Obituary of Elisabeth A. Lingeman

Schenectady- Elisabeth Marie Lingeman, of Schenectady, died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the Ellis Skilled Nursing Center. Elisabeth was born in Schooten, Holland and named after her mother and grandmother. Elisabeth and her family bravely served in the Underground Railroad and helped protect many Jewish people in the 1930's. Her father came to America first, then she and her mom followed in the late 1930's due to the unrest in Europe caused by the winds of war. The family settled in Schenectady at that time. It was quite a transition for her as she only spoke Dutch when she first arrived. She quickly adapted and soon was speaking English. Elisabeth attended Draper Elementary School, Oneida Middle School and Nott Terrace High School. She sang in her church choir as well as school choir. While attending school teachers recognized her musical talents and encouraged her to take up violin. SHe did so in school as well as private lessons. As a result she became in high school the Concert Mistress as well as playing violin in the Schenectady Symphony. Elisabeth attended Albany State, Union College and the University of Rochester majo in English, History and Philosophy. She also attended the Eastman School of Music and played in the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. Elisabeth taught at Mohonasen and Draper High Schools, as well as giving private violin lessons. She retired because of her Mother's illness and cared for her for many years. Elisabeth made many trips back to Holland over the years to visit family members. Elisabeth loved music" for the emotional part not the technical". Elisabeth was a violinist with the Schenectady Symphony, a member of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady choir for over two decades, a member of the Women's Alliance and the Philosophy Group at the First Unitarian Society. Elisabeth was predeceased by her sister, Nora Mack Abelallah and her brother Jacobus Lingman. Survived by her nephew, David John Mack of Rochester; cousins, Anneke Schoulen of Leusden The Netherlands and Hans Spaans of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A Memorial service will be held at The First Unitarian Society of Schenectady on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 2 PM.