Ms Dillon made every guy sing for guys and dolls.  I was also a mime and had no interest in being in the play but I was not going to flub up an audition with Ms. Dillon.  After singing Miss Dillion paid me this compliment, " Jeff you have a real nice voice if you would only quit screwing around". She was by far the teacher who affected more lives in a positive way., even this screw up!

Miss D, you were a great teacher, mentor and friend.  I remember you and I working long hours with other on the home coming float.

I will remember you always

So, I'm a little late in adding my memories of Miss D. to the Guest Book.  As I recall, I was usually a little late to Choralettes & Choir, too!  Miss D. & Deda were my source of encouragement and the catalysts behind my pursuit of the Theatre.  Their nuturing and mentoring made a tremendous difference in my life.  I will be forever grateful for Miss D.'s guidance and patience with me and my new found alto voice! So MANY great, fun memories of laughter and learning the discipline The Arts require. THANK YOU!

The memories of Miss Dillon! Her dedication as a teacher was extraordinary. I was a member of the Arapahoe Choir for two years, when she took us to State competition to win first place--I never doubted we would because she had wonderful ears and made us listen to every note we sang, rehearsing us endlessly until we could perform under pressure. When I joined the Madrigal Singers, she and Peg designed and sewed a new dress for me---red and florid and echt-Elizabethan! Miss Dillon took us everywhere to sing---arranging performances for groups all over town. She was ambitious for us, and also demanding of our musical skills. I also took her music theory class, which was better than some of the music classes I took at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I went on to study voice and major in music. When she starred as Mama in the production of Gypsy Rose Lee, it was obvious from the energy and yearning she put into her performance, how much music meant to her, how she longed for a larger stage, but created it for herself in Littleton. I have had some great music teachers and mentors in my life, but she was one of the most disciplined and talented. By setting the highest standards for us in all aspects of our training, she set a lifelong example for the pursuit of excellence. In my daily work now as a music critic, journalist and university professor, I remember her example. What more can one ask from a teacher?

Miss Dillon -- Out of the blue, today I googled your name and discovered you passed last year. Anyone lucky enough to have been your student knows you were passionate about teaching and cared deeply about your students. For me, you set the standard for all other teachers. You demanded excellence and made us care about achieving it. You made quite a mark with your life. I'm grateful I was one of those you touched. 
Choralettes '69-'70

When our annual family letter to you in March came back--unable to deliver-- I knew right then that God had called you home. I cried. My tears were tears of joy mixed with sadness. Joy because God in His goodness allowed our paths to cross so many years ago. Sadness because you would be so greatly missed by all those who knew and loved you. I was so happy to find this site, the guest book and photos. I have cherished memories of my years in concert choir '76-'79. I always loved the music, but it was the lessons in self-discipline and hard work that I needed most. You were not afraid to challenge me, and in my desire to "show you" that I could meet your expectations, I ended up showing myself that I could set my mind and heart to a goal and accomplish it.(I think that is exactly what you wanted me to learn). What a valuable life lesson that was for me then,  and has been for me all these years. It is one that I have taught our children as well. Miss D, may you truly rest in peace knowing that yours was a life well lived and poured out for others.
Thank God for your presence in my life!! Thank God for the beauty you brought to the world through your love for music!!
Forever a grateful student,

Camilla Dalhoff (Cammie Dyer)

What a loss for us all...there's hardly a week or month that goes by that I'm not reminded of my time in choir with you, Miss D...I credit you with any musical gifts/talents I've been able to develop over these many, many years.  And what a joy to see so many familiar names in your guest book...we all learned from you, grew through you, were connected to each other because of you, and now, in your passing, are finding joy and comfort in the memory of our time with you. To have touched lives as you have...should we all be able to leave such a lasting legacy.  You were good FOR the world,

Ms. Dillon,

You touched so many lives during your life!  You were one of those extraordinary teachers that went above and beyond. My first memory of you and the Madrigal Singers was when I came with my mother to attend a parent evening in the choir room.  It was 1970.  I was 10 and I came to hear the singers.  My brother Brian O'Malley was in the group at the time.  I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a part of that group when I was old enough.  My dream came true! I have many happy memories from my years in concert choir (76-79) and Mads (1979).  It was a privilege to be your student! Rest Peacefully.

