Allegrine Guez Reid, 90 of 1 Northrop St.,

A former music teacher in Hopedale public schools who was still giving private piano lessons, died Monday, Jan. 15, from injuries suffered in a fire at her home. She leaves a daughter, Drucilla M. Reid of Hopedale. A son Victor Guez Reid of Boston, died in 1999. She was born in Boston, daughter of Gaston and Marguerite (Dettweiller) Guez, and lived in Newton and Boston before moving to Hopedale in 1964. She was educated in Boston schools. She graduated from New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, and earned a bachelor's degree in music from Boston University. She was a fellow at Trinity College of Music in London. Mrs. Reid taught music in the Hopedale public school system for 37 years. She was the system's music supervisor from 1965 to 1975. She also taught private piano lessons at her home the past 74 years. She was a longtime member of the Tri-Delta sorority, and belonged to the New England Piano Teachers Association.

The memorial service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, Jan. 20 in Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, 42 Congress St., Milford. Burial will be private at a latter date. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM Friday, Jan. 19, in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to

The New England Conservatory of Music,
290 Huntington Ave.,
Boston, MA 02115.

      Mother was born in May, which turned out to be appropriate. Sunny weather and the promises that spring makes to us went well with the unyielding optimism of her nature. She always looked forward, she always thought things would get better; she expected sick people to recover, clouds to clear up, scratch cards to pay off, and especially, traffic lights to stay green until we got there.

      She came from a mixed background. According to family oral history her four grandparents were a Catholic, a Protestant, a Jew, and a Moslem. If people asked, "What did that make your mother?" I said, "Tolerant."

      She grew up as the only child of a French mother who was passionate and hot-tempered and a Tunisian father who was demanding and autocratic. These two rarely agreed on anything and their disputes could be volcanic. They actually threw plates. Mother's earliest memory was of walking along a Boston sidewalk at about age three with one parent on each side holding on to one of her hands. They reached a corner and an argument broke out between her parents as to which way to go. Suddenly, abandoning discussion, the two of them took off in opposite directions, taking little Allegrine with them. She told me that as her feet left the ground, she had her first clue that all was not completely well with Mama and Papa.

      Despite, or because of, the conflict and uncertainty of her upbringing, she grew up to be almost fearless. She took risks, accepted challenges, and plunged into unfamiliar surroundings. She taught for a while at a convent school of the Order of St. Joseph in Boston. The Mother Superior tried to convince her to become a nun, but she declined. Another time, she had the opportunity to become a chorus girl at the Colonial Theater in Boston, and she accepted. The play had technical problems, was not a success, and closed after only a week, but Mayor Curley did come to opening night. Some time later she played the piano at an official city function, and His Honor was again present. So I¹ve always been able to say that my mother entertained Mayor Curley twice; once, fully clothed.

      Taking risks meant accumulating memories that a more prudent soul would not. In 1936 she went to study for the summer in Great Britain. The day she arrived in London she stashed her luggage and went to visit Westminster Abbey. Once there, she caught the attention of a church official called in England a beadle, one of whose jobs was to deal with the tourists coming through. They talked, and she asked questions about the history of the place, and suddenly he said, "Look, you stay here - it's closing time, and I'll get everyone else to leave, and then I've got something I want to show you."

      Well, many women at that point would have suddenly remembered a dentist appointment, but Mother said, "O.K." And so he went off and corralled the other tourists and escorted them out, and Mother waited, standing alone at that main intersection of the great church, where the two red carpets cross, and all around her lights were going out and voices were fading away and doors were clanging shut and locks were being turned. Finally, after everything had grown dim and silent, the beadle returned, trotting up the aisle, and took her over to a little door in a side panel and led her up a flight of worn stone steps curving around and around in circles up into some ancient tower. And it did occur to her to ask herself at that point, "What am I doing here?" But she kept going, and at the top he took her into a long narrow room and showed her the surprise he had in mind. Hanging in a long line were coronation gowns of the queens of England, reaching back through the centuries. It was quite a sight.

