Marian Jersild Lott's Obituary
Marian Lott Obituary
Marian Jersild Lott passed away September 24, 2021. She was born May 24, 1924 in Blair, Nebraska, the daughter of Rev. Hans C. and Carrie S. Jersild. She was raised in a musical household of four children, all of whom were taught the piano by their mother who was an accomplished pianist. Marian attended the University of Southern California where she majored in piano. With a family move to Chicago, she continued her education at the American Conservatory of Music and the Chicago Musical College where she was a student of the noted pianist Rudolf Ganz and earned the BM and MM degrees. Her further study was with Claudio Arrau and teachers in New York and Germany. Her first teaching position was at the University of Kansas, where she was active as a solo performer, accompanist, and in chamber music. While on study leave in New York, Marian won the Town Hall Debut Award, the prize being a piano recital in Carnegie Recital Hall. She was subsequently a Fulbright Scholar, presenting recitals under the auspices of the U.S. government in cities throughout West Germany. While at the U. of Kansas, Marian met and married Harry Lott, a doctoral student in the University’s Department of Chemistry. He was a widower with a twelve-year-old daughter, Doranne. In 1962 the family moved to Akron, Ohio where Marian first taught at Kent State University and then Akron University as Professor of Piano and Artist in Residence. Throughout her years in Akron Marian was active as a piano performer, including two performances with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and numerous performances at Akron’s Tuesday Musical Association. Together with her friend, Mary Lynne Grove, Marian lived in retirement at the Kendal Retirement Center in Oberlin, Ohio, where she often performed as soloist and accompanist in programs for the residents. She also served as a church organist, and was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Oberlin. In addition to her musical talent, Marian was blessed with a warm and generous personality that made her a beloved member of the Kendal community. Together with her faith, music was at the center of her life, bringing peace and harmony which she loved to share with family and friends. Marian is survived by brother, Paul (Marilyn) of Norfolk, Virginia; sister Joann (Ed Spiegel, dec.) of Walnut Creek, California; stepdaughter Doranne Miller of Centralia, Washington; and eleven nephews and nieces who remember her with affection. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry and a brother Harold (Delores, dec.). Memorial contributions may be made to Kendal Retirement Center, 600 Kendal Drive, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 or Christ Episcopal Church, 162 S. Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074.
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