Elizabeth Grace Gottlieb
Elizabeth Grace Gottlieb, soprano, of River Forest, formerly of Oak Park, dedicated her life to family and friends, and to the arts, in particular music. Born in Chicago, raised in LaGrange, graduated from Hinsdale Central and the College Wooster, she received a master’s in music from the University of Illinois. Liz sang in the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, and Music of the Baroque. She taught voice at Lane Tech and at Oak Park-River Forest high schools, Lake Forest College, and DePaul University, and gave private lessons to dozens of students. At the Congregational Summer Assembly in Michigan, she played leading roles in dozens of operettas, directed performances, and composed music and lyrics for children’s operettas. Passions included painting, weaving, gardening, and cooking. Wife of Martin Nieman; mother of Sarah; sister of John (Ruth) Gottlieb, Margaret (Pierce) White, & Laurie (David) Spurr; preceded in death by parents Reynold & Jennette Gottlieb; aunt, cousin, & friend of many. Memorial visitation Friday, April 5, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family & friends will meet at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, 150 S. Ashland, LaGrange, on Saturday, April 6 for 10 a.m. memorial service. Interment private. Summer memorial celebration at CSA to be determined. Memorial donations in Elizabeth’s name to the Global Health Media Project (globalhealthmedia.org/donate/) or the Young Center for Immigrant Children (theyoungcenter.org/donate-to-the-young-center) are appreciated. Info: (708) 352-6500
Elizabeth brought with her a magical energy that touched all of us. Her voice expressed a personal vitality that inspired everyone around her. One of the most memorable moments in my life was the wedding of Martin and Elizabeth when colleagues from the world of music enveloped the Evanston Friends Meeting House in a stirring rendition of Beethoven’s Ode To Joy. She is taken from us much too soon.
Ms. Gottlieb was one of the few teachers who really cared about her students. She was so supportive, always finding the best songs and helping us find our potential. She really honored her daughter in everything she did and was always so proud of her. I was just thinking of Ms. Gottlieb yesterday because she was always there to talk to me when I was struggling both with music and in my personal life. I can’t believe she’s gone. She influenced me so much in high school. I feel so sad for her family, this is so awful. I hope her family finds some sort of peace in all this. So tragic.
Liz Gottlieb was a very special and favorite music student of mine at Highlands Junior High School in LaGrange in the 1960s. I remember her in the chorus – as a student with a vivid love for singing.
Seeing her years later singing in the Grant Park Chorus, I enjoyed watching her continue to love music in her adult and professional life , with her special spark.
Mrs. Gottlieb always wanted me to be at my best potential. She spotted all-of-me in a heartbeat and believed in great things for everyone. One of the most caring and loving people I have ever known. I wish her family all the best. My prayers will go out to them. Her ability to bring out one’s voice was untouchable and I consider myself lucky to have met a motivational person like her.
My daughter had the good fortune to work with Liz last fall in private lessons at the high school. We both admired her personal connection, warmth, and full knowledge of the subject matter– as well as how to impart it.
We send condolences to her family.
Mrs. Gottlieb was the rock of which all of my musical training began. She was a mentor and confidant that opened doors and sang loudly out of Windows, I hope her family takes comfort in knowing she was well loved and well respected by many, and I am glad to include myself in this multitude.
I remember meeting Liz at The College of Wooster. At that time I was thinking of majoring in voice.. She was so enthusiastic about singing that her enthusiasm influenced my decision. I just read in our Alumnae magazine that she passed away. I was shocked and very saddene