Obituary of Constance Lambert Picnich

Constance Lambert Picinich, Canadian opera singer and teacher, formerly of Fair Lawn, NJ passed peacefully in her home on December 13, 2016. Constance was born on January 17, 1927 to Marianna Gelina and Freddy Lambert of Macamic Quebec Canada and died at the age of 89 outliving her six siblings. She grew up on the Macamic farm where, in addition to the joy of constant contact with animals and the outdoors, she was instilled with a lifelong love of music. She is predeceased by her former husband, the late Ronald J. Picinich (2003). She is survived by her daughter, Michelle J. Hesterfer, and granddaughter Julianne, of Mahwah, NJ, her son Marc R. Picinich, his wife Jessica, and granddaughters Kate, Samantha, and the late Loren, of Oakland, NJ. She is also survived by her niece Claudette Levasseur, of Montreal, and many cousins in Canada. After her formal education and private studies with Anna Amlenfant, Constance was awarded a scholarship by the Canadian Government for a three-year study of music and voice in Italy. She attended with fellow Quebecers Andre Turp, Robert Savoie, Guy Lepage, and Joseph Rouleau. Among her many honors in the United States, she was the winner of the American Opera Auditions. As a result, she appeared with the Summer Festival of Milan at Teatro Nuovo as Musette, in La Boheme. The cast also included well known artists Arlene Saunders, George Shirley, and Spiros Malas. Musetta became her lucky role, having sung it innumerable times with luminaries such as Licia Albanese and Salvatore Baccaloni. Constance Lambert was also the winner of the 1950 Canadian Broadcasting Company contest of artists. She appeared countless times in Canadian concert, opera, operetta, and television. In 1967 she shared the stage with George London in Charpentier's Louise at the Opera of Quebec, appearing on CBC TV in Montreal. Other appearances with Montreal Television were Poulenc's Stabat, and Mater and Honegger's King David. One of her truly great accomplishments was in 2004 when the city of Montreal paid homage to Constance Lambert for her artistry. One of Constance's greatest joys was raising her children, spending time with family, attending operas at the MET, cooking, playing piano, singing and teaching voice. One of her student’s, Nicole Renaud, a French soprano from Paris, became an accomplished singer, accordionist, songwriter and film composer who performs regularly in Paris and New York. Those who knew Constance for a moment or a lifetime knew that they had met a loving, kind, caring woman whose laughter, sense of humor, and quick wit lifted many people. She had such a passion and joy for life that was completely effortless and such a part of who she was. If you were lucky enough to be part of a party or gathering in her home, then you knew what it was to feel truly alive, surrounded by music, laughter, amazing Italian cooking, and a true sense of love and belonging. She was always positive, complimentary, and ready to help anyone in need. What a beautiful legacy that you not only touched so many people with your warm and melodious voice, but you also engraved such lasting memories in so many hearts! A memorial service will be held at Saint Anne's Church 15-05 St Anne Street, Fair Lawn, NJ on Wednesday, December 21st, 2016 at 10:30 am. The family respectfully asks that any expression of sympathy be made in the form of a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association; alz.org. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Regency Memory Care Club for giving their beloved mother music, friends, laughter and joy.