Janelle Rafferty

It is with a heavy heart that our family announces the passing of our sweet daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Janelle Rafferty. She passed peacefully in her sleep on March 29th, 2018, in Denver after a valiant battle with cancer.

Janelle, who just celebrated her 45th birthday, was born on March 22,1973, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Michael and Gayle Rafferty.

Janelle’s life was rich with love for her friends, family, and cats George & Benson. Janelle’s career took her to Salt Lake City, Detroit, and Denver. She independently established herself in each location and built a life full of friends and experiences. Travelling often for work, Janelle took every opportunity to enjoy time with her 17 nieces and nephews. She generously gave her time to those in need with a ready smile and her quick wit. Janelle’s refinement and ability to communicate helped her relate to others, building a network around good advice and relatable wisdom. Conversations with Janelle were often lengthy as she shared her life experiences and sought to listen and help in any way.

Janelle served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Toronto East mission. Janelle’s missionary spirit continued throughout her life. The church membership, faith, and testimonies of many can be attributed to Janelle's passion for the gospel, her gift of teaching, and constant willingness to be a messenger of the gospel that she loved so dearly.

Janelle worked hard to obtain a formal education and achieve her goals. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environment and Behavior from the University of Utah. She later received a degree in Interior Design from LDS Business College. She was also awarded a Master of Science in Project Management from Boston University. She often shared innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, enjoying stimulating discussion with others. Janelle had an ambitious drive, and she viewed her work as a personal reflection of herself.

Janelle was humbled and uplifted by the outpouring of love and kindness from family, friends, ward members, and medical personnel. Janelle was kind and cheerful in life and maintained that same disposition to those who cared for her during her illness. Janelle blessed all with her example of strength, courage, hope and optimism. Janelle spent her last days with loved ones sharing moments and memories.

Janelle’s legacy of love will be enjoyed by her loving parents, siblings Alisa (John) Fisher, Shannon (Dallas) Smith, Scott (Ashley), David (Stephanie), James (Amy), 17 nieces and nephews, George and Benson, friends, and a large extended family. Janelle was greeted on the other side by many beloved grandparents, friends, and brother-in-law, Mark Van Horn.

Memorial services in Denver will be held at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the LDS Crestmoor Chapel, 740 Hudson Street, Denver, Colorado. A viewing will be held at 6:15 pm preceding the services. Funeral services in Utah will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at the LDS North Canyon 5th Ward Chapel, 2505 S Davis Boulevard, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held at 10:00 am preceding the funeral. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah.