Wanda Paik, 1934–2026

Wanda Paik, 91, of Lincoln, passed away on Jan. 24, 2026, after suffering a stroke in December. She passed in her sleep at The Commons in Lincoln.

Ms. Paik was predeceased by her husband, Dr. S. Francis Paik, engineer and executive. She is survived by her children and their families, Carol Paik (Daniel Slifkin) of New York and their children Jonathan Slifkin and Meredith Slifkin; Richard Paik (Barbara) of Marblehead and their daughter Frances Paik; and George Paik (Janice) and their daughters Laura Paik (Burak Bagkesici) and Sarah Edwards (Benjamin) and their daughter Lily Edwards.Ms. Paik was born Won-hi Yi on Sept. 17, 1934 in Seoul, Korea. She emigrated at age 5 with her family to Chicago, where her father was minister of the Korean Methodist Church of Chicago. She excelled in piano performance, which led to her earning a B.A. and M.A. in piano at the Northwestern University School of Music. She and Dr. Paik were married in 1957 and moved several times until settling in the region in 1966, first in Sudbury then in Lincoln from 1986. Here she re-launched her piano career, teaching and performing, which she continued until her stroke.

She performed in numerous sites around New England and the country. Notable appearances included two solo performances with the Boston Pops, a recital at the Smithsonian National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and a concert at Yonsei University in Korea. Her students over three generations included many who went on to study at major music conservatories.

Wanda delighted in her personal collaborations and friendships. She was an active leader in the Concord Area Music School Association and the New England Piano Teachers Association, and she and Frank were long time members of the First Parish Church of Sudbury.

A private interment is planned.

Arrangements are under the care of the Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons in Sudbury, which provided this obituary (the family requested that the Lincoln Squirrel not include a photo). Click here to add a memory or send flowers.