December 24, 1939 – April 15, 2025

Janet Hayford passed away on April 15, 2025, at her home in Grass Valley, California. Born on December 24, 1939, in Fairbanks, Alaska, she spent her youth in Seattle before settling in California.

Janet was a dedicated P.E. and science teacher at Nevada Union High School. After school and during summers, she worked tirelessly on her property. The centerpiece of her homestead was a beautiful swimming pool with a large deck that she generously shared with the community.

She was independent, strong-willed, and often private, with a dry sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She famously signed her holiday cards “Jannut” and enjoyed the occasional out-of-town trip for her favorite cioppino. Janet had a deep love for animals and provided a loving home for many cats and dogs over the years.

She is preceded in death by her partner, Victoria Barrat, and survived by her sister, Judy Lange; nieces Gerda Bolton and Vreli Dion; Vreli’s husband, Joe Dion; and their children, Marianna and Cooper Dion.

Janet will be remembered for her fierce spirit, generosity, and the meaningful life she created on her own terms.