Elk Grove mourns one of its favorite musicians

Lorraine Dobrin volunteered for years at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, but not going door to door.

Instead, Mrs. Dobrin touched the lives of thousands of hospital visitors, patients and staff members from her prominent seat at the piano. She was the first person many people saw when they came in the main entrance, and her music lightened their steps.

Mrs. Dobrin passed away on Sunday, at the age of 84.

From 1998 to 2005, Mrs. Dobrin played on a grand piano under the hospital’s rotunda. A self-taught pianist, she played everything from show tunes to opera, as well as requests, and all as a volunteer.

She played four hours a day, for six days a week, and became one of the hospital’s most popular attractions.

One story she loved to tell was of a man who whispered a request in her ear, asking her to play a classic Italian love song for his wife as she stepped off the elevator.

Apparently, his wife had just finished her chemotherapy treatments, and he wanted her to hear her favorite song, “Al Di La (Beyond.)”

With Mrs. Dobrin’s upbringing in an Italian family on Taylor Street in Chicago, she knew the song well.

But fans of hers say she could play virtually any request, since she performed without sheet music and played everything by ear.

“She had this magical gift, that went hand in hand with the Alexian Brothers mission,” says Kathleen Prunty, chief workforce development officer for Alexian Brothers Medical Center.

“They are all about education and reaching out to the community,” Prunty added, “and she did that with her music. She touched the lives of thousands of people when they came through our doors.”

Members of the Elk Grove community agreed that Mrs. Dobrin’s efforts had enhanced their lives. In 2000, village officials presented her with their “Community Spirit Award” as part of their efforts to celebrate community spirit and good will.

Specifically the award was designed to recognize contributions made by local residents or organizations that improved the well-being of Elk Grove Village. When Mrs. Dobrin stepped away from her piano seat, at the age of 80, hospital officials did not search for a replacement. They retired her grand piano, as well, and replaced it with an automatic piano, by design, hospital officials say.

“She was one in a million,” Prunty added. “We could never replace Lorraine.”

Mrs. Dobrin was preceded in death by her husband, Barney, who passed away in 1993.

Services have been held.