Houghton - Barbara Jean Reigles, a former resident of
Houghton, died Friday, August 16, 2019 in Unity Hospital, Rochester. She was
born on May 13, 1947 in Hackensack, New Jersey, a daughter of the late Edwin
and Beverly Gibbons Reigles.
Jean was a graduate of Whitney Point High School and
received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan
College. She later received her Master of Music and Vocal Performance from the
University of Cincinnati and she received her Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Texas
Technical University.
Jean was a former professor at Houghton College where she
was honored for her 30 years of service in the summer of 2007. While at
Houghton she was the professor of Music and Choral Conducting from 1975 to 2009
and during her tenure she conducted the women’s choir, Houghton College choir,
the Madrigal Singers and held opera workshops.
During her time at Houghton College Jean also sang in a
variety of performances including a joint recital with Bruce Brown, singing in
the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Players and the Houghton Choir.
Jean also loved horses and kept two of them at the Houghton
College Equestrian Center.
Surviving are a sister Diane (Jack) Bates of Whitney Point,
a brother, David (Sandy) Reigles of Ohio, several nieces and nephews and her
beloved students and colleagues from Houghton College.
A service of the Resurrection will be held at the Community
of the Savior, 4 E Henrietta Road, Rochester, on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at
4:00 p.m. Barbara Isaman-Bushart and Douglas Cullum will co-officiate. A
committal service will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in Mt.
Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.
Memorials if desired to: Houghton College Music Department,
PO Box 128, 1 Willard Ave, Houghton, NY 14744.
