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Luella Sirianni-Baron was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Syracuse University in New York. She was a piano instructor, musical accompanist and substitute teacher in the Detroit school system. She was the editor of the ISGT newsletter, founded the ISGT Children's Folk Ensemble. Mrs. Baron received the Distinguished Citizen of Troy Award in 1978, the Oakland County Association for Retarded Citizens' Volunteer Award and Dedicated Service Plaque from the Detroit Sign Company Deaf Theatre.

She was the author of Io Vedo a children's Italian-language text, and Teaching Retarded Children Through Colors, a method of teaching piano to the developmentally disabled.

She was a state trustee for the Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Michigan and a member of Troy Youth Assistance, the Historic District commission for the City of Troy, People to People International and the American Italian Historical Association.

The result of Luella's vision was the Italian Study Group of Troy which was founded in 1974. From a small beginning she lent her talents as a schoolteacher and musician, teaching her own young children and others about their heritage, through language, song and dance. The response from the community was so favorable a mission was set in motion, far-reaching and significant in its impetus and awareness, a nucleus of activity and continuity. In all the endeavors and programs offered by the ISGT she expected integrity and authenticity, rejecting mediocrity or facade for show.

We will always remember her tireless work in church and community affairs.

She embodied true compassion and spirit.
We miss her always.

Adapted from articles written by Mike Best of the Detroit News and Rose Vettraino, ISGT Historian

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