Dr. Janet Rubin
Born on September 24, 1950 in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPassed on February 3, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Dr Janet Rubin, 75, passed away on February 3, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida.
A passionate educator, accomplished author, Holocaust educator and devotee of the arts, she left an indelible mark on countless students.
Born September 24, 1950, in Pittsburgh, PA, she grew up and completed high school in Monongahela, PA. She was raised with a deep appreciation of learning and education. She earned her bachelors degree at Penn State University, followed by a masters degree from the University of Connecticut. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD from Ohio State University.
Janet began her career as a college educator in West Virginia and Iowa, before finding her professional home at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in Michigan. There, she became a professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Communication. Her leadership helped shape the department into a center for creative expression and critical thought.
Known for her innovative teaching methods and commitment to student growth, Janet inspired pupils to explore the intersection of performance and social responsibility. A recognized authority on holocaust education through theatre, Janet was awarded a fellowship at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. There, she contributed to educational practices that combined historical understanding with dramatic interpretation. She authored several books focusing on teaching the holocaust through acting, works that continue to influence educators nationwide.
Her contributions were widely acknowledged. She was honored with numerous awards from SVSU, various other educational institutions and theatre organizations. Janet served as the president of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) , where she championed initiatives that elevated theatre as a vital tool for learning and empathy.
Janet loved to travel, especially to theatre in New York and London. Her international adventures reflected intellectual curiosity and enjoyment in experiencing art across cultures. Those who knew her admired not only her intellect but also her strength of conviction. She stood firmly by her beliefs and acted upon them with integrity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Janet was committed to her family and friends. She is lovingly remembered by her brother Harvey Rubin(Lynn), sister Shirley Friedland (Paul), nephew Alan Rubin (Anne), niece Jayna Rubin (Eric), nephew David Friedland (Luluk), niece Lisa Mangino, as well as grand nieces, grand nephews, and cherished friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Frieda Rubin.
A memorial service celebrating Janet will be held on February 20, 2026, at 2 P.M, at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave, Melbourne, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to:
The Janet Rubin Scholarship Fund at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, 1702 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, DC 200003
–or the US Holocaust Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024-2150.
