Class Notes 2025
1948
Jean Noonan Faulkner and I had a nice visit on the phone. She has another great-grandchild, Patty Maya. Her granddaughter, Sarah Frey, visited The Woods in March and was very impressed. She learned a lot of the Noonan family history.
My (Sarah “Tedi” Ketenbrink Williams) daughters, Gail and Valerie and I attended Saint Mother Theodore Evening, June 8th. Our weekend stay was in the new dormitory, very nicely furnished.
Marie Merker Walsh died January 27 after a brief illness. Rest in Peace, Marie. Sorry to say no response from Therese Roy Light or Josephine “Jo” Storto Mago.
I remain indebted to SMWC!
1949
No report on Elizabeth Blackwell Bartz. We (Lois Patton Olzawski) were unable to reach anyone to confirm information.
Joan Schoemaker Bey is reported by her daughter, who keeps us well informed. She’s in a Senior Living Center and very active! Joan even wore her SMWC cap & gown for her Halloween costume! We received pics of her working on her mask for this year!
Mary Dunn Giarratana’s daughter-in-law let us know that she’s in her home and has great long-term memory.
Mary Lou Hess Modica, according to her son, is living at home with 24-hour care.
Kathleen “Kitty” Hannon Morton and Lois Patton Olzawski are “football friends!” Kitty is very active and has loved the Buffalo Bills all of her life, while I am a “recent” fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Kitty is doing very well and is extremely active!
Lois Patton Olzawski – I had my 97th birthday this year – but I guess we are all the same age! All five of my living children were here – and my half-brother (born my junior year at The Woods and I didn’t meet until I had all six of my children!) flew in from Tallahassee, Florida, to surprise me! The reason I am a Kansas City Chiefs fan (and share that football love with Kitty) is because my great-grandson, Rhett Rogers, is at Avila University in Kansas City on a baseball scholarship, and as a fundraiser, they volunteer for all Kansas City Chiefs home games.
Joan Kane Ryan sent some pictures of her and her family. She’s at home and active enough to write a sweet note! She has three children in the St. Louis area and two out of town. She said they were good children, and everyone is in good health!
1951
Dearies,
“Do you remember when we met at SMWC? What a blessing for me and you.”
And now that we are in our 90s and still here, we thank God for the blessing and opportunity to know our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have five grown children, 19 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. My precious husband died in 2004, and I live in an apartment on the garden level of my daughter’s home.
The Woods helped us to grow up and be faithful to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a joy to be with the Sisters of Providence, who were so kind and gracious to everyone.
Here are the classmates I was able to reach:
Joan Greenwald Conrad, Joan Lewis Ingram, Joan Melguard Tarantino, Rosemarie Roney Eckman, Karyl Geib Buettner, Gloriann Naumcheff Long and Lucille Busch Kelly (Our nurse). She will be 99 in June!
All these girls sound very chipper and happy. It was so much fun to catch up with them. All of them are thankful daily for their blessings. Our class was from an amazing generation!
If I may have missed talking with anyone from our class of ’51, I hope you will reach out to me at the address or phone below. I look forward to catching up with you!
All my love and prayers,
Angela Crowley Kenny
4716 N. Knoxville Ave.
Peoria, IL 61614
309-686-0017
P.S. I have included a picture of our wedding day on July 14, 1951, with many of my beautiful Saint Mary-of-the-Woods friends.
1954
My (Jane Antrobus) first responder this year was Gretchen Griffith Clement, who phoned from Texas. She has moved to an apartment. If I understood correctly, it’s across the porch from an assisted living facility. Her children provide transportation as needed, and she’s happy with the new arrangements.
Another “mover” is Sister Carol Nolan, who moved from the convent at Providence to another campus facility.
Rita Gase Manor is in good health and rejoicing at being a first-time great-grandmother. Additionally, the baby has Rita’s middle name, Lorraine. Rita is in an independent living facility where she has made many good friends and enjoys the activities.
Arlene O’Rourke Hamm sent a Christmas card with lots of family pictures and a note that they expected the addition of two great-grandchildren early in the new year.
Bernadette “Berni” Loeper Wolff is fortunate to have a granddaughter who is a near neighbor and helps with transportation. Berni still plays bridge. She was looking forward to family visitors soon, when I talked to her.
Seventy (!) years after graduation, the 21 remaining members of the class of ’54 are adapting to the limitations of age and valuing happy memories of our days at The Woods.
1958
Mary Catherine “Katie” Miller died May 2, 2024.
Lenore “Lee” O’Connor d’Anjou’s mail should be sent in care of her daughter:
Elizabeth d’Anjou
4 Grove Street Picton
Ontario KOK2TO Canada.
Lee is in a nursing home. She fondly remembers her days at The Woods and enjoys music and TV (especially Call the Midwife). Lee has five children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Syvia Dickas Coma and Robert are permanently at the Zionsville address so they can enjoy an easier life.
Kathleen Petrunick Lendzion called to say that she and her family are doing fine and wished me well.
Marilyn Caserotti Kostenski has had a slow year but is doing fine now.
Carole Lattus Liggett’s sister, Lucy, and her son and his wife visited Jim and Carole. Carole enjoys reading, their library and book club.
Carol Marzano Bersinger is looking forward to warm weather and working in her garden at The Villages, Florida.
Virginia Senicka Wirtz sent her greetings from Savage, Minnesota.
Sandra “Sandy” Chabot Landay shared a message of hope and remembered her days in Chicago.
Ellen Narolewski Lau and seven family members took a wonderful trip to Africa with the special joy of being together.
Mary Zavatone Pearl and her sister continue to enjoy the quiet life in Upper Black Eddy.
Mary Ellen Bendel Hudson and Lew are staying close to home and have installed a lift. Son, Jeff, has been the main caretaker. Three great-grandchildren from Alabama came to visit fall 2024.
Anita Orlando Matthews lives in a retirement community and stays busy with classes and exercises. She enjoys six grandchildren.
Sandra “Sandy” Chabot Landay sent a message about hope and still enjoys singing and plans to continue both.
1959
Six of us attended our 65th Reunion – Kathleen “Kitty” Farrell Zink, Peggy “Peg” Gardner Gallagher, Mary Alice “M’alice” Cullen Wimmer, Joan Mellican Dickson, Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland and me (Agnes Piszczek). We all had an enjoyable time sharing memories and events of the past 65 years. We stayed on the second floor of Le Fer Hall, grateful for the air conditioning and new wooden furniture. Breakfasts and lunches were in the Doherty Dining Center in the new dorm, Les Bois Hall. The Saturday evening banquet was in the O’Shaughnessy dining room.
It was fun returning to The Woods and witnessing the many positive changes since the 50s. Enrollment is over 600, with Nursing and Equine Studies being the top majors. The refurbished conservatory is as beautiful as many great theaters.
Lolly and I attended thanks to my sister Margaret “Peggy” Piszczek Kloempken’s ’62 daughter, Dr. Therese Hughes, who was our chauffeur. Janice Searles Vanderhaar and Ann Boersig Harrigan were expected to attend, but cancelled at the last minute. At the banquet, we were joined by Bob Dickson and daughter, Angela Dickson Yildiz ’91.
Kathleen “Kitty” Farrell Zink, mother of ten, has 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Peggy Gardner Gallagher has three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mary Alice Cullen Wimmer has three children and eight grandchildren. Joan Mellican Dickson has four children and five grandchildren. Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland has two children and two grandchildren.
On a sad note, we lost several classmates during the year and/or spouses and express our deep sympathy to their families. May they all rest in peace. Maureen Wilson Clifford passed away on July 12, 2024, and was buried on August 1, which would have been her 65th wedding anniversary. On August 31, Rosemary “Dee” Cirando Coyne went to heaven after surviving multiple Myeloma for many years. A memorial Mass was held in Naples, Florida. Burial was in Arlington National Cemetery. Marilyn Bosler Henley passed away on October 18, following several years in a nursing home. She was buried in Fremont, Indiana, in the Ray Covenanter Cemetery. Barbara “Barb” Suchy Cathone passed away on January 13, 2025, in Pelham, New York. She leaves six children and her sister, Arline Suchy Munsell ’57. Carol Marlow Murray passed away on February 5, 2025, and interment was at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin, Illinois. Ellen Cooper Riddle’s husband, John, passed away on January 5, 2025, and was buried in Indianapolis on January 17. Patricia “Pat” Needham Burns wrote that her husband, John, passed away on May 5. Our sympathy also to Maureen Finneran Galvin, whose husband John passed away on November 24. Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland injured her back in July carrying in a case of water causing a fall and a broken wrist. While in the hospital, she fell again, injured her back further and broke the sacrum. She returned home following a month in rehabilitation. The back will take six months to repair.
On February 16, Lolly and Agnes attended the Chicago Club SMWC brunch at Cooper Hawk Restaurant. Attending from The Woods were President Brennan Randolph and Vice President for Advancement Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98.
Joan Mellican Dickson survived Florida’s hottest summer on record as well as two hurricanes within two weeks. Their property was spared serious damage, although the street in front of the house had water three feet deep. In the summer, they took an RV trip with son Craig and wife Christy to view the eclipse in Carbondale, Illinois. The entire family spent a week in Hilton Head to celebrate Joan and Bob’s 60th wedding anniversary. Following our Reunion, Joan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and has received both chemotherapy and radiation.
Peggy Gardner Gallagher and Mary “Maggie” Burns Gage took a Caribbean cruise last spring. From April to November, Peggy biked 1,250 miles.
Grace Ann Doran McLaughlin and Bob are enjoying their retirement home and especially all the activities it offers. Both are doing well and find it gratifying to see SMWC is doing well. They enjoy receiving emails.
Patricia “Pat” Needham Burns, in remembering her husband’s death on May 5, said that John always enjoyed our conversations on Reunion weekends. After completion of the paperwork, John was buried with full military honors in early November at Arlington National Cemetery with all the immediate family in attendance on a sunny 80-degree day.
Mary Ellen Gase continues to enjoy the cultural events in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She loves living close to sisters Rita Gase Manor ’54 and Nancy. Her sister, Nancy Prunty, just published her fourth children’s book, All About Barker. All books are true stories about her two dogs and are available on Amazon. Mary Ellen’s Saginaw Community Foundation Scholarship is for seniors planning to major in music in college. Funds have been available from past student donations as well as music teachers who promote the project with five high schools.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Chott Carey and Tim spent some time in Arizona and feel fortunate they are able to travel. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all doing well and are grateful they see them often. Son, Bob, and his two boys visited from Florida after Christmas.
Mary Burtch Fetters is fine and always keeping busy finding projects to do around the house.
Kathleen “Kitty” Farrell Zink enjoyed a whirlwind November and December with grandchildren attending competitions, musicals, choral presentations and even a Reindeer Ride on the Nichelson Plate Express with hot chocolate, cookies and Santa. Grandsons, Charlie and Gerry, worked the train for the city park department. For Kitty’s birthday, son, Paul, took her on a themed tour of Diners and Dives! The entire family spent Christmas at their usual camp spot in southern Indiana. Two grandchildren were married – one in May and the other in October. She spent the summer in Michigan, where she visited with many family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kitty on the passing of her sister Mary Jo, who died before Thanksgiving at the age of 90. Older sister Betty recently celebrated her 98th birthday.
Mary Alice Cullen Wimmer reports that she stays well with a trainer. She is not traveling much but is doing more painting.
Elizabeth “Liz” Merry O’Daniel writes that they are fine and well and busy with hobbies, volunteering and family. They have 12 great-grandchildren, ten of whom are in the area, so they keep busy attending swim meets, concerts, plays, games and various activities around town. Of the remaining two grandchildren, one lives in New Mexico and the other in Alaska.
Janice Searles Vanderhaar continues to coordinate the activities of Pax Christi Memphis (PCM) and work with Pax Christi USA on various projects, trying to spread the Peace of the Nonviolent Christ. She represented PCM at a Guns to Garden Event on March 1. She also represents PCM at the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. She reports that while still able to drive during the day, she has given up night driving. On a sad note, Marc Vanderhaar Simon passed away on December 5, 2024, at the age of 61. Marc was a professor at Bowling Green University and Chair of the Political Science Department.
Carolyn Stower Edelmann appreciates friends above all. She hiked the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve below New Hope, Pennsylvania, five of her six favorite trails in early November. Land Preservation remains the core of her being in New Jersey. She is still an avid birder, especially in South Jersey preserves. She is first and foremost a preservationist working with friends to protect, defend and protest meetings with developers. Carolyn still writes poetry and is occasionally being published, but writing and cataloguing the poems matter more to her.
Judith “Judy” Haley Giesen is mostly at home at Mount Carmel Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. She walks almost every day and participates in yoga, exercise and pool aerobics. She traveled to Brainerd, Minnesota, for a family reunion of Giesens and Egglestons in late July. Judy spent Thanksgiving in Denver with several families, engaging in non-stop conversations. It was wonderful seeing so many relatives and catching up on activities. On a sad note, Jim’s sister, Mary Giesen, passed away at 87. Judy wishes good health, great joy, fun times, beauty in our lives and lasting friendships.
I (Agnes Piszczek) continue to remain active and serve on the Board of Trustees for Maryville Academy. Thank you for your continued support of the Woods Fund. We continue to pray for good health, great joy, fun times, beauty in our lives and lasting friendships.
1961
This will be a short summary this year since I (Alice Steers Lingenfelter) haven’t heard from many of you. Life has been a challenge this past year. I noticed many changes of address in the college’s new directory. Also, some of the emails were returned “unidentified”. Have we all turned to texting, or is Facebook on your plan? I haven’t taken the opportunity to begin to figure out AI.
I received a lovely message from Johanne Nero De Filippo’s brother, Father James Nero, who received my request and informed me that Johanne was in memory care facilities. He asked for prayers for her and pleasant greetings for her classmates. How sweet of him to take the time to inform us!
