Julia Ann van Ravenswaay

van Ravenswaay—Julia Ann van Ravenswaay, 89, on June 16, 2022, peacefully, in the presence of her son, after a brief period in hospice care at Kendal at Longwood retirement community in Kennett Square, Pa., where she was a resident. Julia was born in 1933 to Walter and Olive Leedom. She grew up in Newtown (Bucks County), Pa.

Julia’s family traces their roots to the founding of Quakerism. She grew up as a member of Makefield Meeting, across the street from her family home. She attended George School in Newtown and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. In later years, Julia was a member of Lancaster (Pa.) Meeting, then Bradford/Marshallton Meeting near West Chester, Pa.

A gifted and accomplished pianist with a passion for accompanying performers of all ages and proficiency levels, Julia performed publicly and at gatherings of friends for more than 80 years. She performed with the Lancaster Opera Workshop, the Rose Valley Players, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s High School Music Department, Swarthmore College’s Ballet Workshop, and West Chester University’s Music Department. She sang as a member of Philadelphia’s Singing City, and performed with such noted conductors as Eugene Ormandy, Riccardo Muti, and Zubin Mehta. Musicians and singers of all ages received her enthusiasm and encouragement. She always enjoyed playing with friends, acquaintances, and her family.

Julia also loved the outdoors. For many years, she worked summers at Farm & Wilderness camps for children and teens in Plymouth, Vt. She adored her family and friends and stayed in close touch with them. She nurtured and relished friendships with people of all ages.

Julia was predeceased by her first husband, Paul R. Lindenmaier; her second husband, Robert van Ravenswaay; a sister, Carolyn Ely; and a brother, Norman Leedom. She is survived by two children, W. Laurence Lindenmaier and L. Paul Lindenmaier; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.