Obituary for
Alleen Lindquist Fraser
July 31, 2017. Alleen was born and raised on a farm near Odebolt, Iowa on January 16, 1931. She graduated from the Odebolt High School as valedictorian in her class of 1949. She attended Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota for one year and then transferred to Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree in 1953. She attained a Master of Music Ed. Degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in 1956. Alleen taught music in Iowa for three years (elementary through high school) before coming to Rochester, NY where she taught classroom music, helping teacher, TV & radio programs, two special NY State Projects and for 14 years was the Music Director of the Rochester City Schools, both instrumental and vocal. She retired in 1991 and then started her work with student music teachers in Nazareth College for another five years.
Alleen was an accomplished flutist having played with the Sioux City, Iowa Symphony while in college and with the Penfield Symphony Orchestra for 50 years as a member of the Flute section and as soloist. She attended Asbury First Methodist Church, played with the church orchestra and sang with the choir for 20 years. Alleen was a life long member of Mu Phi Epsilon, a national music fraternity, and was active in the local Rochester Chapter. Alleen was a long time member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a national honorary teachers association. She taught several flute students and is a sponsor of a flute scholarship at the Hochstein Music School for their summer flute programs. In addition, Alleen was a member of the Rochester Flute Association and in 1991 Alleen was given the Rochester Philharmonic Musicians’ Award for Outstanding Music Educators. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 60 years.
In 1983 Alleen welcomed with open arms - a political refugee from Nicaragua - Carlos Gomez. In many ways Carlos filled our lives as the role of an adopted son who brought much joy in Alleen’s heart. Carlos’ support & self-taught knowledge in geriatrics did help Alleen to remain independent at home. He has supported both Alleen & Jeff with companionship and Alleen’s physical therapy assistance.
Additional survivors are: four Swedish cousins: Anne, Britt-Marie, Andreas & Tobias Lindqvist and six Iowa cousins: Wilma Anderson, Warren Lindberg, Vannie Hedstrom Webster, Bueal Hedstrom, Maydelle Oslund, Evelyn Moller and many beloved friends.
A Memorial Service for Alleen will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607 on Monday, August 7th at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Alleen Fraser Scholarship Fund at the Hochstein School of Music & Dance, 50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14614 for the Rochester Flute Association/Hochstein Flute Camp Scholarship or the charity of your choice.