ANDREW BENNETT GRAHAM-ALLAGREE (11/29/1974 9/29/2016) Andrew Bennett Graham-Allagree, age 41, died on Thursday, September 29, after sustained illness spanning 17 years. Andrew was born in Alameda, CA, to Harry and Mary (Traynor) Allagree, who predeceased him. He was later adopted by his stepmother, Cheryl Allagree. He attended preschool, elementary, and junior high schools in Sacramento, Chester and Chico. He completed high school through Butte County Home Study and also attended Butte College, American River College, and the clinical pastoral educational program for chaplaincy at Alta Bates Medical Center in Oakland. In 1986 at Chico Community Ballet he began a career as a ballet dancer, which continued over the next 22 years. After participating in various summer ballet training programs, he later performed with many regional and national ballet companies, including Joffrey Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Ballet de Santiago (Chile), Ballet Memphis, Ballet Florida, and Richard Alston Dance Company (England). In 2002 Andrew was a member of the original Broadway cast of Billy Joel's and Twyla Tharp's production of Movin' Out. He served as ballet teacher in numerous studios from 1997 on, and choreographed some nine pieces for various companies. He retained membership in the Actors Equity Association, the American Guild of Musical Artists, the American Federation of Television & Radio Arts, and the Council International of Dance. Raised in the Episcopal Church he attended St. Matthew's (Sacramento), Holy Spirit/Good Shepherd (Lake Almanor/Susanville), and St. John's (Chico). At the time of his death he was a member of St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church, Paradise, CA. Andrew is survived by his wife and childhood friend, Jenifer Graham-Allagree; his daughter, Ginger Grace Graham-Allagree; his stepson, Thaddeus Miller; his father, The Rev. Harry Allagree; his mother , Cheryl Allagree; his mother -in- law, Robbyn Pollard; his sisters, Nicole Allagree and Amanda Allagree; his niece, Meeghan McGivney; and other extended family members. A simple memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 2341 Floral Avenue, Chico, CA, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception from 2:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice . A memory book is being created for the family. If you have a favorite memory you would like to share, please email any stories or photos to [email protected]. Blank pages will also be available during the reception if you wish to share a memory at that time.



Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Oct. 8, 2016