A 95-Year-Old Pianist Bids Farewell to Mercy Medical Center
Elderly hospital pianist to step down from his longstanding role of providing melodious tunes for patients after several years
Alice Tritle, a remarkable 95-year-old pianist, is set to retire from her long-standing volunteer role at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For over three decades, Tritle has graced the hospital's lobby with her melodious tunes, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Tritle's musical journey began when she was just two years old, as her father placed her hands on the piano keys. Without any formal lessons, she learned to play by ear, a testament to her natural talent and dedication. This self-taught ability led her to teach piano for 50 years and inspire countless others, including Connor Miller, the music director at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Miller expressed his joy at Tritle's continued musical endeavors, stating that she had inspired him to dive into piano and pick up the organ. Her music has been instrumental in inspiring worship and praise, making a significant impact on the local community.
Tritle's faith plays a crucial role in her life, and she begins her volunteering day with a quiet moment of prayer in the hospital's chapel. Her performances, though often without music, touch many lives and bring a sense of comfort and connection.
In her new community, Tritle will continue to play the piano, her Clavinova instrument moving with her. She plans to play at the St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival the following weekend, marking a fitting farewell to her time in Cedar Rapids.
Tritle's last performance at Mercy Medical's lobby on 10th street will be on August 7. Sara Jordan, the Volunteer Coordinator at the center, will miss Tritle and her weekly stories. Jordan expressed her gratitude for Tritle's contributions, stating that she has been a beloved figure in the hospital community.
As Tritle prepares for this new chapter in her life, she offers her secret to longevity: "Keep your mind busy, keep happy with what comes your way." This advice, coupled with her inspiring legacy, serves as a reminder of the power of music and the spirit of resilience in the face of change.
In her new chapter, Alice Tritle will continue to admire the beauty of home-and-garden music, as her Clavinova instrument moving with her will allow her to perform. In the span of her retirement, her entertainment through piano performances will still captivate audiences, ensuring her ongoing influence in the lifestyle sector.
