Rachelen Lien

Rachelen Jones Lien passed away on May 19, 2020 at the Covenant Home, New Orleans at the age of 88 -- the same number as the keys on a piano. A native of Gulfport MS and a longtime resident of New Orleans, she was preceded in death by her parents, James Oatis Jones and Ary Wade Jones, her sister Ary Wade Jones and her husband Dr. Robert Cowles Lien. She is survived by her three children, Robert Cowles Lien, Jr, Virginia Lien Cairns and James Frederick Lien; and two grandchildren, Catherine Redfield Cairns and Sarah Elizabeth Cairns.

Mrs. Lien received a Bachelors of Music from the Richmond Professional Institute and a Masters of Music in Piano Performance from the Chicago Musical Conservatory, where she studied under Rudolph Ganz. She was a member of the national Organ Historical Society, and was the founding president of the New Orleans Chapter of the Organ Historical Society. She was instrumental in securing the renovation and restoration of many historic organs throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas and in recognition of her years of tireless service, in 2005 the national OHS awarded her the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. She served as the organist and choirmaster at Gentilly Presbyterian Church for 11 years, First Presbyterian Church for 18 years, St. Matthew United Church of Christ for 32 years and Parker Memorial United Methodist Church for 18 years. In addition, Mrs. Lien maintained a piano studio in Uptown New Orleans for over 50 years. She was a cherished teacher to well over 1,000 children and maintained close relationships with many of them into adulthood.

Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport. When circumstances allow, a memorial service celebrating her life will be planned.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road Gulfport is serving the family.

An online obituary may be viewed, and memories and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com