Joyce Hilary Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

Hilary, Joyce Memorial services for Joyce Hilary, 88, will be 3 PM Sunday, October 8, at Central Lutheran, the church she served as organist for a quarter century. She died September 6 at the Augustana Health Care Center. Mrs. Hilary was a graduate of Cambridge High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. Other metropolitan area churches where she served as organist include Grace Lutheran, Apple Valley, and Peace Presbyterian, St. Louis Park. With her late husband, Frederic Hilary, she shared leadership in the Minneapolis Madrigal Singers and the Frederic Hilary Chorale. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, Ted and Marie Westrom, and one sister, Billie Bestrom. She is survived by two sisters, Jean Miller and Betty Skold; one brother, John Westrom; four nieces and seven nephews. Suggested memorials include the churches named above, Gustavus Adolphus College, or Vocal Essence.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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Joyce Hilary will always have a special place in my heart. I always thrilled at her playing of the organ at Central Lutheran Church. When the service ended and we had finished the sevenfold amen, I would stay and listen to Joyce play. Sometimes, I got goosebumps just listening to the power of her musical talent as she would play something such as Bach’s Tocata and Fuge in D Minor. She was spectacular on the trumpets that the organ had as well. She always seemed to blend the music so...

Denise Gray / nee Adamson

October 05, 2006 | Chanhassen, MN

To all of Joyce's relatives and friends, I send Jerry's and my condolences. Joyce and Fred were an important part of my life beginning with the Minneapolis Madrigal Singers, the Frederic Hilary Chorale, and those fun events at Grace Church. Joyce's willingness to sit at the piano and accompany our joyous sounds at parties gave us all memories we shared and remembered. I hope that all that music Joyce wanted played at her funeral is played at her memorial. Of course, it will be the longest...

Connie De Land

October 03, 2006 | Asheville, NC

I just wanted to express my gratitude for the wonderful example of passion for life and music that Joyce exemplified. I was one of I'm sure many blessed to have Joyce as a piano teacher many years ago. Her life touched mine! Thank you God for the life of Joyce Hilary.

Sam Scott Anderson

September 18, 2006 | Savage, MN

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