Mrs. Kapala is one of those people who you never forget. Her love for God, family, music, teaching, life, and traveling was evident in every conversation and lesson. I was lucky enough to know Mrs. Kapala since my time at Brookside when I was selecting which instrument to learn. We shared many memories together as I was a "lifer" at CK: the 5th grade talent show, Solo and Ensembles, flute and piccolo lessons, visiting me at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, countless band concerts (see the picture from the night of my senior solo in 2013), cheering me on as I performed at Orchestra Hall with the DSO, and dinners at Somerset followed by shopping trips. Growing up with Mrs. Kapala by my side was one of my life’s greatest honors. She made everyone around her feel special and loved. I’m so proud to call her my favorite teacher and a dear friend. My deepest condolences to Mark and family. You will always be in my prayers.

Jaclyn Kyko
CK’13

My deepest condolences for Mrs. K’s family at this time of her passing. I treasure my memories of my time as a student in her band class, where I developed a love of music and forged lifelong friendships. She was a kind, thoughtful, and engaging educator and she will be missed.

Deepest sympathies,
Andrew Wilson
CK 2012

I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Kapala’s passing. She inspired my passion for the trumpet and believed in me even before I believed in myself. She saw something within me that I didn’t even notice, and through her guidance, she challenged me, nurtured me, and offered nothing but love and support—not only to me, but to my entire family. Her heart was immense, and the impact she made on the lives of her students is immeasurable. She touched hundreds of lives with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.

May her memory be a blessing.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dex Roman ‘14

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Janet was an exceptional person with a jovial personality.  She had an infectious laugh and a beaming smile.  She was devoted to her students and a wonderful colleague to work with in the Brookside Music Department.

The news reached me when I was in Maui with my whole family.  I had been thinking about Janet often on my trip because she loved Hawaii and was enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge about the islands.  When my son-in-law suggested that we go to the Kula Bistro to have dessert first, Janet came to mind because she had promoted that idea gleefully at Brookside Faculty luncheons.

Janet had a strong Christian faith, and she was an avid student of scripture. She shared with me that she was looking forward to Heaven.  I can picture her there making music and celebrating.  But she will truly be missed here on earth!

Dear Mark, family and friends,
It is very sad to hear that Janet has passed.   She was truly an inspiration to so many people. She was a talented musician, educator, colleague and friend to many people. She always put her heart and soul into everything she did. She loved Hawaii, and loved talking about living there one day. She was far more knowledgeable than any travel agent, offering advice on what to see and where to go when I mentioned I planned to go there. She was devoted to God and often quoted scripture related to topics she discussed, and she had a great sense of humor, often telling hilarious stories.  She will always be remembered for her goodness, kindness, dedication and positivity. My deepest sympathy for her loss. She made the world a much better place.  I count my blessings that I knew Janet.  With sympathy, Judy Thurmon

Mrs. Kapala was my first and best music teacher. She gave me private lessons in the trumpet and encouraged me. While as an adult, I never considered myself much of a musician, as a child, with Mrs. Kapala next to me, I did. She did this with every young child she taught. She encouraged, mentored, and modeled the way. All experts were beginners when they were young, and all people who accomplished anything did so because of people like Mrs. Kapala. I'm so sad to hear of this and send my support to her family and friends.

I am so terribly sad to learn this news.  Mrs. Kapala was one of my most beloved childhood teachers.  I have so many cherished memories of our time together in elementary, middle and high school, on class trips, and our weekly saxophone lessons in Brookside House.   

She lives on in my heart and in the hearts of those who knew her.  May her memory always be a blessing.

Dear Mark,
I am saddened to hear of Janet's passing. She was a kind and wonderful woman. May you be comforted in knowing she is in her Lord's arms and in the arms of her parents and all who have gone before her.  My blessing to you.
Love, Kathy Nigro

Sincerest condolences to the entire family. Mrs. K was a constant through most of my years at Cranbrook, 96 to 06, after I joined the band at Brookside. Her passion for music has stuck with me, and continues to inspire me all the time. Her personal warmth and support was also always welcome and made CK a better place for many of us. She was certainly among the reasons Cranbrook was a great place to learn and grow up. Rest in peace.

Dear Mrs. Kapala, 

Thank you for sharing your love of music with so many. You will be sorely missed. 

With love,
Nick Artushin

Janet and Katie at Millesgarden Museum in Stockholm, Sweden during our 1998 trip with Connie and Carolyn.

Janet was one of my bridesmaids.  A mentor and good friend, always by my side.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Janet's passing, as would be my husband to who  worked with her and held her in great esteem. I am grateful for the time and gift she was to the Cranbrook Community.

