Simone Reagor

WELLFLEET — Simone Reagor, of Wellfleet, died suddenly of a massive inter-cranial hemorrhage on Aug. 3, 2010, at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.

Ms. Reagor was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and remained true to her southern roots all her life. She was an accomplished scholar, a distinguished academic administrator and a highly valued community activist with service on numerous boards. She was also a widely treasured friend, and the beloved partner of Mary Grace Smith.

Graduating from Lynchburg College in Virginia, Ms. Reagor attended Smith College as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, earning a master's degree in history. As a Marshall Scholar, she attended Somerville College of Oxford University, where she earned a DPhil in history. She began her scholarly career as a professor at Eastern Kentucky University, but with appointments at the National Endowment for the Humanities and Radcliffe College, she became an academic administrator, rising to the top rank of the profession as administrative dean at Harvard Law School.

Her mastery of legal administration led to her appointment as executive director of Hill & Barlow, one of Boston's preeminent law firms. This extraordinary professional trajectory was enabled by her superb education and honed intellect, in combination with a rare warmth, good humor and ability to see to the heart of every situation — and every person.

For many years, Ms. Reagor shared her second home on Martha's Vineyard with her sister Anita Knight, her nephew Stefan and her niece April. Their life together was one of Ms. Reagor's greatest joys. Stefan says, "Simone became, for my sister April and me, a patient mentor, loving parent and most cherished friend who expanded our world and graced us with her presence."

With Mary Grace Smith, she settled first in Boston and then in Wellfleet, finding unsurpassed happiness. She was an exemplary citizen, serving on numerous boards, including the Outer Cape Health Center, the Payomet Performing Arts Center and the Citizens Economic Development Committee. Ms. Reagor also played a leading role in the creation of Wellfleet Preservation Hall (WPH), which she dearly loved and where she will always be remembered. She was also well known for her justly admired gardens and her love of Scrabble, at which she excelled.

Marla Rice, president of the WPH board, said, "It has been an honor to know Simone and our very good fortune to have her on the board, moving us forward toward completion of the Hall. With her insight, wisdom and commitment, Simone quickly became a central player in community life in Wellfleet. She helped knit us together to form the fabric of what Wellfleet Preservation Hall represents. The board of WPH has voted to name the Upper Performance Hall in Simone's memory. Simone Reagor Hall will honor her tireless efforts and the commitment she felt to the Hall and the community she loved."

In addition to her partner, Ms. Smith, her sister, Ms. Knight, her nephew Stefan and her niece April, she is survived by another sister, Linda Clonts; brothers William Reagor and Thad Rickerson; seven nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and nephews; two stepdaughters; and four grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, at 10 Taylor Farm Road, Wellfleet.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Simone's honor to Wellfleet Preservation Hall, P.O. Box 3024, Wellfleet, MA 02667.

For online condolences and directions, please visit nickersonfunerals.com.

Nickerson Funeral Home

508-349-3441