Janet Elizabeth Kaye

Janet Elizabeth Kaye was born in Washington DC on May 2, 1934 to Howard and Mary Booth, growing up just outside Washington in Morningside, MD. In 1941, Janet lovingly welcomed her baby brother, Howard, whom she doted on almost like a second mother. After graduating from Suitland High School, Janet worked as a secretary at the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, where she caught the eye of one researcher in particular, Kenneth Kaye. They fell madly in love and married in 1954. Soon after, the two began a new chapter as loving and wonderful parents, welcoming their first child Caryn. In another two years, Linda joined the family, followed by Kenneth five years later. As parents, Janet and Ken were All In, with love, guidance, fun, and the occasional discipline. 

Janet was devoted to Christian service and she held her congregations dear to her heart, including Forest Heights Baptist Church, the Shepherd Community which she cofounded with dear friend and pastor Vann Knight, Cheltenham United Methodist Church and Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Her calling deepened once their kids were grown, and she became an ordained ecumenical minister in 1984. Throughout her Christian journey, which also included work at the Baptist Home, she provided care and counseling with grace and professionalism. 

Janet loved music, singing in her church choirs, during sing-alongs at Sunrise where she lived later in life, and often spontaneously offering up a tune in the moment. Artwork was another passion of hers, and her cherished paintings highlight her gift of combining colors and textures. 

Friendships mattered deeply to Janet and Ken, who held many festive gatherings in earlier years and stayed close with many friends for a lifetime. Janet continued to make new friends, even at Sunrise, where staff appreciated her for welcoming new residents with a smile and open arms. 

That was Janet Kaye.

In addition to her children Caryn, Linda, and Kenny (Kellie), and her brother Howard (Nancy), survivors include the grandchildren she doted on, Matthew Glenn, Brian Gerlach, Robin Gerlach, Joshua Glenn, Sarah Gerlach (Cody), and Kyle Kaye. Janet adored being their G-ma and they felt it. Janet’s circle of love also includes her nieces, nephews, and many dear friends for whom we are grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dementia Society of America.

https://www.dementiasociety.org/