Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Janet Elaine Allyn

Janet Allyn Obituary

Janet Elaine ALLYN Janet Elaine Allyn, 67 (aka Sammons, aka Hansard) passed away peacefully in the company of friends & family on January 28, 2011 at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA, of complications following hip replacement surgery after battling Lewy Body Disease for several years. Born in Omaha, NE on January 1, 1944, she grew up in Seattle, where she earned BA and MA degrees in Music Education from UW. She was a performer, director, published composer/arranger and teacher of music to students of all ages. She wrote hundreds of songs for adults and children, including several original children's pageants. She was especially known in the Seattle area for her work with the Bellevue College vocal jazz group, Celebration, directing and performing with them locally and on international tours to Australia and Mexico. She was also known throughout the barbershop singing community for her brilliant arrangements and stunning lead vocals with the a capella quartet The Sound Tracks, with David Hansard and Skip & Shirley Daniel. In later years she moved to CA before settling in Phoenix, AZ with family, where she continued directing and teaching music in churches & schools. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Hansard and Michelle Dockrey, her brother Duane Sammons and sister Carol Davis, and her many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A celebration of Janet's life will be held in the Carlson Theater at Bellevue College on Saturday, March 26 at 2:00pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Allyn

15 Entries

CynDee J Aerts

February 1, 2025

Janet was a dear friend, mentor, supporter and encourager. She had the voice of an Aegean shared itcwuth the world.

David Studeman

March 11, 2023

I remember meeting Janet in September of 1980 at Bellevue College as one of my music teachers. Having her as a teacher and a mentor was positive and I still can't believe the resumes of some of the staff. Before I ever met her, I did not know that her and the group she was in sang a lot of local jingles. The line, "the best things happen at Jafco" was her singing. As far as the staff, she was a part of the power trio Herself, Harley Brumbaugh and Dale Gleason. She was very vital to the function of the music department.

Janet's midterms were a breath of fresh air with coffee teas and pastries designed to make us feel comfortable rather than intimidated. In those days, from the standpoint of a 21 year old me, she was a very lovely and youthful person. At first I thought her daughter Cindy was her sister. I will never forget her demeanor and voice. This is awfully late to give my remembrances, I had no idea.

CynDee Aerts

March 3, 2012

It's been a year, dearest. The program from your memorial celebration remains on my mirror. I see your face first thing in the morning. Your imprint on my life is forever. You'll always be in my heart.

Jeff Bradley

June 30, 2011

Janet, you were my teacher, musical mentor and coach, and my friend. You always made time for me, always encouraged me, always made me feel special. I will never forget our performances together, and our crazy adventures in Mexico! Or the time you had to play one of my compositions in a performance, which I had written in C#! (The worst key imaginable for piano!) You played it without complaint. (Well, maybe just a little complaining... ;) I'm sorry I lost touch with you these past years. I've only just heard of your passing. I always thought I would see you again, and somehow I still believe that. :) I will never forget you Janet. Thank you for blessing my life. Until we meet again...

Jason Kelley

March 26, 2011

My aunt was an amazing person...after her memorial today - I realize more just how amazing she was...I miss her.

Mike Hatch

March 26, 2011

I grew up next door to Janet, Skip & Shirley are my parents. How well I remember them practicing long into the night in the kitchen obove my bedroom. I still know every song on the Sound Tracks album by heart. I used to love going over to their house to play on Janet's keyboards and make strange UFO sounds on her synthesizer. Their big cat Breezer used to fight outside my window at 2am, and they had a mean black cat (can't remember the name - Leia?) that would scratch you as you walked by.

nancy Manseth

March 16, 2011

March 16, 2011
As a member of Vocalmotion, I will always think of Janet with a smile on my face and a melody in my heart. She truly brought our music alive with her many talents. You will be mised, Janet, by all of us and any of those who's lives you've touched.

beverly drury

March 3, 2011

The gals of Vocalmotion will never forget Janet. We loved her energy, her talent, her love for people and we were so grateful for her direction "launching" Vocalmotion. She will truly be missed and I want to extend my sympathy to her family. May it comfort you to remember how truly Janet was loved and admired by all who knew her.

February 17, 2011

Janet Hansard, as we knew her in Vocalmotion, was "a true Gift". She was inspirational, talented beyond anything I had ever experienced, motivational and beautiful inside and out. I remember the time she roller skated off stage & fell & broke her wrist & walked right over to the piano with a smile & played as if nothing had happened..."Showmanship" at it's best! And when she sang, it was the voice of an angel. Everyone in Vocalmotion was sad when she decided to pack up her life and move to the bigger arena of show business in California~I'm sorry I lost track of her after that. All I knew was that where ever Janet was, they were very lucky to have her! My sympathy to her family for their loss~We will all miss you Janet!

Sharon Dykstra Marquardt [email protected]

CynDee Aerts

February 16, 2011

Janet was a true mentor to me for years. She was positive and instructive, always giving the best she had. She had endured many hardships and much pain in her life, and yet she maintained an attitude of acceptance and forgiveness. I have a deep appreciation and love for her...I still use some of her arrangements with my students!

Jay Kelley

February 12, 2011

Many years ago, Janet was my sister-in-law. It is sad that she is gone. I am hoping that someone somewhere has some video of her singing that they can upload to youtube, so that we can see her pretty face and once again hear her wonderful singing voice.

Janet with friends

Cindy Hansard

February 11, 2011

February 9, 2011

Janet was also the director for Vocalmotion, a Bellevue women's musical ensemble that performed around the Seattle area for many years. She was a friend to all of us and arranged much of our repetoire. She was inspirational, creative and generous. I wish to extend my sympathy to her family and acknowledge the contribution she made to so many with her talents and positive energy. Kay Scharr

Nancy Pasternak

February 6, 2011

I did not know Janet, but wish I did. She must have been a joy to know. I should have allowed my former message to be put on Facebook, so I will now. She touched the lives of so many, inspiring their love for and participation in musical activities. To continue her legacy, I'd like to ask if any of her musical colleagues are interested and available to audition for a position developing a glee club at Sage Ridge school in Reno, NV, please contact me at [email protected]

Nancy Pasternak

February 6, 2011

Janet sounds like such a talented and loveable person. I send my sympathies to her friends and family. I would like to contact a fellow musician of hers who might be available to interview for a position developing a Glee Club at the Sage Ridge school in Reno, NV. [email protected]

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results