Janet Klein, Philadelphia preservationist and noted philanthropist, dies at 96

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia native and noted philanthropist Janet Klein has died at the age of 96.

Klein dedicated much of her life to the preservation of local history.

She was involved in the Fairmount Park Commission and the Philadelphia Historical Commission.

Her husband, Lewis Klein, was a broadcast pioneer and a longtime Temple instructor who was instrumental in creating the Action News format.

"Janet was one of the finest and most inspirational people I have ever known. She committed herself to public service and always did it with kindness, and empathy, and a smile," said David Boardman, the dean of Temple's Klein College of Media and Communication.

Over the last decade, she was the final stage of Klein graduations and guided students through her tassel turning.