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BORN
1917
DIED
2013
Lillian Parrish Obituary
Dec. 14, 1917 - Oct. 24, 2013
Resident of Los Gatos
Passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Los Gatos at the age of 95. She was born Lillian Alberta Rosen in Boston, Massachusetts. She won the Mason and Hamlin Grand Piano Competition in 1939 and graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music. She attended Juilliard Graduate School in New York City and was a concert pianist. Lillian married Dr. William Parrish (pre-deceased) and moved to San Jose, CA. She had a prolific piano teaching career until the age of 94 and many of her students went on to win prestigious music competitions. She was a resident at The Terraces of Los Gatos for 11 years. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and students. Lillian is survived by her sons, Dr. Richard Parrish (Minda) from Saratoga and Todd Parrish (Shelley) from Wisconsin. She is further survived by 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A memorial service was held at the Terraces on Oct. 27, 2013. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Humane Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lillian Parrish
2 Entries
Jennifer Kearon
January 14, 2014
I am the younger sister referred to in Carma Glausi's entry, called "peanut" by Mrs. Parrish. She was my one and only piano teacher, because my older sisters were already taking lessons from her by the time I was old enough to start at age 6. Mrs. Parrish was my teacher until I graduated from high school in 1988. Nearly every Saturday morning of my life during those 11 or 12 years was spent in her house. I loved her dearly, and I knew she truly cared about me. I always enjoyed my lessons, and the kindness, humour, and talent of Mrs. Parrish. I continue to play the piano on an almost daily basis, occasionally performing and challenging myself with new pieces, and always receiving joy and fulfillment from the music I play. I hear her singing in my ear, I practice the way she taught me to practice, and I attempt to play with the passion and musicality she strove so hard to teach me. All three of my daughters also play the piano, and I often give them advice or practicing tips learned from Mrs. Parrish all those years ago. What a legacy she has left in my life, and now in the lives of my children. What a great talent, what a great woman. I am deeply grateful to have been one of her students.
Carma Hulme Glausi
January 8, 2014
Mrs. Lillian Parrish was my beloved piano teacher for 8 years. She taught me from age 10 through 17, 1977-1983. Next to my mother and my grandmother, Mrs. Parrish was the greatest influence in my life. I love her dearly and I will miss her.
She lived a great life. She had great positive influence on so many young people. I think of her every day, because I am now a piano teacher with 25 students of my own, and she is my inspiration. I hope that I can give just a bit of what she gave me to my students.
I also continue to perform on the piano. And every time I play, I think of Mrs. Parrish and her beautiful artistry that she tried to convey to me as her student. She used to sing along with my playing, helping me to hear the rise and fall of the phrase lines and to feel the passion in the music.
She was kind and understanding and so supportive. I knew she cared about me as a person. Her attention to detail was phenomenal. I loved her New York accent. I loved her sense of humor. She gave her all when she was teaching.
She taught me and 3 of my sisters. She called my younger sister her "peanut." I hope she knows how much I loved her. What a beautiful lady.
I am now the mother of 6 children, and I have taught them all to play the piano. Lillian's legacy lives on in the lives of my children and my piano students. I love music, I love the piano, and I will always love my piano teacher and mentor, Mrs. Parrish.
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