PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Reba Hough Evenchik, age 80, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who died peacefully at home on January 1st 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Reba was born on September 23, 1945, in Springfield, Massachusetts and brought up in Mountain Lakes NJ. Her life was a testament to joy, the arts, friendship and a deep devotion to family.

Reba made Pittsfield her home, where she built a life shaped by creativity, community and love. A longtime yoga teacher, she lived by the principles of yoga and spirituality, carrying a quiet sense of mindfulness and presence into everything she did. She also had a profound gift for working with children and spent 18 years as a preschool teacher at the Knesset Israel Synagogue, where she had a rare ability to help children feel seen and heard.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Reba was deeply involved in Pittsfield’s creative community. She danced flamenco for 25 years, an art form that brought her immense joy and allowed her to fully express her love of rhythm and movement. She also served as head of Storefront Artists, a nonprofit organization in Pittsfield, where she championed local artists and community-centered creative expression. In addition, Reba was an integral member of the board of Barrington Stage, helping to shape who the organization was and how it developed, guided by her belief in the power of the arts to bring people together and initiating the Children At Risk program. She was also a gifted poet, writing about things she saw in the world that moved her. Giving a voice to beauty and places and situations while motivating people into action with her words.

Music lived in her bones. Reba was an unabashed dancer who simply could not sit still. Any rhythm, any drumbeat, any song was an invitation to move. Whether dancing to the djembe in Africa, joining a spontaneous flash dance at the Berkshire Mall, or dancing flamenco on the Inside Out stage at Jacob’s Pillow or First Night in Northampton, she embodied light, love and music.

Reba loved to visit her children living abroad and explore the world alongside her husband Bruce, delighting in experiencing new cultures and ways of life. One of her most joyful adventures was in India, where she fully embraced the celebration of Holi, reveling in its color, music, and spirit, an experience that perfectly reflected her openness and joy.

Reba also found deep joy outdoors, whether walking with the dogs in Kennedy Park or working in her garden, which is magical and a reflection of the care and beauty she brought into the world.

Reba’s generosity extended far beyond her work. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, and it was not uncommon to come home and find friends, artists or travelers sleeping over or swimming in the pool. She had the biggest heart and an instinctive desire to help, especially those in the arts or anyone simply needing care and welcome.

She believed life was meant to be lived fully and joyfully and taught those around her to embrace life and community connection. Her laughter was contagious, her energy unmistakable and her spirit impossible to forget.

Reba is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce, and her four children: Meghan (Paul), Jason (Delphine), Craig, and Ben (Martha). She was a deeply proud grandmother to Liam, Braedyn, Raphael, Mina, Alexandra, Ari, and Naira, as well as her loving dog and constant companion Buddha Bear. She is lovingly remembered by many extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched profoundly.

A celebration of Reba’s life will be held on Monday January 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad St. Pittsfield, MA with Rabbi Valerie Lieber officiating. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Barrington Stage Children at Risk Program; ROPE Berkshires; or Temple Anshe Amunim in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com