First, I will tell you about our classmates who have new “digs” (Is that an old-fashioned word?).
Patricia “Patti” O’Dowd Scholl has moved to McCordsville, Indiana, into a senior residence community, but most importantly, she is experiencing grandkids popping in and out. One delightful news, she and Jim have become great-grandparents to a baby girl, celebrating after Patti’s daughter had three boys. I can relate to that after my brother had five boys, my sister had four and l had one. Luckily, I have two beautiful stepdaughters.
Another new address is from Valerie Dziubek Kuck, who sold her house on top of the mountain and is living in an apartment in San Diego, California. I was concerned with those dreadful fires in California, so I called her. Everything you read about those fires is true. She is still working with all her energy on the pollution of plastics.
Sally O’Connell has moved to Maryland after being in Alaska and is near her brother. It wasn’t a pleasant experience leaving her home in Alaska. After a fall in her home, she was sent to a hospital; with “no room in the inn” at minus 46 degrees, she was rescued to Bethesda, Maryland. Hopefully, we can connect in the near future. She had spoken to Angela Reed Hinchey, who was struggling with some health issues. I am sure we are at that age where we move more slowly.
Arden Hauer has moved to Modesto, California, to be near her family. She has had an illustrious life, getting a Master’s at Marquette University, teaching philosophy in St. Paul, Minnesota, then at the University of Portland. She then went on to law school (Colorado ’78). In the interim, she married, had two children, divorced and then specialized in mediation and wrote a how-to book about friendly divorce in Colorado, which ultimately published nine editions. She spent 50 years in Colorado… lucky you! Her new project is building an accessory dwelling unit (“ADU”) in her daughter’s backyard where she will call home. Is that a California thing?
Another address I noticed was Monica “Boo” Barber Gornell’s address was changed but no word from her. I hope all is well.
My condolences go to Eileen Haley Schellhammer upon news of her husband, Jim R. Schellhammer’s death on February 21, 2025. From his obituary, he gave his life to giving not only to organizations but even driving Vets to their medical appointments. After 59 years of marriage, Eileen should be proud to have such a partner.
Constance “Connie” Hickey Wahl is doing her share of helping in soup kitchens and shelters in Rochester, New York. In January, the shelter where she works went from taking in 40 to 80 in one week when it was zero degrees outside. When work no longer provides stability, wages are too low, rent is too high and medical bills gone in one paycheck, who is safe? Thank you, Connie, for doing your share.
Joan Reiter Carlsen still is upright, mobile and pain-free and always seems to keep in touch with our classmates, Sally O’Connell, Val Wilson Enghauser and Janice “Jan” Hartman Gillig. She informed me that Bill Gillig passed away last fall. Our sympathies to you, Jan. Joan’s grandchild, Charlie, is graduating from Creighton University (I love watching Creighton in March Madness). Joan’s new toy is a solar-powered bird feeder with a camera that allows her to watch the birds feed in real time. Maybe you should send pictures to Mary Jo Stewart McPherson, who brags about her orioles; they don’t come to Georgia.
Maryanne O’Conner Donahue had me laughing as she described her “incident of driving over herself in her car”….yes, she was injured, but when she got to the emergency room, they fixed her up while joking, “how did you manage that”? She’s still managing the singing at her church!
Val Wilson Enghauser has an even better story. She had an aortic valve replacement with a pig’s valve which subsequently did not work as expected so…..her doctors at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor decided a cow’s aorta might be better. So she has both, and so far she looks great!! I would say she has a strong heart….Moooink!!!! I can attest to her vitality because Nell and I met her for brunch in Naples, Florida, in February 2025 with her daughter. There was a lot to cover, but after all these years, we still recognized each other.
Ellen “Nell” Steers Dana and I were in Florida to fix the damage done by the two hurricanes which hit Florida in September and October 2024 at her home in Boca Grande. It was amazing how the surge of water and sand did more damage than the wind, but only on the lower level. Val said she had limited damage.
Nell and I were happy to be guests of Susan “Sue” Eichmuller Hamilton ’66, ’90MAPT and her husband, Wayne, at their beautiful home on February 7, 2025, in Naples. We were introduced to President Brennan Randolph, a delightful person, who shared some of the news from The Woods. He brought two students who gave us their positive views of their experience. Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98, vice president for advancement, was instrumental in bringing the alums together. She does an outstanding job, and of course, Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05, director of alumni relations, was there and visited with us at Boca Grande.
One last message from all those who sent news to me. Each one made a special note saying, “Our prayers go out to all our classmates.” Amen.
I end with a quote from somewhere: “Only when we are so very old do we realize the beauty of life.”
God bless you all.
1962
It seems longer than a year since our last update, but as the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun – or maybe it’s just that time flies faster the older we get – I (Gail Sitzman Westhoven) think I prefer the former!
Elizabeth “Beth” O’Connell’s big news is “no surgeries” in 2024! But the doctors are keeping an eye on a benign tumor in her right ear, which is causing her balance problems. Possible surgery may happen, so keep Beth in your prayers. Meanwhile, Beth hasn’t slowed down one iota and has done quite a bit of traveling. With her sister Connie, Beth rented an RV for travel to Chincoteague, Virginia, this summer, where the O’Connell family enjoyed the waterpark and water slides. Beth also visited a friend on Lake Erie during the summer. She has scheduled a 15-day Viking Cruise with a fellow 85-year-old friend to cruise up the coast of Maine to the Canadian rivers.
Sister Janet Srebalus, MM is living in Mwanza, Tanzania, with one other sister since their third roommate was missioned to Hawaii last year. She continues to give seminars on psychology and spirituality to religious communities. Keeping her active is a lifetime habit of exercising and good eating, which she says her mom instilled into her way back when! Her brother, Jerry, is coming to Tanzania after Easter for a visit to see Sr. Janet and tour the area. Then Janet, who has renewal time in the states from May 2nd to August 15th, will travel to the states with Jerry, where she will visit with Jerry’s family and her brother David’s family
Margaret “Peggy” Piszczek Kloempken and Tom moved into a senior living facility in Glenview, Illinois, not far from their previous townhome. Their new address is 2500 Indigo Lane Apt 322, Glenview, IL 60026. Peggy’s loving the fact that there’s no more cooking or cleaning or climbing stairs to the bedrooms. They wanted to stay in the area since their daughter Therese and her husband are close by in Lake Forest, Illinois. Theresa’s two sons are at Notre Dame and Georgetown. The Kloempkens’ daughter, Maureen, and her husband, Brian, are in Newton, Massachusetts, where Brian is head of marketing for the Patriots. Their youngest boy is at Boston College, and the other two sons attend Santa Clara University on the West Coast “since they seem to like the ocean water better.” Peggy and Tom’s youngest daughter, Amy, and her husband recently sold their home in the Boston area and are now full-time residents of Boca Raton, Florida. After having four girls, Peggy and Tom now have seven grandsons!
Shari Wigle writes that her family members have been on the move, and she now has six family members nearby in Phoenix, Arizona. Between nieces and nephews, she has family to visit in Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Indiana. Shari continues to enjoy the beautiful vistas of Surprise, Arizona, and partakes of the many opportunities for volunteering in her community.
A note from Marcia Chester Richey and Wayne said all is well there. Marcia had back surgery in January of 2025 and is on the road to recovery. Wayne said he’s the chief cook and bottle washer while she recovers and hopes they survive his cooking! They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in December of 2024. Congratulations!
Judy Reich Hoyt writes that her family is growing up too fast – but she mentioned that her youngest grandchild is in first grade, so they are blessed to still have a “little one.” The majority of her grandchildren are out of college. “I couldn’t tell you what most of them do, all jobs that didn’t exist when we graduated. One of the younger granddaughters is working very hard to try to plan a fundraiser for SMWC. So many groups do it, so she thought she would try it.” Judy asked for prayers for two of their daughters who have mental health issues – please keep them on your prayer list.
Ellen Goodrich Bondi has asked for prayers for her daughter-in-law, Carmel, who is facing some rejection from her lung transplant after seven good years! “She is so dear and has gone through so much.” Everyone else is fine. Ellen admits to “some issues with mobility” and writes that she gets frustrated not being able to do what she wants to do. She says that her partner, Jim, is 91 and in better health than most 60-year-olds! She and Jim are looking forward to attending her granddaughter’s May graduation in Berkeley, California. Ellen’s son David is still in Los Angeles and has his own art studio where he works on computer animation projects. She mentioned that David’s house remained safe during all the tragic fires in California, although many of his friends’ places didn’t. Ellen’s daughter, Lynn, is busy with her acupuncture clinic and “pokes me now and then.” Ellen keeps as busy as possible with her memoir writing class and still enjoys her drama group. The current project is a murder mystery where dinner theater guests try to solve a murder. Ellen and Jim are having fun portraying a drunken husband and his sarcastic wife.
According to Anne Sheridan Ruck, while the East Coast had snow, Los Angeles, California, was on edge with all the fires. She writes that they were told to evacuate six times, but she stayed put. “The winds were so strong and the sky was so black, it was a terrifying experience!” Later this year, Anne plans to take her family on a Danube River Cruise – they all need it!
Barbara Millwater Herkner writes that her life sounds boring, but being happy and healthy at 84 doesn’t seem that old amidst a large extended family and her own children and grandchildren. She says she plays “bad golf,” but she still has playing partners, so it can’t be that bad!
Madeline Honnigford Roe reports that she has no big news. All is quiet in Evansville, Indiana, and she is enjoying her family and all her good friends in the area.
At the end of October 2024, Celestine “Cel Hamant” ended up in the hospital twice for A-fib. After several weeks in rehab, she’s home on supplemental oxygen. But she writes that she’s making slow progress, which is good news. Sad news was the report of their little dog, who died recently. She’s praying for good health and many blessings in 2025 for our class.
Echoing those wishes is Kathleen “Kathy” Bogan Cannady, who writes that the last half of 2024 has been very challenging. She took a nasty fall at the end of August on wet pavement, which resulted in two months of rehab at a skilled nursing facility for a “torn” knee. During rehab, Naples, Florida, was hit by two hurricanes, the first of which resulted in evacuation to another facility. That move resulted in a dislocated shoulder, fixed by a trip to the ER! So far, so good! She’s slowly returning to an independent life! A week in Pompano Beach, Florida, in April helped! She hopes to get back to her volunteer work as an Eucharistic Minister soon.
Linda Keats Renzi is still teaching full-time English at an inner-city Catholic school in Lynn, Massachusetts, outside Boston. She was very sad to lose her Woods Ring during Christmas break this year, on a visit to her daughter. She said she was able to get another one, but “might have to get a ring tattoo just in case I lose this one.” That would be an interesting solution.
Despite the -6 degrees below temperature of the day, Patricia “Pat” Curran Denato is very happy to be living in Edina, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Edina is a 55-plus community that provides Pat with an active lifestyle and rewarding friendships. Her family, though scattered, are frequent visitors. Son, Peter, his wife, Dayna, and daughter, Stella, flew in from Portland, Oregon, for Thanksgiving. Stella is studying radiology. Pat’s daughter, Anne, and hubby, David, and their daughter, Luccia, a high school junior, welcomed everyone with a Thanksgiving feast and a round of weekend activities (indoors, I hope).
Johanna Reichel Schuller and Paul had a bustling 25 guests for Christmas dinner at their home in Manassas, Virginia. Paul was nursing a bad ankle, and Johanna is in therapy for hip pain, but with their large family, they had many willing helpful hands. Hopefully, spring and warm weather isn’t too far away – the cure for aching joints!
Warmer climes in Mesa, Arizona, added to Gloria Hemery Duckworth’s delight when she entertained her daughter Cindy, husband Marc, and family at Christmas. Son Stephen’s family and grandchildren, Savanna, Skyler and Sammy, also joined the festivities. Daughter, Julie, and Will from Kentucky were there for ten days – a full house! Gloria reports that her October ’24 CT scan showed some cancer activity, so she’s on oral chemo for now. Needless to say, her energy and stamina are down, but she works with a trainer two times a week to improve that. Gloria reports that grandson Skyler joined the US Navy as a Cyber Warfare Technician in February ’25. Gloria is planning on attending his graduation in April ’25 at Glenview Naval Air Station outside Chicago.
A long letter from Wally Shelley Nowicki attested to a constant stream of activities from sunny Tampa, Florida, where she and son, Michael, visited over the Thanksgiving holidays. Son, Jeff, married “a lovely lady,” Laura, in St Augustine, Florida, in February ’24, and the family enjoyed some Florida sunshine along with the wedding festivities. In May ’24, Wally and the whole family were in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Regina’s daughter Carina’s graduation from Perelman Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s currently doing a residency in psychiatry. Wally’s volunteering included working three elections this year in Pensacola, Florida, and helping at the library and a local medical clinic. Singing in two church choirs pretty well eats up the rest of her free time. Wally’s letter included her latest church project. Her church, St. Joseph’s, is 130 years old. Many of the vestments used over the last 130 years have worn out, but they just can’t be thrown out. There’s a rite and a burning ritual. The fabric and trims are quite costly. Wally has been dismantling the trim from the vestments and creating banners to hang in the church! She sent pictures, and they are really quite unique!
After writing about all Wally’s activities, I (Gail Sitzman Westhoven) have to wonder what I do all day! My quilting projects are still my fun sewing times, and I recently finished a very large quilt using all the odd pieces left over from the grandkids’ quilt projects. I decided this quilt is staying here – lots of memories in the pieces. Meanwhile, we have three new great-granddaughters for whom I’ve made baby quilts – fun to make and much easier in a nice small crib size!! The yard and gardens keep me busy, but my bending over days are waning, and my enthusiasm for weeding is zilch anymore.
