank you is given to Rocio Costillo a miraculous and amazing long-time friend and caregiver who provided love, commitment, talent and extraordinary care giving nurturance, care and concern. She was patient.

Heartfelt thanks go to Kelly Dodson, Amy Frandsen, Lindsay and Jeremy Butler for their outstanding medical talents. They as nurses with Amy supporting saved Janet’s life and brought her pulse back through CPR until the paramedics arrived. They have been available ever since in every way and are angels.

Heartfelt thanks goes to Marcy Olsen and Amanda Singerland, Directors of Hybrid Senior Care Center, Hilda Aguiluz, her caregiver, who stayed to the end and beyond, and her other Care Givers for their outstanding care and support.

Heartfelt thanks to Peter and Iman Manochehriy of Private Ride. They have become family and deliver expert transportation to Janet and me, my family and friends night and day.

Heartfelt thanks to the Murray First Ward especially to Linda Carter First Counsel of the Relief Society and Nancy Christoffersen Relief Society President.

Heartfelt thanks to Matt Richards Family Advisor Pre-Arrangement Counselor, Greg Ballard, CFSP Funeral Director and Dalina Ortega, Janiese Sabourin and Adrienne Schow, administrative Assistants of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Heartfelt thanks for the support shown by Rabbi Samuel Spector of Congregation Kol Ami.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mindy Sherman dear friend and supportive consultant, Cambridge Massachusetts.

Heartfelt thanks to Todd Seal and Terri Daley of the Three Fountains Association.

Heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Samuel Spector of Congregation Kol Ami.

Friday April 17, 2026 Viewing 6-8 and Saturday April 18th 2026 1-1-45 Wasatch Lawn Mortuary , 3401 S. Highland Drive Viewing Rooms.

Family Prayer- 1:45-2 PM 4/18/26

Saturday April 18, 2026 at 2 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary -Chapel,

Livesteam: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26041713701146

Interment immediately following memorial at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park-Evergreen section.