Lisa A. Czifra

MINERAL RIDGE: Lisa Ann Czifra, age 79 passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014 at her home with her family by her side. Born October 17, 1934 In Buffalo, New York to parents; Nicholas and Mary (Bene) Takacs. Lisa moved to this area in 1940. On August 26, 1961 Lisa married Louis J. Czifra. They were married 53 years and had five wonderful children. Lisa graduated from Youngstown State University in 1956 with a Bachelors degree in music. She was a soloist with the Youngstown Symphony as the winner of the Youngstown Philharmonic Concerto Competition. Lisa then pursued and received a M.M. degree from Michigan State University where she was a graduate assistant in piano, graduating in 1958. While in Michigan Lisa became a soloist with the Grand Rapids Symphony as winner of St. Cecelia concerto competition. Lisa then became an instructor at Cornell College Conservatory of Music from 1958 to 1959. Lisa came back to this area becoming a piano instructor, assistant professor, at Youngstown State University from 1961 to 1968. She performed faculty solo recitals and was an accompanist /chamber music performer. She continued her love of music passing it along to others by becoming a private music instructor from 1968 to the present. Lisa was certified by the National Guild of Piano Teachers. A member of and permanently certified by Ohio Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. Past member of Certification Board of Ohio Music Teachers Association. Past State Chairman for M.T.N.A. Yamaha High School Auditions. Founder of O.M.T.A. Ribbon Festival in Youngstown. Previously served a judge for the Summit County O.M.T.A. Ribbon Festival. Member of and judged for Ohio Federation of Music Clubs. Presently served as program chairman for District 1B. Past President and currently a member of Youngstown Music Teachers. Honors of students from private studio include: O.M.T.A. State Buckeye winner 1981; Buckeye Auditions winner Middle East District Elementary Division 1987; Buckeyes Auditions alternate winner Middle East District Elementary 1987; yearly winners in Youngstown State University Y.M.T.A. Master Competition locally. A scholarship winner in 2006 who was one of the top 5 scorers in the U.S. Lisa's life sketch appeared in the 8th Edition of the International Who's Who in Music, in the 4th Edition of the World's Who's Who of Women, and the 21st and 56th Edition of Marquis Who's Who of American Women. Lisa leaves to cherish her loving memories her husband Louis of Mineral Ridge, daughter Mary Beth of Mineral Ridge, sons Louis Jr., of Youngstown, William (Evelyn) of Youngstown, David (Julie) of New Castle Pa, and Mark (Catherine) of Oakton, Va. Grandchildren Mitchell, Alex, Phillips, Stacia, Eden, Sophia, Aubrey and great-grandchild Zane. Lisa was preceded in death by parents Nicholas and Mary Takacs, and sisters Olga Greene and Margie Pastor. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 9:15-10:15am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mineral Ridge. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to M.V.A. Hospice of the Valley and Saint Mary's church in Mineral Ridge.