Janet Mary Toenjes

Janet was born Jan. 31, 1937, to Mathew Smith Kubitsky and Helene Georgina Kubitsky of Grosse Pointe Farms. She leaves behind a loving family, including her husband, Geroge; her three children, Paul, Claire and Peter; six grandchildren, Matthew, Jennifer, Victoria, Leah, Julianna and Lauren; and two great-grandchildren, Maia and Jonah. Known by many for her unwavering devotion to family, Janet leaves behind a legacy of friendship, care and generosity.

Janet grew up on McKinley Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms. She was one of three siblings. She is survived by her sister, Anne, who lives in Sacramento, Calif., and her brother, Matthew, who lives in Elgin, N.C.

Janet attended St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School and later completed her high school years at St. Mary Academy in Monroe. She earned an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Detroit, followed by a master’s degree in early childhood education from Wayne State University. Janet began her teaching career at a preschool in Detroit associated with Bethany Christian School. She then taught in the Head Start Program in Detroit Public Schools, where her passion for early childhood development made a lasting impact.

Janet raised her family in Grosse Pointe Farms, where she lived for more than 60 years. After the passing of her first husband, Gerard Ferdinand Toenjes, at age 44, she showed remarkable strength and resilience as she continued raising their three children. During this time, she began a career at Charge Card Association, where she excelled as an executive secretary. Her kindness, professionalism and dedication were well-known among colleagues and friends. A few years later, she met and married George Brandau, whom she met at Charge Card Association.

At her core, Janet was the pillar of her family. She passed down cherished traditions, especially through a love of baking she inherited from her mother, and was known for her chocolate chip cookies enjoyed by multiple generations. Whether tending her garden, feeding backyard birds or supporting her children and grandchildren at school events and local activities, Janet’s presence was a constant source of comfort and joy for all who knew her.

Janet enjoyed a life with George and was active in her community throughout her life. She volunteered with Crossroads of Michigan for many years and counseled numerous people in need. Her favorite activities included traveling, sailing, painting, dinner parties, book clubs and playing tennis. Janet and George enjoyed attending the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and concerts at The War Memorial. She also cherished picnics with family and friends at Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park. She touched and enriched many lives in her community.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. She will be inurned in the church following Mass. A luncheon will follow at a location to be announced at the end of Mass. Her friends and family are invited to gather in celebration of Janet’s nearly nine decades of life and the countless ways she touched the hearts of those around her.

Janet’s life was a testament to the enduring power of family, faith and love. Her influence lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and in every tradition she lovingly passed down. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.