Janet L. (Smith) Cook

Janet L. Cook, age 88 of Portage, peacefully entered into eternity on Saturday, July 29, 2023. She was born on March 7, 1935, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Jerry and Evelyn (Lyke) Smith. Janet was a 1952 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. After briefly working in banking and for Ihling Brothers Janet was hired into Eaton Corporation where she worked until her retirement over 30 years later.

On August 31, 1957, Janet married the love of her life, her “sweetheart” Kenneth D. Cook. They spent 60 blessed years together, until his death in 2018.

As a dedicated servant of the Lord, Janet devoted her life to serving as a pastor’s wife, in the children’s ministry, as an organist, and in the choir at the New Apostolic Church of Portage. As a matriarch of the congregation, she was an “aunt” and a “grandma” to generations of church members. Her greatest joys were found in the service of others and time with her family and friends. She was a true example of love and discipleship in all she did. Janet will be dearly missed by all those who had the blessing of knowing her.

She is survived by her children: Tamara (John) Lindstedt, Kenneth (Michele) Cook II, Peter (Dana) Cook and David (Anna) Cook; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; her sisters and brother: Jackie Raab, Joan Temple, Jean Singleton, and Robert Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Suanne (Dave) Weller, her parents, and her brothers and sisters: Richard Smith, Geraldine Gerhard, Laural Weber, Timothy Smith, and Jerry Smith.

Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 18th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held at the New Apostolic Church of Portage, 3600 W. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024 at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 19th.

Private interment of Janet's remains will take place later in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the New Apostolic Church of Portage Children's Ministry. Please visit Janet's personalized web page at www.langelands.com to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family.