Janet Gretta Stimson

Janet passed away peacefully on November 19, 2019 at her home in Shoreline WA. She was born on August 26, 1949, the eldest daughter of Thomas David Stimson and Grettabelle Stimson. Janet attended St. Nicholas School and the University of Washington before becoming a member of the Equity Actors' Association and performing in theaters throughout the West Coast. A few of her definitive roles performed locally include: Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady, Vera Claythorne in Ten Little Indians, Polly Peacham in Three Penny Opera, and Ado Annie in Oklahoma, at the Cirque Theater, Tacoma Actors Guild, Skid Road Theater, and Sound Expression Theater respectively. Upon the birth of her son, Stimson Snead, she retired from performing but continued her artistic career composing songs and musicals, and writing and illustrating children's books. She completed seven musicals, five song cycles and three children's books, samples of which can be heard on her website stimsonbookandsong.com. She was a loving mother and aunt, and beloved to her family, friends, and artistic collaborators. She will be deeply missed by her surviving sister and brother, and her son.

She was laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery beside her father and mother.

Her memorial service will be held

at St. Luke Parish in Shoreline

on January 10th at 5:30pm.

Remembrances may be donated in Janet's name to St. Luke Parish in Shoreline.

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 8, 2019.

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Richard Curry

January 9, 2020

I met Janet as a church soloist and section leader, and we did a duet by Camille Saint Saens, plus some selections from Messiah there. Later i recall we collaborated in a quartet of singer dancers on an auld number called "Steam Heat". Also we were movie extras on at least 4 hour (2 night) ABC Circle TV mini-series about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and then Eleanor and Franklin (i am sure Janet was in that latter filming, and i think her mom, Gretta Belle was in on that one, too. There was hours in the hot sun in period clothing as "Black Jack" Bouvier drove repeatedly up in his Auburn Boattail car to meet Jacquie (played by Jacklyn Smith of Charlies Angels, but i think the child Jacquie on horseback must have been a child stunt double).

Brother David Stimson helped me pick out my graduation suit for Cornish. Stroll dance party at cousin Arthur Dunn's house. Attended both Janet and sister's weddings. Later met Janet's son at a quiet New Years Eve party at another cousin's house. He was maybe 10 or 12 and very knowledgeable about Furby animated dolls that communicated with infrared light. So the last time i saw Janet was she came to sing with some of us Cornish alums, etc. at an open mic on Broadway in Seattle. Last few times we talked by phone or email she said she was working on childrens' books and music projects.
I got news of this via group email from sister Debbie. I think of my memories of Janet and her family with fondness and amusement. I plan to quietly light a candle and meditate with gratitude on the idea of the miracle of her life.

Ashley Webster

December 13, 2019

I met Janet in 2012 when she saw my flier for piano services. She gave me a chance as a young musician, and I learned so much through making great music with her. I am forever honored by having helped create her musicals The Little Prince and Canterville Ghost, and song singles including Angels on the Earth, Boy From Two Farms Over, and Seattle Soul. Our musical camaraderie turned into a friendship I will treasure and miss very much. I spent alot of time at her house spending special dinner times there, working on Sibelius, and even baking, my boyfriend often accompanying me. Its been hard saying goodbye, but I have a lot of fond memories and will always admire her passion for beautiful and meaningful music that reaches out and touches people's souls.

Carol Solle

December 12, 2019

I will miss seeing Janet tending to her plants and sharing pictures of the wildlife in her backyard.

December 8, 2019

Will be forever enhanced and enchanted by this unique and exquisite lady and my adoring friendship since childhood. 70 years of a charmed, gifted life is something to celebrate, yet Janet's too-early-passing is
beyond sad. My profoundest sympathy to
Janet's family and other friends.
Greatest love to Janet forever from Christopher

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