Regina “Reggie” (White) Barall, 90, of East Hartford, loving wife of over 60 years of the late Judge Herbert “Herb” Barall, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at her home surrounded by her caring family. Born in Hartford on March 3, 1933, she had been a resident of East Hartford for over 65 years. Reggie was a graduate of Weaver High School in Hartford, class of 1951. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Hartford and later her Master’s Degree in English also from the University of Hartford. Reggie started her professional career working for the Salvation Army. After raising her two sons in East Hartford, she and her late husband Herb in 2002 formed the Circle of Life: Arts for All, at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center. At “COLAFA” they used their talent and love of dance as a primary focus as a form of outreach. Middle and high school students from the towns of East Hartford, New Britain, Simsbury, and Glastonbury learned discipline, commitment, respect, and teamwork through formal ballroom dance study by Reggie and Herb. They also started a senior’s Ballroom Dance for senior citizens on Fridays at the Cultural Center. She and Herb also loved doing Summer Youth Dance Programs for the youth of East Hartford.
Reggie was a member of the East Hartford Fine Arts Commission and the East Hartford Women’s Club. Reggie received many awards from the community for her commitment to the youth and seniors. Some of the awards were: The Community Service Award from the East Hartford School Business Partnerships, the Service to Youth Award, Outstanding Contributions in Arts Advocacy from the Connecticut Association of Arts Administrators, the East Hartford Youth Services Award, and an award from the East Hartford Board of Education for their dedication and encouragement to the students of East Hartford Public Schools. In her free time, Reggie enjoyed knitting, vintage ballroom dancing (especially the Argentine Tango), clothing and fashion, and traveling with Herb to Europe and throughout the United States. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed Tai Chi. Most of all Reggie was a proud and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her time with her family and supported and cheered them on at their school activities and sporting games.
Reggie is survived by her two devoted sons, Attorney Douglas T. Barall and his wife AnnMarie Messier of South Windsor, and Gregg Barall of Newington; two cherished grandchildren, Justin Barall of Hartford, and Haley Barall of South Windsor; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Funeral service will be Friday (May 26, 2023) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Friday morning. Reggie’s family will receive relatives and friends at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Thursday (May 25, 2023) from 4-7 pm. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.
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