Barbara Stanell

Barbara Stanell passed away on August 30, 2019. She was 86 years old. Barbara was born in Bronx, New York on February 18, 1933 to the late Morris and Lillian Neiderman. As a child she demonstrated remarkable musical talent, and trained at the Juilliard School of Music in Manhattan. She made her Carnegie Recital Hall debut at the age of 16, and embarked on an extensive performing career in New York and beyond, including tours with the USO in the 1950s and 1960s across the United States, Europe, the Far East and North Africa, before settling in Shenandoah and Frackville. Throughout her life she remained a sought-after pianist, organist, accompanist and teacher, an expert in numerous genres of music from classical to contemporary. She was the organist at First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah for over 40 years, and performed regularly at Temple Beth Israel in Hazleton where she was a member. She maintained an active piano and organ teaching studio for many years, training generations of young musicians. She accompanied numerous high school musical productions, was the accompanist for the Schuylkill County Choral Society, and appeared often in many other area venues. In addition to performing and teaching, Barbara developed a successful career selling pianos and organs in the 1980s.

She is survived by sons David Stanell, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, and Martin Stanell with Beth, Harleysville, Pennsylvania, and grandchildren Corey Stanell, Ruby Laine – Stanell, Francesca Stanell, Laura Stanell and Roman Stanell. She was preceded in death by husband Patrick F. Stanell, longtime partner Harry Mathias, and sisters Carol Rabinowitz and Sylvia Isen.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, September 4th from 10am to 11am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah.  Services will be held at 11am from the funeral home with Rabbi Michael Michlin officiating, and burial will follow in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the music and arts organization of your choice.

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