July 7th, 2020 – Long Island’s First Lady of the Arts, Lillian Barbash, died peacefully in her sleep Saturday, July 4th at her home in Brightwaters, NY. She was 92.
Lillian founded and led the Islip Arts Council for 31 years, building it into a world-class presenter of classical music. Tens of thousands attended her free New York Philharmonic park concert every summer.
"In her own and very special, quiet and unassuming way, Lillian Barbash has left an indelible mark in our Town. I feel truly honored to have known her, and to have had the opportunity to see her in action....determined, resolute, but always in a gentle manner, always a lady. Her commitment to the arts and education, and those of her cherished husband Murray, are legendary, unparalleled, and something for which we in the Town of Islip are most grateful," said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
Born and raised in the Bronx, she married her high school sweetheart, Maurice Barbash in 1947. The two were inseparable until his death in 2013.
Together they co-founded the Long Island Philharmonic, commissioned pieces for Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax, and created the Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund.
Lillian loved opera and chamber music best, and loved sharing her loves with others.
"My parents moved to Brightwaters in 1954, and chose to raise their children in the Bay Shore School District because it was known to have a great music program. In 1965, when I was a 5th grader at South Country School, my mom and then PTA President, organized a field trip to take several 5th and 6th grade classes to see Richard Wagner’s Flying Dutchman at the old Metropolitan Opera House. Can you imagine?!." said Susan Barbash, Lillian's daughter.
"Fast forward to 1976, when my mother took the helm of the Islip Arts Council. As they say, the rest was history...Aside from grandchildren and great grandchildren, there was nothing that gave my mother more pleasure than bringing great music to her community." said Susan.
Beloved by all, she is survived by her children Cathy, Susan and Shepard; grandchildren Emma, Ani, Jonah, Lydia, Samuel and Eddie; and great grandchildren Max and Eliza.
Donations may be made in her name to Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund.
Photos courtesy of Newsday.