Jean C Laucher Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Jean Brewster Caldwell Laucher, of Alvin, TX, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 4, 2017, attended by her son Jim. Jean was born to Clinton and Helen Caldwell in 1925 in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Mt. Healthy High School, Ohio State University, and in 1966 continued her quest for learning by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Weber State College (University) in Ogden, Utah. In 1945, she became the bride of Richard (Dick) Grant Laucher, with whom she was married until his death in 2002. Together they built a beautiful life and raised six talented children. Jean lived a long life distinguished by creativity and devotion to family, friends and community. In addition to being a full-time mother, Jean excelled in writing, sewing, and quilting. Friends across the country looked forward to receiving her home-made Christmas cards each year. As a seamstress, she made the costumes for all activities and even matching clothes for Easter and the family trips. However, she was best known as a gifted soprano soloist and musician who promoted and championed the arts, music, and music education in her children and in every church and community in which she lived. From her solos as a teenager at Pleasant Run Presbyterian Church, to her mid-life years as a soloist at First Presbyterian Church in Ogden, to her recent retirement from the choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Alvin at the age of 92, Jean shared her beautiful voice and her gifts as a violinist, pianist, organist, and choir director. She also established several bell choirs and special vocal groups. Her home was always filled with her singing, usually folk songs and pieces from musicals. Imparting to her children her creativity and "can-do" attitude, Jean saw that they all played instruments and practiced daily. Throughout her life, Jean shared her faith in Jesus not so much in words, but in song and action. When she sang "Our Father, who art in heaven," no one doubted God was there. Jean instructed and mentored numerous voice and piano students throughout her career as a music educator and was an active member of Utah Music Educators Association, even editing their journal in the mid-1960s. Her most memorable contributions occurred during the 25+ years she and Dick lived in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. In this small desert oasis, she dedicated her efforts to bringing culture and music to the community. She also played an essential role in establishing the Arts Council, helped organize and performed in many local music theater productions, as well as playing in the string section of the community orchestra. In 1975, she organized the Lake Havasu Community Choir and was its director until her 1991 retirement. For her devotion, the Mayor of Lake Havasu City proclaimed December 7, 2014 as "Jean Laucher Day," and presented her the keys to the city. In her later years, Jean was active in many civic groups and made friends all along the way. Jean will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched. She is survived by six children and their mates: The Rev. Phlox Laucher and Patrick Austin of Pittsfield, MA, The Rev. Bill and Cherry Laucher of Houston, TX, The Rev. Jim and Pam Laucher of Alvin, TX, Drs. Nita and Dan Morris of Prescott AZ, Cindy and Dave Gravis of Austin TX, and Clint and Linda Laucher of St. Louis Park MN, fourteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Alvin on May 20, 2017 at 11:00. At a later date, her ashes will be interred with her husband's in Prescott, Arizona. Memorial donations may be made in Jean's name to the Jean Laucher Scholarship Fund, and sent to Lake Havasu Community Choir, PO Box 2782, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.