Sarama B. Schnack

Sarama B. Schnack, 86, of 2601 Kentucky Road, died at 2:09 p.m. Friday (June 22, 2012) in her home.

Sarama was born July 4, 1925, in Quincy, a daughter of W. Edwin and Florence Egan Brown. She married Loren E. Schnack on Feb. 8, 1948, in Quincy. He survives.

Sarama began harp lessons at age 9 with Sister Angela of Quincy Notre Dame High School. She studied at Interlochen Music Camp in Michigan and privately in St. Louis and the University of Michigan. She graduated from Quincy High School in 1943, Monticello College in 1945, and University of Michigan in 1947. She taught harp privately in Chicago, 1947-50; introduced the harp and served on the faculty of Valparaiso University Music Department in 1948; developed a harp department and taught at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., in the late 1960s. In 1980 she received the Silver Baton Award, symbolizing Bell System American Orchestras. Sarama received the honor for her long history of contributions to music in Quincy. In addition to being a charter member of the Quincy Symphony, she performed with orchestras at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Western Illinois University in Macomb, Culver-Stockton College, and the University of Michigan. She was a member of the American Harp Society, including the Chicago Chapter, and a member of the World Harp Congress. Sarama taught harp privately for 49 years to many students, usually beginning at fourth grade and continuing through high school. Every student who applied received scholarships. She also had adult students.

Sarama was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She was an active volunteer with local music groups, including the Quincy Symphony Women's Encore. Sarama was also past president of the Quincy Civic Music Association, Quincy Service League and PEO Chapter EC. She was also a member of Atlantis. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling and playing golf and bridge.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her son, Kent (Nora) Schnack of Quincy; four grandchildren, Ryan (Michelle) Schnack of Quincy, Christopher (Maegil) Schnack of Los Angeles, and Sierra and Lauryn Schnack, both of Quincy; two sisters, Mary Cox and Elisabeth "Biz" McConnell, both of Quincy; a sister-in-law, Mary Adams of Quincy; and several nieces and nephews

Sarama was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Debra Lynne Branlund; and a brother-in-law, Andrew (Verla) Schnack, Jr.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. Wednesday in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with the Rev. Martin Eden conducting. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery.

VISITATION: There will be no visitation.

MEMORIALS: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Quincy Civic Music Association, or Quincy Symphony Orchestra.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.hansenspear.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.