Janet at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in England during a trip with Katie, Anna and Shirley.

Sarkis and Janet....waiting for Commencement to begin.

Steve and Janet performing for a Faculty Recital!

Katie, Janet, Betsy, Carolyn, Connie and Angie at our annual Village Club Lunch

I am so sad to learn of Janet’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and wife, and a terrific teacher and friend to so many students and their families at Cranbrook. She was a huge inspiration to my son Jake in his saxophone studies and I will always be grateful. I am sending my deepest condolences to Mark, Katie, Sark, and all of Janet’s colleagues at Cranbrook.

Sending heartfelt condolences to Mark and Janet’s family upon hearing this sad news.  Janet was the first person at Brookside to welcome me with wide open arms when I began teaching at Cranbrook in 2004. For 12 years, I shared the music office with her and Katie… the two of them took such good care of me all those years ago. My favorite memories were performing as a trio for many Kaleidoscope pre-parties. Oh what fun we had improvising, entertaining, and laughing together! Janet, thank you for sharing your love of music and your deep faith with all those who crossed your path. We are much better for it. Love you!

We are so saddened to learn of Janet’s passing.  We worked together for over 4 decades and I had the opportunity to watch her remarkable talent as an educator and musician blossom at Cranbrook Schools.  Her support and nurturing of the students in our department knew no bounds.  She would always make time to meet with students for extra help or just to give a lending ear.  There are few music educators who sustained that special relationship with so many who were also able to direct an ensemble of 70 plus students with absolute control and mastery in rehearsals.  Amazing!  Janet was a special friend and colleague.  She will be missed.  Barbara and I send our sincere condolences to Mark and family.

I heard from Mark Kapala last night about Janet’s passing. He was understandably devastated as was I. She was a dear friend, a respected colleague, and a talented musician.  We were able to share some great post-retirement trips to Key West, Florida, and Cabo. She had a great spirit and an infectious laugh.  It was God’s will that she passed without pain and suffering which is the way we all hope to leave this earth. She touched the lives of many of Brookside/Cranbrook students passing along her passion and love of music. She will be missed but is sharing her talents with a heavenly audience.

Our sincere condolences to the Kapala family at this sad time. Janet was an amazing, kind, loving, and funny woman, teacher, coworker and friend whom we all adored. My three children loved “Mrs. K” and all the energy she brought to Brookside, her private music lessons  and beyond.  She was greatly missed when she retired and will be further missed.  She  has left all of us with great memories and inspiration. 
May you rest in peace Janet. 🙏
Love, 
Sydney, Paige , Alec & Lynda Pierce

Heart felt condolences to Janet’s family. She taught and mentored our children for years at CRANBROOK and we have so many fond memories. 
May God bless you all during this difficult time 🙏
With love, the Allison Family

So terribly sad to hear this news - I will never forget “Mrs. Kapala” and in particular how much fun she brought to the study of music. I remember trying to pick my instrument going into 4th grade and having a great time trying the drums, saxophone and flute … and eventually landing on the clarinet, which became a core part of my elementary, middle  and high school experience.  Her energy and optimistic teaching style made everyone excited to come to band class!  And I’ll never forget one of her favorite mottos which I still use today - “early is on time, and on time is late!”.   I know she’s playing sax with the angels now 💕.  Brookside, Kingswood and Cranbrook wouldn’t have been the same without her.

A truly wonderful person. Her lighthearted but focused nature helped so many of us to learn to play new instruments and love arrangement of masterpieces. So happy she taught myself and my children and I will truly miss her. So thankful to have known and learned from her!🙏🏾❤️

I was a student of hers in the upper school 2002-2006. Always will remember her holiday sweaters! When we did the pit orchestra for cabaret she let us wear “club” attire as we were the on stage all girl band. Such fun memories! Our hearts go out to her beloved friends and family.

So sorry to hear of Janet's passing. I remember her expressing her desire to use her talents for Lord. She will be missed, but is Heaven's   gain.
Jack Williams

Janet and I were colleagues at Brookside School Cranbrook for 36 incredible years. I was a classroom teacher in 1977 when Janet became  an integral part of the instrumental music team at the school. We easily forged a delightful friendship over our mutual love of children and our faith in God. Janet had a way of making everyone feel special, especially her students. She knew the art of being a good listener who responded in ways that made one feel truly heard. I would often see her first thing in the mornings before school because we were both "early birds." It was a lovely way to start my day with a brief hello or chat. Janet's eyes sparkled when she spoke and she had a wonderful laugh. Her musical talents were many and she loved to share them, especially with and alongside her students. There is no doubt in my mind that Janet has found a special place in Heaven to collaborate with other musicians, making a joyful noise! Steve and I have a very special memory that we often recall. When we got married in 1992, Janet contributed to the amazing music at the service that day by flawlessly, seeming effortlessly and with great passion, playing her flute. In addition to that gift, my dear friend hired a piccolo trumpet player from the Detroit Symphony to enhance the musical selections that day. It is with great sadness that I (we) learned of Janet's passing yet we take comfort in knowing she is at peace with the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and family.

