Janet Kulick

Janet Kulick, age 89, of New Providence, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025.

Born Sara Janet Fishman on May 24, 1936, in New York, NY, she was the beloved daughter of Abraham and Rosabel Fishman. Raised in Mount Vernon, Janet graduated from A.B. Davis High School before continuing her education at Ohio State University and Newark State (now Kean University). She later earned her Master's degree in Library Science and Elementary Education from Rutgers University, embodying a lifelong passion for learning.

Janet married the love of her life, Richard Kulick, with whom she shared a devoted marriage until his passing in 1996.

After residing in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Connecticut from 1956 to 1966, Janet and her family settled in New Jersey, where she spent the rest of her life-first in Warren, then Basking Ridge, and most recently in New Providence.

Janet served as a Librarian and Media Specialist for the Piscataway Board of Education from 1973 until her retirement in 2006. In this role, she inspired generations of students with her love of books, learning, and discovery.

She was a founding member of Temple Har Shalom in Warren and an active participant in the Chai Center for Jewish Life in Watchung. Her commitment to Jewish education, Torah study, Zionism, and community life was a defining part of who she was.

Among her many joys in life, Janet loved reading, poetry, book groups, and word puzzles. She was an enthusiastic baker-famous for her lace cookies and mandel bread-and a dedicated walker who proudly completed five New York City Marathons. She found happiness in the company of her family and friends, time with animals, and exploring the world of ideas and faith.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Richard Kulick in 1996, her father, Abraham Fishman, in 1990, her mother, Rosabel Fishman, in 1977, her brother, Ernest Fishman, in 2016, and her daughter, Lisa Kulick Aidan, in 2019.

Janet is survived by her children, Rob Kulick and Karen Kulick Schack, son-in-laws David Schack and Albert Aidan, and by her four grandchildren, Emilie-Rose Aidan, Alex Kulick, Rachel (Schack) Shangle and her husband James Shangle, and Aaron Schack.

A beloved mother and grandmother, Janet leaves behind a legacy of compassion, intellect, and spirited curiosity. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Chai Center for Jewish Life, 20 Shawnee Drive, Suite C, Watchung, NJ 07069

Young Judaea at donate.youngjudaea.org