Grandma

Elizabeth L. Jepsen




Elizabeth L. Jepsen July 10, 1913 - March 31, 2009 SALEM - Elizabeth Lewis was born in Corvallis, Oregon. She lived most of her life in Salem, Oregon where she taught piano lessons for over 70 years. She was an accompanist to many musicians, a well-known piano soloist and actively performed with groups in the Salem arts community. She was a well respected music competition judge. Elizabeth married Dalbert Jepsen in 1939, a private violin teacher, and together their teaching and performances contributed greatly to the development of the Salem music community. Dalbert died in 1996 after 56 years of marriage. Elizabeth was a great-granddaughter of Reuben Lewis, one of the signers of the 1843 charter that authorized Oregon to become a US territory. She took great pride in her pioneer heritage. She was looking forward to this years' celebration of Oregon's statehood. Elizabeth is survived by her sons, Peter (Mexico) and Carl (Portland) and their families, including three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 9 at the Salvation Army Salem Citadel with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Salvation Army.