Sara Jane Hansen

Forever etched with her impression, Sara Jane Sally Hansens lifelong love of music, the arts, and teaching will be fondly remembered in the many lives she so greatly impacted throughout her teaching and musical career. The community of Muskegon has been left a legacy in the many ways she graciously gave of her time, many talents and contribution towards the betterment and growth of the arts in the area, and to all those who she leaves behind. Sara Janes story began on a cold winter day in 1918 along the shoreline town of Muskegon, Michigan. The U.S. was embattled and in the midst of World War I which caused much hardship, sacrifice and affected every American family. Yet on February 19, 1918, Dr. Raymond and Sara Marie (Jensen) Hornung found reason to celebrate with the birth of a baby girl they named Sara Jane. Sally as she was affectionately called, grew up as an only child on Lakeshore Drive. Her father supported the family as a local dentist in the area while her mother stayed home to care for her and their household. Life growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Muskegon Lake offered much throughout Sallys childhood and formative years. The family lived near Nims School where Sally received her early education. It was here that she developed what would become a long musical career when at ten years old, she joined a violin class. When Sallys father moved his dental practice to Cadillac, Michigan, Sally became musically involved there as well. She played the cello with the orchestra, the drums with the band, and sang in the school choir. Having graduated with the class of 1936, Sallys talents earned her a full scholarship to Albion College where she continued to play her cello and sing. In 1940, Sally began her career in Cassopolis, Michigan teaching music at the elementary, junior high and high school levels, later moving on to Allegan, Michigan. With a desire to further her musical studies, she stopped teaching for a time to earn her Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Chicago Musical College. While living in Chicago, she sang four seasons with the Chicago Lyric Opera Company and it was during this time that she was often invited as a guest soloist in many communities. Following her graduation from Chicago Musical College, Sally moved on to Grinnell College in Iowa where she began teaching voice and music education. A turning point came for Sally when in 1949 The Muskegon Cosmopolitan Chorus invited Sally back to her hometown to be their guest artist. It was then that the course of Sallys life as she knew it took on new meaning when she met a gentleman by the name of Harold Andrew Hansen who was a member of the chorus, better known as the Cosmops. Quite taken with Sally, the two developed a lasting friendship that over time, turned into love. In 1952, Andrew asked Sally if she would consider giving up her career to return to Muskegon and become his wife. Without hesitating, plans were underway and they were united in marriage on June 8, 1952 in Grinnell, Iowa, spending their honeymoon in Canada. Returning to Muskegon, Sally joined the Christian Science Church where she served in many capacities including soloist, Sunday school teacher, Second Reader and also on the board. She became involved in the community with the Muskegon Womans Club, was active with the YMCA, and took part in the Civic Opera. She also joined the Questers Group and took an active role with the Arts Council. Her love for teaching continued at North Muskegon Public Schools where she taught music and established the Suzuki Violin Program at the elementary level. She for many years played with the West Shore Symphony, as well as serving as their librarian. Sally and Andrew were avid supporters of the West Michigan Concert WINDS, Camerata Singers, the Cosmops, Muskegon Community Concerts, the West Shore Symphony, Beardsley Theater productions, the Organ Guild, Blue Lake Public Radio, and the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. They supported just about every local organization or attended every local event that included music. A wonderful couple, Sally and Andrew were welcome and talented members in all the groups they participated. As a couple, Sally and Andrew made their home and life together in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon where they both enjoyed keeping a beautiful garden. Following Andrews death in 1999, Sally continued on, remaining involved in the activities and organizations that she and Andrew had always enjoyed and held dear. Although the years began to take a toll on her physically, Sally remained sharp as ever. Eventually needing more care, she later moved into an assisted living facility where she found herself to be quite happy and content. At the age of 91, Sara Jane Sally Hansen passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. She is survived by her second cousins and special friends, C. Thomas Hamel and family, Katy Neumann and family, and Walter Swarthout and family; a host of dear friends, including her neighbors and caregivers at Chestnut Fields Assisted Living. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 1:00 PM at First Church of Christ Scientist, 280 W. Muskegon at Third Street in downtown Muskegon with Reader Katy Neumann officiating. MEMORIAL: Muskegon Community Foundation-H. Andrew and Sara Jane Hansen Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or to sign her online guest book.