Janet L. Michaelsen

WINSTED — Janet L. Michaelsen, 75, died the morning of Dec. 20, 2008. Her death follows that of her husband, the Rev. Richard Michaelsen, six months prior.

Born on May 26, 1933, in West Hempstead, N.Y., Mrs. Michaelsen was the daughter of Lillian and George Rigby.

An accomplished violinist, she played with her high school orchestra at Carnegie Hall. She married her high school sweetheart on June 5, 1954, moved with him to Rhode Island and then to Winsted, where they lived for more than 30  years. In addition to raising four children, she participated in many church activities, engaged in creative arts and held an associate’s degree in library science. She worked as the children’s librarian at Beardsley Memorial Library and then, for many years, at the Southwest Elementary School in Torrington. Her loving spirit touched all who knew her throughout her life, even in her last days as she transcended the limitations that Alzheimer’s disease had placed upon her.

Mrs. Michaelsen is survived by her four children and their families, Craig and Barbara Michaelsen, Beverly Michaelsen, Keith and Janet Gregorian-Michaelsen, and Lorraine and Robert DeCrescenzo; as well as grandchildren Kaiya, Mackenzie, Juliet, Rigby, Samuel, Rebecca, Haley, Thomas, Sofia and Gustaf.

A candlelight memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 26, at 4 p.m., at the First Church of Winsted. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rev. Richard and Janet Michaelsen Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Board of Christian Education, First Church of Winsted, 95 Park Place, Winsted, CT 06098.

To send an online condolence, visit maloneyfuneral.com.