Cousins honor late grandmother by singing her favorite song in virtual musical tribute

By Shannon McLellan

After their grandmother’s sudden passing, a group of cousins created a musical tribute to honor her memory.

Tess Nowalk died on April 11 at 91. She left behind six children, 20 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and her husband of 69 years.

Because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, her family could not gather for a service to say their goodbyes.

Although they couldn’t be together, her grandchildren wanted to honor her virtually.

Danny Ortez

Tess and her husband Francis had this picture taken by friend and photographer Danny Ortez in 1947 – he called it “The Lovers” and entered it into a photo contest where it won.

"After hearing the news, I called one of my sisters to figure out how during this time of quarantine, we could celebrate and honor our grandmother's memory -- to be present during her funeral, from a distance but together as family," Nowalk’s granddaughter Katelyn Best said.

Best told "Good Morning America" that music has always been a central element in their family and that at many family gatherings they would sing around a piano. Best said her sister, Anne Drysdale, came up with the idea for all the cousins to sing Nowalk’s favorite song -- "Moon River" -- together while apart.

Best reached out to their cousin Rob McKinnis, a trained piano player, and asked him to record a version of the song on the piano. She then sent an e-mail to the rest of her cousins telling them about the tribute and asking for them to participate.

Nowalk family

Tess Nowalk’s grandchildren Madison Helfer, David Helfer, Margaret McKinnis, Connor Nowalk, and Robert McKinnis singing around a piano at a family gathering at their grandparent’s home in Pittsburgh, PA.

"While we are all apart during this time, we can all still celebrate the wonderful memory of our grandmother through music," Best sent in an email. "If you are interested in participating, please video record yourself singing along to the track and reply to this thread."

Best’s cousins responded with videos of their performances. One cousin even included a violin version of the song. Best edited their voices together, and after hours of work the musical tribute was complete.

Nowalk family

Tess and Francis Nowak were married for 69 years and met when they were 16 years old.

"[It] could not have been completed without the efforts of all of my cousins," Best said. "Together we represent the beautiful legacy of our grandparents as well as the power of music to comfort during this time of separation. While physically apart, this recording allowed our voices to ring out together in unison."

Best said she hopes her family’s musical tribute "can touch people’s hearts and offer comfort and togetherness in a time separation."