Janet Klein was more than Lew’s wife—she was a dedicated temple community member who championed historic preservation, horticulture, and student support in Philadelphia.
Founding general manager of TUTV and associate professor for Klein College, Paul Gluck says Janet was a friend of Temple.
“She was someone who was thoughtful. She was impactful. She could be forceful, but never officious or imperious,” said Gluck.
Janet was on the board of visitors at Ambler’s campus. She also played a key role in getting the campus recognized as an arboretum.
“So when we talk about Ambler campus, for example, or preservation of, you know, gardens and spaces and places, I think that she was a champion for not just Philadelphia, but Pennsylvania,” said Betsy Leebron-Tutelman.
If you’ve ever seen a blue historical marker around Pennsylvania, Janet had something to do with that. Vicki Lewis McGarvey, director of the Ambler campus, worked closely with Janet.
“We have a historical marker that recognizes the campus history as the site of the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women,” said McGarvey.
Janet loved gardening. Don Heller says the university intends to honor Janet’s with a garden/sanctuary area in the new Klein building. Heller believes the garden is going to be special.
The Klein we know wouldn’t be the same without Janet and her husband Lew’s impact.
“She and Lou were givers. And I think that’s something all of us aspire to be. Impactful but humble and to leave, you know, a legacy not for ourselves, but for the future generations,” said Leebron-Tutelman.
Janet Klein was 96 years old.
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