      So she was optimistic, unconventional, and brave. She was also kind. She was the type of person who worried whether her parakeet might be leading a boring life. So she filled the cage with toys and mirrors, even though I pointed out that since at that time she also owned a cat, probably the bird wasn't all that bored.

      But it was just her nature to care for the well-being of those around her. She wanted to know: Had they slept well?, Were their feet dry?, Were their heads warm?, Were they happily married?, Had they had something to eat and drink within the last half hour? She loved and was loved, and if you were in her life, she wanted you to have the best.

      And she was fun to be with. She loved games and parties and jokes and anecdotes and good conversation. She was the first to see and comment on the humor in any situation, and she always laughed at herself first. If her toss missed the wastebasket she said, "Well, I won't make the team this year." If she spilled something on herself she'd come out with, "Pigs of the world, rise and meet your Queen." It was a pleasure to be in her company.

      Finally, let me say this. Mother's checkered religious background left her with hopes, but without any sense of certainty, as to any life after this one. And as I feel the same, I will have to do what she so often did; I'll trust to luck. My wish for her is that wherever she has gone, she finds herself on a road where the month is always May, and all the lights are green.

Drusilla Reid
Class of 1965

I am deeply saddened over the loss of Mrs. Reid. My first real exposure to choir music really came from Mrs. Reid at the Old Dutcher Street School. Her passion for music and in particular choral music was second to none. But I also remember how she really loved working with children and I believe enjoyed watching them come alive as they discovered the joy of music.

I can still see her sitting at her full upright piano and being patient with all of the children trying to learn a song for a concert. That is of course as long as you were trying your very best. I do remember Mrs. Reid not tolerating fooling around and some of the boys in my class catching her wrath on occasion, but it was always well deserved, believe me.

I ran into Mrs. Reid, oh I don't know, maybe 10 years ago or so and I was amazed that she remember me at all. At that time I had thanked her for being the wonder teacher that she was and how my love for music (other than Rock of course) really started with her.

I will be praying for her soul, but I believe that Mrs. Allegine Reid is in a far better place now, and that she is probably already heading a Choir of Angels in Heaven.

Jack Moran
Class of 1968

In 6th grade I was, as usual, standing in the back of the room next to Mr. Packard for music class because I was messing around in class again. We were doing the song Sloop John B. and Mr. Packard started singing along. I knew the song from the Beach Boys albums so I started singing the harmony. Mrs. Reid heard Mr. Packard and made the comment "Who is singing that lovely baritone"? and walked to the back of the class. Then she heard my harmonies and pulled me aside and encouraged me to sing more. She passed my name to Mrs. Fairbanks and that's when I started singing. She did me a favor those many years ago.

I'll miss her.

John Johnson
Spirit of '76

I had this lady all through grammar school as Miss Guez. She got married either during the end of the WWII or right after. She was Mrs. Reid when I was in High School and then some as she taught music in Hopedale schools for many, many years. She is a legend in Hopedale. When she retired she still taught piano up until yesterday when she had this terrible misfortune. Other than being very deaf she still had all her faculties and going strong. What a sad way to end your life.

Betty Butcher (Mathewson)
Class of 1949

Mrs. Reid affected all of us. Music is a critical part of my life and I am grateful for the guidance I was given by Mrs. Reid, especially in my early years.

Dan D'Alio
Class of '75

I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Reid as a personal friend and music teacher. While rehearsing for graduation I realized that she was pregnant. When I asked what she was going to do she said "No one will ever know." Every time we made eye contact we smiled at the secret we shared.

Michael J. D'Alio
Class of 1947

I took lessons from Mrs. Reid for many years...as well as my brother and sister. What a shame. Thanks so much for passing this on.

Thanks for encouraging me to learn my chords!!

Patty Marcus Wolz
Class of 74.

I had a nice memory of her, she was a real sweet woman and a loss that is sad to all who knew her.

I'm from the class of 1982.
And I'm sad that she passed away .

I remember working with Mrs. Reid as pianist for some of her presentations involving classes. Can also remember her glares when I "might" have misplaced a note. I sure appreciated her instructions as an accompanist and can't help but thinks she must have helped endless others.

Art Holmes '48

Sandra (Heron) Lombardi, Joanne (Lemon) Andreotti and Margaret (Dowdell) D'Onofrio (class of 1958) were members of a "trio" that Mrs. Reid put together--- We were not too good but she never said so. In fact, she made us feel like the next "Supremes". We sang at our graduation and she played for us but the piano was too far away for us to hear. Needless to say we were not "on the same page". To make matters worse, there was a mean thunderstorm ready to let go so the wind was blowing like crazy. It was totally embarrassing but Mrs. Reid told us we were good sports and sounded just fine!! She also said we would always remember our graduation gig.......she was right! I, for one, still blush at the memory!!

Margaret (Dowdell) D'Onofrio 1958
P.S. We did sound pretty good at Class Day!

The Class of '65 held a reunion this summer and the highlight of that reunion was that Drucilla brought her mom. Drucie came in and said "She couldn't stay too long because her mom was in the car." We responded, "Have her come in". A few of us went out to try to entice her to come in for a visit. "Oh no! I couldn't", she said. "Please, please", we all echoed. Finally, she agreed to come in and we had a wonderful visit. She held court and we all got to spend time with her. As they pulled out of the driveway we all stood and waved goodbye. It was a wonderful moment and now a wonderful memory.

Geri Francis Cyr

Allegrine Guez Reid - how often I would repeat that name over the many years I knew her. Mrs. Reid was my piano teacher from 1960, when we first moved to Hopedale, until I graduated in 1967. She forever changed my outlook on music and on life in general. She opened my mind, as she did so many of my friends at the time, to the world beyond Hopedale. She took me to my first Boston Pops concert and introduced me to Arthur Fiedler. I still have the autographed program from that night. She was the first person I ever saw return a bottle of wine at a restaurant because she felt it had been stored at the improper temperature.

My sessions with her were always wonderful escapes during the often difficult years of adolescence, and her constant encouragement and praise drove me to play pieces I would never have thought possible. Years went by between our visits as I married, moved away, and began my own life, but once in a while I would see her.

A few years back I saw her at a Christmas party held by Hopedale neighbors of my parents. She hugged me warmly and whispered that no one in 30 years had ever played Grieg's Nocturne as well as me. Mrs. Reid I will always treasure our time together. You left an indelible mark on my spirit which has shaped me into the person I am today.

May God grant you eternal rest.
Cynthia (Arone) Young '67

I would like to thank Mrs. Reid, as a former student, she was an inspiration to me as a young girl, I don't think I could even hum on key, but she made everyone feel like we all had a bit of Pavarotti in us!! Her zest for music was truly infectious! I will fondly remember her as more than just a teacher, she was a gift to all who were lucky enough to experience her unique ability to bring all children together, if only for a little while.

Affectionately,
Christine Livingston

I am very sad to hear about Mrs.Reid. I will always remember her, she was my music teacher until I went to 4th grade when she retired.

My heart goes out to all of her family.
Shawn Moran
Class of 1982

Mrs. Reid retired from teaching in the schools when I was in the fourth grade. I remember that final concert, singing in the chorus (We sang "Free to Be, You and Me" by Marlo Thomas and Friends - a song from a CD I coincidentally recently bought for my own children because of this memory ).
I recall the giant bouquet of flowers we presented at the end of the show and feeling proud that I was a part of the celebration of making Mrs. Reid's retirement special. I always wanted to take piano lessons from her, but am one of the few who never actually did : )

Karen (Daige) Martin
Class of '83

Thanks for the news, however sad, and for the opportunity to remember Mrs. Reid.

I never had a great voice - and still don't - but Mrs. Reid encouraged me to sing out in the Glee Club, and I still am doing so in several choirs and choruses. She gave me a life-long love of choral music, and I'm still moved to tears when I hear "You'll Never Walk Alone", which was a staple of our Glee Club repertoire.

