Barbara Jean Reigles

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 Tech 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 pm. Barbara Isaman-Bushart and Douglas Cullum will co-officiate. A committal service will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3:00 pm in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton College Music Department, PO Box 128, 1 Willard Ave, Houghton, NY 14744  

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