Once again, I thank everyone who answered my call for news. I hope to continue to keep you all in the loop, so please keep in touch – even if it’s just to say hi!
1963
Sadly, in 2024, we lost five beloved classmates, Elizabeth Jacobi, Rosemary Mulhollan Levene, Kathleen Palousek, Rosemary Lawler Wong and Nancy Van Uum Langworthy. Margot Rudge Sullivan and Nano Cloghessey Dubish lost their dear husbands. Our hearts also go out to Kathleen Kearney De Vito on the loss of her beloved son, Christopher, who died in May after more than a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 58 and left behind a wife and four daughters. She writes, “My heart is broken.”
Nano Cloghessy Dubish writes, “My sad news is that my husband Dick of 61 years passed suddenly in April. I now do things with a heavy heart.” She keeps busy with tutoring and theatre work, and adds that her children are great help and keep her grounded. While in Florida this winter, she enjoyed old friends Ed and Colleen Ward Mayes.
Margot Rudge Sullivan writes that she is blessed to have her children and their families nearby. Days are kept busy with book clubs, grandchildren’s sports, volunteering at church and also with a STEM program called Tech Trek, a math and science camp for girls going into 8th grade. She added how much she enjoyed a visit to Chicago this summer.
Mary Eppig Kelling adds that she and Mike are doing well and are trying to keep active. Despite the usual aches and pains. Her family has been blessed with two beautiful great-grandchildren.
Mary Jo Carney Johnson visited Tennessee in January to see son, Chris, and her grandchildren. Their mom, Melissa, is the director of their preschool, so Mary Jo’s visit included sharing classroom activities. At home in Michigan, she tutors, plays tennis and does Advocacy for Grosse Pointe League of Women Voters.
Anne “Dee” O’Donnell keeps busy with family and friends as her main “activity.” She still volunteers at Catholic Charities of Chicago and church. She hopes our class could plan a mini class reunion at the SMWC Homecoming this October, as discussed at our last Reunion.
She believes that Margaret “Peggy” Buber Mellon might be able to help. Peggy notes that she was in Terre Haute in March for her grand-niece’s wedding. She recalls meeting her husband Pat on a blind date at The Woods in 1960, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last June. “SMWC is our sacred place in so many ways,” she adds.
Mary Ellen Schneider Backer plays duplicate bridge, reads and loves to travel. She took one daughter and granddaughter to Paris for a week and another daughter and grandsons to Italy for a week last summer. One grandson was a Fulbright Scholar in Spain last year.
Elise Schirmer George writes that she is still improving her duplicate bridge game. Challenge is her thing. She has been spending time decluttering, and her urge to shop has waned. She gifted herself with a new car this year, and her grandchildren find stories of her previous cars to be hilarious.
Maureen “Mossi” Steed Sullivan says her only news is that her son Pete retired and moved to Florida. She visited him and found it a very tempting lifestyle… no Chicago winters.
Patricia “Pat” Langley Bray and her entire family had a reunion with Norwegian relatives in Allesund, Norway. Thirty relatives actually visited her grandmother’s farmhouse, built in the 1800s. She also went to Copenhagen since her youngest son and family live there. Pat stays in Tucson, Arizona, for the winter and Michigan in the summer.
Judith “Judy” Scoggin McManmon is doing well and enjoying her daughter and family, who live nearby. Three of her seven grandchildren live in Wisconsin, but one is a freshman at St. Louis University. She enjoys water aerobics and volunteers with the St. Louis Assistance League.
Janice “Jan” Gapen Dean says she, Barbara Clemento Savino, and Mary Sue “Susie” Bachman Renn have a conference call every month or two, a way of staying in touch since they don’t travel much anymore. Barbara is slowly recovering from a fall last June. Susie has some arthritis issues and is caring for her husband, Louie. They usually talk about their 17 grandchildren, ages 30 – 11, and feel blessed. All are doing well in school and in their careers. Jan has worked with her local food pantry for 22 years and adds that Mary Eppig Kelling had shoulder surgery in March.
Linda Hahus misses her husband, who died last year after a 37-year marriage. She plans to attend the reunion of her convent “Band” at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in September. They will celebrate 65 years since entering the Sisters of Providence in 1960. Linda was a member of the Community for 21 years, from 1960-1981.
Rosemary “Rosie” Krider Schmid said in December that her son, Joe, and daughter-in-law spent five days on Maui, including a drive to the summit of Haleakala and a boat trip to the winter sanctuary for whales. Rosie taught an American citizenship class this year and now seeks private ESL students for in-person or online sessions.
Janet Scoggin Kerner writes that she met husband, Bill, in 1963 at John Carroll University in Cleveland, where our Chorale was having a joint concert, and they have been married more than 60 years, with four children and 10 grandchildren. She has been choir director at her parish and neighboring ones.
Deirdre McBride Radanovic still participates in her parish bible study program, enjoys Shakespeare theatre and reunions with her two sisters last year. This past fall, her son convinced them to go into partnership in their old beach house, to raze it and rebuild. They expect to move in by this summer.
Katharine “Katy” Gibson says her greatest joy this year is a published memoir with her husband, Walt, a great collection for her granddaughter. Her newest venture is teaching English to a woman from the Dominican Republic. Katy still keeps up with friends of 40+ years in a book club and walking group.
Theresa “Tracy” Alig Dowling is currently reading Shakespeare, the Man who Pays the Rent by Dame Judy Dench, a wonderful discussion of his plays by an actress who has played almost every female role at the Royal Shakespeare Theater. “With apologies to Dr. Bashe, Judy makes Will more fun, and there’s no exam!“ (Every Woods English major will understand!)
Kathleen “Boo” Finneran Valle had a life-threatening attack of her Generalized Myasthenia Gravis, spending two weeks in ICU. After much therapy, she continues to live on her own with much support from her family and is in the process of copyrighting the last of her children’s stories, “Eddie the Dragon.”
Jane O’Rourke Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer over Christmas and had surgery in March. Her two granddaughters swam in the Paris Olympics this summer; Gretchen won two gold and two silver medals, and she broke the 100-meter butterfly world record. Her sister, Alex, because of a mishap, missed the bronze.
Michelene “Mickey” Barraco McCormick belongs to a local book club, plays social bridge three to four times a month and tries to gather with family as often as possible. She adds that Bridget Walsh visits her often, but Mary Gail Stilwill is not doing well and is in a hospice-type facility.
Mary Campbell tells that her sister, Debbi, and her two cats have been living with her since December, and happily, their other sister, Margot Campbell ’67, lives only two miles from them in Virginia. The mosque where Mary volunteered had funding cuts, so sadly, no more Afghan refugees will arrive.
Theresa Rosner White tells that a baby grand piano was placed in the lobby of her independent living facility. After some practicing on her own digital piano, Theresa has been able to play for her resident neighbors. Everyone seems to enjoy live piano music, she adds.
Lydia Treadwell Blecksmith says that her husband Jim has been suffering from several ailments, including vision loss. Her oldest grandson, Giancarlo, graduated from the University of California, Irvine. Her youngest rode in the Rose Parade and will compete in the Los Angeles marathon next month. She adds that her sister, Louise Treadwell Conlon, is recovering from a broken pelvis but is doing well.
Elaine Reis has fun being a volunteer usher for the arts in Milwaukee. She gets to see drama, dance and music, with an emphasis on classical, performed in six different venues in the city. She says, “Remember ‘Four Stars’? This is like four-star heaven!”
Patricia “Pat” Clancy is recovering from a minor surgery on her left foot and is now able to wear some shoes and get out to walk the dog. She is expecting her fifth great-grandchild this year and is looking forward to getting her vegetable garden started.
Suzanne “Suzy” Metrailer Ginty had a painting and invention accepted for the University of St. Francis Alumni show. The invention, a sculpture for 15-year-olds, the painting circles in secondary circles, expressing her love of classical music. Suzy still lives on her 14-acre farm with two horses and one pony.
I (Margaret McElroy) write that for several years, I have been interested in social justice issues, becoming active with a group of 32 local churches. Currently, we are working on low-income housing needs and a women’s treatment center, often making presentations at city and county budget meetings to further our cause. Finally, I am blessed that my husband, George, has been recuperating from a severe illness of seven months. To fill the days during this time, I continued my watercolors and now have several in two local galleries. We welcomed our first great-grandchild, dear Penelope, in November.
1964
Our Dear Classmates who have joined the Angel Choir:
Patricia “Pat” Krizmis Bath: October 11, 2022
Patricia “Pat” Mercer Stanek: December 12, 2023
Linda Lou Lorey Hopf: September 1, 2024
Constance “Connie” Kramer, SP: January 30, 2025
Margaret Ann Mathews O’Neill: February 12, 2025
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Our Class celebrated our sixty-year Reunion in May 2024, and sixteen of us were able to attend:
Rachel Eberle Ambrose, Lois Fenlon Brinkman, Pauline Gattie Busby, Susan “Suzz” Maxheim Carter, Mary Ann Kelly Hellmann, Bernadette “Bernie” Kwak Hogan, Anne Coggins Humphrey, Constance “Connie” Kramer, SP, (RIP), Anne Longtine, Mary Ellen Bires Natonski, Juliet Muro Oeffinger, Margaret Ann Mathews O’Neill (RIP), Rebecca “Becky” Caufield Peloff, Barbara “Babs” Reder, SP, Gay Gallagher Scherrer and Beverly “Bev” Snyder Thompson. Please note that we were able to celebrate with Connie and Margaret Ann, just months before they died. Those are precious memories.
All of us had rooms at the same hotel, and we even had reserved our own gathering/party room. It was a delight to spend time together each evening – and I am happy to say that the police were never called to quiet a disturbance.
Elaine Sowko Babcock and Harry loved sharing the holidays with their two daughters and their families. Four of the grandchildren have graduated college and are enjoying their new careers. Two more of the grandchildren, granddaughters to be exact, are graduating as engineers. Elaine’s Gourmet Group gathers at one of their homes, each bringing an assigned prepared dish and the recipe to share. Elaine’s church group collects blankets, socks, jackets and grocery items for the Akron Shelter. The Garden Club provides great ideas for their garden.
Rosemary “Mickey” Hubeny continues to practice yoga and tai chi, usually via Zoom. She also participates in the bereavement ministry and prayer line groups at her Saint Mary’s Church, which is within walking distance and literally in her backyard. She has recently renewed her interest in cooking and eating healthy foods. And once more, back to doing jigsaw puzzles. All of this had been on hold for a while as Mickey had been living with and taking care of her 90-year-old sister, who had had surgery. It was a hectic time with Mickey driving home every few days to check on her cats, Meggie and Markie. She spends lots of time reading and takes time to meditate and enjoy nature. Mickey comments that she has been healthy and wealthy in many ways and is grateful for a blessed life
Katharine Yang enjoys her lovely apartment in NYC and even praises the meals in the dining room. We know this is quite a compliment from Katharine, who is a great cook! Katharine enjoys many of the programs, lectures and activities that are available and has even taken up jewelry making as a result. Her son Wellington makes it a special day when he arrives to take her to lunch and the Live from the Met opera productions.
Lynda Paschke Cox says that she and Tony still walk every day for forty minutes, but their mileage has gone down somewhat in the last few years. . . and she sighs and says, “Oh well.” In May, they took a trip to San Francisco, California, to celebrate their granddaughter’s graduation from UC Berkeley, and in January, a wonderful trip to Hawaii that definitely shortened the winter a bit. Lynda feels fortunate to still be able to play the piano every day and also finds time to knit and reads lots of good books, recommending The Women and An Unfinished Love Story. Lynda’s thoughts and prayers go out to our classmates who are in declining health and the families of those whom God has called to Him.
Cassandra “Sunie” Hanula Reichart had taken care of her son, Brad, for several years, but a year ago, he needed the care of a nursing home. Sadly, Brad died in August. His body, greatly weakened by MS, could not survive the complications of COVID-19. Sunie received good support from her church community and takes advantage of weekly bible study. She is deeply involved in her secular Carmelite community and their weekly meetings. Sunnie is so grateful for her daughter’s never-ending support.
Patricia “Patty” O’Brien Pagone reports that during the past two years, she has had Lymphoma, and her husband had colon cancer. Happily, they are doing well now and are in remission. They feel fortunate to have both daughters in the Chicago area. They enjoy going to the college baseball games of one grandson and also seeing him play in the college wind symphony. His sister is pursuing a musical theater degree in NYC. Their other daughter is only thirty minutes away, and her youngsters have Patty and her husband attending lacrosse games, plays, musicals, volleyball and jazz performances! They are grateful every day.
Frances “Fran” Froehlich is happy that 2024 had fewer health-related crises. “The old body ain’t what she used to be,” but Fran is enormously grateful that she is still able to accomplish daily tasks with only an occasional OW! During the summer, Fran and Mary Anne went on a week’s vacation to Provincetown. Their unit was right on the water, so they didn’t budge from their patio except to get some ice cream. Fran continues with volunteering at Poor People’s United Fund, doing as much as possible to assist people with their needs for food, rent and heat. The board member who has helped Fran for many years is moving, and fortunately, someone else has stepped in to help Fran. Because Mary Anne has an essential tremor, she is no longer able to display her superb Italian cooking skills – and the cooking has fallen to Fran, who comments, “God help us.”
Stella Cratty Bryant continues to practice tai chi on a regular basis with classes and meetups. She is certain it helps to calm her and also maintain her balance and flexibility. She ushers at church once a month and helps with the dinner each Sunday night when they serve about forty-five people, which includes families with children who need shelter and help getting back on their feet. At Christmas, Stella and her two daughters were invited to accompany her nephew on a trip to Italy. They spent several days in Rome, which Stella says is never dull to experience – walking the cobblestone and feeling the life lived along the way. And walk they did with Stella’s Fitbit recording over 19,000 steps one day. From Rome, they traveled to Salerno, where they took off on the famous Amalfi Coast drive. Stella made it clear that her NEPHEW was driving. Stella’s grandson is graduating high school in June. She says it has been a privilege to watch and be a part of all three grandsons growing and maturing into fine young men.
