Juna Maude Perlee 94 died peacefully in the early hours of August 6, 2014 with her devoted caregivers, Linda and Kirk Roscoe at her side. She was born July 4th, 1920 to Annabelle and Carlton Bostwick of Hinesburg, VT. She was the youngest of 8 children. Juna was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Henry “Pete” Perlee, her oldest son James Henry Perlee and her best friend and sister, Gussie Levarn. She is survived by 4 children, Gail Perlee of Phoenix , AZ, Peter Perlee, Flora Williamson, Bruce Perlee and their families all of Bristol, VT. Juna leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves 3 treasured nieces from Connecticut and our “Little Sister” Lynda Malzac of Bristol, VT. Juna had an overflowing life filled with family, friends and her passion for horses. Farm work with horses and taking Prof. Berrys Horse Training Course as a teen gained her the knowledge to become an accomplished horse trainer. She specialized in training horses that were safe for kids and taught good horsemanship to all. Juna organized the Bristol Riding Club in 1955 and with the help of young members and their parents, built the Riding Ring on Liberty Street which is still there today. Spring and Fall Jr. Horse Shows and Gymkhanas were held each year bringing in as many as 85 horses and hundreds of spectators to the ring. Juna would lead the club members to other area shows, on trail rides and in parades always there to mentor. She would say “I’m half horse, that’s why I understand horses!” Being a horse trainer was truly her life’s vocation. Juna was an inspiration to all in so many ways. Her hard working, enthusiastic, strong sense of self was examples to follow. She worked over 30 years as a hot lunch cook for the Bristol schools. Her own kitchen was filled with the air of fresh baked bread, pies, cookies and her delicious recipes she shared. Freezing, canning and pickling the abundant harvest “Daddy Pete”, her husband, would grow in their amazing garden was part of Juna’s summer days along with young horses to train. Juna’s kitchen was also a gathering place for family and friends to sip her famous “Juna’s Iced Tea” and talk about horses and life. Juna had many words of wisdom to share such as: “Don’t say no – go”, “You have to work hard enough to break a sweat, and have a good belly laugh everyday for good health”, “Everyone has their faults, but I like mine”, You can always find one or two good things in everyone, you just have to look”, “I’m as pure as the wind driven snow but not as pure as a snowflake”, “Nere” (used after finishing a task). Being one who never drove a car and rarely went to the doctors: “My horse is my transportation, my psychiatrist, my doctor and my friend”. Ride on Juna! “Nere” No funeral or wake will be held at Juna’s request. A celebration of life will be held on September 6th, 2014 starting at 2:00pm at 64 Liberty Street in Bristol. Donations in Juna’s name can be given to Bristol Fire Dept., Bristol Rescue Squad or UVM Morgan Horse Farm. (BYOB, BYOC and a dish to share)
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 12:29:42 +0000
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