Janet K. Gilles, a devoted nurse and cherished resident of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on December 21, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by her loving family in a moment of serene transition.
Born on January 12, 1951, in Peoria to Walter and Mildred (Johnson) Peters, she grew up rooted in the central Illinois community, shaping a life of compassionate service, creative pursuits, and unwavering familial devotion. The Peoria area mourns the gentle departure of a woman whose warmth and dedication left enduring impressions across professional, spiritual, and personal spheres in Peoria County.
Janet graduated from Peoria High School in 1969 and proudly earned her LPN license from St. Mary’s in LaSalle, Illinois, launching a nursing career that spanned decades of caring for others. She served as a nurse for Dr. Ketay for many years, later at Proctor Home, and continued providing in-home healthcare for friends, reflecting a lifelong commitment to healing and support in the Peoria medical landscape.
Beyond nursing, Janet owned and operated Magic Moments, crafting balloon art, decorations, and gift baskets for weddings and events across the area, showcasing her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. She was an active member of Holy Family Parish, serving as a room mother at the grade school and engaging in church activities that strengthened community bonds. Her involvement in the Junior Peorians, American Porphyria Foundation, and social gatherings like Bunco and reunions with “The Herd” high school group reflected a lifestyle rich in fellowship and joyful connections.
Janet married David Gilles on October 3, 1970, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kickapoo, building a partnership of over fifty-five years filled with mutual love and shared adventures, including traveling 50,000 miles with her Maine Coon cat YoYo.
She cherished her role as mother to Heather (Brian) Sutton and Sean (Suzanne) Gilles, delighting in grandchildren Eli, Zeke, Colton, and Taylor, along with brother Ronald E. Peters, sister-in-law Arlene Heinz, brothers-in-law Larry and Jack Gilles, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her close bond with grandparents Carl and Jennie Johnson, whom she cared for in later years, underscored her nurturing essence.
The family extends special gratitude to cousin Verita “Vicki” Reliford for compassionate care in Janet’s final weeks, highlighting the supportive networks that sustained her. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on December 30, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kickapoo, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., officiated by Fr. James Pankiewicz, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. These arrangements allow the community to gather in tribute, celebrating her impactful contributions in faith and family settings.
Janet K. Gilles lived a life well lived, distinguished by dedicated nursing and entrepreneurial creativity at Magic Moments, active parish involvement at Holy Family, and profound devotion to husband David, children, grandchildren, and extended family in Peoria, Illinois. Her legacy endures through the strengthened bonds she nurtured and the joyful spirit she shared with loved ones. In this season of remembrance, her memory serves as a testament to embracing compassion, service, and heartfelt connections within the shared experiences of central Illinois community life.