Lila A. Livingston

Lila A. (Smith) Livingston, 104, of Manchester died December 28, 2001 at the home of her daughter after a brief illness.

Born in Gravel Ford, OR on June 21, 1897, she was the daughter of William and Agnes (McCloskey) Smith.

She lived in Portland, OR for many years. While there, she began a singing career as a contralto with the Portland Symphony. She moved to Omaha, NE in 1936 and lived there for most of her life.

In Nebraska, she was the soloist for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) performances of the Messiah, including the first live broadcast of the Messiah on NBC radio in 1941.

For many years, she taught voice and served as soloist and choir director for the Omaha branch of the RLDS. During World War II she was selected to sing with the choir of "Your America". She also gave a concert in the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha.

Mrs. Livingston lived in Waverly, MO for 10 years before moving to Manchester four years ago.

She was married to Albert Livingston who died in 1978.

The family includes a daughter, Patricia Mallory of Manchester; three grandchildren, Mary Mallory Wrenn of Berkeley, CA, Paul Mallory of Portland, OR and Michele Mallory Penner of Bedford; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Eunice Livingston, of Independence, MO.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 5, 2002 at 4 pm. at Community of Christ Church, corner of 36th and Burt streets, Omaha, NE. Private burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Omaha, NE.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.