Nunziata “Nancy” Barbara Critelli

Nunziata "Nancy" Barbara Critelli passed away quietly early in the morning of Nov. 20, 2015, at Highgate Senior Living facility. She had suffered from Parkinson's and Myelodysplastic syndrome for several years. She was born on Dec. 4, 1927, in Billings.

Nancy lived a long and remarkable life. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the University of Montana and a doctorate in cello performance from the University of Michigan. She taught public school music in El Paso, Texas; Kalispell; and East Lansing, Mich.; and later served on the faculties of the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Appalachian State University and Rocky Mountain College.

As a professional cellist, Nancy performed in many symphony orchestras and chamber music groups, including the El Paso Symphony, the Roanoke Symphony, the Missoula Symphony, the Yellowstone Chamber Players and the Billings Symphony. She had a flair for entrepreneurship, and founded the Red Lodge Music Festival in 1964 with the help of other musicians and family members. She was on the Board, and taught and performed there for many years.

She started learning the cello at an early age, studying with Julius Clavadetscher, a beloved music teacher from Switzerland who came to Billings from the Minneapolis area. Her subsequent teachers were Florence Reynolds from the University of Montana, Gabor Rejto from the University of Southern California and Sammy Mayes from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Nancy's greatest love was teaching cello in her private studio. She followed her students' progress and achievements with great pride and satisfaction. Nothing pleased her more than to have them come visit her years later and express their appreciation for her teaching. She also had many other interests, such as operating a ham radio, gardening, bird watching, hiking and camping.

She is survived by her sisters, Stella Critelli Summy of Mesa, Ariz., Carol Diane Critelli and Mary Critelli LaMonaca of Billings; her nieces, Leanne Summy Downs of Boise, Idaho, and Juliet LaMonaca of Portland, Ore.; nephews Michael Summy of Seattle, Anthony LaMonaca of Denver, Matthew LaMonaca of Las Vegas; and three great-nephews. There are also numerous relatives in Billings and Italy.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Frank and Inez Critelli, who taught violin and piano in Billings from the 1920s through the 1980s; brothers-in-law Ralph Summy of Mt. Home, Idaho, and Caesar LaMonaca of Billings.

Nancy's family appreciates the loving care she received while residing for the last three months at Highgate Senior Living in Billings.

Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at St. Thomas Church, 2055 Woody Drive, with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Frank and Inez Critelli Memorial Fund at 1204 Rimhaven Way, Billings, MT 59102, would be appreciated. The fund provides scholarships to music students in the Billings area.