Born on September 24, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Passed 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 theAmerican Alliance for Theater and Education 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 200003
–or the US Holocaust Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024-2150.
9 entries.
Margaret Merrion
from Plainfield, IL wrote on February 28, 2026:
My heart goes out to the families of Harvey and Shirley. Janet will continue to hold a special place in my heart, as she did for the past 45 years. Starting with collaborations at the University of Northern Iowa, making several national presentations, co-authoring multiple books, attending her awards at SVSU and treasuring her friendship in retirement, we worked professionally and laughed together personally. May her goodness live on in all who benefited from her intelligence, talent and love.
Leslie Roth
from Cocoa Beach wrote on February 21, 2026:
Surfside Playhouse benefited from Janet’s knowledge, talent and love of theater. She served on Surfside’s Board of Directors and directed many plays there. Brevard was lucky to have benefited from her dedication to keeping theater alive.
LeRoy Darby
from Cocoa wrote on February 20, 2026:
Janet was a treasurer! I had the opportunity of working with her on the Palm Bay Campus of Eastern Florida State College. She had exhilarating love for life and humankind. Her passion for the arts exuded from her anytime you were fortunate to be in her presence. I’ll cherish the conversations we had over meals as she navigated bringing to fruition the Free Theater! A true jewel has ascended into the heavens but a portion of her spirit will reside within our hearts forever along with her smile and laughter. Love you Janet Rubin forever!
Gladys
from Zubulake wrote on February 20, 2026:
I am so blessed to have had you, Janet ,as my dear friend, colleague, and mentor. I will treasure our friendship for ever and ever..
' A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again"
Maya Angelou.
Terry Fortman
from Melbourne, Fl via Illinois wrote on February 19, 2026:
I only knew this outstanding woman through the comments and description of her students and others. Having devoted her life to her students and to causes she believed is high level achievement in my book. High moral achievers are always missed.
Eric Johnson
from Clio wrote on February 18, 2026:
Dr Janet Rubin was one of the most influential professors I had at Saginaw Valley State University. She always had a great smile and encouraged us to dig deep and make it "bigger". She has had a lasting impact on many peoples lives. My prayers to her family, friends and colleagues. You will be missed, see you in the next act, Shalom my friend.
Pam Cavanaugh
from Leland NC wrote on February 17, 2026:
Grew up with Janet throughout our junior-senior high school days in Monongahela, PA. One of my favorite memories is riding along with other friends as Janet drove her father's huge Cadillac out on Dry Run Road on a cold winter evening (I will not mention about the car sliding on ice as we went through Dead Mans Curve). Have thought about her over the years. I always admired her intelligence and her determination to achieve success.
Rev. Darice Dawson
wrote on February 12, 2026:
Janet was a very intelligent, kind woman. I’m so thankful for her influence through Free Theater.
Nancy Dillen
from Melbourne, FL wrote on February 11, 2026:
I was so sorry to hear about Janet's passing. I got to know her just a few years ago. She was a beaming bright light in my world. I thoroughly enjoyed all of times I was able to be around her, our conversations and her enthusiasm for learning. The plays she directed were the thought provoking and presented to our community with an alternative form or entertainment. I just hope that her educational spark she started in Brevard will continue through the Free Theater of Brevard. I will always value her friendship and contribution to our small place in the world.
Born on September 24, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania