Elizabeth (Betty) Stavrou

life story

A life grounded in faith, music & family

Elizabeth Stavrou died on October 3, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. She will be forever cherished.

This is her story, this is her song.

We invite you to join us for a celebration of her life on October 19th (see details below).

Elizabeth was born September 21, 1943 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin to Oscar and Vera Lundgren, the youngest of seven children. When she was 12 weeks old, she was placed in the care of Oscar and Myrtle Fisk of St. Croix Falls, who raised her as their daughter. Elizabeth remained in touch with her biological parents and had close relationships with her siblings her whole life.

Elizabeth’s life was grounded in faith, music and family. She learned to play piano, flute and piccolo at an early age, and was part of the high school band and marching band. She attended the United Methodist Church in St. Croix Falls, singing traditional hymns alongside her dad in the choir, and occasionally subbing for the organist.

Elizabeth attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis (1961-1966) where she majored in English and Music and earned teaching certificates in elementary and secondary education. In college, she played first flute in the band and sang with the Cantorian women’s choir. One of her favorite college traditions was playing the piccolo solo during Stars and Stripes Forever.

After graduation, Elizabeth taught music at Pine Hill Elementary School in Cottage Grove, and then English and drama at Bryant Junior High in Minneapolis. She delighted in bringing her classes to live performances, including Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, often the first exposure to live theater for her students.

It was at Augsburg that Elizabeth met the love of her life, Soterios Stavrou, a student from the island of Cyprus. They came from different worlds, but were kindred spirits: both born in small villages, each the youngest of seven siblings, and raised in homes where hospitality was a way of life. They married on May 14, 1966 and shared six decades of love and laughter.

When they started a family, Elizabeth decided she wanted to raise their children at home and began teaching piano, flute and voice lessons in her private music studio. For nearly 50 years she fostered a love of music in students of all ages, building their confidence through performance, challenging them through music competitions, and giving them opportunities to share their talents in care homes. She helped locate free pianos for families who couldn’t afford one, and made sure ability to pay was never a barrier to music lessons.

Elizabeth directed children's choirs at Park Avenue Methodist Church in Minneapolis, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Burnsville and Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She guided children to worship with music, taught music theory and Orff instruments, and directed several intergenerational musicals. She also taught early childhood music classes, introducing babies and new parents to the joy of making music together.

Elizabeth added her beautiful alto voice to the Minnesota Chorale and was often asked to sing at weddings and funerals. During the last year of her life, she sang alongside her son Nikolas in the Giving Voice Chorus, which brings together people with dementia and their care partners to foster joy through singing.

Elizabeth was an active member of the National Music Teachers Association, the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, and the Minneapolis Music Teachers’ Forum, where she served as president. Elizabeth was passionate about learning and teaching music from around the world. This passion culminated in an original field research project “My Heart Beats in 7/8: the Music of Cyprus” which she presented to her colleagues.

Elizabeth was filled with joy and had a dazzling smile. She loved nature and gardening. She was quick-witted and playful, an avid reader, a talented artist, and a fabulous cook. She was open-hearted and warm, and always set an extra place at the table.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 60 years, Soterios Stavrou, and their four children and their families:

• daughter Jennifer Rodine, her husband Paul and grandchildren Amalia Irene Rodine and Theodora Elizabeth Rodine of Boston, MA

• daughter Christina Walther of Cloquet, MN and grandchildren Hannah Elizabeth Olson, her husband Dan and great-grandchild Colter Jeffrey Olson of Nowthen, MN, and Alexander Jeffrey Walther and his wife Rita (Chansamone Phothilath) of Bangkok, Thailand;

• son Kypros Stavrou, his wife Sarah (Brouillard) and grandchildren Simon Alexander Stavrou of Minneapolis, MN and Jake Brouillard of Los Angeles, California; and

• son Nikolas Stavrou of Minneapolis, MN.

She is also survived by her sister Gloria Nielsen and husband Michael of Spokane, WA and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was affectionately known as Yaya to many whom she embraced as her own grandchildren.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on Monday, October 19th at 10:00 am at Meetinghouse Church located at 6200 Colonial Way in Edina A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Giving Voice Chorus, Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum (see details below), or a music program of your choice in your church or community.

memorial service

Celebration of Life for Elizabeth

October 19, 2026

Meetinghouse Church 6200 Colonial Way, Edina, MN 55436, USA

Reception to follow.