Janet Sanders

Janet Sanders passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Janet was born May 17, 1938, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her parents were Dr. Martin David Kushner and Helen Genel Kushner. When Janet was six years old, her mother, Helen, passed away. Martin’s second wife, Catherine, became Janet’s stepmother, and the woman who she credits with raising her. She attended Harcum County Junior College and studied education. She married her high school sweetheart, Steven Bookbinder, and they had two children, Richard and Helene. After about nine years of marriage, Steven and Janet divorced. While attending synagogue, Janet met Rabbi Ted Sanders, and they became true soulmates. They married in 1977, and the rabbi was offered a new opportunity to become the rabbi of Congregation Shaar Hashalom in Clear Lake, so the whole family moved to Texas. A dedicated rebbetzin (rabbi’s wife), Janet also became a pre-school teacher for the Bertha Alyce Center of the Jewish Community Center. She taught for over 25 years. She loved young children, and was beloved by students, parents and colleagues. She formed a family-like bond with the other teachers at Bertha Alyce. Even with the busy life of a rebbetzin and teacher, Janet was 100% devoted to her two children. She was passionate about wanting to give them the best life possible. She was always there for both of them. She accepted the many challenges her children had as teenagers and adults and was supportive of them no matter what was happening in their lives. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Martin, Helen and Catherine Kushner; her brother, Joseph Kushner; her husband, Rabbi Ted Sanders; her former husband, Steven Bookbinder, and her son, Richard Bookbinder. She is survived by her brother, David Kushner, and her son, Philip Sanders (nee Helene Bookbinder). Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/), Temple Beth Torah (http://www.temple-beth-torah.org/giving/), or a charity of your choosing. A graveside service was held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Beth Jacob Cemetery, 2300 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston, TX 77047.

Janet Sanders

May 17, 1938 - December 14, 2024