Mary Margaret “Meg” Smith Schroeder and Giles do not travel anymore. With Giles’ memory issues, they need someone to travel with them. They have had some delightful cruises in the past and loved the ones they were fortunate to do. In fact, on one of them, they met a couple from North Carolina with whom they maintain contact. Their grandson, Ross, is still fighting brain tumors but holding his own. He is such a trooper and does not complain. Meg considers him a gift. Meg tries to keep Giles busy and healthy, sometimes a big task. She still finds time to sew Christmas stockings and tree skirts for the grandies. Four down, twelve to go. But wait, there’s more. She even makes stockings for their dogs.
Joyce Brown Pfaadt recently completed six rounds of chemotherapy for cancer, and that was followed up with surgery. And now she is cancer-free! Wonderful. However, she developed chemo neuropathy in her feet and fingers, which has delayed a total recovery. So, how does Joyce’s news get to me with neuropathy in her fingers? Bob steps in!!!! He continued with news of the beautiful wedding at the Cathedral in Louisville for their grandson, Brandon, who pitches for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB. Baseball is certainly in the bloodline as four grandsons play college baseball. February brought the baptism of their first great-grandchild, and they are awaiting a second great-grandchild in spring. Joyce and Bob had a very special relationship with Sister Connie and mourn her loss.
Karen Humphrey Deeter shares that Dave’s second surgery went well, and he is making a good recovery. Karen and he are enjoying their new e-triks, choosing between pedal or throttle, looking forward to using some of the “trails to rails” in their area. Remember Karen sharing news of their backyard chickens? They don’t have to worry if the grocery shelves are empty! They are very conscious of information about biosecurity for backyard chickens and realize that they were doing all the right things all along. With Dave back on his feet, Karen returned to voice lessons and joined the Gainesville Master Chorale, joining them in singing the choral part of Mahler’s Second Symphony. Karen continues working part-time as a solid waste consultant.
Juliet Muro Oeffinger took care of a left hip replacement in October and announced that she is back to “normal.” …Your Class Secretary refrains from comment… Juliet, for the tenth year, hosted two Franciscan Friars from Zambia, here for three weeks to request support for their mission work. As you might expect, our Juliet took them horseback riding. They had never been on a horse, and they were in KENTUCKY! Juliet shares news of Judith “Judie” Nemeth Stimson (RIP). Judie’s triplet grandchildren are graduating from high school and will go to three different colleges. All are exceptional students and athletes. Juliet, Mary Ann Kelly Hellmann and Gay Gallagher Scherrer went to the SMWC Choral Christmas Concert in the big church on December 8th, and it was as if the Angel Choir of our early years had come back. To make it all the more special, Barbara “Babs” Reder, SP, arranged for them to visit with Sr. Connie before the concert. Juliet had three Christmas celebrations with children and grandchildren arriving from across the country.
Marcia Zeeck Spranger explains that Bob, age 91, has declined substantially, and his memory has taken a big hit. Also, kyphosis affects his balance and causes constant pain. Marcia has become a full-time caregiver, saying it is difficult to see him declining so much. Marcia is coping with her own health issues, including a March surgery to remove a small tumor on a parathyroid gland. Who knew parathyroids even existed? Marcia comments, “With age comes a new lexicon of medical terms, parts and conditions.” Marcia walks her two dogs every day and has become the Pied Piper of treats. She has a huge canine following – waiting to get their daily treat.
Barbara “Babs” Reder, SP, took a delightful Caribbean Cruise with her sister, Marcia Reder Schmidt ’72, and niece, Jamie. Besides “the best part” of being with her sister, Babs said it was relaxing and elegant. Back at Providence, Babs has taken on a new ministry, treasurer of Providence Hall. There are usually about thirty-three sisters living here, so not a dull moment. In addition, Babs continues to be the sacristan, eucharistic minister, lector and sound system person! She also lends a hand every weekday in Providence HealthCare, assisting with breakfast drinks and also just plain visiting. Babs finds time to walk about two miles every day, enjoying the beautiful campus. Babs was privileged to spend time with Sr. Connie in her last days as she journeyed to God, and found Connie an inspiration. Babs was glad that Marco and I were able to come to Connie’s Wake and Funeral.
Rachel Eberle Ambrose had a family trip to Indianapolis, Indiana, to witness the solar eclipse alongside Lilly Lake, and she said it was like a church. Then, to Floyds Knobs for an Eberle Family Reunion where her son Josiah got to meet cousins he didn’t know existed. The year 2024 ended with attendance at the revived, formal Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. The eight-course meal spanned 4.5 hours with much entertainment. During the year, Rachel and her travel partner, Susan Helm, traveled for two weeks in northern California, the highlight of which was celebrating Halloween with Josiah and his family at the outdoor party on the grounds of the 98-room Carolands Chateau in Hillsborough. After finishing The Three-Year Swim Club by Julie Checkoway, Rachel found the name of Wallette Garcia Pellegrino ’62 in the acknowledgements. It turns out that Wallette had given the author a tour of the historical Maui plantation spots that the author writes about. Rachel sent off an email to Wallette, who responded!
Gretchen Stipher Cain shares that she has had a very deep personal loss, Mike, her only brother, died in early February, out in California. Jim and Gretchen think that they go to about three funerals a month and remind us that we need to enjoy each minute. They thank the Lord that they are doing well and enjoying time in Palm Beach. Their daughter, Molly, drove them down, stopping for a few days in Kiawah first. While in Florida, they hope to get in a visit with Maribeth Albers Smith and Al. In spring, Gretchen will travel to California for her brother’s funeral and spend some time in Capistrano. There will be a memorial service in Indianapolis later. They will be traveling back to Indianapolis early for the First Holy Communion of a granddaughter, and then all twelve of the grandchildren will have achieved that milestone.
Patricia “Pat” Daly Cronin continues to be active in the local community in Portland, Oregon. As a member of the Vincent de Paul council, she coordinates and serves meals to women in a neighborhood shelter for women who are without homes, often middle-aged working women with low-wage jobs needing services because of the high rents in the area. In addition, their group is trying to revive community groups by sponsoring luncheons for the elderly at their church. At the same time, they are hoping to form multigenerational neighbor groups that will meet regularly and help to both support each other in prayer as well as in life. Pat reports that her medical issues continue to be many, but her doctor has given her permission to return to exercise classes at the rec center, AND she is planning to join an arts group to increase her painting skills. Pat’s youngest grandchild, Julie, is an active equestrian, getting ready for her second national meet, having placed 4th in the initial meet.
Lois Fenlon Brinkman and Mike celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary with a cookout for family – and family included six children, 26 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, assorted in-laws, too many to keep track of. Not all were able to be there, with some too far away. Mike and Lois spent a January week in Tucson, Arizona, for time in the sun and also to visit a nephew and good friend. Since Lois is a driver for immigrants in her parish, she is using Duolingo to increase her Spanish. Lois recently did a five-day silent retreat at a Jesuit Retreat House and serves as a spiritual director for a couple of people. Lois is part of an Ignatian Spirituality project that serves homeless men and women. Lois delights in her two NEW knees that serve her in good stead when she and Mike go to a dance club. She admits that they no longer dance the night away.
Susan “Suzz” Maxheim Carter and her sister Leas spent a month in Paris, their annual trip, and even a month is not long enough. In December, her grandson and his fiancée married. It was a beautiful wedding at a castle in Alhambra. They have been living with Suzz for six years, and it is a great comfort. My great-grandson is also with us and will be, for the foreseeable future – having an 11-year-old around is great for my perspective! Suzz is still involved in CHOC Children’s Hospital and their CHOC Walk. Her work on the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Board is focused on the five days of the Memorial Day celebration. She has taken up the craft of building BookNooks (miniature lighted rooms) and works in a monthly bridge game. Reading tends toward WW2 historical fiction and the French resistance. She spent a bit of time in Arizona, visiting Leas and escaping the cold. The third spinal surgery that was supposed to finally help with pain did not! A new doctor has created a new plan… Happily, a lung CT showed that Suzz is three years cancer-free.
Joyce Schumacher Toothman gets lots of exercise swinging her golf clubs, playing golf several times a week, not neglecting any of the golf courses in the area. She and Gary love the home where they have lived for fifty years, but said house is more than 100 years old and keeps them busy with maintenance. They travel to Westchester, New York, to keep up with their granddaughter Eloise’s soccer games and track meets and also to Coronado, California, to golf and sail with others of their family. They are trying to work up the courage for a trip to Tokyo to visit granddaughter Katie, who has been working there for three years. Then, there is the possibility of Spain to visit nephew Cole, deployed there with the Navy.
Pauline Gattie Busby continues to knit hats for those in need AND to keep her fingers nimble. For the rest of her body, she spends several hours a week at a pool doing water exercise. Now that she is situated in Chicago, Grandma Camp has moved there for several days of girl fun, but takes place again for the youngest grandgirls in Bloomington, Indiana. Pauline returns to South Bend one weekend a month to usher events at the Notre Dame Performing Arts Center and also to visit good friends. She even had a quick visit with Mary Ann Kelly Hellmann, and it was very quick when extreme wind and crashing waves drove them off the beach. She joined up with the rest of the Gattie family for some time on the Outer Banks. She is looking forward to joining her sister Mary Gattie Galloway ’66 and a group of friends for a trip to Scotland. Pauline makes me happy by sharing wonderful book suggestions.
Carolyn Bossmann Conniff and Jay had a tough 2023 and were hoping for a better 2024. And Carolyn now reports that they are doing fine! Life is busy and happy with a small family reunion on the horizon, with a son arriving from St. Louis and daughter Laura coming from a suburb of Atlanta. Unfortunately, the two who live in California won’t make it. The trek from the West Coast to South Carolina means Carolyn doesn’t see them as often as she would like.
Beverly “Bev” Snyder Thompson has taken care of all the annual GIST appointments: cardiologist, pulmonologist, dermatologist, neurologist, etc. and is grateful to son, Paul, arriving on the scene to play chauffeur while son, Brett, led a travel group in Europe. Bev says the doc who removed a small basal cell from the corner of her nose did a great job. There was a special gathering for the Schenk Family Reunion that brought family back to Ohio. Bev headed down to New Orleans for a visit with daughter, Jill, to help her out after Jill’s rotator cuff surgery. Unfortunately, another trip was in order after Jill acquired C-diff. Finally, all is well in NOLA. There were wonderful celebrations for birthdays, wedding anniversaries and new jobs.
Noreen Gorman Perrone noted the start of Lent and her commitment to daily mass. She continues her daily reading of the One Year Bible, which gives a daily selection of the OT, NT, Psalms and Proverbs. Her classmates keep filling up her prayer list, and every single name on that list gets a special prayer every day. The medical test needed for Noreen’s liver just doesn’t work. It seems that Noreen’s ribs are too narrow for the machine’s transponder to get a good reading. Thankfully, her situation is well controlled by a synthetic version of “bear bile.” No kidding! and Noreen is SO happy since she has been a Bears fan forever!
Patricia “Pat” Burckell Steinbronn loves her Georgia home, but when her daughter, who is a doctor, suggested that they “take a break” together, Pat was not going to say no. So, they flew from New York City to London and got on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 for a leisurely trip across the Atlantic back to New York.
Clara Anne McKenna is being treated for wet macular degeneration and is hopeful that the “shot in the eyeball” treatment will return her eyesight to normal. In the meantime, her time on the computer is limited. She is not happy about that since she is in the midst of working on a book about the husband of Sandra “Sandy” Agnew Braunbeck. Bob had a fascinating life as the helicopter pilot for Jacques Cousteau. Clara Anne has put another writing project on hold for the moment, this one about Kenya, specifically about Miriam Wanjiru Chege’s mother.
Clara Anne is in contact with Miriam’s daughter, Nancy, so Clara Anne is able to give us this news: Miriam Wanjiru Chege is living in her lovely home in the Karen area of Nairobi and is doing well. She is still playing golf once in a while, but is out walking in the neighborhood every day. Her daughter, Nancy, routinely spends weekends with Miriam.
Therese “Terri” Grein Bivona says 2024 was a year of nonstop challenges since it began in January of 2024 with incomplete paraplegia. This was followed by months in and out of the hospital and a skilled nursing home. Now Terri is at home, working hard with physical therapy, trying to gain enough body strength to use her walker to really get around. She does “laps” along her “route” inside the house with the dream of being able to be wheeled into their favorite restaurant and able to tolerate sitting for a full dinner. She noted that she and Mark were celebrating their eighth anniversary in February and that he has been with her every day and every step of this journey.
Tamar “Tami” Bassett Greenwell shared that she never could believe that she found her perfect geographical place fifty years ago when she moved to Homer, Alaska. I could never imagine how content I would be in my “Golden Years.” Tami’s new hip ensures that she continues with her daily walking. She loves doing the New York Times crossword and jigsaw puzzles and takes off four times a year to visit her two daughters and the grandchildren in Kentucky. Her son is closer, living in Anchorage – when he’s not working in Antarctica! Tami feels very lucky with her health and so much more.
Mary Ann Kelly Hellmann was the mother of the bride for the beautiful, elegant September wedding of her daughter. The marriage took place overlooking Lake Michigan. Later, Mary Ann had a two-week visit from a very special cousin who arrived from Las Vegas, Nevada. Mary Ann escaped the Michigan winter with a two-week January vacation on Marco Island.
Gay Gallagher Scherrer joined Mary Ann and Juliet on that two-week vacation to Marco Island, leaving behind her Indianapolis friends to do lunches and dinners without her. When she is back home, Gay enjoys taking in local theatre productions and playing bridge. As part of her church family, Gay works with the widows group, arranging luncheon get-togethers.
