Elsie Johanna "Elsie Jo" Hansen Trawick

Elsie Johanna Hansen Trawick, “Elsie Jo” to all who knew her, of Cedartown, Georgia and Ithaca, New York, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning, October 4, 2026. For an impressive 105 years, Elsie Jo flourished, remaining vibrant and lucid to the end, and she never stopped learning, listening, reading, and caring for others. She took a genuine interest in nearly everyone she met. Even after a brief conversation, she remembered their names and what was happening in their lives, to their surprise and delight. She was cherished by her late husband, Stovall Trawick, and three daughters, Julia, Anne, and Elsie (Lisa), and extended family and friends, all who will forever carry her in their hearts.

 The daughter of John A. Hansen and Marie K. Olsen Hansen, Elsie Jo was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and grew up in Akron, Ohio. Music played a large role in Elsie Jo’s life, with her initially studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music and later graduating in 1942 from Akron University. She went on to attend the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, France, where she studied counterpoint music analysis and Beethoven’s sonatas under the legendary Nadia Boulanger, and voice under Pierre Bernac. She earned her master’s degree from Columbia University, and in lieu of completing a thesis, Columbia music faculty invited her to perform a full vocal recital, a mark of distinction she treasured. While living in New York City, Elsie Jo sang opera on the prestigious radio program, Voice of Firestone, performed at Radio City Music Hall, and was a soloist at various classical venues.

 In 1953, her accompanist Harold Brown introduced her to Stovall Trawick of Cedartown, Georgia, whom she would go on to marry on September 3, 1953. Elsie Jo quickly settled into life on the farm, her beloved home of 40 years, where she raised chickens, pigs, and her three children, and contributed to the life of the community. There she sang in and later directed the choir at the First Methodist Church and created the Cedartown Community Chorus, performing Handel’s Messiah, the St Cecelia Mass, and the Seven Last Words of Christ, performances that were recorded. In addition, she was a devoted member of the Cedartown Music Club. 

Beyond her Cedartown contributions, Elsie Jo sang professionally with the Chattanooga Opera Company. In 1963, she brought some comic relief to the tragic tale in the role of Mama McCourt in The Ballad of Baby Doe and in the opera, Carmen, she sang the role of Mercedes. Elsie Jo served on the Metropolitan Opera National Counsel, the National Auditions Committee for Young Artist Auditions for the National Federation of Music Clubs, New York City Opera, the Board of Directors of the Sarasota Opera, and the Sarasota Opera Society. She especially enjoyed her time as Administrative Director of the Sarasota Youth Opera. In addition, she became the first female member of Berry College’s Board of Visitors.

 Elsie Jo lived her final 15 years at Longview Senior Living Community in Ithaca, New York. Longview is affiliated with Ithaca College where Elsie Jo attended classes. In one such class, she co-wrote a song, A Cup of Sun, which was put to music and published by Ithaca College. At Longview, Elsie Jo’s days were full: she joined the kazoo band, playing first triangle, attended yoga classes, belonged to a book club, and for several years each month, gave an Opera Program. Of her experiences at Longview, she said, “The important thing is to make changes without fear, to enjoy new adventures, and gain new friends.” Sage advice for any stage of life.

 Elsie Jo is survived by her beloved three daughters, five grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

 The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Longview Senior Living Community: Longview Senior Living Community, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, New York 14850 

Or online: https://longview.networkforgood.com/projects/246528-longview-donation-gallery

 A graveside service in Cedartown, Georgia is being planned.

The Smith and Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown is honored to oversee the arrangements.