Janet J. Bhuyan

Janet J. Bhuyan, 90, of Kalamazoo, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023. She was born October 31, 1932, in Ypsilanti, MI, the daughter of Duane and Madelyn (Staebler) Bastian. She grew up with her four siblings in a lively home built by her father. During WWII, Janet worked at the Willow Run Airplane Factory as a secretary.  Janet attended Washtenaw Community College, then graduated with her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she met her husband of 68 years, Bijoy.

She went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from Western Michigan University. Janet was instrumental in bringing yoga to the Kalamazoo community and started yoga programs at both the YWCA and YMCA. She was beloved by her students, many of whom she kept in touch with for years. Along with her passion for yoga, she loved writing and reading. She belonged to a poetry group and had poems published, some of them award-winning. She also wrote a book of memoirs about her time living in India when first married. She was an avid gardener and world traveler, visiting India (several times by ship), Spain, Costa Rica, England, Canada and Africa. Closer to home, Janet loved tent camping with her family. She also adored dogs and adopted 4 over her lifetime. Janet was a woman before her time, embracing yoga, feminism, and Birkenstocks before they were popular.

Janet is survived by Bijoy Bhuyan. She is also survived by two children, Shanti (Angie) Bhuyan and Leela (Brian) Bhuyan-Duncan; two grandchildren, Cali (Neil) Brady and Connor Duncan; four siblings, Patricia, Duane, Neil, and Alan. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be interred at Cherry Hill Cemetery in Ypsilanti.  A memorial service will take place in the summer. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kalamazoo YWCA or the Alzheimer’s Association.

While visiting Janet’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family.

The Bhuyan family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI. (269) 344-5600.