Gloriann Scorsone Harris reports that she is well and very happy and keeping up with and visiting her huge family, birth family and marriage family, keeps her busy, busy, busy! Gloriann continues to work part-time. She is delighted to report that her son, Brian, got engaged for the first time, turned age 50 and got married – in that order! Brian lives in Aspen, so an impromptu family gathering in October turned into a wedding celebration, a beautiful event and a true joy.
Marianne Lautner Jones is pleased that they have not had any hospital “stays” this year, not counting two trips to the ER when Tom took on pickleball. Travels included a senior bus trip to West Point and another, a flight to Providence, Rhode Island, for a grandson’s graduation. Marianne uses her cell phone to see her grandchildren participating in multiple athletic events. No matter the weather, Marianne tries to get in her daily walk, having created a “trail” around the perimeter of the basement. She also keeps in touch with Carolyn Fahrman, letting her know of anyone’s need for prayer. Carolyn is close to her sisters and loves being a grand-aunt to a relative.
Gloria “Gigi” Wegman Coen says it has been a tough year with Jerry having serious health issues, and problems became worse with time. After time in a skilled nursing facility with therapy that did not improve his situation, Jerry has now been at another skilled nursing facility that is also a long-term care facility since February of 2024. It is very concerning to Gigi that Jerry’s mental condition is not what it used to be. The positive aspect is that the new facility is less than three miles from their home, and Gigi is very pleased with the staff and how attentive they are to Jerry. Gigi and Jerry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there. Gigi commented that it was not as she had envisioned celebrating their golden anniversary, but was thankful to have had one. While this was going on, a doctor’s visit revealed that Gigi is pre-diabetic. Not what she was expecting. Nor was she expecting to have to cope with paperwork that would have been simpler had they each had a person with Power of Attorney. Gigi says we should take note.
Denise King Maddux shared that her health has been “iffy.” So “iffy” that a lung condition required four weeks of daily antibiotic infusions. That’s right, DAILY, as in you don’t get weekends off. Happily, it worked! Denise enjoyed a visit from her sister and brother-in-law, who were checking to make sure Vespa, that motorized contraption, was behaving and allowing Denise to get all around the house. Although Denise said that most of her social life consists of doctor visits, she thought a Lenten prayer captured her feeling of gratitude for the blessings in her life.
Marco and I (Anne Longtine) continue to love traveling, and three weeks in Italy took up most of April. We were joined by a couple from New Jersey that we had met on a French art tour a couple of years ago. We followed this up with a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands in the fall. In January of 2024, we had our usual month in Arizona, spending time with dear friends. Fred was the one who led us on our hikes in the White Tank Mountains. January of 2025 was very different. Fred was diagnosed with glioblastoma in May of 2024. We went back in August to help his beloved wife care for him. Fred died in December, so our January 2025 was spent helping his wife cope with her new situation. At home, life is filled with reading, listening/watching Great Courses DVDs, searching YouTube for a performance of a favorite piece of classical music and making sure I get enough time on the treadmill.
Dear Ones,
You have shared your lives, some filled with good health, but most with health issues. I heard mention of sending thoughts and prayers to those whose situations are difficult. I heard praise of our classmates whose death we mourn while we rejoice in their New Life. Some are doing the best they can to take care of themselves and at the same time caring for a loved one. If it is possible, some are reaching out to their community to help those in need. No matter what the situation, I heard a constant refrain of “counting my blessings.”
What a blessing that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College brought us together.
-Hugs from Anne
1966
Hello Friends,
You will quickly discover the themes of this year’s reports: lots of travel and 80th birthday parties. And I (Mary Holtz Hathorn) am no exception: in April, I watched the eclipse in the skies of Arkansas, and in July, I enjoyed a 12-day safari in Tanzania. My children organized a wonderful surprise open house in August. Read on for many more!
Judith “Judy” White Stoffel took three trips last year: New York City (operas and museums); Poland (many Caucasian Catholics); and her fourth trip to Africa (South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe). Lots of animals to see in Botswana! She went with daughter Kathy, and classmate, Annette McMullen, and her harpist daughter Maryanne.
Maureen Cassin Vadman and Dave had a really great year full of travel: winter at Palm Desert home; Boulder, Colorado, to attend/celebrate first granddaughter’s college graduation; Arizona for husband’s college fraternity reunion; Chicago; Montreal; Canadian train trip to Hallifax Nova Scotia; Grand Junction, Colorado, to visit second granddaughter; Jackson Hole and Sun Valley! Whew! Lots of adventures!
Linda Lewis Mayer reports that most of her travels are to keep up with sons, grandkids and other family members. Occasionally, she plays piano for a mass and directs a small choir. This ministry is very satisfying. Other activities include aquacize and the Chesterton book club, as well as lunches with friends. She wishes, “Hopefully, you are all doing well – a lot to hope for now that we are all in the octogenarian club!”
Carol Burger Schuler and Bill celebrated their 80th birthdays in Saugatuck, Michigan, hosted by their children and grandchildren. She sent a lovely photo of them all together. They moderate the Silver Angels group at church, and Carol enjoys painting and the writing of poetry.
Marilyn Marks Oberhausen and David now live in Azalea Trace, a life care community. They’ve settled in comfortably and participate widely in community activities. Recently, they sadly learned that David is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. He has qualified for the new FDA-approved medication donanemab, and they’re hoping this will give more quality time together. Please keep them in your prayers.
Margaret Curley Burk and Don travel often to visit family. Two sons and four grandchildren live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Storytelling keeps her creative juices flowing. She hosts show-and-tells throughout the Chicago area. Working with an interfaith ministry to support our migrant brothers and sisters brings peace and joy to her soul. May we all continue to pray and work for peace in our country and the world.
Elizabeth “Liz” Baginskis Kursitis shared about family gatherings in Florida for Christmas and Costa Rica for her 80th birthday celebration! All ten family members enjoyed both events. At Christmas Mass, three of her grandsons were asked to bring up family gifts. She quips, “Not enough Kleenex to watch that!”
So many of you mentioned our arrival at 80! Glad we made it! Clare Martin Phelan reported that “life is quiet, but good.” Her family celebrated her birthday with a wonderful long weekend with everyone on a lovely lake in Wisconsin this summer. It was difficult to get everyone together, but they made it happen. Prayers for health for all our families and friends.
Bonita “Bonnie” Liosi Stevens and a group of the Class of 1966 celebrated their 80th together with a trip to Naples, Florida: they gathered at the Inn at Pelican Bay with Susan “Sue” Eichmuller Hamilton ’90MAPT joining from her home for a cocktail Sunset Cruise on the Princess and a Neil Diamond and Babara Streisand Tribute Show. They missed those who had timing conflicts.
Geraldine “Gerri” Gornik greets us from Powell, Ohio. She is doing great, just seven weeks post-surgery for hip replacement, and still recovering slowly and surely from an automobile accident. She and her family are well. She also gives thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon each of us as we celebrate our 80th birthdays.
“Other than the expected aches and pains that go along with aging,“ writes Melissa Crider Andrea, “all is well here.” She is in the process of downsizing and has plans to move into a smaller home near family. She will remain active in the Sedona art community and strongly supportive of Arizona environmental organizations. She sends her greetings and love to Woods classmates.
Susan “Sue” Eichmuller Hamilton ’90MAPT and Wayne continue to do very well. They traveled with son and family on a cruise on the Rhine River; to Chicago for attendance at CFM’s 75th anniversary at Mundelein seminary; to London, Paris and Normandy to honor the 80th anniversary of the invasion. She facilitates adult faith formation classes, and together they remain Marriage Preparation coordinators for their church.
Margaret “Peggy” Dooley Nitka celebrates “the year of turning 80 and counting my blessings.” She reports that family is well – lots of milestones and celebrations. She enjoyed visits with Marilyn Marks Oberhausen and David last summer and with Mary Lou “Ml’lou” Asp Marsh in Atlanta in February. She loves painting watercolors and acrylics, traveling again and being active in her parish. “Peace and love to all!”
Diana Schmitt Barry writes, “Three years ago, I began the cancer journey that I’m still walking. It is momentous for me taking this challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. Socially, I’m fulfilled connecting with nature, doing volunteer work, resuming making quilts and enjoying time with friends. Gratitude for all the things in my life increases every day.“
Sheila Kelley Smock and John have downsized once more after 26 years on Seabrook Island. They now live in a two-bedroom unit with a view of Fort Sumter and the Charleston skyline. Both are blessed with good health and having two children living nearby. They try to get their daily steps and even joined the Senior Center (80 qualifies) for bridge and Mahjongg.
Singing in the parish choir, bible study, monthly lunches enjoyed with other retired teachers from the parish school, quilting, outings to the Symphony and the local dinner theatre are the regular activities of Sheila McBride Beaupre. She also went on a couple of cruises, a trip to Rehoboth Beach with sisters, Chicago for Glenn’s sister’s 90th birthday and Denver for her nephew’s wedding and a visit with ME!
Charlene Panozzo Manes reports, “All is well in my neck of the woods. Kansas City has been a good move for me. I am near my family and traveling a lot.” She has traveled to Alaska, Italy for her 80th and then Portugal. Then to Antarctica last January! “It was marvelous to be on the move again.”
We received Christmas greetings from Kathleen “Kathy” Dunne Alexis, Nancy Kuzmich Hillenbrand, Kathleen Flynn Schmidt and Billie DeBeck Brunsman. I wish you a year of joy and peace and hope to visit in person with many of you during our 2026 sixtieth Reunion!
1967
Hello to you all. It was good to hear back with news from our friends.
Georgina Iglesias Brown is in Florida in the winter months, and enjoys having a sister, daughter and granddaughter living nearby. In warmer months, they head back to Vermont for gardening and the great weather.
Barbara “Bobbie” Norton O’Brien says hello from Maryland. Husband Paul’s cancer is in remission, and her health is good.
Jane Jones Lane is looking forward to the gardening season and time at the shore in Delaware, come summer. All is well, thankfully.
Sending condolences to Katherine “Kathy” Berger Hager for the loss of her sister, who bravely fought cancer for four years. They squeezed in many precious memories during that time. She and Guenther are healthy and enjoying the theatrical successes of her granddaughter, Elenor.
Sally McPartlin Canham sends greetings to all.
Carolyn “Susie” Shelton Schmidt is excited to welcome a great-nephew and then a great-granddaughter. She sends Happy 80th wishes to all!!!
Barbara “Barb” Angelos Emmons did a lot of traveling last year – San Diego, Grand Haven, the Upper Peninsula and the AIM convention. Also, the great adventure of two surgeries! And a big surprise party for honorary class member Woody.
Ellen Frawley Geoffrion spent five months in Surprise, Arizona, caring for her sister Patricia “Patty” Frawley Cunningham ’71, until her death. She also underwent a new ultrasound treatment for essential tremors, which was very successful. Two big events for one year!
The Gals had a huge reunion in Michigan in July, with 54 of us in attendance. I (Barbara Gal) was the oldest, and my great-grandson was the youngest at one. I will be celebrating my 80th all year! First, with road trips to Texas and Idaho to meet my two brand-new great-grandsons, and spend time with the two-year-old little guy. My twin grandsons and I have a joint photo show on display at my gallery as I write this. My family in Colorado is throwing a big party for me in October. Then I will head to Taiwan and perhaps Hong Kong for my birthday trip.
HAPPY 80th TO ALL!!!!
1968
Several classmates have written to say “It’s time!” to downsize, to move on from a much-loved home where they have long enjoyed entertaining and housing visiting family and friends. I (Marilyn Beckman Ward) like the way Yvonne expressed this realization, saying, “God has been good to us and we appreciate what we have, but it’s time to wind down peacefully.” I’m also reminded of Midge Maroni’s 2019 move from her New York City apartment to the Catskills to make an “age in place abode.” Cheers for new beginnings, but these will not displace our wonderful memories made “back when.”
As Sharon Dickman wrote in mid-February, 2025, snow continued falling in Rochester, New York, close to 100 inches since November. She and husband Michael Wentzel had driven twelve hours in June to visit Ann Donahue ’69 in Phippsburg, Maine. Ann and husband, Ed Cherian, live near a scenic lake and rocky coasts to the sea. Sharon shared memories of past dinners at Ann’s house when a neighboring lobsterman would bring over his early morning catch – delicious! Sharon had to wrap up June preparations for “the 60th reunion of Mercy High School’s first graduating class in Baltimore, Maryland.” The year 2024 brought similar causes for celebration to many of us. As Sharon noted, “From high school through college on, we have achieved so much.”
In her legal work on adoptions, Ella Joan Fenoglio‘s year-end brought a concerted team effort to finalize as many cases as possible, giving foster children and their new “forever families” a wonderful holiday. In February 2024, she traveled to Texas for the three-day celebration of brother Gino’s 75th birthday that his wife, Cathy, planned. Astronomy meetings, star parties, archaeology lectures, concerts (Ella Joan has “re-discovered opera”) and lobbying are in her plans, plus an April trip to Italy to see Milano and Torino family, then onto Lucca and Florence.
Mary Fran Fox Selhorst continues to live in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. “It’s a full life here with everything that Charleston has to offer.” The added bonus and reason for moving there is that their daughter, Laura, and family live nearby. They also get to San Francisco several times a year to visit their daughter, Julie, and family.
Marcella Hermesdorf, OP, was in a serious car accident in September, but thanks to the many health care professionals who tended to her, she has fully recovered from her injuries. Thankfully, she is back working part-time in the Office of Mission and Ministry at Dominican University.
