Catherine Coke (OK) passed away February 18, 2024.  Catherine was currently serving as the Oklahoma State President.  She served with grace and devotion to OFMC during a time of transition.  OFMC & NFMC lost a dedicated and talented member.  Cards of condolence can be sent to 2304 Las Brisas, Altus, OK 73521.

Dr. Gene Vollen (KS) passed away February 11, 2024.  Dr. Vollen served on the NFMC Board of Directors and also in various regional chairmanship positions.  Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 311 S Olive, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Doris Whinery (OK) passed away January 13, 2024.  She was a life member of the National Federation of Music Club, held many offices and was the second recipient of  the NFMC Lifetime Achievement Award.  Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 4200 E Cedar Ln. Rd., Noble, OK 73068.

Margaret Ulmer (SC) passed away August 23, 2023.  Margaret was very active in South Carolina and NFMC.  She served as the NFMC Mayfield Opera Chair for many years.  Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 24 La Vista Court, Greenville, SC 29601.  

Mary Thomason (TX) passed away July 14, 2023.  Mary was a strong supporter of Texas Federation of Music Clubs, holding several positions.  Mary served as Junior Keynotes Editor for the National Federation of Music Clubs.  Most recently she was serving on the Public Relations Committee.  Cards of condolence can be sent to PO Box 863, Boerne, TX 78006.

Ann Kay (MS) passed away April 29, 2023.  In addition to serving as president of the Mississippi Federation of Music Clubs, Ann served NFMC as chair of the American Women Composers, Insignia and Southeastern Region American Music Chair.  She was most recently designated to serve as the board representative for Mississippi Federation of Music Clubs.  Ann was also a Rose Fay Thomas Fellow.  We will miss Ann’s enthusiasm and support of NFMC>  Ann leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Harold, with whom she met in second grade.  Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 2538 Northplace Dr, Tupelo, MS 38804.

Ernest Grilk (AR) passed away February 9, 2022.  Ernest was a strong supporter of NFMC.  He served on the Sergeant-at-Arms committee at many conferences.  He served as president of his local music club.  To show his support to NFMC he became a Rose Fay Thomas Fellow 2005.  Cards of condolence to be sent to his family at 14 Laurence Kirk Pl, Bella Vista, AR 72715.

Elizabeth Paris (KY) passed away October 8, 2021. Elizabeth was elected as the thirtieth President of NFMC at the 2003 Convention held in Nashville, Tennessee and she served until 2007. Elizabeth was very supportive of the blind and handicapped, often making considerable donations to support NFMC disability programs. She always remained as an anonymous donor. This is a testament to her selfless giving without recognition. She truly loved helping those in need.

During Elizabeth’s term as president she worked to create a PSA to bring awareness of NFMC, commissioned the piece “We Sing” and attended every National Music Council meeting in New York, including the Eagle Awards. She visited several states, sometimes multiple times, to bring NFMC news and raise awareness of projects.

Elizabeth leaves us with a legacy of service to NFMC and many other organizations. She worked with the blind and visually impaired in various ways. By establishing the Betty Jane Butler Scholarship at the Indiana School for the Blind and working with her local library to record books for the blind she has created opportunities for deserving individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 11447 Mirage Lane, Frisco, TX 75033.

Francis Christmann (TX) passed away November 12, 2020.  Francis joined the Federation of Music Clubs in 1954 and became a Life Member. She served in many leadership roles in Texas Federation of Music Clubs, including President of the Allegro and Lubbock music clubs, State District President and, for ten years, Chairman of the State Young Artist Audition Committee.

She was also a life member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, and became a Rose Fay Thomas charter member. Her service to the National Federation includes, Texas Representative to the National Federation, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Council of State Presidents, Education Chairman, Protocol Vice President, Young Artist Committee, Ellis Duo-Piano Audition Chair, Publications Committee, Artist Presentation Committee, 1991 Nominating Committee, Chair of the Young Artist Audition for Woman’s Voice, the NMFC Centennial Committee, Vice President for the Central Region, multiple planning committees for national conventions, Chairman for Public Relations, Competition and Awards Chairman, Member of the NFMC Board of Directors, National Executive Committee, Finance Chair and Office Chairman.

On September 28, 2002, Francis produced the first of three concerts for NFMC Young Artists at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Nannette Hanslowe (NJ) passed away August 22, 2020.  Nannette was very active in NFMC before retiring.  She had a passion for piano and singing.  Thus, leading her to serve as the NFMC Young Artist Chair and Opera Chair.

