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REGINA SARFATY RICKLESS Obituary
IN MEMORIAM
REGINA SARFATY RICKLESS
The Santa Fe Opera family and admirers around the world mourns the loss of Regina Sarfaty Rickless.
An internationally recognized mezzo-soprano, Regina made her debut with the Santa Fe Opera in 1957 in the company's inaugural season, singing the role of Suzuki in Madame Butterfly. While studying at the Juilliard School, she was discovered by John Crosby who invited her to join his new opera company.
After her retirement, Regina and her husband, Elwood Rickless, moved to Santa Fe. Over the ensuing years, she coached apprentice singers and offered a number of Master Classes. Generous supporters of the Company, they contributed to the new theater campaign in 1998 and to numerous productions in the years that followed. Regina joined the Board of Directors in 1998 and was made an Honorary Director in 2015.
Regina Sarfaty will be remembered by audiences for her compelling portrayals of opera heroines, both in Santa Fe and worldwide. She was an enthusiastic advocate for young singers and for the company that launched her career.
The Santa Fe Opera extends its deepest sympathy to the Sarfaty Rickless family.
Dr. Eugene Stark, Jr., Chair
Lynn Loacker, President
Robert K. Meya, General Director
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for REGINA SARFATY RICKLESS
Sponsored by The Santa Fe New Mexican.
4 Entries
Brian Atkin
July 20, 2025
I was a friend of Elwood, her husband, due to my wife working for him. On Regina's Birthday, a date she shared with my own, we all dined at Les A and it was a magical evening for us all. Both Regina and Elwood typify the cultured, educated Americans we have sadly lost sight of lately and I treasure the memory of them both. I wish my musician daughter has at least half the talent of Regina.
Dorothy Hemsley
May 4, 2025
I knew Regina when i worked for her husband Elwood. The two of them treated me like a daughter, always taking an interest in my life and being supportive and loving. Im sorry to say i lost touch after Elwood died but I always thought fondly of Regina over the years. The world lost a caring and compassionate human being, rest in peace Regina.
Robert Hirschhorn
January 25, 2025
Regina and Elwood were customers of our antiques business in London for many years. We were always captivated by Regina's elegance and personal charm. We send our condolences to her family.
Everyone at Wilson Transfer & Storage
December 28, 2024
Our Condolences to her family.
Mr. & Mrs. Rickless were wonderful customers for countless years.
All of them a pleasure!
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