LCC gives thanks for 72 years of music with Eloise Schaan

KANATA, Ont. – It was almost a year ago, December 14, 2025, when Eloise Schaan was recognized by Christ Risen Lutheran for her many years as organist and choir director. Rev. Milton Lam gave thanks and a blessing during the service with a formal presentation awarded afterwards, followed by a potluck luncheon. Past choir members and members of other local congregations joined in the celebration.

Schaan’s service to the church began long before her arrival at Christ Risen. She was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, and began acting as substitute organist when she was only 16. As a teenager, she also began a long career as a piano teacher. In 1959, Eloise married Lloyd Schaan and they lived in Regina, where again she filled in as organist when needed. Over the next ten years, they moved a number of times, and she occasionally played at congregations in Schreiber, Ontario; Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay); and Montreal.

In 1970, the family moved to Toronto and became members of St. Matthew’s Lutheran. At first Eloise substituted on organ, but then she became the full-time organist and eventually the choir director. Eloise and Lloyd moved to Kanata in 1990, where she served Christ Risen as organist and choir director for over 30 years.

Her service to the church was not limited to the musical side. In 1993, Eloise was elected as the first president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada, and she held that position until 1997.

The choir members and whole congregation at Christ Risen praise God and are thankful for the beautiful music that Eloise contributed over so many years!

Lutheran Church–Canada joins with Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada in honouring their first president, Eloise Schaan, who was called to glory on August 25, 2026.

The funeral service will be today, Wednesday, September 2, 2026, starting at 11:00 am at Christ Risen Lutheran Church in Kanata, Ontario. A light luncheon will follow the service.

Please remember the Schaan family in your prayers.

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