Service:
A memorial concert featuring several of her students
is planned for a later date
Obituary
Annie V. Picard passed away March 4,
2022, at University of Chicago Medical Center after
a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her
husband, Steven R. Graue of Chicago, her mother,
Viviane Picard of St. Louis and her brother Dan
Picard (Christy) of New Baden, IL. Also surviving
are her mother-in-law, Joan Graue, her
sisters-in-law M. Elizabeth Graue (Clark Landis) of
Madison WI, Barbara G. Nikles (Bradley); her
brothers-in-law Mark Graue (Bobette) and Christopher
Graue (Phyllis), all of Lincoln, as well as several
nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her
father, Noel Picard, her father-in-law, Robert E.
Graue, and her brother-in-law Thomas J. Graue.
A French Canadian, Annie was born in Montreal, and
raised in St. Louis and Crawford County, Missouri.
She held degrees from the University of Missouri,
New England Conservatory, and the University of
Illinois, where she earned her doctorate (DMA) in
vocal performance. She served on the faculties of
North Park University and Moraine Valley Community
College and held leadership positions with numerous
music professional organizations.
In her career as a lyric coloratura soprano, Annie
appeared with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opera Theatre
of St. Louis, Illinois Opera Theatre, and others.
She was an accomplished recitalist and chamber
musician, specializing in French art song and
singing extensively on national tours with John
Wustman’s Schubert Lieder recital series.
Annie loved teaching voice, and many of her students
have gone on to productive professional careers in
music. The studio where she taught at North Park for
over twenty years is being named in her honor. She
was an avid gardener with her husband, and their
home and gardens won several awards.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial
concert featuring several of her students is planned
for a later date. |
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