Lois Alba Plummer

1928 - 2025

Lois Alba Plummer (Wachter)
02/20/1928 - 10/01/2025
Lois Alba Plummer (Wachter) age 97, was the cherished daughter and only child of Houston oilman, Albert Plummer and adoring mother Opal Lois Fowler Plummer. She was the apple of their eyes.

Her beloved husband, Arthur Wachter, preceded her into the arms of our Lord in 2022. Lois has three children: Debi Townsend (Carlisle), Jeff Townsend and Shelley Townsend engaged to Robert Whitworth. Shelley is the mother of her two grandchildren: Lauren Villani (Bennett) and Giorgio Villani. Lauren is married to Justin Bennett, parents of Lois's two great grandchildren: Elle Bennett and Jeb Bennett. Lois remained close to her husband's siblings: Sheila Polsky & Howard and Andy Wachter as well as Arthur's daughter, Jeri Wachter (Woishnis) and her son Aidan Woishnis.

Lois was a Christian Scientist with strong spiritual values and also embraced diversified eastern and western beliefs.

She fell in love with opera at an early age and began taking singing lessons where it became apparent that she had a natural talent and drive.

She graduated from Kinkaid School in Houston at the age of 16 and moved to New York City (with a chaperone) to study music, acting and voice at Juilliard. She also prepared for the role of the Marschallin in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier with one of her mentors, Madame Lotte Lehmann at Academy of the West and sang the role at Houston Grand Opera. She proceeded to perform in recitals and concerts. She met and fell in love with Texas real estate developer, Herbert Townsend. They married and had three children. Her colleagues recommended that Lois move to Europe to further her career, which she did and lived in Paris and Milan for 11 years. Her marriage to Herbert ended amicably. She studied and sang all over Europe before returning to NYC to live, where she met her last husband, graphic designer, Arthur Wachter. Together they founded Soma International Foundation to help young singers advance their careers. They ultimately returned to Houston to be closer to family, and with the help of fellow artist Bettye Gardner and tenor Johnny Jennings, they founded Opera in the Heights and produced many operas there. In 2016, Lois conceived The Lois Alba Aria Competition that enjoyed a 14 year run. They sponsored fundraising events and concerts to earn prize money to help singers further their careers. All things competition were always the highlight of Lois's work year and she maintained a full studio of singers as well.

Her legacy of teaching spans well over 50 years. She also published a beloved book titled: Vocal Rescue: Rediscover the Beauty, Power and Freedom in Your Singing.

There is no doubt that Lois was a force of nature, a guiding light to family, friends and singers all over the world and will be sorely missed. Her students tell us that due to their work with Lois, their singing, teaching and opera producing continues to move forward in ways that are gloriously enhanced by her teachings.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Lois Alba Wachter at St Thomas University's Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt Vernon St. Houston Texas on Saturday, November 22nd between 12-3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Opera in The Heights would be greatly appreciated.