Virginia Chambers (AL) passed away August 15, 2020.  Virginia served as president of the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs from 1989 -1991.  Virginia remained active through her senior club, Shades Valley Music Club.

Elizabeth Wiegand, (IN), passed away August 23, 2019.  Elizabeth was a member of NFMC for several years and endowed an award – The Elizabeth Weigand Award of the Faiths.  Cards of condolence can be sent to 7421 W Johnson Road, Michigan City, IN 46360

Bob Carroll, Illinois, passed away July 19, 2019.  Bob most recently served on the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee.  Bob attended many meetings with his wife Shirley, who survives.  Cards of condolence can be sent to Shirley at Evenglow Lodge, #416, 215 E Washington St, Pontiac, IL 61764

Toni Winter passed away December 19.  Toni served many years as the NFMC United Nations Representative.  She also served as Northeastern Region Vice President.

Gayle Baker passed away December 6.  Gayle served as president of Alabama from 2009 to 2011.

Stephen Varney (CA) passed away February 24.  Stephen, along with Naomi Sanchez, was the 2005 Ellis Duo Competition winner.  Stephen and Naomi married on December 23, 2018, just two months ago.  Stephen conducted the NFMC American Festival Chorus at the annual meetings from 2011 to 2014.  In addition, Stephen chaired the Beyer Composition Award from 2011 to 2016 and served as Board Representative for the California Federation of Music Clubs.  Most recently, Stephen and Naomi judged the 2019 Ellis Duo Competition, just one week ago.  The service information is incomplete at this time and will be posted on the NFMC website once received.  Cards of condolence can be sent to Naomi Sanchez at 671 Ashbury St, San Francisco, CA 94117.

Gus Paris (KY), husband of Past National President Elizabeth Paris, passed away January 11.  Gus was a life member and a great supporter of NFMC.  Services are currently unplanned.  Cards of condolence can be sent Elizabeth at 10588 Legacy Dr, Apt 120, Frisco, TX 75033.

Pauline Elizabeth “Polly” Parsons Hellams (SC), 81, died Wednesday, January 9.  Polly was a member of the Fountain Inn Music Club with 40 years of perfect attendance, serving in leadership roles at both the local and state levels.

Mary Kathryn (Penrod) Gwynne (OH), 92, passed away Monday, January 7.  She was a member and Past President of the Alliance Music Study Club, Past Vice President of Ohio Federation of Music Clubs, a Life Member in National and Ohio Federation of Music Clubs and she organized Junior Music Clubs in Alliance.

Shirley Christensen (OR) passed away November 6.  Shirley was a past president of the Oregon Federation of Music Clubs.  She served as a Representative to the NFMC Board of Directors and many other positions.  She was also a Rose Fay Thomas Fellow.

Toni Intravia (IL) passed away April 25 at the age of 95 and a half.   She was a wonderful lady who  served our federation faithfully as Illinois IFMC state treasurer starting in 1964 until now..54 years!.  A truly remarkable woman, talented dancer and teacher.  She taught her last dance class on April 1, 2018.   Her book “And We Have Danced” is in the third edition.

Janet Loring (PA) passed away April 18.  In 1968, Janet became a member of Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs (PFMC) Board of Directors and held many positions, including president.  She was a recipient of The Keystone Salute, PFMC’s highest honor, and a Presidential Citation, in addition to being elected an Honorary Member by the Board of Directors.  Janet was very active in the National Federation of Music Clubs, representing PFMC on the national Board of Directors for 8 years and later serving as Vice-President of the Northeastern Region.  In addition to offering her service on several committees during her years of involvement, she coordinated the annual Federation Week at Chautauqua Institute for many years. In 1988, she was made a Life Member of the National Federation of Music Clubs.  Cards of condolence can be sent to Dr. Richard Loring and family, 406 W. 7th St., Oil City, PA 16301-3040.

Lois Tamplin (PA) passed away April 19.  Lois was an active member and former president of the Sharon Music Club, she also served as Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs president and was the state federation’s representative on the National Federation of Music Clubs Board of Directors. For 15 years, she served as representative to the Chautauqua Institute Summer Music Festival for which she received a commendation in 2017.  Cards of condolence can be sent to her brother, Dr John Tamplin, 4765 Scott Dr, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Richard Lind (VA), life member and husband of Junior Division Chair Linda Lind, passed away March 1.  Many of you will remember that Richard recently served as Sergeant-at-Arms Chair.  Richard was a wonderful guy, always willing to help out.  Services will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced later.  Cards of condolence can be sent to Linda and family at 8905 Longmead Ct, Burke, VA 22015.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation,  National Capitol Area, 7700 Leesburg Pike, #208, Falls Church, VA 22043

Barbara Laybourn (ND), of Fort Collins, CO, passed away at the age of 94 on January 24^th.  Barbara was a past president of the North Dakota Federation and a Aspen representative.

