Leola Erftenbeck, pianist with Amherst Symphony

Er ftenbeck

Leola Bork Erftenbeck, 85, of San Dimas, Calif., formerly of Williamsville, died Monday, March 17, 2008, following a long illness.

Originally from Buffalo, Mrs. Erftenbeck moved to California in 1997 to be with her daughter.

Mrs. Erftenbeck was a prominent, accomplished pianist in Western New York. She performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Amherst, Clarence and Orchard Park symphonies. She was involved in many music organizations in Buffalo and served as president of the Music Teachers' Forum, Chromatic Club and the Wednesday Morning Musicale.

Mrs. Erftenbeck maintained a private studio in addition to serving as a faculty member of Villa Maria College and The Community Music School of Buffalo. A graduate of Riverside High School in Buffalo, she received a degree in music from Oberlin College and studied at the Juilliard School of Music with the renowned Rosina Lhevinne.

After moving to California, Mrs. Erftenbeck remained active in the music scene in the San Gabriel Valley. She served on the Board of Directors of the Music Teachers' Association of California for several years and was a member of the Tuesday Morning Musicale.

Mrs. Erftenbeck was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, and sister, Roberta Kauskay.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the First Congregational Church of Glendale, 2001 Canada Blvd., Glendale, Calif. There will be an additional service in Buffalo at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at St. John's United Church of Christ, 85 Amherst St., where Mrs. Erftenbeck was a lifelong member.