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BORN
1941
DIED
2016
Signe Toly Anderson Obituary
Anderson died Jan. 28 at her home in Beaverton, Oregon. Her daughter, Onateska Ladybug Sherwood Anderson, confirmed the death. She said her mother had chronic obstructive lung disease.
Anderson left the band after its first record and after giving birth to her first child; she was replaced by Grace Slick. Anderson performed live with the band Oct. 15, 1966, for two sets. She offered a farewell to the fans, saying, "I want you all to wear smiles and daisies and box balloons. I love you all."
Anderson, who was born Signe Toly Sept. 15, 1941, in Seattle, was a cancer survivor since her 30s. She died the same day as Paul Kanter, another Airplane founding member. He, too, was 74.
Anderson was married twice, to Jerry Anderson of the Merry Pranksters and to Michael Alois Ettlin, who preceded her in death in 2011. Survivors include two children and three grandchildren.
Memories and Condolences
for Signe Toly Anderson
56 Entries
Jaybird
September 16, 2024
You were beautiful
October 2, 2018
I loved her work on 'Jefferson Airplane Takes Off'. She should have had a BIG career.
Terry Canady
September 30, 2018
Rest in Paradise. Where you are now free to share your angelic voice among the angels. Thank you for blessing us with such amazing, resilient as well as an incredible voice. My god it was beautiful. In all fairness, you really were touched by an angel and kissed by the Lord. By God's Grace.
Pat Kudella
September 30, 2018
That her performance of 'it's no secret' with Marty Balin, one of my repetitive favorites ever!
Joe McArdle
January 11, 2018
RIP, Signe, great singer who gave up her music career for the love of her daughter(s)-an everlasting tribute to you! signed Joe McArdle
Lisanne Mokhtari
September 24, 2016
Signe, I wish I would have had the honor of knowing you! Thank-you for your musical contribution, and for being such a goods friend to the Jefferson airplane!
Justin Landi
August 21, 2016
Your music and influence will live on forever. RIP
Bobbie
May 6, 2016
Signe Anderson was an all around good person who was loved and adored by all who got to know her. Surely such a person is highly valued and very precious in God's eyes. My condolences for your loss!
Evan Woerle
March 28, 2016
Though I am only 21 years old Signe and her music and soaring contralto voice has profoundly effected me more than she could ever know. Though I never knew her personally I know she had one of the best voices to ever come out of the bay area. Say hi to Skippy and maybe you guys could do high flyin bird just one more time. May you forever rest in peace with smiles, daisies and box balloons.
David Gustafson
February 15, 2016
I was watching the Grammy's and noticed the dedications of the great performers who have passed. I seen Signe passed and am so sorry for her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was fortunate to get to know her while she worked at Fred Meyer. I'm a retired meat cutter from Fred Meyer. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed dearly.
Jennifer Herd
February 15, 2016
I met Signe when I started working for McCormick & Schmicks and she was always such a happy person. I knew her for the 14 years I worked there and then saw her when she moved to the beach. RIP friend.
Bill Strange
February 9, 2016
Prayers & Positive Thoughts For Those Affected...You are remembered for your music & an amazing time in history...and so much more...Blessings...and Thank You...
Carolyn McCulloch
February 7, 2016
I first met Signe when I started working for McCormick & Schmick in 1989 at their corporate office in downtown Portland. She was s very good friend to me and will be greatly missed.
February 6, 2016
Deepest condolences to the family of Signe Toly Anderson for your loss. May you find strength from the love of family,friends and God
Mary & Marge Luizzi
February 5, 2016
My Mom and I met Signe when she and Michael moved into the Duplex on N.E. 45th Street in Portland. We enjoyed dinner's with Signe and I learned so much about plant's. She loved sharing her music with me. She was an amazing women and a fantastic friend. We will miss her. Our thought's and prayers our with you Ladybug. <3
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
February 5, 2016
WE SENDING OUR LOVE,CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW THEM.
Mary Green
February 4, 2016
RIP
Christine Eldred
February 4, 2016
I knew Paul Kantner and Signe died the same day but didn't know Signe lived in my neighborhood the whole time..I might have passed her in the store. If I had seen her I would of told her how much I loved Her voice and work with Jefferson Airplane.RIP
Bobby Brown
February 4, 2016
J Airplane takes off,
never forgot the deb party @ '65. (Tuxedos and floor length dresses)
on Pacific and Broderick where Jeff Plane played for the kids and Ernie Hecksher played for the parents. Signe was the female vocalist and was right on, leaving a lasting impression. Bobby Brown
Dick Mosier
February 3, 2016
We knew Signe through her brother Bud Toly in Portland, enjoyed few evenings together, my future wife and I. Last saw. Her many years ago at Jake's Crawfish Portand. Best to her family.
