Obituary of Margaret Lazarou

     Margaret ”Peg” K. Lazarou, 90, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Auburn, NY on November 25, 1928, to Dr. Earl James and Florence White Kempton. She married Costa Lazarou on October 17, 1964. Peg was preceded in death by her husband (December 5, 2014), her parents, her brother Dr. Edgar G. Kempton, and her grandchildren Jennifer Anne Klein and Jordan Michael Vierra.  

     She was a 1946 graduate of Weedsport High School where she was active in the music program and was later inducted into the High School Music Hall of Fame. Margaret graduated from Syracuse University in 1950 where she was a member of the University Chorus, Chapel Choir, and both the Concert and Marching Band. She enjoyed cheering on her “Orange” whenever they played.

     Peg’s passion was helping to foster a love of music in others, especially young people. She was a music teacher in the Greater Amsterdam School District for thirty-two years and was the Director of Music at the Second Presbyterian Church for many decades. Peg taught private piano and vocal lessons to students with whom she maintained precious relationships over the years. She directed several choirs; most recently, her beloved River Valley Ringers Handbell Choir and the Mohawk Valley Youth Chorale.

     Peg had an enormous impact on the arts in the community. She was involved with the Mohawk Valley Chorus for over sixty years and was a board member of Community Concerts. Every Christmas, Peg offered a “Gift to the Community” concert at the United Presbyterian Church. Peg was the co-founder of the Winter Showcase Concert, which highlights talented individuals in our community while raising scholarship funds to help deserving high school students further their musical education in college. She was an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her musical gift.

     Peg is survived by her children: Nancy (Gregory) Kennedy-Klein, Harold (Susan) Kennedy, Anne (Michael) Kennedy-Vierra, and Christine (Robert) Lazarou-Sherlock, as well as her grandchildren: Stephen (Kathleen) Klein, Margaret (David) Wilson, Timothy Kennedy, Daniel Kennedy, and Robbie Sherlock. Peg is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Gregory Klein and Margaret Klein, many nieces and nephews, and her dear friend Grace Frederes.

     Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 19, 2019, at 11:00 am at the United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bonnie Orth presiding. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday January 18, 2019 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY. Interment will be held at a later date in Weedsport, NY, Rural Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Margaret K. Lazarou Scholarship Fund (checks made to Winter Showcase) C/O Christine Lazarou Sherlock 44 Grant Ave, Amsterdam, NY, 12010, or to The United Presbyterian Church, 25 Church St., Amsterdam, NY 12010.  Please leave condolences online at www.brbsfuneral.com.