Here's a beautiful lyric to a song by Natalie Sleeth, which just came to mind when I thought of Mrs. Reid's gift of music to her students:

In the bulb there is a flower;
In the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise:
Butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
There's a song that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

Requiescat in Pace, Mrs. Reid, and enjoy the music of the angelic choirs
George Hobart, '53

I was really saddened to hear of Mrs. Reid's passing and appreciative of your letting us know of the sad story. I first met her in Jr. HS at Dutcher Street and she was then Miss Guez, a bundle of energy and determination to educate us lunkheads in the world of music. My Jr. year in HS she sent Dick Whitney, Don Webster and I off to Auburn, Maine to participate in a the All New England Chorus to be followed by a second appearance with Arthur Fiedler and the Pops in the Shell. What a memorable experience and all due to her efforts which she continued to exhibit for years to come.Thanks to her and my Church Choir Director, Arthur Allen, I have enjoyed music ever since.
I last saw and talked to Mrs. Reid at the '86 100th Anniversary ad I swear she hadn't changed one bit, either physically or personality-wise and she just knew everybody's name around her.

What a great lady!!
Russell Tiffany '52
A-L-O-H-A !!!

One of my favorite memories of Mrs. Reid--and there were several--happened during my first year of teaching. When I realized that Mrs. Reid would be teaching music to my fourth graders I became very worried. I knew that she would teach them several new songs each week and then it would be my responsibility to see that they practiced and mastered them by the time she returned the following week.

Mrs. Reid had always treated our class ('55) as though we were her all-time favorites. Maybe she did this to every class--I don't know. I do know that we had lots of wonderful singers and we did win a prize at some competition ( 6th grade, I think.) I couldn't carry a tune by myself but always loved to sing so I always managed to sit or stand next to someone with a good strong voice and then I could fake it.

When I was at UMass I (very cleverly, I thought) found a way to avoid Kiddie Music. I didn't have a clue as to how I could teach these songs. Luckily I had two wonderful friends who were generous and helpful to me. They offered to tutor me each week.Kaye Sanderson and Patty Draper took turns. We'd find a piano--usually at the Unitarian Church--and they woud practice and practice with me. No matter how hard we worked there were always a few clunkers in the songs each week that I just couldn't get right.

Mrs. Reid would tell my class that they weren't working hard enough; I would say that it wasn't their fault--that they only did things wrong because of the way I had taught them.

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Reid would always say. "I taught you music for all these years. Don't you think I woud know if you were tone-deaf?"

I never knew if she really thought she couldn't have missed that or if she was just being kind to a first-year teacher.

Jenny (Gray) Orlin '55

I remember all those years that Mrs. Reid was a great music teacher, but also that she was a "classy gal"- always the make-up and jewelry-her exceptional vim and vitality. Many years ago, a large group of "girls" of the class of 1946 met at the home of the late Frances Durgin on Dutcher Street while Blanche (Murray) Spencer was visiting and Allegrine joined us for awhile- it was as if she were one of us- not a former teacher! There was the terrible fire many years ago,when her clothing caught fire from her stove and she was very badly burned and spent a LONG time recovering from that- ironic that a fire took her life! Too sad!

Shirley(Adams) Foss,
Class of 1946.

Dear Ms. Reid,

You were a wonderful inspiration in our formative years. My love for music now, is a tribute to you. I will always remember our eighth grade trip to Boston to See the Boston Pops concert. Music of the heart is food for the soul.

Priscilla (Knight) Elliott
Class of 1956

So sad.

Ben Levison
Class of 1976

Memories of Allegrine

Mrs. Allegrine Guez Reid came into my life over a half century ago in the Hopedale grammar school system. My early memories are of a lady who was dedicated to music, teaching and a GREAT piano player. She began teaching us how to read music (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la . . . ) and eventually introduced us to choral singing and "parts". It wasn't long before we boys ran into difficulty, because as our voices began to change, we found it nearly impossible to control whether we were singing in the soprano, alto, tenor or bass voice. Mrs. Reid, however, was very patient through those difficult times and guided us through to our eventual tenor or bass range. By the time I reached the eighth grade, I thought that I had settled into the bass range. Alas, it was not to be so. When I entered Hopedale High School, Mrs. Reid encouraged me to try the tenor range. As usual, she was right and tenor is where I remain to this day.

