Elizabeth Artman Hagenah

1925 - 2021

Elizabeth Artman Hagenah, 96, of Murray, KY, formerly of Stockbridge, peacefully passed away on November 22, 2021, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.

Elizabeth was born on September 14, 1925 to the late William and Betty Artman of Leroy, NY. She graduated, valedictorian, from Leroy High School, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and was awarded a Fulbright scholarship, traveling to Europe for post-graduate education and musical training.

She and her late husband Henry, who predeceased her in 2001, resided on Prospect Hill Rd., in Stockbridge after moving to the Berkshires' from Morristown, NJ to accept a teaching position at Boston University's College of Fine Arts and the Tanglewood Institute. An organist and choir director at the Stockbridge, Dalton and Plainfield Congregational Churches, she also was a frequent accompanist at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. Elizabeth founded the Stockbridge Chamber Concerts, playing and recording with many local musicians including several members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

She wrote an instructional book "The Piano without Hammer's" used by herself and other piano faculty. She was also very proud of the students who went on to pursue successful careers in academia and the art's, many of whom remained in contact throughout her life.

Elizabeth was a loving and supportive spouse, mother and grandmother and cherished traveling to her family's farm in Leroy, NY as well as frequent trips to Europe and Canada.

She leaves her life long friend and sister, Esther Hammer, of Rochester, NY, son and daughter in law, Henry and Anne Hagenah of Becket, MA, daughter Helene Hagenah and her husband Tom Abdow of Murray, KY, son, William Hagenah of Queens, NY, grandson, Graham of Los Angeles, CA, granddaughters', Sareda of Boston, MA, Iliana of NYC, NY and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private service for the family will be held at a future date. Remembrances may be sent to the Imes Funeral Home at www.imesfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.