Ralph Giannini
February 3, 2016
Signe will be remembered in my Prayers. Met her once, what a very nice lady,
Larry Lynn Larsen
February 3, 2016
May the family find peace in the fact that many of us will share the loss.
I always enjoyed that first album from The Airplane and wondered what happened to this magical singer.
RIP Signe. You were a big part of shaping our generation and many that followed after.
Michaela Pizzillo
February 3, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Signe in Cannon Beach. We lived down the street from one another and I was admiring her flowers...she opened the door and said 'Come on in!' Had no idea who she was at the time but what a beautiful lady! Was so blessed to have known her. Sleep with the angels dear one.
February 3, 2016
Words are inadequate to console you at this time but, I pray God's loving arms will surround the family and comfort you during your time of grief.
SJ
old fan
February 3, 2016
RIP. Hug Paul when you see him.
February 3, 2016
We hate to say goodby to such a talented person but that's ok for now. We will meet and celebrate in Paradise. God love and care for you.
February 3, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss.
Sincerely
February 3, 2016
My deepest sympathy to your family during this most difficult time in your lives. May you have strength and comfort.
February 2, 2016
Once again proof that God only takes the best. Signe, I know that you will belt It out in God's choir. RIP
Rachel Shimshak
February 2, 2016
Signe's music and world view made quite an impression on me as a young person. She will be missed.
Debbie Mattson
February 2, 2016
Signe lived next door to my family in SW Portland years ago and she was our babysitter to me and my brother Mike. My parents really enjoyed her! Our sympathy to your family
Paul Francis
February 2, 2016
May you have Eternal Peace!
February 2, 2016
Hi Signe,Wherever you are now,with Paul and Jerry and Pigpen,you must be in one stunner of a band! Sorry you had to leave. See you all on the other side!
B Fortunato
February 2, 2016
RIP
Lou Ann "Lulu" Biscoe
February 2, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Signe's passing. We worked together at the Dandelion Pub in the 70's, she was such fun. I will miss her even though I have not seen her in years-- just knowing that she was in this world with that beautiful voice is comforting.
Tammy Davis
February 2, 2016
My condolence go out to the Anderson family and friends.
Honey Green
February 1, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to this beautiful family. I knew your mama in the 60's as I worked at the Fillmore and knew the band.
Signe was always upbeat and I loved her "little pixie smile". That is what I called it anyway, she was so cute.
Your mama's voice was so vibrant and powerful that her sound soared over the band to the ears of her faithful and loyal fans. Her music was love as she was.
February 1, 2016
F Montag
February 1, 2016
I miss those days and the people who were a part of it. She was a part of a great movement. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
R.I.P. HEAVEN'S GAINED ANOTHER ANGEL.
Lori Corbin
February 1, 2016
Chris Charles
February 1, 2016
A shining star in our livs and will be missed. Thank you for your life and what you gave us all
Adrian Barnette
February 1, 2016
We'll miss you !
Dianne
February 1, 2016
To The Family of Signe Toly Anderson,
I offer my condolences for the loss of your loved one. Yes, I remember and enjoyed Jefferson Airplane. I offer these words of comfort. "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
Donna Borrell
February 1, 2016
smiles, daisies and box balloons...
Scott Chamberland
February 1, 2016
Rest in Peace
Harry Simpson
February 1, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Hudgins Family
February 1, 2016
Our prayers are with the Anderson family, friends and fans of Signe. May the love and affection from family and friends comfort you in this time of grief. But remember God Almighty will give all of you strength, courage and peace during this difficulty period. Cherish the many memories that you have built up over the years and rely on God. Isa. 43: 10, 13
Jill
February 1, 2016
My condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you allow God's words to bring you peace. Matthew 5:4
Wright
February 1, 2016
To the Anderson family, friends, colleagues,and fans. Our heartfelt condolences to all.May all draw close to God now,and he will draw close to you.
February 1, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May the "Peace of God"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such a loss.
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