Music was always important in our family life. I recall many gatherings of friends and family at our home when we would all gather around the piano and have a grand time singing hymns and the popular songs of the day as well as yesteryear. I took my first piano lesson at age 5 with Mrs. Hayward and encouraged by Mrs. Reid, began voice training during high school years.

It was during the high school years that Mrs. Reid significantly impacted my life. She introduced us to the classics and various composers. We learned what was meant by a "Glee Club". We began to sing more complex music. She was wonderfully supportive in the formation of our Harmony Four male quartet. She was successful in getting several of us into the Massachusetts All State Chorus at the Worcester Auditorium during my junior year. This three-day experience was unforgettable along with the final concert before an audience of thousands. We also participated in a number of music festivals in various surrounding towns. Finally in my senior year, as composer of the score for our class song, she was right there again offering support and suggestions.

I hope that I have been able to describe adequately, the importance that this grand lady had on my life. However the story does not end with high school graduation. Allegrine spent 37 years in the Hopedale school system where the records say that she retired in 1975. Nothing could be further from the truth! She continued to influence people with her love of music and continued to teach piano up until her death. After she moved to Hopedale in 1964, our paths crossed many times at musical and other special events in town. Since my brother Bob came through the Hopedale system five years after I and also sang tenor, Allegrine would always get our names mixed up. Whenever I would "bump" into her she would always recall her "tenors" and proceed to go through the Bill/Bob, Bob/ Bill routine until she came up with the correct name.

Allegrine's tragic death removes from our community a grand lady of music who will be sorely missed. I will miss her and she has my unending gratitude for the influence that she has had on my life.

Bill Redden, '55

HHS Glee Club

Rehearsal, Rehearsal, Rehearsal, that was the name of the game and we always looked forward to having those rehearsals as much as we looked forward to performing.

Mrs. Reid announced, with a gleam in her eye and pride in her voice:
"We will be participating in the All State Chorus!"
"We have a lot of work to do, so let's get down to business!"

WOW, Amherst, Mass. What a thrill! Hundreds of kids from all schools in Massachusetts joining in harmony and so proud to be there.

The day of the concert brought a huge snowstorm but our parents took that long, hazardous drive to support our efforts.

Mrs. Reid, you gave us all confidence in ourselves and you were responsible for my love of music. You touched my life and I will be forever grateful.

Glenis (Bishop) Hachey
Class of 1957

My only memory is that I enjoyed every performance that she conducted and was kind enough to let me know gently that I had no talent for singing. I should practice jump shots.

Ray of little talent!
Ray Midgley
Class of 1952

It began for me in the "attic" music room of Dutcher Street school, eyes on the director, following the accentuated arm movements of the wiry lady maestro. Thank you Mrs. Reid.

It was for me the 78 rpm records during music appreciation that led to a life time of musical joy. Thank you Mrs. Reid.

It was the selection to the all state chorus that culminated in a joint performance of the all state orchestra and chorus at Worcester Auditorium performing Battle Hymn of the Republic. Remembering standing there, amid hundreds of high school singers and musician, enveloped in music and excitement, still brings tears and goose bumps. Thank you Mrs. Reid.

For a lifetime of music, God bless you, Allegrine.

I wept when I read the account of that terrible night, for you, for your daughter, for the fire fighters, for all of us who loved you.

God be with you till we meet again,
By His council guide uphold you,
In His arms securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again....

Love and respect,
Russ Goff '56

My memory of Mrs. Reid is teaching us the song Alueta, remember?
I think she loved that song.

Fran Elliott (Phillips)
Class of 1962

Mrs. Reid made a great difference in my life. I have a love of music that she nurtured through both her teaching/coaching in the schools and from my years as one of her piano students. I still play and sing almost daily, using the skills she taught.