It’s been a hard year for Mary Ann Kesterke Seiler, whose husband, Jay, passed away in April 2024 after a long battle with breathing issues. She lives in Kokomo, Indiana, where they settled in 1973 and celebrated their 52nd anniversary last August. Continuing to spend winter months in Clearwater since 2012, Mary Ann says, “Family, long-time friends in Kokomo, and newest friends in Florida have been so supportive and make the days the best they can be.”
Kateri LaFontain DeMargel plans on moving this spring. After her husband’s death in December 2023, Kateri wanted to move out of her two-story house. Last October, her decision was made clear when she fell while watering the yard, breaking both bones in her ankle and necessitating surgery to insert plates and screws. There was no going upstairs for weeks! She has chosen a new apartment close by, keeping the same environment they had enjoyed for 50 years. Kateri wrote, “I am really looking forward to this change in my living arrangement.”
Mary McBride Knueven and her sister, Rose, attended the Eucharistic Congress for three days in Indianapolis last July. Let me quote her in saying, “It was MAGNIFICENT!” They were among over 60,000 people attending. “The speakers, the prayer & worship sessions, the Masses, the music, all were phenomenal faith-builders. The powerful presence of the Holy Spirit was felt deep in our hearts. All praise and glory to God! My love for Jesus in the Eucharist and the desire to evangelize were just two of the many blessings I received at this event.”
Mary McCarthy Manthei and Jim are hoping to downsize this year, yet stay in the western suburbs of Chicago. With a son and his family in Downers Grove, Mary has been helping to take care of two grandsons (now ten and twelve) since they were born. Jim also helps, since retiring from his second career at the local high school. With their daughter and her fiancé in Riverside, it’s another reason to search nearby. In July 2024, Mary’s family was able to vacation in Ireland, and this trip concentrated on Galway, continuing with Belfast, then on to Dublin. Over New Year’s, Jim and Mary went to London for a “pilgrimage” visit, having lived there for over two years due to Jim’s work. “Our hotel room looked directly at the holiday fireworks at the London Eye. It was really a special evening.”
Ellen Morley Matthews continues to serve on the Mission Advisory Board of the Sisters of Providence. Ellen reports that supporting the Mission of the Congregation is rewarding in so many ways, including being at The Woods several times a year for meetings. In addition to the SP Board work, Ellen stays busy as an owner of commercial property and doing financial management for a retired business owner. Ellen is in regular contact with Judith “Judy” Garvey, Patricia “PJ” Gubbins Stilz and Midge Maroni. Judy’s life stays very busy with the many activities of her Grand Girls. PJ continues to be the Rhymer-in-Chief, creating and posting her rhymes on Facebook. Midge has stayed busy with substitute teaching until recently, enjoying her four-legged companion, Giovanni. Ellen and PJ had a great Zoom visit with Louise Ineman Bene and Chrisanne Karabatsos Licata in January. Ellen also connected for a great afternoon over lunch with Patricia “Pat” Chaille Eckstein in Indianapolis last year. Knowing PJ and Midge have had wellness challenges during the past year, Ellen asks us to please keep them in your good thoughts and prayers.
Back home in the cold, snowy Catskills, Midge Maroni is recovering from extensive spine surgery, which happened in December. After spending a week in the hospital and more weeks in physical therapy, she accepts that it will take months before full recovery. Her rehab mantra is “Motion gives my bones & muscles lotion.” The companionship of Giovanni “golden-locks,” her two-year-old golden retriever, is helping, as he has “the locks on my heart.”
For Jane O’Brien Argento, highlights of the past year included the birth of their eighth grandchild and their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Jane and Phil traveled to see children and their families in Holland and Oregon and visited O’Brien families in DC and New England. At this writing, the Eaton Fire’s devastation and grief was surrounding them. Although they had to evacuate, thankfully, their house survived.
Christine “Chris” Roenitz went to Morocco, took a Viking cruise to Canada and traveled to India. When her sister Katherine “Katie” Roenitz Chesebro ’65 died on February 18th, Chris was thankful that her return from West Africa was in time to share some moments with Katie before she passed.
Having purchased her mother’s condo in Puerto Rico, Yvonne Shepard and Ron were still in the process of fixing and remodeling throughout January. Tackling a second bedroom and bath, they were hoping to finish “glamping” and have it easier next winter, if their health allows them to return. They have signed up for a Continuing Care Community in New Jersey. Yvonne wrote, “I hope everyone is doing as well as they can and are happy with what they are doing in life.”
Ann Stephens Gries and husband, Michael, spend eight weeks in Florida each winter. Last year, they were in New York City, Toronto and Niagara Falls. Their trip to Myrtle Beach included Ann’s grandson, daughter and her husband. Fall vacation took them to the Southern Utah National Parks, and December brought them to Iowa for Michael’s family Christmas. Ann volunteers with several organizations, and they host a weekly bible study, both at their condo in Evansville and while in Florida. Ann’s daughter, who teaches science at Evansville Christian School, has a daughter getting married in October. Her grandson’s corporate job demands much traveling. Son, Andy, and his wife have three children, Audrey, Josiah and Silas, who all enjoy acting in plays.
Cheryl Van Zetten continues to spend winters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite major surgery last fall, this determined traveler was able to make a return trip to Berlin and the old East Germany bloc. On a trip to Morocco in November, Cheryl found many changes since her visit twenty years ago. During this winter, she was making plans for fall trips that look exciting. Cheryl added that “I think of so many classmates and my wonderful years at The Woods with fondness.”
It was a challenging year for myself (Marilyn Beckman Ward) after a medical procedure in April went badly. I needed months of physical therapy for eating and swallowing, and began using a “walking stick” to help keep my balance. In October, my daughter Stephanie decided Steve and I needed a getaway after recovering from COVID (again). So, she and Rob took us to Destin, Florida, to enjoy the beach and visit our USAF grandson Alex, who lives in Fort Walton Beach.
1969
Even though it’s been almost 56 years since we graduated from The Woods, the class of 1969 is still a very active group of women. Many of us are enjoying retirement and grandchildren, a few of us are still working and several are traveling or enjoying hobbies.
Ellen Gildea Douglas said that she was “A-OK in Northern Indiana.” She participates in a senior exercise group and is still addicted to quilting with pretty fabrics. She enjoys reading and visiting with family and friends. Both Ellen and Anita Redoutey Bowlin volunteer with the Christ Child Society once a month, where they enjoy packing baby layettes with 30+ items for new mothers in the Northeast Corner of Indiana.
Mary Ann Gibbons Rennels enjoyed a holiday visit from her son, Matthew, daughter-in-law Mary, two grandsons, Asher, three, and Eli, one, plus her brother. She had quite a full house for Christmas. Her third grandchild is expected in April. Mary Ann is still keeping busy as a caretaker for her church’s comfort dog, Rachel, and traveling to Florida several times a year to visit her family.
Our condolences to Marsha Duvall Davis on the passing of her husband, Jim, on October 24, 2024. Marsha has moved to an assisted living facility in Columbia, South Carolina, the city where her son lives.
Suzanne Sainz Bouwens is enjoying retirement in the beautiful Tucson desert with lots of sunny days.
Joan Wylie Hall retired from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. In January, she enjoyed a trip to Atlanta for a nephew’s wedding and a visit with her unicorn-loving granddaughters Amelia, two, and Hannah, seven, and their parents. Joan’s 2024 highlights were The Woods Reunion and a family reunion on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, last Fall.
Judy Sadler Nelson has several trips planned for this summer and fall, some with a seniors’ group in Greenville, North Carolina. The first is to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in June, and in October to the Hudson River Valley, visiting Sleepy Hollow and touring the West Point Academy. Judy is now a great-grandmother and is hoping to get to Kentucky to her “little ones.”
Kathy DeNovo Williams is still working a few days a week at a darling children’s boutique and really enjoys it. She’s finally getting around to working on her ancestry and has been doing some traveling. In June, she met a childhood friend in Boston. From there, they boarded a cruise ship sailing up to Maine, up the St. Lawrence Seaway and spent time in Montreal and Quebec. When home, she loves spending time with her two active granddaughters, Isabelle, 10, and Harper, eight. Unfortunately, one of Kathy’s longtime groups has disbanded. She had been a member of the Palos Fine Arts Council for forty years. The group has left a wonderful legacy to the community through the various fine arts activities.
Georgette Harber Schraeder is excited about making a pilgrimage during the 2025 Jubilee year, on a Freedom Ride. This summer, the St. Francis Springs Retreat Center, where Georgette volunteers and leads programs, is offering a tour of the iconic Civil Rights locations. Georgette commented that “this on-the-road retreat to Atlanta and Montgomery and the museums leads us to recommit to the power of prayer and non-violent engagement”.
Mary Romanyak Brown and husband, Mike, are enjoying full retirement. They spend their time playing bridge, traveling, reading and gardening. Their next trip will be to the Smoky Mountains with their son, Eric, his wife, Janet, and the two adorable grandchildren. They frequently go to New York to visit their son, Jeff and his wife, Shannon. Besides being a Master Gardener, Mary is on the board of the Northwest Indiana Community Art Association.
Jeanette Matthys Plisky and husband, Clarence, are keeping active in their community through their parish, St. Joseph’s. Jeanette has retired as the Religious Coordinator but now enjoys substitute teaching and commented that with the demand for substitutes, she could teach every day. Both Jeanette and Clarence are active in the Right-to-Life Action Coalition and the political realm and are fighting to end abortion. They often drive to the West to visit their daughter’s family in California and son’s family in Arizona. This Spring, two of their granddaughters, Michelle in California and Reese in Arizona, are graduating high school. Since the events are three weeks apart, Jeanette and Clarence will be making two trips out west. Clarence is an avid fisherman, so they continue to make fishing getaways for four weeks: two weeks in the Ozarks of Missouri, and two weeks with Clarence’s brother and wife in Spooner, Wisconsin.
Mary Fran Roberts Bennett and husband, Richard, have been doing a lot of traveling. This past year, they did French river cruises, spent a week with Mary Fran’s family in Normandy and traveled through the central part of France for 18 days. In November, they did the Camino of St. James Compostela, Northern Spain and Portugal, followed by the Christmas markets on the Rhine. They also enjoy spending time with their children, and Mary Fran really loved the last Woods Reunion.
Susan Starr Tomaszewski reported on the great adventures her grandchildren had last year. Her grandson spent his fall semester studying in Madrid, and he spent his weekends traveling around Europe. Her granddaughter is in law school and considers that her new adventure. Susan is proud of them both. Her son Matt and his wife have enjoyed visiting them both this fall. Susan’s big adventure was planned by her daughter, Beth, as they participated in a Disney 5K Marathon in Disney World. Now she can join her family in the Tomaszewski Team of Disney Marathoners.
After retiring twice from Indiana State University, Marylin Seibert Leinenbach is teaching math six hours a week in the Learning Lab for Adult Education. She finds this to be one of the most rewarding jobs. Her sixth children’s book was out February 21. It is titled, “Leah Marie and Her Friends.” Leah Marie is her great-granddaughter, who has Down syndrome and does not speak clearly. She wonders how she will make friends in school. The dilemma is solved when her school celebrates World Down Syndrome Day to help the children better understand how Leah communicates and how they can help her learn. Marylin’s goal is to share Leah’s message with as many schools as possible.
Judith “Judy” Staszak Peterson is still progressing through her difficult journey since her husband Don’s passing on December 2, 2023. They were married for 47 wonderful years. Judy attended our 55th Reunion and had a great time with Maureen Kissel Ruggles, Donna Eichmuller Liszewski, Mary Fran Roberts Bennett and Mary Kay Campbell Watson.
Barbara “Barb” Wahnsiedler Klein and husband, Rich, are doing well. Their children are very busy with their families. Daughter, Laurie, has 13-year-old, Olivia, and son, David, has 13-year-old, Brayden. Their family is very ecumenical as their son married a lovely Jewish girl, and her daughter married a wonderful young man of the Sikh faith from India. Barb and Rich are the proud great-grandparents of one-year-old Nora. Barb’s aunt passed away in December at the age of 100. Since Barb is the trustee of the estate, her life has been busy taking care of her aunt’s estate. At 99, Barb’s mother is still living in her home alone. Since retiring, both Barb and Rich have been seeing to the needs of the mother and aunt. Barb still enjoys crocheting, quilting and collecting recipes that she claims she may never cook.
Gloria Kirwan Gick has become a resident of the Big Easy. Last year, she went through and packed up her things to sell her family home of 60 years and make the move to be near one of her children. Fortunately, her children came from various parts of the country to help. Last April, her son, Paul, came up to drive down to New Orleans with Gloria. She has always loved this city and has ancestral roots (maternal grandmother’s family) going back many generations in the area. Even though it was a huge change, Gloria feels it was the right choice for her. She did have to miss our last Reunion, misses being able to get together for coffee, at a moment’s notice, with lifelong friends and hasn’t found a musical/theatrical home, but she’s slowly finding a new community there. She feels welcomed in at Mercy Endeavors Senior Center and found a church home at St. Alphonsus Parish, site of the Blessed Francis Seelos shrine, where she attended mass for years when visiting Paul and his family. She’s getting used to the climate differences and survived the semi-tropical summer. She’s used to the unusual cold the city is experiencing, but since her 100-year-old shotgun-style house does not have central heating, she’s had to improvise. Gloria is looking forward to all the Mardi Gras celebrations and would love to hear from any Woodsies visiting New Orleans.
Patricia “Pat” Bihl-Miranda, MD, says that things are about the same with her and husband, Fernando. Fernando did have a few problems last year, which slowed them down a bit, but is doing fine now. Their grandchildren are really growing up, and it’s a full house when family, including dogs, visit for the holidays. Pat’s two favorite activities are gardening and walking, where she enjoys the scenery, bird calls and creeks. As Spring approaches, she’s looking forward to the grandchildren’s ball games in Birmingham and St. Louis.
