Janet Keeter Kass
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Janet Keeter Kass, 73, was born in Athens, GA. Her family moved to the Syracuse area when she was 5 years old. In high school, Janet was president of The Thespians and active in the Russian Club. During a visit to Temple Concord with a friend, Janet found her faith in Judaism.
Janet met Richard Kass when they were undergraduates at SUNY Albany. They have been together ever since and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023. They lived in Davis, CA, Ithaca, NY, Chicago, IL, Columbus, OH, Santa Cruz, CA, and Syracuse, NY.
Janet was a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Masters of social work; and UC Davis with a Bachelors degree in anthropology.
Janet worked in museums, social service nonprofits, and as a teacher of young children. After earning her MSW, she dedicated her social work career to inpatient pediatric psychiatry.
In retirement, Janet helped New Americans in Columbus, OH, and families with children through the CASA program in Santa Cruz, CA.
Janet and Richard enjoyed travelling the world. They loved the ocean and redwoods of northern California.
Janet was an excellent cook, devoted mother, supportive wife and sister, and a loyal friend. She collected cookbooks and loved international cuisine; she gave her children unconditional love and nurtured their passion for education.
Janet is predeceased by her parents, Edward Keeter and Carolyn Heery Berry. She is survived by her husband Richard Kass; their children Jesse Kass PhD (Louisa McClintok PhD) of Santa Cruz, CA, and Amanda Kass PhD (Kyle Lyman MD/PhD) of New Haven, CT; grandson Henry Kass Lyman; sister Susan Keeter (Seth Tucker); half-sister Kathy Miller (Donald); sister-in-law Ilana Kass; brother-in-law Allan Kass; nieces and nephews Sara Tucker, Emma Tucker, Stephanie (Earle) Schweizer, Stuart (Monika) Kass, Tristan Kass and Lauren Kass.
A celebration of Janet’s life will be at 1PM on Friday, August 1st at Grace Church, 819 Madison Street in Syracuse. In Jewish tradition the celebration will be officiated by Cantor Francine Berg. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service from noon to 1PM at Grace Church.
To perpetuate her memory please consider a donation to a charity that supports children and/or New Americans.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com
Message of Sympathy
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Praying for you all at this time. Last email I received from her, she said “love you!” Such a dear Cousin. Good memories of her leading the way to lawn games at Mimi and Granddaddy Keeter’s! Hugs and much love sent your way! Rest in peace, Janet. Love you! Jane Demmond-Seaman
Written by Jane Demmond-Seaman
2025-07-17 5:41:14 PM
A Farewell The time has come, a whisper soft, To say goodbye, a final loft. My heart aches with a knowing pain, As sun descends, and skies turn rain. But know this truth, my dearest one, Though miles may part, our love has won. Our memories, a golden thread, Woven through my heart, instead. Of tears that fall, and shadows deep, A promise made, I'll always keep. Until we meet, within the stars, Remember me, beyond all bars. This parting, bittersweet it seems, Fulfills a life that truly gleams. For in my soul, you'll always stay, In love’s sweet memory, along the way.
Written by Julia Bettis
2025-07-17 8:08:24 PM
I am so sad to hear this. While she lived in Columbus my son Byron and Jesse were buddies. I became friend with her and always considered her one of the best. Her memory is a blessing to me.
Written by Suzan Bird-Conliff Byron Bird-Conliff
2025-07-18 1:18:58 AM
Ah, Janet, my dear cousin, you go before me into the great unknown. My love for you will abide with me until it is my time to discover what is beyond this mortal life.
Written by Knox Demmond
2025-07-18 1:50:24 PM
Janet and I shared an office at work, and shared lots of time together outside of our jobs at OSU Medical Center. We remained active phone buddies after we both retired and she and Richard moved out of state. During our last conversation, on the Sunday before she left us, we talked about our grandchildren, and her time teaching at SYC. It was a very special moment.
Written by Marybeth McDonald
2025-07-25 3:57:05 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Grateful for knowing Janet. Michael, Stephanie & Sophie Wells
Written by Stephanie Wells
2025-07-31 12:37:57 AM
I did not know Janet personally... But I have been friends with her sister Susan since the 9th grade at Eagle Hill Middle School. And if Janet was just half as kind, considerate and giving as Susan... Then she was one amazing person who made your life better because of her sweet spirit! God speed Janet.
Written by Mark-Paul Serafin
2025-08-01 12:49:12 PM
I did not know Janet personally... But I have been friends with her sister Susan since the 9th grade at Eagle Hill Middle School. And if Janet was just half as kind, considerate and giving as Susan... Then she was one amazing person who made your life better because of her sweet spirit! God speed Janet.
Written by Mark-Paul Serafin
2025-08-01 12:49:12 PM
Post a Message of Sympathy
Praying for you all at this time. Last email I received from her, she said “love you!” Such a dear Cousin. Good memories of her leading the way to lawn games at Mimi and Granddaddy Keeter’s! Hugs and much love sent your way! Rest in peace, Janet. Love you! Jane Demmond-Seaman
Written by Jane Demmond-Seaman
2025-07-17 5:41:14 PM
A Farewell The time has come, a whisper soft, To say goodbye, a final loft. My heart aches with a knowing pain, As sun descends, and skies turn rain. But know this truth, my dearest one, Though miles may part, our love has won. Our memories, a golden thread, Woven through my heart, instead. Of tears that fall, and shadows deep, A promise made, I'll always keep. Until we meet, within the stars, Remember me, beyond all bars. This parting, bittersweet it seems, Fulfills a life that truly gleams. For in my soul, you'll always stay, In love’s sweet memory, along the way.
Written by Julia Bettis
2025-07-17 8:08:24 PM
I am so sad to hear this. While she lived in Columbus my son Byron and Jesse were buddies. I became friend with her and always considered her one of the best. Her memory is a blessing to me.
Written by Suzan Bird-Conliff Byron Bird-Conliff
2025-07-18 1:18:58 AM
Ah, Janet, my dear cousin, you go before me into the great unknown. My love for you will abide with me until it is my time to discover what is beyond this mortal life.
Written by Knox Demmond
2025-07-18 1:50:24 PM
Janet and I shared an office at work, and shared lots of time together outside of our jobs at OSU Medical Center. We remained active phone buddies after we both retired and she and Richard moved out of state. During our last conversation, on the Sunday before she left us, we talked about our grandchildren, and her time teaching at SYC. It was a very special moment.
Written by Marybeth McDonald
2025-07-25 3:57:05 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Grateful for knowing Janet. Michael, Stephanie & Sophie Wells
Written by Stephanie Wells
2025-07-31 12:37:57 AM
I did not know Janet personally... But I have been friends with her sister Susan since the 9th grade at Eagle Hill Middle School. And if Janet was just half as kind, considerate and giving as Susan... Then she was one amazing person who made your life better because of her sweet spirit! God speed Janet.
Written by Mark-Paul Serafin
2025-08-01 12:49:12 PM
I did not know Janet personally... But I have been friends with her sister Susan since the 9th grade at Eagle Hill Middle School. And if Janet was just half as kind, considerate and giving as Susan... Then she was one amazing person who made your life better because of her sweet spirit! God speed Janet.
Written by Mark-Paul Serafin
2025-08-01 12:49:12 PM