Lila Pradell

Lila Pradell, nee Charney, passed away on December 5, 2024 after a brief illness. She was 92 and a long-time resident of Newton, a former city employee and an internationally recognized pianist and composer. Lila showed musical talent from a young age. She graduated from Newton High School class of 1949, then Boston University with a degree in voice and piano. At the New England Conservatory, she majored in Composition and Theory. She then studied under Nadia Boulanger in France, after which she had a flourishing vocal career in New England musical establishments from synagogues and churches to nightclubs.

Lila leaves behind a colorful legacy of music and adventure. After marrying David Pradell, they drove up the Alcan Highway to Fairbanks, AK to work as teachers to local Inuit children. Her first son, Steven Pradell, was born in Fairbanks and had an Inuit nanny. Lila returned to Boston after the death of her father and had two more children, Lawrence Pradell and Brenna Pradell-Boyd. After her marriage ended, she had a lengthy musical career. She taught at All Newton Music School, New England Conservatory, was the pianist at the Harvard Faculty Club, and a longtime musical accompanist with local theatre groups and Newton’s All City Chorus. She wrote a variety of musical compositions including children’s operas of the Hobbit by Tolkien and for former Newton Mayor Ted Mann wrote the Marriage of the Fig to Newton for a ceremony at Newton City Hall. Her vast repertoire of musical compositions for children was donated to the Rivers School in Weston. She also attended many international composing conferences including Helsinki and Greece.

When she wasn’t focused on her active career, Lila enjoyed raising her three children, especially at beaches in Nantasket, Marblehead and N. Truro. She loved driving her yellow VW beetle, saying children smiled as she drove by. A longtime resident of Pierce House, Lila experienced life with dementia, then moved last December to Hebrew Senior Life in Roslindale, who welcomed her into their community. Her CNA Carline Bijou provided excellent care and compassion which sustained Lila through the pandemic.

Lila leaves behind her loving children Lawrence (Lorraine Defronzo) and Brenna, Steven (Nancy Edtl) pre-deceased her in 2022. Her cherished grandchildren Lee and Benjamin Pradell and Zachary Boyd, and five step grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren). She was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Rose Charney and her brother Robert. A graveside service will be held on December 9, 2024 at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton, MA at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.