Janet was born on May 13, 1963 in Paterson, NJ to Kenneth Tilstra and Joan Cronk. She grew up in Haledon before moving to Sussex County 35 years ago. Prior to her retirement in 2010, Janet was a New Jersey Trooper for 25 years. Janet enjoyed spending time on her farm, and loved spending time with her horses and her beloved family.
Janet is survived by her son, Robert Chirico; her mother, Joan Kuiken; her brother, Ken Tilstra; her stepbrother, Wayne Kuiken and his wife Betts, and many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Janet is predeceased by her father, Kenneth Tilstra and her stepfather, Richard Kuiken.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ 07827. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. with interment to follow at Hainesville Cemetery in Sandyston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sandyston Fire Department, 133a Route 645, Branchville, NJ 07826
