Telleta Bourne Atwell's Obituary
Telleta Bourne Atwell died at her Dunedin Florida home on Saturday afternoon, February 28. She was in her 106th year of a meaningful life. A native of Rome NY, Telleta was an accomplished musician playing violin for 100 years. A distinguished music educator, she studied at Fredonia Normal School and received Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music from Syracuse University.
Telleta taught music for well over 30 years, mostly in the Catskills and Weschester County. Her school orchestras played at both the 1939 and the 1964 Worlds Fairs in NYC. Along with her musical career, she also started a musical instrument rental business in NY and managed real estate in Florida. These endeavors were also successful.
Telleta Atwell's musical interests were eclectic. She was a founding member of the Sun Coast Symphony at the first violin position and at the same time inducted into both the NYS Old Tyme Fiddlers Hall of Fame and the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame.
Telleta became part of the Dunedin community and was active in many benefits. In a larger sense, her donated instruments found a home in Rwanda last year in the grateful hands of children who shared her love of music.
Predeceased by her parents, Fred and Jesse Bourne and cherished sister Bertha Bourne, she is survived by her cousin Daniel Dowd of Rome NY, dedicated caregivers and many friends. Her closest friend and fellow musician, Mary Anne Boos, also survives her.
Friends are welcome to come together at the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home in Rome NY on Thursday March 5 from 2-330pm. It will conclude in a prayer service. Burial will be in the family plot at Rome Cemetery.
A memorial service will be scheduled for Spring in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.
Welcome home to Fiddlers' Green Telleta. Your music lives on!
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