Lois Elizabeth Martin, 73, a world-renowned violist and an indelible part of the New York music scene for more than 50 years — performing across genres with artists including Steve Reich, esperanza spalding, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Brecker — died on Nov. 19, 2025 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. She had been a member of Local 802 since 1975.

A fiercely loyal companion and legendary host, Lois poured her whole heart into every connection she made. She was devoted to her family, friends, and the wide circle of people who were fortunate enough to be swept into her orbit. The Upper West Side apartment she shared with her late partner, trumpeter Laurie Frink, was a haven of warmth, laughter, music, and good food. To everyone who knew her, Lois was a joyful whirlwind  —  full of laughter, wine, charcuterie boards and exuberant energy. After her cancer diagnosis, she faced her illness with characteristic courage, surrounded constantly by friends and colleagues who formed a steady circle of support.

Born on October 29, 1952, and raised on a family-owned turkey farm in York, Pennsylvania, Lois’ grandmother’s potato chip recipe was the catalyst for famed Lois’s Potato Chips, which her uncle founded in 1941. Her hardworking parents saved diligently to support her viola studies with Arthur Lewis at the Peabody Preparatory School. She earned her undergraduate degree as a scholarship student of Francis Tursi at the Eastman School of Music, performing with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra during her studies. She completed her graduate work at Juilliard under Lillian Fuchs.

Lois was a founding member of the Atlantic String Quartet, an ensemble dedicated to the performance of newly written compositions. She was a core member of String Fever, a classical fusion group led by conductor Marin Alsop, and the critically acclaimed American Chamber Ensemble. Her commitment to contemporary music also included performances with the New York Chamber Symphony, Concordia, the Salon Chamber Soloists, Group for Contemporary Music, ISCM Chamber Players, Ensemble Sospeso, Ensemble 21, New York New Music Ensemble, Speculum Musicae, Composers’ Guild, Composers Forum, Da Capo Chamber Players and Steve Reich.

Lois served as principal violist of the Stamford Symphony (now Orchestra Lumos), the OK Mozart Festival and The Little Orchestra Society. Lois was a longtime member of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and frequently performed with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra and New York City Ballet Orchestra.

Lois’ career included 61 appearances at Carnegie Hall, beginning with her 1975 debut with the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and most recently in 2017 on the program “Three Generations: Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass and Steve Reich.” Her versatility extended far beyond classical music, performing with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, Fred Hersch, Ornette Coleman, John Lewis, esperanza spalding, Shirley Bassey, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Paul Simon, Tyne Daly, Don Alias, Richard Bona, Gil Goldstein, Mike Mainieri and many others.

Lois was on the faculty of the Composers’ Conference at Wellesley College and taught at Princeton University. She recorded works by more than 50 contemporary composers, including her commission of Charles Wuorinen’s “Viola Variations,” which she premiered at Merkin Hall in New York in 2008 and later performed at the Library of Congress in celebration of Wuorinen’s 70th birthday.

Lois is survived by her sister Brenda. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary and John and by her beloved partner Laurie Frink. She leaves behind musical communities forever shaped by her generosity and artistry, her Lake Muskoday community, beloved cousins in Pennsylvania, New York and South Carolina, and countless friends who cherished her.

In lieu of flowers, Lois requested donations be made to the Laurie Frink Career Grant, a fellowship she established in Laurie’s memory to support young brass players (www.lauriefrink.com/donate). A memorial concert will be announced in 2026.

Obituary submitted by Nadje Noordhuis and Ryan Truesdell