Lilah M. Stangeland, namesake of OBF’s acclaimed Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy (SFYCA), died peacefully surrounded by family at her home in San Marino, California on January 3rd, 2024. She was 93 years old.
Mrs. Stangeland led a life of service and was long active in civic and community affairs. She served on local boards in California and her home state of Wisconsin. She was extraordinarily generous, fundraising for many cherished organizations, including the Oregon Bach Festival (OBF).
“The community at the Bach Festival was always one that she felt welcomed,” Brad Stangeland, Lilah’s son, said.
Lilah became involved with the Oregon Bach Festival in the 80s after Brad, a University of Oregon graduate and former board member, introduced her to the world-renowned festival. She traveled to Eugene from California frequently to attend OBF concerts and events with her family.
Following the death of her childhood sweetheart and husband, Roger, in 2004, Lilah sought to memorialize him. Their love for the annual Oregon Bach Festival led to the creation of an endowment for OBF’s Youth Choral Academy, thus renaming it the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy. “Mom said she believed this would be a great tribute to the family and to dad,” Brad said.
Lilah was thrilled to deepen her involvement with the SFYCA in the subsequent years, attending concerts and even co-hosting casual backyard celebrations at Brad’s and his wife, Colleen’s, Eugene home. SFYCA participants were invited to socialize and perform. “She really enjoyed those times,” Brad recalled. “It warmed her heart to have conversations with the kids and talk to them about how being able to participate [in SFYCA] has transformed their lives.”
Through her involvement with SFYCA, she developed a relationship with the founding artistic director, Anton Armstrong. He honored Lilah at her memorial service on February 27th in Wisconsin by singing a few solo pieces. “It was heartfelt and really special,” Brad said.
Brad said he wishes for Lilah to be remembered, above all, as a loving wife and mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a deeply caring friend to many who were fortunate to know her well.
The Stangeland family will forever cherish Lilah’s memory, remembering the beautiful life she lived that was filled with accomplishments that benefited all who were associated with her as a civic leader, philanthropist, and benefactor.