For the lessons I learned from her, I'll be forever greatful!
Phil Roberts
Class of '59

Remembrance of Mrs. Reid

From my earliest days in music class, I recall those songs she played from the great "American Song Book". We sang those songs before we knew there was such a songbook. There were songs from colonial days, the Civil War, the World Wars, and the American Theater. The selections from Rogers and Hammerstein are unforgettable.

Unforgettable - just like Mrs. Reid. She impacted my musical heritage and I shall cherish those memories forever. She was a unique person with a special love for music and students of music. My memories of her will last as long as I am able to sing.

Bob Redden '60

Many members of the Class of 1947 are fortunate enough (and old enough) to remember the first day Allegrine Guez walked into out second grade classroom at the Park Street School. We were introduced, by Miss Crowell, to Hopedale's "newly appointed music teacher." Miss Guez made a grand entrance into the classroom on that day and every day after that. This lady was unique in many ways. She was so full of spirit and drive and the love of music. She directed our high school graduation music in 1947, very pregnant but with her usual gusto.

I became involved again with Allegrine, when I went to work for Superintendent Donald Dow when I was 35 years old. She was still on the staff of her beloved town of Hopedale. She came into my office often and we became close friends over the 13 years I worked there. We remained good friends even after I left the school.

On January 8th of this year, I found a message on my answering machine here in Florida, from Allegrine, wishing my husband and I a Happy New Year. I returned her call the next morning. The last thing she told me on the phone that day was that at midnight on New Year's Eve, she and Druscilla, went out on their front porch (as they had done every year before, along with her son) and yelled at the top of their voices, " HAPPY NEW YEAR HOPEDALE."

She loved our town and we loved her!! Rest in Peace Allegrine!

Norma Villani
Class of 1947

It wasn't until Mrs. Reid's retirement that I realized her teaching was more than just a job to her. She never missed our Concerts. We were now like her Grandchildren, she seemed even more proud than ever. Just her standing there grinning ear to ear with Cheer and clapping with vigor let us know how much she loved us too and the music within us all.

She is Truly an Angel now filling the Heavens with all her Musical Glory.

Memories are forever!
Nancy Iannitelli
Class" of '68

My tribute to "Ms. Guez": I remember Ms. Guez first descending upon our classroom, high heels clicking, flamboyant attire, like a breath of fresh air. She influenced my life tremendously by introducing me to the world of music, which is still an important part of my life.

Even though I took piano lessons from Mrs. Hayward for many years, Ms. Guez always included me among her accompanists. I can remember playing Begin the Beguine during a musical interlude at rhetoricals and seeing her out of the corner of my eye helping me keep the Latin beat. I remember my introduction to opera on a trip with her to Boston to see LaTraviata. Her other guests were Bob Fisher, Anna DeVittorio, Olive Day Bramhall and Claude Snider. That was a trip to remember--her driving was as exciting as her enthusiasm!

As I remember the important people in my Hopedale education, she is right up there with Ms. Cressey. Influenced by them, I have had a lifelong love affair with music and the English language.

My last memory of Ms. Guez was her grief as she placed a rose on the coffin of my sister Fran Durgin, who had been her student and later her colleague at Dutcher Street School. I hope that at this very moment they are happily talking about Hopedale!

Blanche Murray Spencer
Class of 1946

My fond memory of Mrs. Reid goes back to Dutcher Street School in the seventh grade. Mrs. Reid asked me to play Taps on my trumpet at a school Memorial Day Celebration. When I finished came over to me, gave me a hug and thanked me and had tears in her eyes. I never forgot that tender moment and I now have a tear in my heart for her. She was a wonderful inspiration for me as well as for so many others.

Bernard J. DiNardo
Class of 1952

I can remember Mrs. Reid bustling through the halls of H.H.S. Her love of music and the desire to have the students truly appreciate the art of music was inspiring. She will be missed. May the choir of angels rise to greet her.

