Ann G. Lord, longtime concert moderator for the Naperville Municipal Band, died Saturday at Ascension Mercy Hospital in Aurora at age 93.
Born and raised in Naperville, Lord spent the last 18 years of her life in Aurora. She was the municipal band moderator for 66 years, an organization she joined even earlier as a clarinet player while she was in high school, her obituary said.
She also was a singer and actress, appearing in local theater productions and performing one-woman shows and in shows with her daughter, Catherine Lord, at area clubs and meetings.
Professionally, she was a speech teacher for 20 years at Naperville North High School. After graduating from Grinnell College, she worked at KGLO television and radio in Mason City, Iowa, first as an advertising copywriter and then as an on-air personality.
Her son, Steve Lord, a reporter for The (Aurora) Beacon-News, said Ann Lord will be remembered for the qualities she exuded.
“My mother faced the world with love and humor. She believed most situations could be handled with both those things,” Steve Lord said.
“She loved Naperville, and lived a life that saw the exponential growth of the small town into a city. She loved her family, both her actual family and her Naperville Municipal Band family.”
In addition to Catherine and Steve, she’s also survived by son Douglas Lord, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her husband of 54 years, John Lord, died in 2008.
Messages posted on the municipal band’s Facebook page lauded Ann Lord for her zest and dedication.
“Such fond memories of a wonderful woman, passionate about her work, her family and the Naperville Municipal Band!” one person wrote.
Another said: “Ann will be greatly missed. She was a fantastic announcer and entertainer. She emanated pure charm and hometown warmth.”
Lord’s death follows that of longtime band director Ron Keller, who died in January. A contemporary of Lord’s, he was part of the band for 70 years, 57 as director.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville. A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. March 13 at the funeral home.
