Rosalind Jean Hupp, of Warren, PA, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 7, 2023, with her daughter, son-in-law, and pastor at her side. Rosalind, known as ‘Roz’ to many, was born to Hobart Emerson Hupp and Talitha Isabel Kuhn Hupp on February 2, 1932, in Chillicothe, OH. She lived an amazing 91 ½ years on this earth, sharing her faith, talents, kindness, humor, and generosity with countless people.
A top graduate of Chillicothe High School, Class of 1950, Rosalind set out to achieve her childhood dream of becoming an opera singer. Her studies at Boston University and New England Conservatory of Music afforded her much experience with notable conductors such as Sarah Caldwell and Boris Goldovsky.
She went on to grace audiences with her unforgettable mezzo-soprano voice, singing oratorios, recital tours throughout the US and Europe, making recordings, and performing more than 40 roles with leading opera companies throughout the United States.
She was an A.G.M.A. Showcase Award Winner, which earned her a Judson Hall recital in NYC, and the recipient of two Martha Baird Rockefeller Grants, and a Kathryn Long Scholarship.
She won the role of the Mother Abbess with the Second National Touring Company of The Sound of Music in 1962-63, touring the US and Canada for nine months.
Rosalind made her Metropolitan Opera Association debut in the Fall of 1967 in Die Walkure, conducted by Maestro Herbert von Karajan. She also sang in numerous temples and churches, including Marble Collegiate Church in NYC, as the alto soloist during the tenure of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.
In 1975, Roz moved her family to Warren, PA, and became the administrative assistant to the president of United Refining Company, working in various positions within the company before retiring in 2001. During her time there, she began writing a column, a la Erma Bombeck, for the company’s newsletter titled, ‘Roz’s Rhetoric,’ which later was published monthly in the local magazine “Steppin’ Out.”
She also continued her evolving music career as Assistant Professor of Voice at Allegheny College (1978-1990); soloist and youth choir/handbell choir director at Trinity Memorial Church, Warren; and maintained a private voice studio in Warren until 2020, through which she became a teacher, mentor, and friend to hundreds of students of all ages.
Locally, Rosalind was one of the original members of the Board of the Friends of the Library Theatre, acting as secretary for many years. She was a performing member of the Philomel Club, as well as a past president, and a member of the First Lutheran Church, where she was part of the Senior Fellowship Group, Bible Study, and prayer shawl ministry, knitting more than 100 prayer shawls to comfort those going through trying times.
Always wanting to share her love and knowledge of her craft, Roz created and performed operalogues for civic organizations and schools, introducing people to the world of opera. She formed the ‘Ensemble Musica’ in the late 1980s with a few close friends who were singers/ music teachers. The musical group performed artistic concerts throughout the region for 20 years, often inviting guest musicians to join them. They shared their love of music and their faith, giving free-will concerts regularly during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
In 1981, Rosalind created, organized, and directed the Warren Festival of the Arts, which became an annual event for 39 years, showcasing local talent, bringing the community together, and giving many their first chance to perform on the historic Struther’s Library Theatre’s beautiful stage. She received the Jaycees’ Community Service Award that first year, and was ultimately granted a key to the City of Warren for her efforts.
A life-long learner, Roz completed a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from SUNY, Empire State College when she was in her fifties. She felt fortunate to be able to travel in her retirement years, and explored five continents, making many friends during her travels.
Just prior to her passing, Roz was humbled to learn of her inclusion in an upcoming exhibit at the Ross County Historical Society in her hometown of Chillicothe, OH, paying tribute to her exceptional music career and life-long contributions to the Arts.
Of all the roles and achievements during her lifetime, Roz considered the greatest of them to be raising her twins.
Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are her children William Larry Hayes, Jr. (and wife Deborah Nettles) of Mechanicville, NY, and Catherine Hayes Lyon (and husband Michael) of Warren, PA; two brothers, James R. Hupp (and wife Samantha Hansen) of Charlottsville, VA, and William M. Hupp (and wife Patricia) of Perrysburg, OH; six grandchildren, Adam, Gideon, and Simcha Winter of OH, Veronica Nettles Kolegas (and husband Ryan) of Chicago, IL, and twins Nick and Alex Lyon of Warren, PA; two great-grandsons Milo and Ferris Kolegas; many treasured nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, several great-great-nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends and former students.
In addition to her parents, family members who have passed on before Rosalind include her four sisters and brothers-in-law: Phyllis June Dickhaus (Joseph), Laura Virginia Dennewitz (Kenneth), Barbara Jean Dixon (David), and E. Sue McQuirt (Richard); an infant brother; two nephews, Samuel and Dennis Dennewitz; and twin infant grandchildren, William and Miranda Hayes.
There will be visitation hours at First Lutheran Church, Warren, PA, on Monday, August 14, from 6 pm to 8 pm, as well as one hour prior to a memorial service, also at the church, on Tuesday, August 15, at 11 am. A luncheon to share stories and memories about Roz will be held at the church immediately following the service.
Suggested memorial donations may be made to any of the organizations that were important to Rosalind: First Lutheran Church, Warren, PA; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; the Salvation Army; the Struthers’ Library Theatre, Warren, PA; or a charity of choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/>. Arrangements have been entrusted to Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.