Lucy Baicher Heiberg

1922 - 2018

Lucy Baicher Heiberg

- - 09/05/22 to 06/08/2018

A prize-winning violinist broadcasting on Chicago radio at the age of 13, Lucy subsequently won a two year full scholarship under the guidance of her father, Boris Baicher, to North Texas State College, from there she went on to earn her Bachelors Degree at Northwestern University in Illinois where she was Concert Mistress of the Orchestra - Lucy was also Concert Mistress of the Chicago Civic Symphony for 9 seasons, Fox Valley and Beloit Orchestras and appeared in the First Violin Sections of the New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago Grand Park and Florida Orchestras - she was Assistant Concert Master in Jackson, Mississippi. Lucy also appeared often as a soloist with orchestras and in violin recitals, quartet and trio performances - all of which were lauded highly in the press. Lucy's violin career saw her playing with many of the 20th century's most celebrated classical, jazz and pop stars in her capacities as an orchestral and session musician. Liberace - "he bought lunch for the entire orchestra " - Judy Collins, Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Doc Severinsen Johnny Mathis, the Joffrey Ballet, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick amongst others; and Lucy played on Misty Blue, the top single album from Dorothy Moore.

An inspiring tutor who was a member of Sigma Alpha Lota and Phil Kappa Lamba, Lucy taught at Lawrence University in Appleton, Beloit College, Belhaven College in Jackson, and Manatee College.

Lucy held many interests aside from music. She read widely, was fluent in French, belonged to several Shakespeare Societies and the Rockford Bridge Club, collected modern art, and continued to learn at the age of 95 by taking adult classes through Rock Valley College.

A loving, attentive, selfless mother, grandmother, and great grandmother with a self deprecating sense of humor, Lucy somehow managed to simultaneously be the best of mothers and a performing artist of the highest caliber. Lucy is pre-deceased by her husband Irving Heiberg, a quality control engineer and brilliant pianist and piano teacher - he was Lucy's valued accompanist - and her daughter Tania Heiberg Redmond, a prize winning pianist. Lucy is survived by her two remaining children. Sandra Davis, a jazz pianist, and Tony Heiberg, a jazz/classical guitarist, college music tutor, and published author. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Lucy led an exemplary life of discipline, achievement, kindness, generosity, good humour and courage for which she was loved deeply by her family and friends who will miss her always.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family.