Eleanor Duke Avant, of Summerville, SC, passed away at the age of 90 on February 2^nd. Eleanor attended Columbia College where she became a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and received a BS Degree in Music. She later received a Master’s Degree in Education from Duke University.

Eleanor taught music in the public schools for 37 years. Eleanor was active in the South Carolina and the National Federations of Music Clubs. She was a long-time member of the Eau Claire Music Club of Columbia and served in many positions including President for three terms and Secretary for one term. She was active on the state level, serving in many capacities including Convention Chairman twice and State President. She also held several positions in the National Organization including Southeastern Chairman of the Thelma A. Robinson Award in Ballet, Southeastern Chairman of American Music and National Chairman of American Women Composers as well as the being a member of the Public Relations committee during the term of Lana Bailey.

Betty Hall, Texas, passed away January 11.  Betty was Competitions and Awards Chair when it was called Scholarships and Awards.  It was during her time that NFMC changed the name because we kept getting lots of requests for college scholarship/tuition money.  It was sort of a joke that Betty had that we would charge people every time they used the word “scholarship” until they quit using that term.  She served as Competitions Chair for 8 years and then served the national level as Valentin Violin Award Chair.  On the state level she was club and district President and State President.  She was very involved and active in the promotion of IPFAC (Opera in the Ozarks) and attended faithfully for many, many years.  A Memorial Service is scheduled for February 17.  Memorials may be made to Euterpian Music Club of Fort Worth, Texas Federation of Music Clubs or Opera in the Ozarks.

Wishes for a speedy recovery are sent to Carole Flatau, NFMC Together We Sing Chair.  Carole is recovering from a broken hip.  Carole broke her hip just two days shy of her birthday.  Cards of encouragement can be sent to her home – 453 3^rd Ave NW, Valley City ND 58072.

Stephanie Westerfield  (MI) passed away November 13, 2017.    Stephanie was a dedicated supporter and servant of the National Federation of Music Clubs at all levels.  She served as the Michigan representative to NFMC for many years, was a past president of MFMC, and also of her local club, Lansing Matinee Musicale.  She is referred to as a walking encyclopedia by her state.  Services for Stephanie are Friday, November 17.  Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 4775 Village Drive, Apt 213, Grand Ledge, MI 48817.

Dr. Virginia Uldrick (SC) passed away November 15, 2017.  Dr. Uldrick was a life member with NFMC and received a Presidential Citation in 2013.  Dr. Uldrick’s accomplishments are quite lengthy, but include founding the Greenville Fine Arts Center and the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.  Services are incomplete at this time.  Cards of condolence can be sent to PO Box 26886, Greenville, SC 29615.

Sophie Albrecht (OH) passed away September 14, 2017.  Sophie was a life member and founding member of the Rose Fay Thomas Fellows.  She served as Northeastern Region Vice President, Office Chair and many other positions.  Her devotion to NFMC and music will be missed by many.  Cards of sympathy can be sent to her daughter Debbie Somerville, 4522 Natural Trail, New Albany, OH 43054.

Jan Hansen’s husband, Larry Hansen, passed away on February 28th.  Jan Hansen is a member of the Colorado Federation of Music Clubs and is the Essay Chairman for the North Central, South Central and Western Regions.  Cards of condolence 101 Rio Mesa Dr., Grants Pass, OR 97527.

Virginia Queen (AR) passed away March 29, 2017.  She was a long time Federation member who served as Past President of the Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs.  She was a Life Member, Rose Fay Thomas Fellow, and NFMC Founder’s Day Chairman during Ouida Keck’s term as President.  A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 6, at 10 a.m., at Parkway Village Chapel.

Tenney Miller (MI) passed away January 16. Tenney served as President of the Michigan Federation of Music Clubs and Monday Musical Club. She held many other positions on the local, state and national level. Tenney was an advocate for our juniors members and National Music Week. We will miss her generosity and dedication to MFMC and NFMC.

Services will be at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home and Chapel, 2560 Niles Rd, St Joseph, MI, 49085 on Saturday January 21, 2016 from 2-3 PM with services at 3 PM. Cards of condolence can be sent to the family at 2532 Dover Lane, St Joseph, MI 49085.