Janet Linder Simpson, age 93 of Ada passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William D. Simpson MD; parents, Torsten and Gotha Linder; and brother, David Linder. She is survived by her three children, Melinda (Steve) Wunder, Kristin (Craig) Gietzen, and Dan Simpson; 7 grandchildren, Jacob (Lauren Jenkins) Pettinga, Zach Pettinga, Nicholas Pettinga, Kirk (Kaitlyn) Pettinga, Sarah Platt, Cork Gietzen, and Cashel Gietzen; and 5 great-grandchildren, Malcolm, Ellie and Esther Pettinga, Lachlan and Charlotte Platt.
Janet was born and raised in Chicago, IL until her family relocated to Sawyer, MI when she was in high school. Janet received her BA from MSU in speech and drama, and her MA in television from UofM. She was involved in theater throughout her life. Janet appeared in many productions including a television broadcast of Cinderella on CBS in 1957, the film Hardcore in 1979, and local performances at Grand Rapids Civic Theater.
Janet enjoyed a long and fulfilling teaching career. As a faculty member of Grand Rapids Community College and Kendall College of Art and Design she touched many lives. Among Janet’s fondest memories was directing many GRCC student productions at Spectrum Theater.
Janet will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family will be honoring her life privately. Memorial contributions can be made to Grand Rapids Civic Theater, 30 N. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or the Kent County Humane Society, 3077 Wilson Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.