Classmates arrange musical interlude for Will Steicker’s hospice care

Eliot Norman recruited Mary Langston, a well-regarded soprano, to sing “Over the Rainbow” as part of a musical program he put together for Dr. Will Streicker a few weeks before he passed away last Spring.  

Rob Riehle and his wife Byah joined others at Will’s home, where he was confined to home hospice.  Owing to his immunocompromised state, Will (who Eliot and others knew as Bill) had to keep his distance, listening from an easy chair at the top of the stairs.  But he loved the music and the support and love of his friends. 

Will took that final journey “Over the Rainbow” about 5 weeks later, on March 1, 2024.

This performance was captured on an iPhone and was just the second time Eliot and Mary played it.  Eliot observed that “it still felt fresh and new” to them.

Mary left a lovely note for Will, which he very much appreciated.  When asked for her permission to publish this post, Will’s wife Beverly not only quickly approved but repeated how much she and Will appreciated the love and support of his classmates as the end drew near.