Terry Moore
Class of 1962

Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang
As if her song could have no ending;
I saw her singing at her work,
And o'er the sickle bending;
-- I listened, motionless and still;
And, as I mounted up the hill
The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.

                       William Wordsworth

I know William Wordsworth wasn't referring to Allegrine Reid when he wrote this long ago. However, this particular verse reminds me of her and her gift of music appreciation, which she so joyously shared with the children of Hopedale. Whether the music was heard through melodious singing, music lessons or listening to a record player, she was always eager to comment on the piece and/or the instruments.

How well I remember the pitch pipe and hum as we prepared for harmony singing. And oh, the concentration we had to employ, when listening to those records. Could we hear the coronet? Or the oboe? Or the kettle drums? How quietly, with eyes closed, would I listen, motionless and still, each instrument dancing and playing in my head and heart. Peter and the Wolf, what a wonderful teaching tool. Each of my sons has learned the appreciation of music through this timeless, captivating piece of music. And so also, my grandchildren.

As I have climbed up my personal hills, music has always played an important part. Its various strains have always been there to cheer me onward and upward. What joys it can bring, what sorrows to share, what strength to carry on. And in a place called Hopedale, the music will still be in our hearts, long after Allegrine Reid is heard no more.

Stephanie(Goff)Wilt
Class of 1955

We did not move to Hopedale until I was in the third grade. I have always remembered that Mrs. Reid was the one who started the chorus for the elementary school when we were at Memorial. This was such fun because we got to wear pretty dresses and have a concert for our parents. I remember that she had us sing an art song called "The Trout", written by, I think, Strauss. I can even recall most of the words today. I sang in the chorus all through elementary school and in glee club and chorus in high school. I was never a great voice like some and didn't take piano lessons from her like others (although I did have Drucilla tutor me in math one summer! Sorry to say it didn't help!). But I know that my love for all of the different kinds of music that I listen to today came from Mrs. Reid and what she exposed us to when we were very young. I'm sure there are angels in heaven taking their lessons from her right now!

Alma Rose DeManche
Class of 1974

Great teachers have a profound influence on the lives of their students. Allegrine Reid was such a teacher. She enriched my life by introducing me to the world of classical music. She remained a valued friend throughout her life.

Durng the years when I was a student in the Hopedale school system, I can't remember a time when Allegrine was not the music teacher. She taught all of us how to sing and took time on her own to help a few of us gain a sense of music appreciation when that subject was not part of the high school curriculum. As many of you know, over the years I became a classical music "junkie", building a CD collection, attending operas and concerts both at home and abroad, and now, in retirement, working at the Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center with my wife Barbara and another old Hopedale friend, George Hobart.

I became an opera buff because of Allegrine. She obtained a ticket for me to see my first opera when the Metropolitan Opera came through Boston on its spring tour. Tristan and Isolde was heavy going for a high school senior, but its impact never left me. In recent years when Barbara and I passed through Hopedale on our way to our yearly weekend at Tanglewood, we always stopped to see Allegrine. We would chat for an hour or two and then go out to dinner. She was particularly interested in our foreign trips and our son Eric who is a professional musician and plays the French horn in the US Navy Band and two of our fine local symphony orchestras. Also, we often spoke on the phone, exchanging musical tidbits and news of our families.

Such a tragic end to a wonderful person. Allegrine, you were one of a kind. You will be sorely missed.

Keith Moore '51

Just one more tribute to Mrs. Reid.

I know at least one other person remembers this moment. Fifth grade, Mrs. Durgin's class. We had just finished singing Christmas carols and I can still remember how Mrs. Reid left the class waving to us and saying "Merry Christmas!" Not more than two seconds later she came back in and said, "Happy Chanakuh!" This was directed at a lovely young Jewish girl who graced our class that year by the name of Ann Porter. Mrs. Reid, thanks for the class act!

Fred Loeper
Class of 1971
Sendai, Japan

Write ups found in the local news papers. Due to copyright laws I am not able to post the actual article here

The Boston Globe

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette

The Boston Herald