Darlene Skibinski Marchina and her husband, now retired teachers, have been enjoying visiting their 19-month-old granddaughter, Olivia Amelia, in Florida, about three times a year. Back home in Indiana, they volunteer weekly at their church’s food pantry. Darlene’s husband of over 45 years teaches driver’s education part-time, while Darlene enjoys working on their family’s genealogy.
Jane Sitzman Clark’s daughter, Amy, is now working at Saronic, which provides United States Naval and Maritime forces with intelligent autonomous surface vessels. Dylan, Amy’s oldest son, is an electrician working toward his journeyman certification. Braeden is at UTSA studying to be a forensic pathologist. Son, Brian, is a captain at Net Jet in Columbus, Ohio, and his wife, Renee, an internist, took a job at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where she heads up the ICU unit. You might say their “crash pad” is their ranch in Brownsboro near Tyler, Texas. Their daughter Skylar has been living in Boston but recently moved back to Houston. She had enough of the cold weather and is getting reoriented in Texas. Jane’s son, Jeff, loves working in Colorado. His 13 -year-old son, Joey, is home-schooled, and is in the choir with his mom, Rena. She has launched an e-business, which really keeps her and Joey busy. Youngest son, David, and Jamie live in Louisville, Texas. Since David is self-employed, he can help Brian and Renee by taking care of the animals on the ranch when they are working or on vacation. Jamie is a nanny for a three-year-old in Grapevine. Larry and Jane have joined the club called “All we do is go to the doctors.” It seems to be a full-time job keeping Larry’s autoimmune kidney disease in check, but they are thankful he is not on dialysis.
Anne Becherer Hambly and husband, Larry, are back to full health and traveling again. In November, they went with a theater group to Rome, Venice and Florence. The leader was the phenomenal Hershey Felder. They attended the Palm Springs Film Festival to see a film, “Lilly,” in which they had invested. It is the story of Lilly Ledbetter and stars Patricia Clarkson. The film is scheduled for a May 9 release. In April, they are planning to go to New York City to see plays and the opening of “Smash” on Broadway. Their daughter and granddaughters are all well in the Denver area.
Judith “Judy” Curtin is feeling better after having a rough fall with a bad cough. She enjoyed the last Woods Reunion.
Mary Kay Campbell Watson and husband, Al, are keeping busy. Mary Kay plays canasta two to three times a week and is doing AARP taxes again. Al enjoys his fellowship meetings and takes bible courses. He remains president of their condo association. They have been traveling a lot, too. Last Spring, they revisited Williamsburg. Last February, they went on an Irish music cruise, then a Mississippi River cruise from Minneapolis to St. Louis and finally an ocean crossing from Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale. We want to thank Mary Kay and Alan for their generous contributions to The Woods, both in time and through the recent financial challenge.
I (Karen Erazmus McNeal) am still teaching math at a local college. My main classes have been in the areas of statistics and math for health care students. My husband, David, recently retired from the college after teaching sociology and marriage and family courses for two decades as his “retirement” career. He still has his marital and individual counseling practice and does critical incident intervention. We have been taking several cruises a year. The next adventure will take us to the Arctic Circle, the fjords of Norway, Scotland, England and the Netherlands. In between working, David enjoys playing golf or pool, depending on the weather, with friends. I meet friends for local Bingo games, and we both volunteer at our parish. Our grandchildren are really growing up, with two in college at Rose-Hulman and the University of Illinois and two in high school. Our daughter Karleen McNeal, MD, ’92 and her husband Erlandas are both practicing medicine in Champaign, Illinois. So, they are not too far away. We are really looking forward to warmer days when we can enjoy breakfast on the patio beside the pool and slowly read the morning newspaper, greeting neighbors as they walk by. Please let me know if you change addresses or have a new e-mail address. My e-mail is karen.mcneal@comcast.net
1970
We survived 2024 – now rolling into 2025.
Ann Stumpf Clem travels to family in Chicago and Oregon. They’ve had their share of cruises and relocations with husband, Bruce’s 30 years in the Army. This past year, she renewed her Providence Associate membership. “Thank you, Sisters of Providence, for my education. Although I’m only teaching piano to four students instead of 20, I am happy to continue. God-willing, we’ll survive 2025! At 80 years old, I can say I have never seen a government as “out of the box” as this one. What has become of our country? Having been a Sister of Providence for six years, I continue to stay connected with the SPs. They are a light in my times of darkness. May we all have a blessed 2025!”
Carolyn Gallogly and husband, Bob, had a great trip to New Zealand as an early 50th wedding anniversary treat! It included a stop off in Australia to finally visit David and I in Geelong. There are a couple of photos showing our great get-together! (My SMWC classmates visits is a very short list).
“We are growing older, trying to age gracefully and with some wisdom”. Yung Hae Chung Lee’s hubby, Hoon, had lung cancer last year. After surgery, recovery and other investigations, just a few days ago, he has been cleared and is safe. They will revisit the doctor again in six months. She feels truly blessed and grateful to the Lord and to all the friends who kept the prayers going for the family. “So much love surrounded us that I cannot begin to convey all my gratefulness.” But where has the time gone to get us to 2025? Her grandchildren are busy. Two grandchildren have graduated from UNC University in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and are now working. Two are in high school and one is in middle school. They are all growing up too quickly, meaning we are growing older. “Each day we try to stay healthy and stay fit!!”
Marybeth Usher reports she is doing okay. “Like many of us, getting old isn’t for the faint-hearted”. It can also be painful. Like me, she lost a sibling this year. Her youngest sister, Donna, died in September. She feels losing a sibling is unlike any other loss she has experienced (I agree, Marybeth. The only thing worse would be losing a child.). Other than that, she spent a few weeks in rehab getting over a hip issue, but is fine now. “Take care of yourself, and thanks for doing this thankless job for so long, Kelly.”
Julie Cicia Penry in Connecticut sends news of her third retirement – a part-time position in a therapy office. She is thankful for her many good experiences working in so many fields over the years! Her kids are busy working and traveling with their kids. All are well. After some major health stuff, the past two years she is back to full speed. Where did these years go??
Hi from Tulsa, Oklahoma, from Jennifer Ross Grassmyer! All is well here! Still enjoying retirement, even after 13 years! Love doing what I want, when I want to. Busy with several women’s groups. Reading more but binge-watching some TV series! Love to my fellow ’70 classmates!
Carmen Hansen Rivera says, “Wish I had an interesting story or two. Having a large extended family close by tends to keep us busy. We are looking forward to a great-nephew being ordained in 2026. Warmest regards to our Woodsie family!”
Maureen Deaver Purcell reports an interesting couple of years with her eyes and macular hole in June of 2023, followed by three surgeries. As a result, the simple removal of a cataract in her right eye was put off for well over a year. She’s happy to report a normal procedure and an excellent result! John and she travel especially since their only grandchildren live in England. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by meeting up in Denver (four flights landing within 15 minutes of each other and it worked!) and traveling north to the Black Hills, where the English grandchildren met four Presidents on Mt. Rushmore and local buffalo. Outside of the US, trips included cruises and hikes from the village of Appleby, north of London, with their daughter, Sarah, partner, Jim, Eleanor, five, and Alice, eight. For Christmas 2024, the whole family gathered in the UK with son, Adam, and his girlfriend, Zoe, from Chicago, daughter, daughter, Anne who lives in Indianapolis, who Zooms for work also joined our sister-in-law, Sue, from Detroit. Maureen hopes things work out for the 1970 55th Reunion at The Woods.
Barbara “Barb” Brugnaux and Carl cruised the Douro River in Portugal last May and then celebrated their 50th anniversary in October in Sicily. The real highlight of 2024, though, was our lightning-fast trip (30 hours there and back home) to D.C to tour the White House for the East Wing Christmas decorations and a private tour of the West Wing, all arranged by Mary Burke Goss’s grandson Talib, a senior at Northwestern who had an internship with the President’s Economic Council. In 2025, they had a week in Puerto Vallarta in January (a prelude to Carl’s surgery). In June 2025, there is a planned cruise on the Rhône River, followed by Kenya and Tanzania in September. Both stay busy with volunteer work; Carl loves to talk about his cuddling duties in the NICU! Barb is also hoping for a good turnout for the 55th.
2024 was a good year for Anne Kayser Lannert. Steve is fully recovered from his heart surgery, so they finally took a long-delayed 50th wedding anniversary trip in the spring and spent 16 days traveling 7,000 miles out west one way and back home using a different route! They enjoyed a few summer weekends with friends on their houseboat and made some short weekend fun trips as well. The grandkids are growing way too fast, incorporating a tween, some teens and young adults to enjoy! Not to mention the baby great-nieces and great-nephews that have arrived! Wishing everyone a healthy and happy year, Anne.
Norene La Mere Lewis and husband Ray are busy with their grandchildren – six in all, ranging from ages 6-19. She and Ray will be visiting the middle two, aged 15 and 10, at the end of May in Sweden, where their son and his family have lived since 2015. Norene has been studying Swedish but is far from fluent. Other pastimes include frequent dog walks and daily New York Times word puzzles. It will be fun to catch up on news from everyone.
Natalie Moses and Doug moved full-time to Sedgwick, Maine, about three years ago, after spending increasing amounts of time in the area over the last ten years. They love it! Currently (February), there is plenty of snow on the ground, and tomorrow they will head inland to cheer on Doug’s niece, who will be running her sled dog team in an annual race. Natalie stays busy with community activities, the latest of which is signing up for steel drum lessons! There’s an active group here. She continues to read and knit and tries not to despair about the political front. She also participates in a French conversation group that’s been meeting since the pandemic and has been active with the local concert association. They get many guests during the summer months; coastal Maine is beautiful and popular. (I would love a Maine lobster, myself. Aussie lobsters are very expensive and never on sale!)
Like Marybeth Usher and myself, Christine “Chris” Seelman Rochetti, lost her youngest brother, Greg. He died on February 3. Greg had COPD, emphysema and a multitude of lung issues but made the decision to come to their hometown, Flora, Illinois, where he moved in with their sister, a retired hospice nurse. Collectively, the siblings cared for him, reading old letters, laughing at pictures and howling at crazy stories from our childhood. As the oldest, Chris kept telling him she should be the one to go since she was the oldest and he, the youngest. Getting used to four of us instead of five is a challenge. Chris and her husband travel back and forth to Charlotte, North Carolina, to visit their son, Tim. Matt, their other son, lives locally in Arlington Heights. “These two clowns are NOT married. Tim, however, does have a girlfriend who lives with him. We’re hoping!!??!! Ha! (No pressure boys!).” She and Rick took a river cruise down the Seine in September … ended up at Normandy. It was a trip they always wished for, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. They have both been so interested in World War II. UNBELIEVABLE! They continue to be healthy and definitely sort of crazy, and thank God every day when they wake up (like most of us) and can move with minimal pain. “Can’t wait for our Reunion!! I just remember all the “old” women who would come back for Reunion… now WE ARE THEM!”
Jeanie Reime Heller has been tied up with family caregiving, but is feeling blessed that both people are doing well, and her own health was excellent while taking care of them. Her sister, who went to the emergency room in December 2023, was diagnosed with Flu A, then had a seizure while in the hospital and was put on a respirator in intensive care for 14 days. She eventually had rehab for two months and was so weak that she had to learn how to walk again. Thankfully, she was able to return to independent living. A few weeks later, Jeanie’s husband developed a foot wound and had eight and a half months in a wonderful outpatient wound care unit, culminating in six weeks of daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment. “We feel very lucky that both patients had full recoveries, and I’m free to travel again. I didn’t travel last year, except to go to The Woods for Ring Day and hear Barbara “Barb” Brugnaux, give the Ring Day address and celebrate her receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award.” (Congrats Barb, an honor well deserved). Jeanie also sees Marnita Duffy Fabbre, who also lives in St. Louis. They both plan on attending our 55th SMWC reunion at the end of May.
In early fall, Mary Beth Rennels Strassel had a nice, impromptu, yummy dinner with Marilyn Foley Stephen and Scott. They live about an hour from MaryBeth, near their daughter and grandsons. Last fall, they took a trip to Louisville, where they stayed with Julie Leek Sullivan and John for a couple of days and had a great time eating out, shopping and attending the symphony—just like the old days. She and Mary Patrice Slevin Haley also visit back and forth; the most recent was two weeks ago when she stayed with Mary Patrice in Oak Park and spent an afternoon with Carolyn Gallogly in Evanston, Missouri, and she had girlfriends’ time. On her drive back to Michigan, she chatted with Margaret “Mickey” Kelly Murray to keep herself awake for the last hour of the drive. It was the first time she left Ray since his cancer diagnosis two and a half years ago; they both did fine, especially since their four grown kids live close enough to dad to call in on him. Ray is in remission but has ongoing balance and stamina issues. Mary Beth stays busy with six grandkids nearby, volunteering and chauffeuring Ray. Many know Mary Beth was an adopted only child, but recently, has gotten to know her “new” siblings, six altogether and the crazy story is the stuff of This American Life.
2024 was a very busy year for Martha Crane. She spent two and a half months in Spain visiting her daughter, Elena, and family. Cleverly, she planned an escape to Tuscany with a friend for 12 days. June 2024 brought the birth of Martha’s second granddaughter (She has nine grandchildren, seven boys and two girls). In August, all her children were in Connecticut for the baby’s baptism. Quite a feat since her grown kids live at different points of the compass. The prospect of scoring a new “second-hand car” from her Seattle living son in September meant a quick flight and time with Alfonso’s family. With the luxury of a “new” car, she slowly made her return to Connecticut. Truly a wonderful trip which included hiking in national parks and state parks along the way. She loved every minute of it. “And yes, I did do it alone with no problems”.
Since COVID, Karen Kelly Kiss, Jean “Jeannie” Marcellus Ferrone, Karen Swartzlander Fountain, Mary Ann Green and Martha Crane, Zoom every couple of months. All are busy and well, and it is great to keep in touch after more than 55 years.
