Florence (Derwin) Naistadt
Born 3/31/1925 in Syracuse
Died 2/13/2007 in Litchfield, CT
.



February 13, 2007
Florence Naistadt, of Lltchfleld, CT, formerly of Fayetteville, NY, died on Tuesday, February 13, surrounded by her family at the Sarah Pierce Assisted Living facility in Litchfield. Florence was born in Syracuse, NY on March 31, 1925, to Esther and Harry Derwin, she graduated from Syracuse University, magna cum laude in 1948 with a bachelors degree in music. Florence began playing the violin at age seven and won a music scholarship to the university where she studied under Andre Polah and Conrad Becker. After graduation, Florence played with chamber music groups and civic orchestras in Syracuse, including the Onondaga Symphony and the WPA Orchestras. She was one of the founding members of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in 1961, retiring 30 years later in 1991. In 1989 the National Organization of Women honored her with the "Trailblazer Award for Women in Music" as a role model for professional women musicians. Serving as Assistant Concert Master for 11 years, Florence was privileged to perform with such distinguished guest artists as the former New York Philharmonic conductor Dmitri Mitropoulous, composer, Aaron Copland, cellists, Leonard Rose and Janos Starker as well as entertainers, such as Danny Kaye and Mel Torme. Florence is survived by her children, Andrea Derwin n of Litchfield, CT, Ivy Naistadt Rinehimer of New York City and Sarah Finkler of Torrington, CT; three grandchildren, Jon Wilson, Michael Wilson and Tyler Finkler; and her brother, Hyman Derwin of Roswell, New Mexico. She was predeceased by her husband, Philip Naistadt of Syracuse. A family service was held February 16, in Litchfield. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made in Florences name to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, 411 Montgomery j St., Suite 40, Syracuse, NY 13202. For further information, call the SSO development office at (315) 424-8222.
 
Burial Location
L62A
 
Spouse
Philip Naistadt Veteran 
Born 1922
Died 10/25/1989 in Syracuse, NY