Lillian JoAnn Tucker
Lillian JoAnn Mureen Tucker ('Songbird'), 86, went to be home with the Lord in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, August 12, 2016. A sudden loss for loved ones, yet no doubt joyous for Lillian whose faith in her Savior ran deep.
Lillian was born in Galesburg, Illinois on July 11, 1930, to Elof Waldemere and Florence Ruth (Adams) Mureen. She grew up in Galesburg and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1948. She attended Knox College, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. On December 1, 1951 she married Hayes Zelotes Tucker Jr. in Monmouth, Illinois, and they made their first home in Galesburg.
Lillian was an accomplished vocalist, soloist, teacher, and Director of Music leaving a legacy of musical beauty in her places of residence: namely hometown Galesburg, Springfield, MO, Frankfort, MI, and Macomb, IL. She began singing when she was 4 years old and performed her first Italian aria at the age of 10. During her high school years, she studied under Prof. Tom Williams, Director of Music at Knox College, as his first high school student. She had a weekly Sunday afternoon music radio program on WGIL, Galesburg. She performed as soloist with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, with Springfield Little Theatre and Civic Aires, with Missouri State University, and at Congregational Summer Assembly on Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Michigan. For over 25 years she taught private piano and voice lessons, directed was a voice professor/instructor at Knox College and Carl Sandburg College, and served as Choir Director at First Christian Church in Macomb and Director of Music at Central Congregational Church of Galesburg. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Galesburg.
She is survived by son Paul Hayes Tucker; daughters Lynn Eileen Tucker Smith (Reed), and Holly Susan Tucker White (Michael); five grandchildren: Samuel Paul Tucker, Karl Tucker Benson, Ebba Joo Benson, Jacob Hayes Schneider, and Benjamin Dennis Schneider; brother, Howard Frederick Mureen; seven nieces and nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by parents, Elof and Ruth Mureen, sister, Virginia Ruth (Mureen) Luvall, and brother, Robert Wayne Mureen.
Services will be held on September 4, 2016 at 1 PM in the Chapel of the Lyngblomsten Care Center, 1415 Almond Ave. W., St. Paul, Minnesota. At a future date, inurnment will take place in the Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.
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5 Entries
I am sorry to learn of Lillian's passing. I remember her fondly from Central Congregational Church. May God bless your family at this time.
Debbie Phillips
September 8, 2016
Sorry for your loss of your loved one.May the God of all peace and comfort ,comfort you in these difficult time.
September 6, 2016
Thinking of you & your family with love and prayers. Drina Cushman Hedgpeth
Drina Cushman Hedgpeth
September 3, 2016
So sad to hear of Lillian's passing. She and I worked at Central Congregational church and became very good friends. We were in Galesburg Community Chorus .... Every Monday night for many years. So many lovely memories. I miss you dear friend.
Diana Dress
September 2, 2016
Lynn and Holly - I am so sorry for your loss. Lillian was such a talented, wise, and delightful woman. I really enjoyed the time I worked with her. It was nice to get to know her after being friends with both of you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Amy Fitch
September 1, 2016
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