Meet Janet Stodd
“SUM is blessed with such strong and caring leadership and so many people who live their faith and spread God's love. It is my hope that we will keep reaching out together to help each other and welcome others as I have felt welcomed and blessed!” - Janet Stodd
Meet Janet Stodd. If you attended the recent Hope and Healing service, you experienced her vision of a special time created for word, comfort, and music. You might also serve with her at Susanna Circle or Friendly Visitors. If you’ve participated in worship and enjoyed the beautiful flute music, you’ve witnessed a glimpse of SUM member Janet Stodd.
But wait, there’s more!
Janet grew up alongside her parents, brother, and sister in Aurora, Chicago, and Freeport, Illinois. Her father was a Methodist minister, and her mother was a teacher, instilling a deep appreciation for faith and education from a young age.
Janet met her husband, Rich, at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Their shared love for music brought them together, as both were active college band members. Their relationship blossomed when Rich directed a musical and Janet played in the pit orchestra. Many fond memories were made during those college band tours.
After college, Janet continued to pursue her passion for music. She played with the Quad City Symphony and taught French to Junior high and elementary school children. Balancing her career and family life, Janet and Rich were blessed with three daughters, making their household a busy and lively one. Despite their hectic schedules, the couple remained actively involved in their church, particularly its music ministry. Janet also dedicated her time to teaching Sunday School, leading children's choirs, and visiting nursing homes, embodying a life of service and community involvement.
Tragically, Janet lost her husband, Rich, to cancer eight years ago. He faced his illness with great courage, but a late diagnosis made the battle difficult. Throughout this challenging time, Janet and her family received overwhelming support from their church, family, and friends, for which she is eternally grateful.
After retiring from teaching, Janet embarked on a new chapter in her life by moving to Connecticut to help care for her youngest granddaughter, whose father is a pilot. Upon arriving in Connecticut, she found a new church home at SUM - Simsbury United Methodist. She was immediately drawn to the church by its warm and welcoming congregation, beautiful music, and numerous outreach activities.
Since then, Janet has actively participated in the church’s small groups, which have helped her build connections and feel part of the community. She continues to share her love of music, study scripture, and engage in fellowship and service activities, all of which have been integral to her life. Janet feels blessed to be part of a church with strong, caring leadership and members who live their faith and spread God’s love.
She hopes that the church community will continue to reach out, support one another, and welcome others, just as she has been welcomed and blessed. For Janet, this sense of community and shared purpose makes Simsbury United Methodist unique, and she looks forward to many more years of fellowship and service.
Deacon Deb