Elizabeth “Betty” (Lundgren) Stavrou died on Oct. 3, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.
Elizabeth was born Sept. 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’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, Minnesota, (1961-1966) where she majored in English and Music and earned teaching certificates in elementary and secondary education.
After graduation, Elizabeth taught music at Pine Hill Elementary School in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and then English and drama at Bryant Junior High in Minneapolis.
It was at Augsburg that Elizabeth met the love of her life, Soterios Stavrou, a student from the island of Cyprus. 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.
Elizabeth directed children’s choirs at Park Avenue Methodist Church in Minneapolis, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minnesota, and Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She also taught early childhood music classes, introducing babies and new parents to the joy of making music together.
Elizabeth was a member of the National Music Teachers Association, Minnesota Music Teachers Association, and Minneapolis Music Teachers’ Forum, where she served as president.
Elizabeth added her beautiful alto voice to the Minnesota Chorale and often sang 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 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, and their four children and their families:
She is also survived by her sister Gloria Nielsen and husband Michael of Spokane, Washington, 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, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. at Meetinghouse Church located at 6200 Colonial Way in Edina, Minnesota. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Giving Voice Chorus, Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum, or a music program of your choice in your church or community.