Dear Ms. D., 
Thank you for the lasting impact and influence you have had on my life.  You inspired me to do things I never thought I could do. You demanded excellence, when others were satisfied with the mediocre. You instilled in your students a drive and a passion not only for music, but for all of life’s endeavors. I often reflect on the things learned while in your classroom. Madrigal Singers, Concert Choir, musicals and music theory made my Arapahoe High School experience a special one. I am still unable to sing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” without crying. Thank you for giving me a song in my heart.

Thankyou Ms. D for having faith in me and my brother Mark! You were a great teacher and we'll both miss you !! May you rest in peace!

Miss D!  I first saw you on stage in Gypsy when I was 12  You left a huge impact on my family. Jodi, Myself, and Marie were all in Madrigals, All-State, and my sisters were accompanists. You brought out perfection!  You will always be remembered and your legacy lives on in us and in our children as we pass on what we have learned.   The Angels will have one Heck.. no.. Heaven of a Choir Director!!! :-)

Dear Ms. D:  Words fail us right us right now.  The measure of your influence on our lives is evident in how often we tell stories about our time with you, and how we compare all of our children's teachers to you.  None have met the standard you set.  We are so lucky to have had you in our lives.  All Our Love,  Jim and Kathryn (Udevitz) Hulings

Miss D:  You were a highlight of my AHS years!  The self confidence you helped me build was incredible.  What great memories and incredible fun!  I'm still thanking Scott Lewis, wherever he is, for not showing up the second night of Madrigal tryouts.  I would have been a goner ... but this frog survived to sing (croak) on another day.  RIP, Miss D

Thank you for motivating us to exceed our expectations of ourselves.  May you lead choirs of angels Miss Dillon!

Dear Miss Dillon- you were certainly a major part of my life at Araphoe HS. I have many memories of you taking me to task (to put it mildly) and many more of so many incredibly uplifting moments, from Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, to the annual high school musical. I'm sure you put up with me because of my ability to accompany anyone on the piano, because it certainly wasn't my great singing voice! Thank you for all you gave to so many.

Ms. D
Thanks for believing in us and pushing us to be more than we thought we could be.  We are better because of you.  Rest in sweet harmonies.  Thanks for your joyful noise that enriched our lives!

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

Miss D: your passion and expectation of excellence from yourself and your students made a significant impact on our lives both musically and spiritually. I look forward to being under your direction again one day!

"1-3-5-8-7-6-5-4-3-5-2-3-4-#-5. And the 8 is the same as the 1 but an octave apart. Try to learn it by Heart!" and the music goes round and round - My students called me Ms.Music for 30 years but YOU are the True Ms. Music. "Remember - confidence comes of good preparation!" - how many times a DAY do I repeat this to myself, friends, students, daughter and now 3 granddaughters. I love you so very much! Thank you for saving my life! I'll be singing always for you. JOYA* (Becky) Wonderlight AHS Troubadours '68-'70

Ms. D! No words can express the blessing you have been in my life and hundreds of others. I know that my life's path was chosen as I sang in your choirs and studied music theory with you. You taught me to accept nothing but the very best in myself and I am forever grateful.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be ever at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

With deepest love and respect, 
Kelley (Vosler) Contreras, 
Arapahoe High School Class of 1979

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
                     ~ The Prophet

Thank you, Miss Dillon, for your generous spirit.  You demanded of us excellence and guided us with clarity and purpose.  I am very grateful for your influence.  Thank you, and peace be with you.  With deep affection,

Ms.D- It was such an honor to have been your student ! You gave it your all and thank God would accept nothing less from us.
I would love to hear the "new" choir perform Battle Hymn of the Republic, I bet you really have them shaking the rafters ! God Bless and thank you for sharing your gift with us!

