Jan Elizabeth Peterson Abeling, a lifelong Torrington resident, died Saturday, Oct. 17, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital surrounded by her family. She was 84. 

Born July 12, 1936, in Torrington, Mrs. Abeling was the daughter of the late James Walden Peterson, Sr. and Odena Vail Peterson. 

Mrs. Abeling, a graduate of Torrington High School, spent her younger years as a homemaker. She raised four daughters while working part-time at Kimberly-Clark, Mertz Department Store and JC Penney over the years. 

She devoted much of her life to her love of her late husband, Charles, whom she married on May 23, 1969, and her large family. She also enjoyed spending time at the beach at Cape Cod, Mass. She was also an avid gardener and reader. 

Mrs. Abeling is survived by her four daughters and their husbands, Kylee Gioiele and her husband, Brian; Kelli Pagano and her husband, Frank; Kristin Tullock and her husband, Steve; and Kim Audia and her husband, Philip; 11 grandchildren, Jeff, Tori, Madison and Matthew Gioiele, Mason and Nathaniel Pagano, Riley, Millie, Emily and Justin Tullock, and Paige Doucey, and Phil Audia; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her first husband, Mark Abeling, and her brother, James Peterson. 

Graveside  services with burial with at Hillside Cemetery will be held Saturday Oct 24 at 10:00 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790.  www.phalenfuneral.com