Dorothy Bergquist

1929 - 2012

A memorial service for Dorothy Bergquist will be held at 1:00 on October 13, 2012 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. She died peacefully on October 1 of lymphoma.

Dorothy was born in 1929 to William and Grace Clark. Raised in Queens Village, N.Y., she was the youngest of four children
in a household of music and laughter. She showed her interest in music early in life, and her mother was her
first voice teacher. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in voice performance and opera training from Mannes College of Music in 1956.

In that last year of her studies, she became acquainted with Peter Bergquist, and they were married in June. While Peter completed his graduate work, Dorothy continued to teach at Mannes and to sing professionally in New York, both in choirs and as a soloist. Her performances included a solo recital at Carnegie
Recital Hall and a choral engagement with the New
York Philharmonic with Leonard Bernstein conducting.

Their first child, Carolyn, was born in 1962. Two years later, Peter accepted a position on the faculty of the
School of Music of the University of Oregon. A year later, their second daughter Emily was born. Dorothy was
the soloist at the Eugene Symphony's first concert
in November 1965 and performed with the orchestra
several times thereafter. She was one of the first
soprano soloists with the Oregon Bach Festival, and continued in that role for a number of years. She performed with many local ensembles and gave solo recitals, many of which were accompanied by her husband, including some memorable School of Music April Fool?s concert appearances.

Dorothy was a very active and beloved voice teacher in the Eugene area. Her private studio flourished until her retirement, and she was also a part-time faculty member at Lane Community College, Willamette University in Salem, and Northwest Christian College.

Soon after the family's arrival in Eugene, Dorothy became involved with the music program at St. Mary's Episcopal Church as a chorister and choir director. In
1987 she established the Parish Choir, a popular and
lively group that welcomed anyone who could read words. At St. Mary?s Dorothy was also active as a licensed
lay reader, acolyte trainer and director, and liturgist.

In the 1990s, Dorothy discovered her gift for musical composition. Her works included anthems for her choir and a series of responsorial psalm settings for cantor and congregation.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Peter, daughter Carolyn, and sisters Margaret Montleon and Nancy Cook. She is preceded in death by her daughter Emily and
her brother William. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy