Lorraine Smith Brugh died at her home in Peoria, AZ, on January 25, 2025, at the age of 72.
Lorraine retired in 2020 after twenty-two years at Valparaiso University (Indiana), where she held the Frederick J. Kruse Endowed Chair in Church Music and served as University Organist, Director of Chapel Music, and Adjunct Professor of Theology. Lorraine taught studio organ, church music classes, and music theory; planned and led campus worship; and conducted the Kantorei (chapel choir). Her enthusiasm, precision, and humility inspired generations of grateful students.
Along with her faculty responsibilities, Lorraine directed the university’s Institute of Liturgical Studies (2004–2020). She received the Institute’s 2022 Christus Rex award for her contributions to liturgical scholarship and renewal. The second recognition given annually by the Institute, the Brugh Emerging Leader award, is named in honor of Lorraine.
Lorraine graduated with BMus and MMus degrees in organ performance from Northwestern University. Her further study in theology led to the MTS degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a PhD in religious studies from Northwestern and Garrett. Her dissertation was “Responsive contextualization: a liturgical theology for multicultural congregational worship” (1998). Before coming to Valparaiso, Lorraine directed music ministry at several Chicago-area congregations. In retirement, she served as artist in residence at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, Scottsdale, AZ.
A rostered deacon (minister of word and service) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lorraine contributed to the renewal of its worship life. For the ELCA’s current principal worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW, 2006), she served on the consultation that crafted principles for music in the assembly, on the liturgical music team, and on the project’s overall steering team. Her contributions to liturgical resources include settings for Psalter for Worship (1996–1998); a chapter on Asian music for Leading the Church’s Song (1998); co-authoring with Gordon Lathrop The Sunday Assembly (2008), a guide to ELW resources; worship planning helps for the Sundays and Seasons resource family (1995–); and consultative roles with two ELCA worship supplements, With One Voice (1995) and All Creation Sings (2020).
Lorraine was a charter member and past president of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM), and she received ALCM’s Faithful Servant award in 2023. She served on the faculty of Lutheran Summer Music and Academy; was active in the American Guild of Organists; and was a member of the Liturgical Theology Seminar of the North American Academy of Liturgy. In the 2019 Fully Conscious, Fully Active: Essays in Honor of Gabe Huck (Liturgy Training Publications), Lorraine contributed the chapter “Where Do We Go from Here?”
Born on March 20, 1952, in Elmhurst, IL, to Elbert and Marjorie Smith, Lorraine graduated from West Aurora High School in 1970, where she met her future husband, Gary Brugh; they were married in 1973. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Lee and Noel. She is survived by her husband, Gary, their son Joshua (Shannon) Brugh of Seattle, WA, and two grandchildren. The service of remembrance and thanksgiving for Lorraine’s life will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University or to the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.
A few months after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Lorraine concluded her 2024 Advent letter with these words: “We wish you the peace that surpasses all understanding, the love that enfolds us all.” We now entrust Lorraine into the arms of the loving God who claimed her as beloved child in her baptism, the Love who enfolds us all. Thanks be to God for the life, the faithful witness, and the generously shared gifts of Lorraine Brugh.
Image and Bio Credit: Martin Seltz and the family of Lorraine Brugh.