Few walk this Earth with a passion as you possessed. Each of us who passed through your classroom and your life are far richer today because of it. Thank you for the love of music as well as the quest for excellence you instilled. You will live on in our hearts forever!

Dave Benshoof, Larkspur,CO

You have left a powerful legacy Miss D. You inspired us to sing the song we were meant to sing and live a life we were meant to lead. Your lessons in the classroom as well as the stage were all powerful lessons in preparation for “life’s performance”, thank you!

Without question, you were my most influential teacher. With heartfelt gratitude... thank you for all the love, light and music you brought into our world! I love you Miss D

Miss Dillon - you touched and influenced so many lives over the years, mine included. I will be forever grateful for all you taught me about music and about life. Love, Kathy (Case) Puter and Steve Puter

Thank you Miss D for making high school some of the best years of my life.  Thank you for making me better than I thought I could ever be.  Thank you for teaching me to love myself for who I am and for teaching me the love of music and the joy it brings to my heart.  You were wonderful.  Sleep well, teacher.

you made such an amazing mark on so many lives. my best memories of high school all involve you!!  you had faith in me and saw talent in me that no one else saw and for that i will be eternally gratefull.  our loss here on earth is God's gain in heaven!  don't forget the head bow!!  cara holmes smith (ashburn, va)

You gave everything to us as students.  Nothing held back.  Your passion for excellence has guided me in everything I do.  Thank you for the courage you had to make us work hard...to push us beyond where we thought we could go.  It would have been easier to just go with the flow.  But you chose to make a difference, and, by heaven, you did.  Thank you for not letting me settle for less than my very best.

You touched my life in so many ways Miss D.  Thank you for the gift of music.  I'll never forget being a part of your choir/chamber singers.  My teal mink lined hoop skirt madrigal dress was devine!  God bless you and yours.  I love you, Nancy Alberg McGuire
Class of 1975 Arapahoe High School

Ms Dillon -- I have thought of you so often in the years since high school.  I can honestly say you were one of the most influential people in my young life. You helped to "direct" me in so many ways.  Under your watchful eye, I made lifetime friends, and learned musical techniques and disciplines I never fully appreciated until I tried to direct children (aka herd cats) myself. You took a personal interest in my life, and firmly led me back to the right path when I strayed too far. You are a big reason I am the person I am today. 

I have no doubt the angels in the heavenly chorus are already blending better, their hair is up, and their diction is on its way to being impeccable. 

Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and instilling in so many a love of music. I love you. Rest in peace.

Marci...No words can express how deeply I appreciated  the love, care, and attention you and Peg gave to my mother, your "mama-san", for so many years. You two meant the world to her. 
Now you will have the rest that you so richly deserve. Sing away, old friend.

Thank you Marci for your years of friendship.. You were and always will be a special friend.  
Gene Scrimpsher

Thanks Miss D for all the great memories I had of Arapahoe High School Choir.  You expected nothing but the best, and you brought that out of all your students.  Proud to be one of your second altos!

Ms. D....How can I forget the Choralettes, and those glorious pink dresses?? Seriously, you touched me greatly, and your influence can be seen in my own choral groups today. Remembering you today...Dee Ann (Worley) Gray, Lexington, Kentucky

Dear Ms. D - Thank you so much for your true love of music and for sharing it so exuberantly with all of your "kids".  I learned so much from your precise and determined manner of teaching.  Now you may sing and perform with God's angels!

Love, Lori (Lundberg) Zimmerman

Ms. D.  You touched so many lives throughout your lifetime and personally I have always believed that you "saved" my life.  Thank you for the many ways that you have given the gift of music and love (even tough love) to so many.  I know that your reunion with Peg was truly a "blessed" event.  I love you.  Dana Nuttall Kelleher

Ms. Dillon - you brought beautiful music to the lives of so many! For your shared love of music and the grace you exhibited we thank you.  May you rest in peace with a song in your soul.

Lori (Hoyer) and David Williams and family

OBITUARIO

Marcelene J. Dillon

29 enero, 1929 – 21 octubre, 2010

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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