(1939-2025)

Sister Janet Traut, formerly known as Sister James Kathleen, died on Friday, April 25, 2025, at her home in Dearborn, Michigan. She was 85 years of age and in the 67th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Janet was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, to James and Ethel (Heinrich) Traut. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, Michigan, and a master’s degree in sociology-education from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Sister Janet spent 40 years ministering in elementary education in Flint, Detroit, Redford, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She served for more than a year in adult education and four years as a staff member at the Siena Literacy Center in Redford, Michigan. 

Sister Janet was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. She is survived by her sisters Linda Marquardt, Judith Raica, Susan Jelinek, and Bernadette Larimer; nieces, nephews, other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Prayers of Committal were held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the Congregation Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025. Those not attending the service in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Recording of Sister Janet's Memorial Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Janet's Ritual of Remembrance - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as."

 

LEFT: Baby Janet, 1939. MIDDLE LEFT: First Holy Communion, third grade, 1947. MIDDLE RIGHT: Janet at her graduation from St. Killian Grade School, Chicago, 1953. RIGHT: Graduation from Aquinas High School, Chicago, 1957.

MIDDLE: Janet with her parents, James and Ethel, on her Entrance Day, June 26, 1957. 

LEFT: Sister James Kathleen with her six sisters – Marjorie, Kay, Bernadette, Judy, Linda, and Susan – on her Reception Day, December 26, 1958. RIGHT: Sister Janet Traut, left and her good friend, Sister Annette DeSloover.

Members of the 2017 Diamond Jubilee December Reception Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Frances Lombaer, Bernitha Glombowski, Evelyn Inez Montez, Patricia Siemen (Prioress), Mary Ann Phillip, Mary Therese Napolitan, and Joella Miller; middle row, from left, Sisters Janet Traut, Jude Van Baalen, Joan Kowalski, Barbara Cervenka, Patricia Brady, and Margaret Ann McGuiness; and front row, from left, Sisters Helen McAllister, Susan Eliane Kresse, Helen Diane McGuirt, Eunice Drazba, and Dorothea Gramlich. 

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