**Janet, Me, and my grandfather William C. Hanse, playing some impromptu music together in the Brookside band room.**

Janet was instrumental in my life. She had a heart for Jesus and a heart for music, and I’m so grateful she shared her love for both with me. These are gifts I will carry with me always. She used to say that music was the best profession—because in heaven, there’s no need for doctors or lawyers, as there will be no more pain or conflict. But musicians? We’ll be needed. She believed we’d be playing our horns in celebration for eternity. I rest easy knowing Janet is now part of a heavenly symphony.

Sending my sincere sympathies to Mark and Janet’s family and many friends, on the loss of a beautiful lady who was funny, talented, devoted to her family, students, colleagues and Cranbrook. May her bright light, warmth, laughter and fond memories sustain all those who will miss her.  🩷

Janet was a wonderful person and a huge part of our Cranbrook experience.  Always loving and caring.  She taught my kids, Alex and Rachael, not only how to play but more importantly to Love the Lord Jesus.  I think 90% of their private lessons were her pouring out her Faith and guidance into my children which was infinitely more valuable to us.  I know she’s in Heaven now with my daughter Rachael and wife Beverly in Celebration with her True Father. We’ll see her again.  What a wonderful joyous life she lived here on Earth!  We loved her so much!

PAD in NYC.
Maggie, Janet, Jeremy, Kay, Sarkis, Katie and Jim.

We were so sad to learn about Janet’s passing. She was such a positive presence at Brookside and a well loved faculty member at all three divisions. She was such an encouraging and joyful influence for all her band members during her many years at Cranbrook. She was a shining star and we were lucky to have been colleagues for so many years. Ellen and Randy Tufts

Janet touched so many lives, young and old alike, expressed through her love of music and through her warmth, love and respect for others.  Janet guided so many young people into developing a genuine appreciation of music, whether through performing or as members of an appreciative audience.  She had a lasting impact on both of our own kids.  She inspired Dylan to play the saxophone, which he enjoyed as a member of the Cranbrook School's Band and Jazz Band, as well as performing for four years in the Michigan Marching Band. Janet guided Alyssa in choosing the flute, which she enjoyed playing in the Cranbrook School Band and Orchestra, a love of which is carried forward by Alyssa's daughter Quinn, playing flute in her school band.  Doug has fond memories of Janet's enthusiasm when she co-taught a few Visual Studies classes, sharing with the students her creativity and joy in learning.  Students, teachers, staff and parents loved Janet!  Her positive, welcoming spirit enriched us all.  Janet loved life!

The “Three Deltas”.    Janet, Sarkis and Katie.

Katie, Miriam, Denise, Janet, Cheryl and Pam

Janet conducting in her Brookside classroom.

Sarkis, Katie and Janet at a music conference.

The PAD in a surrey from the musical Oklahoma.
Sarkis, Janet, Katie, Chuck, Fred and Jessica.

Janet, Connie, Katie and Carolyn in our Christmas sweaters!

Janet conducting in the Brookside Meeting House.

Sarkis, Janet and Katie performing for a Faculty Recital.

To Mark, Judy, Christopher, Gary, and all others connected to our dear Janet,

My heart aches, as I am sure yours does too.  I am still in disbelief that Janet is gone.  She was such a big part of my life for more than 40 years at Cranbrook.  We taught together, ate together, walked together, talked together, played music together, attended events together, shared experiences together and laughed together.  I have so many wonderful memories of Janet, but most memorable was her laughter and how she loved life and the Lord.  She was a superior teacher and loved her students, and the students adored her!  She was a mentor to many kids, and truly made a difference in their lives.  She was a great musician and loved to share her talent with all of us. Cranbrook was very lucky to have her, as was our Performing Arts Department.  I will miss her terribly, but am thankful of the memories we made together.  I send my deepest condolences to the Stimson and Kapala families.  There is a big hole in my heart.

OBITUARY

Janet Lee Kapala

6 October, 1954 – 20 March, 2025

Pixley Funeral Home

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