Laurie Reese, accomplished pianist

Laurie Reese, 64, of Salisbury, Md., passed away suddenly Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.  

Born Feb. 13, 1956, in Lewes she graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1974.  Laurie received an associate’s degree from Wesley College in Dover in 1976.  She received her undergraduate degrees in music and education from the University of Delaware, graduating summa cum laude.  She received her master’s degree in education from Salisbury State College (now Salisbury University).

It was during her college days that Laurie played the piano and organ and as musical director at Lewes Presbyterian Church in Lewes.  She often practiced her upcoming recitals there on Sunday morning before services.  Once word got around, many people would arrive early just to hear her practice. 

Laurie was a gifted musician, playing the guitar and cello, but most of all, concert-level piano.  She enjoyed playing the music of Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, but her favorite was Beethoven.   

Laurie’s music and educational career was cut short by a catastrophic car accident in September 1983.  After years of surgeries and rehab, she was able to live on happily, just without her beloved keyboard. 

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Samuel C. and Dorothy Russell, and her parents, Frank B. and Virginia Small, all of Lewes.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Andy.  Additionally, she is survived by her brothers Steve Small (Colleen) and Russell Small (Kim) of Lewes.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Laurie’s name to the Brain Injury Association of Delaware, P.O. Box 1897, Dover, DE 19904.