Laura Ann Schindler

Schindler, Laura Ann, 79, passed peacefully on Thursday , March 23, 2023. Beloved wife of John C. Noto. Dear Stepmother of Gina Harris (Steve), Lisa Wilson (Dan), Eric Noto (Angie); Step grandmother of Damion, Ashley, Shawn, Jacob, Sammy, Riley, Caden, and Logan; Step great grandmother of Elliot; dear sister of Gail Turek (David Kuby ) Aunt of Molly Turek, Amy Thompson (Michael), Jonathan Turek, Laura Turek (Gordy); Great Aunt of Michaela, Gregory, Brook, Zosia; cousin of Joan Berg; dear colleague and friend.

In 1982, Laura started her private piano studio and was an outstanding teacher in the St. Louis area for decades.She attended grade School at St. Thomas of Aquinas and high school at St. Elizabeth’s Academy graduating in 1961. Although Laura did not have biological children of her own, she treated her students as such. Many of them came to understand that her “bark was worse than her bite.” When students were falling behind in their piano studies, she made her expectations quite clear. On the flip side, she was also kind and encouraging when she sensed the need. Her teaching reflected in her students as some competed and won international piano competitions, many won state and local competitions, while others went on to perform with chamber groups and orchestras.  

But Laura was more than just music. She was a living example in her time, attitude and actions. The dedication she demanded of herself, she also expected from her students. Some have gone on to become piano teachers in their own right, others are physicians, professors of music at prestigious schools such as Princeton. One former student committed his life to the advancement of music that he is now President of the Oregon Symphony! Laura was also generous. Whenever more was needed to hone skills and prepare for upcoming competitions or performances, she would find a way to donate her time to such causes. She cared very deeply for her students, and they are forever grateful for the lifelong skills she taught them.

SERVICES: The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 29th in the Great Hall of Ambruster Chapel, 6633 Clayton Rd. From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, on Thursday, March 30th at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (3140 Meramec St, St. Louis, MO 63118 phone: (314) 353-7470) Interment, Mount Olive cemetery (3906 Mt Olive Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125) In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Laura’s Scholarship fund, send funds via PayPal using email address: LSchindlerScholarship@yahoo.com, (and choose the friends and family option to save fees), thank you.

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Laura here on her Memorial page. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos, please click on the following link: Photo album