Christine Palmer Whitlock

Christine Palmer Whitlock, opera singer, performer, pianist, lecturer-entertainer, and vocal instructor passed on peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2016. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 31 years, Arthur J.Whitlock, and her sisters Lydia Vellucci, and Bianca Stevens.

Born in Hartford, Conn., April 2, 1919, she attended Mt. Holyoke College, graduated with honors from Hartford Hospital School of Nursing and was a scholarship recipient at the New England Conservatory of Music. Nationally, she created a sensation and earned the distinction of being the first registered nurse to attain the stature of an operatic leading lady at the New York City Opera. As a finalist with the Metropolitan Opera auditions of the air she was offered a leading contract which she turned down.

She toured extensively with the San Carlo Opera Co. under the direction of Maestro Nicola Rescigno, former director of the Dallas Opera. In Dallas, she appeared in the roles of Micaela, Musetta, and Frasquita. In addition to the New York City Opera, she sang with the Chicago, San Francisco, Conn., St. Louis Muni Opera, Chartock's Gilbert & Sullivan Co., Indianapolis Starlight Theatre, and Lambertville Music Circus. She was a vocalist with "Holiday on Ice," appeared for three years on the Arlene Francis-Hugh Downs "Home Show," the "Telephone Hour," Don Ameche's "Holiday Hotel," and others. ASCAP honored her with the title of "Victor Herbert Girl."

For many years she was soprano soloist at leading New York City churches and synagogues. As a "pop singer" she presented her own night club act at number one Fifth Ave., The Embers, Carriage Club, and others. When she moved to Dallas she became "artist-in-residence" at El Centro College, was active in cultural and civic affairs, President of the Dallas Music Teachers Assoc., was elected "Teacher of the Year" in 1974, President of the Dallas Chapter of the National Assoc. of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the Dallas Federation of Music Clubs and adjudicator for opera companies throughout the United States. She is a former member of the Women's Board of the Dallas Opera, member of the Texas Music Teachers Certified Board. She was a member of the Dallas Symphony League, past President of the Thesaurus Book Club, former member of the Board of the Friday Forum, and President of Altrusa Club of Dallas. She was also a member of the Dallas Knife & Fork Club, Eagle Forum, Public Affairs Luncheon Club, Women's Board of Dallas Baptist University, The Wednesday Choral Club, and the Agape Class of Park Cities Presbyterian Church. She taught privately for a number of years and was widely acclaimed for her successful teaching and development of young talent. Miss Palmer is featured in "Who's Who in Entertainment," "Who's Who in the South & Southwest" and "Who's Who in America."

She is survived by her loving nieces, Eloise Vellucci Ostrander and Paula Jean Vellucci O'Hanlon, three great nieces and nephews, Kate Haygood, Megan O'Hanlon Coffey and Reed O'Hanlon and five great great nieces and nephew. A visitation will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm. Services will be held at the Northwest Highway Chapel at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2pm with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memoria l Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Dallas Opera Education, Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora Street, Suite 500 Dallas, TX 75201 with checks made out to The Dallas Opera, education in the memo or online at WWW.dallasopera.org/donate.