JOSEPHINE LARUE CHANCE FUHS '37 OBITUARY

Chance, Josephine LaRue, passed away peacefully on November 3rd, at the age of 87. A native Californian, she lived all but a few years in Orange County.
She grew up in Fullerton, graduating from Fullerton High School and Fullerton Community College.
Josephine had a life long love of the piano and began playing at an early age. She studied at the Institute of Musical Education in Los Angeles and received a certificate of graduation at age 18. She studied under Dr. Guy Bevier Williams. She went on to Whittier College where she obtained a credential to teach elementary school and also a special secondary credential to teach public school music. She studied piano under Margaretha Lohmann and in addition to furthering her piano skills, developed a life long friendship. She attended many master classes to advance her growth as a pianist. Over time, she performed as a soloist, a lecturer, gave recitals, and performed for schools, service clubs and church groups.
Josephine served as president of Orange County Musical Arts, chairman of Young Artists Auditions and held offices in the Orange branch on the Music Teachers Association. She was approved as a teacher by the American College of Musicians and was inducted into the "Piano Hall of Fame." She was also a Guild Facility member and judge. Although she taught public school after graduating from Whittier College, her real love was private piano teaching and she pursued it with vigor for 43 years. A long time Fullerton resident, she served as a board member of the North Orange County Community Concert Association for many years. She was founder of the Fullerton Ebell Club's annual Young Artist's Contest. She also served as an adjudicator for various contests sponsored by the Music Teachers Association of California, and was a judge for the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She loved her students and took each one to the highest possible level. She loved what she did and music was a very big part of her life. Her husband, Frank Chance, preceded her in death. He was always there to help and support Josephine in her many activities.
Josephine will be missed. She is survived by her brother, John LaRue and wife Carolyn; two nieces; one nephew, and their families.
Viewing will be on Friday, November 10, 2006 3-8p.m. at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton. Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Fullerton on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 2p.m. Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church to establish the Josephine LaRue Chance Memorial.
Published in the Orange County Register on 11/8/2006.