Recent Obituaries

Condolences

• 

  May 09, 2021

  Marzena hawkins

  Iam so saddened to learn of Janet passing. She was a client of mine and followed when I sold my salon in Birmingham and moved to Clarkston. She was very warm, smart and wise lady. I loved seeing her, performing facials and listening to her reasoning and train of thoughts. My sympathy goes to her family. Marzena

• April 13, 2021

  Michael Barrett

  I worked with Janet at WSU for a few years and she was one of the all around nicest humans I have ever met. She did not have a mean bone in her body, and her pleasant demeanor and intelligence on a number of topics was illuminating. Prayers for you Robin, Jocelyn, and Chris. I do know that family meant everything to Janet. Mike B.

• April 07, 2021

  Diane Kennedy

  I worked with Janet in Academic Services and I’m deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Janet was always a joy to be around, and a wonderful colleague to work with. The memory that stands out for me, is when Janet came into the office and informed us that Rob had sold their house and they only had weeks to move out. The normally calm and unflappable Janet was in a panic as to how they would accomplish this. But as we knew she would, Janet jumped in and got in done. My prayers for your family and deepest sympathy for your loss of such a wonderful wife and mother who was the core of your family.

• March 24, 2021

  Cam Liebold

  I am so shocked and saddened by Janet’s passing. I worked with her at Wayne State, and she was such a wonderful colleague. After she and I both retired, we kept in touch via Facebook and each time she made a post, I would think of her cheerful disposition and smile. She will be missed by so many. My sympathy to you all.

• March 24, 2021

  Cheryl Somers

  I worked with Janet for many years at WSU and while we did not know each other outside of work, I felt very inspired by Janet every time we interacted. I will always remember her cheery smile, positive attitude, interest in others, willingness to go out of her way to help, and her general level of supportiveness, not to mention her fantastic ability to problem-solve in proactive ways. Janet was a delight to work with, and I have very positive memories of her. She made a difference in the lives of faculty, staff, and students at our WSU College of Education. I send my condolences to Janet’s family. I loved my time working with her!

• March 24, 2021

  Jennifer Lewis

  I worked with Janet at Wayne State and loved her counsel. She always knew everything with great precision and delivered information with aplomb. She was a tremendous resource and wonderful colleague. Condolences on this terrible loss.

• March 24, 2021

  Bob Pettapiece

  Janet will always be remembered by myself and other faculty members of the COE )as well as many students) as the Admissions Officer who was always friendly & helpful while being fair & made sure all the regulations were followed. She was the best!

• March 22, 2021

  Valerie Wilds

  I met Janet and Rob – and eventually Jocelyn – at the Federal Way Community Center several years ago. I was attracted by her friendly manner and her beautiful flowered raincoat (nothing like celebrating our weather, I thought). We stretched and moaned through our yoga class – she seeking to relieve hip pain that eventually resulted in replacement surgery. Together with my family, we shared some holiday dinners – as well as the occasional burger, shake & fries at a local drive-in. Conversation with Janet was rewarding; a good listener, she was always interested in what you had to say on a variety of topics. Our hearts go out to Rob, Jocelyn and Chris as we cherish the memory of a special friend. – Valerie, Robyn & Grant

• March 20, 2021

  Debra Ballard

  I am so sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. We were friends in junior high and high school and caught up occasionally in the years after. I know she was looking forward to our 50th high school reunion and am especially sad that it was postponed to 50+1, as now she will miss it. She was a kind, gentle and intelligent woman who also exhibited a good sense of humor. My sincere sympathy is extended to Rob and family as well as her friends in Washington. We have all lost a very special person.

• March 18, 2021

  Barb

  I’ve known Janet since Jr. High School. We have remained very close friends for many, many years. We have shared long conversations into the night solving the problems of the world (as young people do), movies, cooking, dining, and many other activities. We were pregnant and parented together as Chris is 3 days younger than my daughter Jackie. She was a warm, intelligent, generous, and wonderful person. We have shared so much over so many years. I will miss her enormously.

• March 17, 2021

  Catherine

  “It’s a mount baker day!” Janet loved the outdoors, especially the endless beauty offered by our lovely Pacific Northwest. I can hear her voice exclaim that she could see Mt. Baker from the Sequim shoreline on a cloudless day. I’ll never forget birdwatching with her. I feel like I gained an additional education that cold and bright morning, and years later find myself peeking at treetops for birds and while I’m terrible at identifying species, I feel like lucky that I get to carry that memory and appreciation for nature with me.