Shirley Ann (Lillehaugen) Santoro

May 13, 1930 - October 2, 2025

Shirley Ann (Lillehaugen) Santoro, age 95, passed away peacefully in 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, musician, teacher, and friend.

Born in Drake, North Dakota in 1930 to Sigvald and Hazel Lillehaugen, Shirley was raised in Drake, Bismarck, New York City, and Minneapolis, where she graduated from Washburn High School. Her parents started her violin lessons in 3rd grade, by the time she reached high school she was fortunate to study with the great violinist Louis Krasner, then concertmaster of the Minneapolis Symphony. Shirley’s further studies with Mischa Elman refined her artistic voice and solidified the musical integrity that defined her beautiful playing.

She began her collegiate studies at St. Olaf College, later earning her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Minnesota. Her career began professionally with the Hormel All-Girl Orchestra, a unique touring ensemble that spotlighted talented women in an era when classical music was still overwhelmingly male-dominated. Shirley would go on to perform with orchestras across the country, often as one of only a few women—an early trailblazer in the symphonic world.

Shirley eventually returned to and settled in the Twin Cities, where together with her first husband Fred Thomson she raised their family and shared many deep friendships. Her musical influence continued to flourish, for decades. For over 40 years, she enjoyed being concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis. She enjoyed longstanding membership in Thursday Musical, Schubert Club, and other organizations. She also taught at the University of Minnesota, and maintained a private violin studio in her home. In 1989, Shirley was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota chapter of the American String Teachers Association. As a teacher, she sought not only to inspire her students to play the violin but also to engender in them the love of music. Her legacy lives on in the music of her students.

Shirley masterfully balanced motherhood with her professional pursuits. While raising her two children, she remained an active performer—proof of her unwavering commitment to her art. Family and music were the two great joys of her life, and she never let one come at the expense of the other. Her grandchildren became sources of utmost pride and joy as she followed their adventures and pursuits with great interest.

One of the most cherished parts of Shirley’s life was her long and loving collaboration with her husband, pianist Michael Santoro. Together, they performed countless recitals and concerts, and released a CD titled Soul of Scandinavia, celebrating the music of Norwegian and other Scandinavian composers. Their programs often featured the works of Edvard Grieg, and their musical partnership was as joyful and heartfelt as their marriage.

Always proud of her Norwegian heritage, Shirley was a member of the Edvard Grieg Society of Minnesota and was a driving force behind the creation of Norway House, now a thriving cultural center in Minneapolis. She was delighted to see it grow into a home for Nordic culture and community. Because she and Michael shared a love of travel, they traveled often to Norway, to Italy, and they enjoyed their many River Cruises across Europe, exploring music, culture, and fine dining together.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Sigvald and Hazel Lillehaugen; her sister, Ardis Nordland; and her first husband, Frederick Thomson Sr.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Santoro; her son, Frederick Thomson Jr. (Allyson); her daughter, Kathleen Thomson (Bill Moss); and her treasured grandchildren, Cooper Thomson, Eric and Julia Moss —all of whom carry forward her legacy of creativity, intellect, and love.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 11:00am, preceded by a visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. A light lunch to follow. All services will take place at Como Park Lutheran Church, 1376 Hoyt Avenue, St. Paul, MN—a church that held a special place in Shirley’s heart.