OBITUARY FOR JANET ELAINE KLUIN
July 11, 1944 to December 5, 2025

Janet Elaine (Brooks) Kluin, 81, of Lake Stevens, Washington, passed away at her home after a brief and unexpected battle with cancer. Her life was defined by her strength, devotion, hard work, and a deep love for those around her.

Janet was born on July 11, 1944, in Everett, Washington, to George and Laurel Brooks. She was the second of five children—sister to Judy, Rod, Bette (who preceded her in death), and Karen, the youngest of the Brooks siblings. She was a cherished member of a large, close-knit extended family. Growing up in Snohomish County, she formed lifelong friendships and bonds that shaped every season of her life. From the beginning, she shared an especially deep connection with her sister Judy; their daily conversations and unwavering companionship became one of the defining joys of her life.

Janet lived in Lake Stevens for nearly her entire 81 years, graduating from Lake Stevens High School—the beloved “Pink Palace”—in 1963.

As a girl, Janet picked berries in the local fields. As a young woman, she worked in a local cannery processing corn, including during the period when her husband, Dennis “Denny” Kluin, was serving in Vietnam. Janet, like all of her siblings, was stubborn when necessary, a steady and dependable hard worker, and someone who always cherished time spent with family.

Janet and Denny later opened their home to foster care, and when a little boy named Darryl came into their lives, they made the decision that changed everything: they adopted him. Janet loved Darryl with a depth and consistency that marked the rest of her years.

A model of dedication and commitment, Janet spent more than 30 years as a cook for the Lake Stevens School District, feeding generations of children with the same quiet care she poured into her own family. Even after retiring, she continued working alongside her niece Robin, cleaning homes several days a week until her health no longer allowed it. Those who knew her understood one thing clearly: she was happiest when she was helping others.

Her Lake Stevens home—where she lived for more than five decades—reflected who she was: warm, tidy, colorful, and cared for. Janet tended her flower beds, decorated for every season, and kept her home just as she liked it. She had a lifelong love of cats and shared her home over the years with many beloved companions.

After Denny passed away, Janet and Darryl created a special retreat at Port Susan. What began as another project—cleaning, fixing, decorating—soon became a peaceful getaway where the two could unwind, share meals, and enjoy quiet time together.

Janet made lasting friendships all her life, including close bonds with Dee Dee Salo and Marian Welborn. It was while cruising Colby Avenue in Everett with those friends that she met Denny, the love of her life. Together, they built a life filled with simple joys: homemade pizza, chocolate chip cookies, family camping trips, holidays crowded with siblings and cousins, and a Christmas tree decorated with tinsel placed one shimmering strand at a time.

Janet was known for her bright smile, her spotless cars, her steady presence at every family gathering, and her unwavering loyalty. She took pride in her appearance—always leaving the house with every hair perfectly in place—and she was equally known for her honesty. If you landed in her “dog house,” you knew it came from a place of deep love and truth.

She is survived by her son Darryl Kluin; her siblings Judy, Rod, and Karen; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness. She was preceded in death by her husband Denny, her parents George and Laurel, and her sister Bette.

Janet’s final days reflected the values she lived by: faith, family, friends, and forgiveness—the guiding lights of her life and the gifts she leaves with all who loved her.

She lived a life that mattered—a life of devotion, humor, grit, warmth, and love. She will be remembered with deep affection and lasting gratitude by all who knew her.

A life quietly lived. A life deeply loved.