Marielouise Pallansch
July 1, 1929 ~ January 16, 2021
Marielouise (Widmer) Pallansch - July 1, 1929 - January 16, 2021
Once there were two talented, generous and musical people who were brought together by fate to build a life and a family together. Marielouise was born Marie Louise in New York City, raised in Lebanon, KY and was known as Fifi most of her life. Bob was born and raised in Washington DC. They both grew up with a deep appreciation for music and both became accomplished musicians. By 1960 they had both been married and were each single parents to two small daughters. They began a 60 year marriage and with love and skill, melded together a family which soon also included a son.
Marielouise went to Pomona College in CA and graduated from Center College in KY. She taught at a private school before meeting Bob, then sang as a Soprano soloist in numerous choirs. She became a professional clown (Merrillee) and storyteller at events throughout the area. Marielouise volunteered as a docent at Arlington House and the National Zoo and was a fine seamstress, making many costumes for public roles. Marielouise was also a skilled cook, gardener, painter and voice teacher and continued to study piano.
Bob went to Peabody Conservatory in MD. He then joined the US Army Field Band’s tuba section in 1950, transferring to the US Army Band in 1956 at Fort Myer, VA in order to stay near family and retiring in 1976. Bob was a tuba teacher and a well respected brass instrument repairman and restorer, and continued playing in community orchestras, brass quintets, Civil War instrument ensembles, a Dixieland band, substituting for the National Symphony and Wolf Trap and never missing Tuba Christmas.
Bob and Marielouise often collaborated professionally as well. They performed in a Renaissance storytelling group, with Marielouise singing and narrating and Bob playing the Serpent . . . in costumes of Marielouise’ making. Bob had also learned to play the Ophicleide and they played programs for school children to excite them about music. They hunted out duets for Soprano and/or Piano and Tuba.
Marielouise and Bob never stopped being loving, creative, civic minded and compassionate. Due to natural causes, they have turned the page on their story, but they will always be in the hearts of their five children (Paul, Mary-Beth, Leslie, Carol and Jeanne), Marielouise’ brother (David) and his wife (Lois), 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a multitude of relatives and friends who were part of their journey.
A Celebration of Bob and Fifi's lives will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor's Center Auditorium; 2739 West Ox Rd; Herndon, VA 20171. Contact Jeanne at trekjeanne [at] gmail.com for more information.
Once there were two talented, generous and musical people who were brought together by fate to build a life and a family together. Marielouise was born Marie Louise in New York City, raised in Lebanon, KY and was known as Fifi most of her life. Bob was born and raised in Washington DC. They both grew up with a deep appreciation for music and both became accomplished musicians. By 1960 they had both been married and were each single parents to two small daughters. They began a 60 year marriage and with love and skill, melded together a family which soon also included a son.
Marielouise went to Pomona College in CA and graduated from Center College in KY. She taught at a private school before meeting Bob, then sang as a Soprano soloist in numerous choirs. She became a professional clown (Merrillee) and storyteller at events throughout the area. Marielouise volunteered as a docent at Arlington House and the National Zoo and was a fine seamstress, making many costumes for public roles. Marielouise was also a skilled cook, gardener, painter and voice teacher and continued to study piano.
Bob went to Peabody Conservatory in MD. He then joined the US Army Field Band’s tuba section in 1950, transferring to the US Army Band in 1956 at Fort Myer, VA in order to stay near family and retiring in 1976. Bob was a tuba teacher and a well respected brass instrument repairman and restorer, and continued playing in community orchestras, brass quintets, Civil War instrument ensembles, a Dixieland band, substituting for the National Symphony and Wolf Trap and never missing Tuba Christmas.
Bob and Marielouise often collaborated professionally as well. They performed in a Renaissance storytelling group, with Marielouise singing and narrating and Bob playing the Serpent . . . in costumes of Marielouise’ making. Bob had also learned to play the Ophicleide and they played programs for school children to excite them about music. They hunted out duets for Soprano and/or Piano and Tuba.
Marielouise and Bob never stopped being loving, creative, civic minded and compassionate. Due to natural causes, they have turned the page on their story, but they will always be in the hearts of their five children (Paul, Mary-Beth, Leslie, Carol and Jeanne), Marielouise’ brother (David) and his wife (Lois), 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a multitude of relatives and friends who were part of their journey.
A Celebration of Bob and Fifi's lives will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor's Center Auditorium; 2739 West Ox Rd; Herndon, VA 20171. Contact Jeanne at trekjeanne [at] gmail.com for more information.
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Fifi was my voice teacher and we met again in various choruses. Ron Freeman Chorale was one for instance. What a wonderful, interesting lady. I remember her dog named Ludwig. I didn’t know Bob much at all but he was always in the basement tinkering. What a loss. At least they are together now. Sheila Sheats
Fifi was a dear and loving person, and an artist in so many creative ways. I will miss her so.
Fifi and Bob were such a talented couple, and such good friends to the Levy family. To say that they are missed is an understatement.
What wonderful musical artists Bob and Fifi were! I remember them jamming with jazz groups at my parents’ house, and the fun they all had. We share in your bereavement.
From friends in Piano Performance group. We hear your music still.
Marielouise was such an elegant musician and lovely person. A thoughtful neighbor, kind and gentle, she shared her wisdom with an open mind and heart. She was an avid life-long learner, and was such a conscientious piano student of mine for many years. I was always impresssed with her steely determination as well as her expansive kindness. She and Bob were both such a treasure!