Janet Wheeler

Janet Wheeler passed away peacefully at her home in Woodinville, WA on March 27, 2025 after a brave battle with a rare ovarian cancer. Born in April 1967 in New York, she was the youngest of Bill and Doreen Wheeler’s five children. Janet grew up in Gig Harbor, WA where she formed life-long friendships, honed her athletic skills, and nurtured an enduring love of learning and languages.

Janet graduated from Whittier College in Los Angeles (class of '89), where she excelled in both academics and athletics. She was an Academic All-American and was inducted into the Whittier Sports Hall of Fame twice, a testament to her dedication and talent on the soccer and softball fields. A fierce and fiery competitor, Janet dominated in any game – whether trivia, word games, puzzles, cards or strategy games – but especially if points and balls were involved. She could often be found on the golf course or playing competitive tennis. She was an avid fan and enjoyed watching a variety of sports (Go Seattle Storm!).

A high school trip as an exchange student to Blois, France changed her life, inspired her desire to travel, and began a devoted relationship with her hosts, the Hermeloup family. Janet was gifted with languages and enjoyed exploring new places, trying new foods and engaging with people. She often credited her “French family” with fostering her aspiration to be an open-minded, compassionate citizen of the world.

Janet was honored to spend 34 years teaching high school English and French, with 25 of those years at Mariner High School in Everett, WA. She was a firm yet empathetic teacher, committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her students. She was considered an honest and steadfast leader by her colleagues. Taking student groups to France were some of the most rewarding experiences of her teaching career. Janet retired in 2024 and was genuinely touched by the overwhelming admiration and gratitude shared by her students and colleagues.

In 2000, Janet found her perfect match in Christine Kleinke, and together they built a partnership rooted in love and mutual admiration – a foundation for their happy and adventurous life filled with warmth, laughter, and treasured bonds with friends. They celebrated their marriage in 2003 in beautiful Whistler, BC surrounded by their closest friends. Janet and Chris traveled the globe together, savoring incredible cuisines and creating unforgettable memories. Their home was a gathering place for joy and camaraderie, and their beloved pets added a dose of quirky charm to their lives.

Janet embodied authenticity, independence, and unwavering loyalty. She loved movies and religiously celebrated the Oscars every year. She was smart and curious and fun.

Janet described her journey as “an ordinary life with extraordinary chapters,” a sentiment that captures the magic she brought to every moment. She embraced life, leaving a legacy that will forever be in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be greatly missed by many but never forgotten.

Chris would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the friends and family who stood by Janet, ensuring she felt loved and supported during her courageous final match. The amazing staff at the Gynecological Oncology team at the University of Washington’s and Evergreen Health Hospice made this terrible journey so much easier.

A celebration of life will be held this summer. In place of flowers, we invite you to honor her memory by contributing to the Janet Wheeler Leadership Fund. This endowment was created to celebrate her influence and commitment to women’s sports at Whittier College.