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Myra E. Boitos, age 102, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1950, and formerly of Los Angeles, California, and Detroit, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at her home. She was a professional pianist, and piano and organ teacher. Myra Elmina Zager was born on May 4, 1910 in Glasgow, Missouri, to Christian and Fredrica (Zieman) Zager. Reverend Zager's first church was the former church of the United Brethren on Uintah, and that was what first exposed her to the beauty of Colorado Springs. She was a 1928 graduate of Colorado Springs High School and graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, and the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. In the late 1930s-early 1940s, Myra was a pianist for two "Torch Singers": Tony Martin and Kay Armen. During this time she was also the accompanist for the renowned Hungarian solo violinist Artur Maabe in Detroit and Los Angeles. She toured with the Detroit Symphony and taught at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She played with various orchestras and bands in the area and also was the pianist in the Penrose Room of the Broadmoor, and later at the Golden Bee. She married Jack Boitos, her greatest love, on April 8, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan. Jack passed away on November 7, 1967. She is survived by her son: James Alan (Sarah) Boitos of Kenney, Illinois; and a granddaughter: Nicole M. Boitos of Vienna, Austria. She is also survived by her niece, Myra Ruth Ditch of Bartonville, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her brother, Reverend Herbert R. Zager. Myra was a member of the Detroit Federation of Musicians and the American Federation of Musicians for over 50 years, and will be best remembered for her complete and total devotion to the teaching and performance and love of music. Blessed with the work ethic of a true Pioneer, Myra Boitos lived and breathed her craft with passion. She instilled the love and appreciation of music to all of her students, and they have continued to extend her legacy. Many of them have provided music for all of the area's melodramas, from Bob Young's Cabaret, to the Iron Springs Chateau, to the Imperial Hotel in Cripple Creek. A musical celebration of her life will be held in Colorado Springs next Spring. Memorials in Mrs. Boitos' memory may be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905. The family also wishes to express deep gratitude to Myra's caregiver, Katherine Watkins, for the compassion and shelter during her last days. She will be sorely missed. What a Mom, what a "GrandB", what a pianist, what a teacher, exceptionally and totally dedicated to the art of Music! Online Condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com
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4 Entries
Dearest Myra. To say that you will be missed is a GROSS understatement. I have never met anyone like you. You are a maverick and SO far ahead of your time musically and otherwise. I learned so much from you, both as a piano teacher/mentor and friend. Thank you for the music and your hilarious stories. The "house band" in Heaven just gained an amazing pianist for the rhythm section! Love you!
And Jim & Nicole - my sincere condolences to you.
Sandi Shroads
December 18, 2012
Thank you for the fun piano and organ lessons in the 60's. Your love for music was contagious. I know you will be making music in heaven.
Jayne Cole
December 17, 2012
My condolences go out to Myra's son, James and his wife and daughter. I took jazz lessons from her for 5 years and thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. She was fun and interesting. When she died the mold was broken. My sympathy to her family and relatives. Alice Ann Ochs
Alice Ann Ochs
December 17, 2012
To a great teacher . Once again Thank You for being a caring friend. Will miss you. Jim sorry about your mom.
Leota P -nut Everson
December 17, 2012
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