Mary Ann Green is hoping for better weather and is grateful it is starting to warm up in New Jersey. 40 degrees today. Beach weather 😉. Doug, after some health issues, is doing very well. He’s been home since Christmas, with home visits from therapists. He was using a walker, but now has mostly graduated to a cane. Had a very positive meeting with his oncologist the other day. The doctor was very happy with a recent CAT scan and blood tests. We’ll see her again in May.
Adelaide “Ad” Riordan Keenen reports a few hiccups, but they are all doing well! She is enjoying their over-55 community where they now live. “We should have done it sooner! They are also certainly enjoying their great-granddaughter, Mila!
Finally, I (Karen Kelly Kiss) will add my bits and pieces! There is no escaping that the class of 1970 is not getting any younger, and something of our focus in responses has been various health issues. Let us be grateful for family and friends and the time we have had with them. Our AGE and YEARS are a privilege that is denied to many.
The Kiss family gathered in April 2024, Turtle Bay, Hawaii, for our American resident daughter, Michele and Lee’s wedding. As is common these days, they have been together 11 years, their eight-year-old son, David, walked the bride down to the aisle “beach” with the support of our two other grandchildren, Harry and his sister, Bobby. It was a great celebration – FINALLY! September 2024 found me travelling to County Clare with my brother, Tom, a delayed trip from the COVID lockdown in 2020. It was the first time I met my Irish cousins. It was a great trip, and when meeting my cousins, I felt like I had known them forever. Healthwise, David and I are good. Both have the expected sore bits and pieces with the extra years. I spend a good deal of my time in aqua-aerobics, swimming laps and a newly found option of reformer pilates. For the record, I hate the gym! Hopefully, they all help keep me moving! We spent Christmas and New Year in Sydney with our second daughter, Maureen, Jamie and the grandkids, Harry and Bobby. It is great to see the little ones enjoy Christmas morning and all that entails. We have a trip planned for the end of July, early August to Ocean City, New Jersey, for a mini family reunion. After losing my older brother, Frank, in October 2024, and the first sibling to pass, the collective cousins decided it was important to not just meet at funerals. With our 55th Reunion in late May, it is unlikely I will travel to the USA for both events. Regrettably, I hate missing out, but of course, hoping for a good turnout!
Keep well, friends! Seems like I have been doing this job forever. I am pleased with the response this year, even if it took some initial emails and then direct messaging to all classmates I am linked with on Facebook. A reminder, if you would like, join us on our class group page – SMW ’66-’70. Cheers!
1971
This is the 54th year since we said goodbye to each other at graduation. Though I (Judith Larkin) didn’t hear from as many as usual, I love getting all your news. Let’s get right to it.
Mary Getty wrote to us for the very first time! She tells us that she feels compelled to report on the death of our roommate, Patricia “Patty” Frawley Cunningham. (I was Patty’s roommate in freshman year.) Mary was her roommate for the other three years. Mary tells us that Patty had serious health issues for the past three or four years, and she passed away this summer. She had lived in Phoenix with her brother, Joe Frawley, but was buried in the family plot in Merrillville, Indiana. Mary and her husband, Jim Kikuchi, were able to attend the service and got to see Patty’s sister, Ellen Frawley Geoffrion ’67, as well as Patty’s son, Dave Cunningham, and his family. Patty was very proud of her four beautiful grandchildren. Mary talks to Edna Hannon Wintermantel from time to time, and she sees local Woodsies Carol Conway, Valerie Woods ’72 and Mary Jane Welter ’72. She retired several years ago and enjoys it! Mary says she’s a gardener and is active in her local garden club. She is also active in her Unitarian Church, especially with social justice work. She and Jim like to visit their local forest preserves when the weather allows for hiking and enjoying their Midwest flora and fauna. It is so wonderful to hear from you, Mary.
Mary Jo Trainer Pazak says she looks forward to everyone’s news. She and her husband, Red, are fine and will celebrate 53 years of marriage in June. “What a beautiful blessing!” Their sons, Stephen and James, and their families keep them busy traveling to visit them in Texas and Colorado. It was wonderful having their family all together in Arizona for Christmas 2024. With six “grandkiddos” ages 24 to 10, their home had lots of fun and laughter. Mary Jo is busy with her volunteer position as retreat coordinator for Little Pink Houses of Hope. With her Little Pink Team, they plan a fun-filled week in Scottsdale for breast cancer patients and their families. She is looking forward to our 55th Reunion next year. She sends much love and blessings.
Jane Gross Hudson and her husband, Ron Balthazor, visited western Ireland for two weeks last May and were captivated by its beauty and the friendliness of the Irish people. Jane and Ron typically spend their travel funds visiting their two grandchildren, ages seven and nine (and their parents) in Connecticut, about every eight weeks. Otherwise, they’re at home in Watkinsville, Georgia (where it’s snowed an astounding two times this winter), on a small farm growing lots of vegetables and ornamental plants, with two Great Pyrenees, two working cats and eight chickens. She tells us, “Egg prices right now don’t phase them at all.” Thanks for writing, Jane.
Tina Gnavi Collins tells us that all is well in Texas for her and her husband. She took a trip to France with her daughter in August. She wishes she remembered more of her college French! It was still a great trip. Tina says that’s all her news. (Wow… I wish it were mine!) She is still going to the “Y” regularly and nursing her husband from knee replacement surgery. Tina hopes all is well with us!
Joan Vincent O’Connell tells us that winter has been rough in New England, and they have had nonstop snow and ice for weeks before writing. Joan says that it has been a pretty quiet year. She is beginning year ELEVEN for weekly post-operative breast cancer treatment due to side effects and damage. She never expected this for sure, but she is very grateful for her treatment team and their compassion and skill. She says that she is grateful for every day, even when it does not seem to start out that way! “Every day is a good day, and every day brings something to be grateful for.” Joan’s older son has finally gone through the morass of immigration to bring his wife and her kids to America. It has been a three-year journey, lots of lawyers, lots of hurdles and lots of backstepping. They have been married for two years but have hit many roadblocks in trying to come to America. Her daughter-in-law had two small kids when she met Joan’s son and she is thrilled to finally have grandkids! Joan says, “They are wonderful and I was so fortunate to be able to meet them last Christmas on a temporary Visa. I know how scary this journey is for them, but it is wonderful to finally have everything filed and approved…” Joan’s other kids are well. Her younger son continues to teach high school AP English, and her daughter is an admissions counselor for a major university system. She tells us that her latest rescue pup is from a high-kill shelter in Arkansas (Maybe because Joan knows how much I love dogs), and although he has had a tough time adjusting, he is a smart, loving and very inquisitive little guy. “55 years of rescue and I love it.” She has been so lucky to be able to continue to rescue despite everything, and they are always worth it. “Dogs are simply the best. Welcome, Finley, to the wild woods of New Hampshire.” She wishes us peace and health in 2025.
Beverly “Bev” Birk-Cutshall sent me a card with her news. She says that she and her husband Phil are doing fine with “way too many doctor appointments.” (I’m sure we all can sympathize.) Bev calls herself the “Uber driver” for him. She also gives one piano lesson a week. Bev and Phil look forward to dog sitting for their daughter’s two Boston Terriers while her family vacations. Next… Spring Break. Bev tells us she hopes to make our 55th Reunion next year. For those who want to get in touch, she says to write her as she doesn’t check her email much.
Mary Beth Roesinger Adams has no news this time, but she did send her address, etc. If anyone wants it, let me know and I’ll make sure you get it.
Patricia “Patti” Williams Essig says, “What a summer our family had traveling to Italy and visiting the little hamlet where, in 1901, my grandmother was born. Guardia Sanframondi is west of Naples. After visiting the town and taking a family picture on the street where she was born, we all spent the week at a villa on the Amalfi Coast. A cooking class where we learned to make gnocchi and a seven-hour private boat tour of the Amalfi coast were the highlights. We ate lunch at La Tonnarella, which Jacquline Kennedy visited in 1963.” (Wow, Patti!) She says she missed seeing Mary Botti Greenberg and her sister Patricia “Pat” Botti ’72 in Florida in January. She has stayed in touch with Glenna Crews Orr via text and Christmas greetings. Our youngest son, Dan, treated me to my birthday weekend in New York City. Besides visiting two of her cousins, they saw four musicals, and she says she cannot remember when she had so much fun. It is still fun for her to teach two yoga classes a week at her home studio, and she is a spiritual director for a Sister of Charity. Patti relates that this will be her third year as one of the five facilitators for the Contemplative Women’s Retreat at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin. Here is the link in case you would like more information: https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/retreats/contemplative-retreat-for-women-2/
Patti sends abundant love and light out to each of us and hope you are all flourishing.
Edna Hannon Wintermantel writes, “2024….some happy times.” She went to Austin for her niece’s wedding, and one of her granddaughters graduated high school. She is now a freshman at Columbia University. Edna had a decent garden this year. She was close to Patricia “Patty” Frawley Cunningham, who we lost this year. So very sad. She and Patty went to Ireland together, twice! Edna and Patty had an excellent time. She will miss her. Edna lost her brother-in-law in December. She went to Dallas for the funeral. She says she is doing well. She tries not to let the state of our government get to her. She says she has a good group of pals that she hangs with playing Mahjongg, cards and dining out. “Girls just want to have fun! Right!” Edna wishes all her classmates the best!
Patricia “Pat” Zapapas Parry sends us her terrible news. Pat lost her beloved husband of 39 years, Richard Parry. Pat, please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May Saint Mother Theodore wrap her arms around you and comfort you.
Angeline “Angi” Dvorak Ishida and her husband, Ken, spent 2023 Christmas in Kyoto, Japan, with her daughter, Mika, and family, Arsen, Marika and Alik, enjoying the peculiarities of that holiday in a non-Christian country. The highlight for them was dining on Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Japanese traditional Christmas Eve dinner (since 1970). They were back in Kyoto in the summer of 2024 with daughter Mina and family Tamir, Kana and Nadav, with side trips to beautiful Takayama and Kanazawa. She and Ken split their time between Denver, Chicago and Kyoto, enjoying life with their children and grandchildren.
Kathleen “Katy” Heffernan Drummy- Katy says that there is not much news at her home, but she is looking forward to Spring. (Oh Katy…me, too!!!! Thanks for writing.)
Jena Worland Hartman sent her new email to us. Let me know if you want it, and I’ll send it along. Jena and her husband Dale’s last two years were filled with doctors’ appointments, tests, hospital stays and surgeries for her dear Dale. His diabetes is a detriment to the other conditions. Dale has had several procedures and surgeries, from heart valve replacement to two-foot surgeries for a collapsed heel. They were blessed with wonderful doctors and surgeons and state-of-the-art hospitals. Dale retired in September of 2024. At first, he enjoyed the rest of retirement. However, lately, he has become restless and would like to find a nice, no-stress accounting/office management type job. As for Jena, she’s been Dale’s chauffeur for his appointments. They enjoy their flower beds and small vegetable garden in the summertime, and the exercise keeps her limber and busy in the warmer months. Jena continues to knit baby blankets for a couple of different ministries; she can usually make one each week. In July this past summer, when buying yarn, the store manager of a local Michaels offered her a part-time job. At first, she thought it to be humorous, but then decided to try it. It has become very enjoyable for her. Their most exciting news is about their son, Kyle, and his lovely wife, Marney. They were married in a beautiful, solemn ceremony at her Episcopal church in Indianapolis in September of 2023. Remembering all the planning and preparation, plus the grand wedding weekend, still makes her smile! However, the latest event for them has been that Kyle was offered and accepted the position of head golf pro at a country club in North Platte, Nebraska! They are so proud of him and all his accomplishments, but the bonus of their move is the fact that this town is only two hours away from Marney’s hometown of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska!! Her mother is just thrilled to now have Marney close after 26 years of Marney living here in the Indianapolis area. Also, Marney found a position as an orthodontic technician. The doctor loved the fact of her 15 years of experience in an orthodontic clinic there in Indy. She and Dale are planning a trip to Nebraska when the weather is warmer. Jena keeps in touch with Kathann “Kathy” Wyss Koehler. One day, at work, she says she heard a sweet voice say, “Can an employee receive a hug from a customer?” She turned around and it was Kathy and her sister, Jody. What a fun surprise! Jena says her only other news is that she and Dale transferred their parish membership to her home parish of Nativity. She says it is a bit of a drive from Greenwood to southeast Indy, but they find it to be their “Saturday evening date’ and enjoy being back to the warm, friendly atmosphere of Franklin Township. It is a sweet feeling to look around the sanctuary and remember our wedding; the memories are vivid even though it has been 51 years!”
Mary Add Wilson Baker writes that not much has changed since last year for the Baker family. “Everything is good in Terre Haute.” She says that they have been doing “a little travelling between medical appointments, volunteer work and trying to stay out of trouble! Seems to be the “theme” of us at this age!!!” Mary Add checked at The Woods to see if the date for Reunion 2026 has been set yet, but they are still discussing it… she doesn’t know if it will be in May or June. She is “sooooo looking forward to our 55th and hopes we get a good turnout. Maybe some faces we haven’t seen for a while will come!!” (I hope so too, Mary Add….)
Glenna Crews Orr writes that family (including her canine buddies), friends and working with the books that she has authored in conjunction with her non-profit organization, Kind Kids Inc. continues to keep her in a good place. Her “SMWC Roomie” Patricia “Patti” Williams Essig and she continue to stay connected, and they vow to catch up with one another… perhaps, at our “SMWC 55th Reunion.” Glenna asks us to “please take a moment to visit her book website, www.thekindkids.org and take a look at some of my guiding lights.” She wishes us “Much love and light for all in 2025…”
Mary Ann Delehanty Latusek says, “This year has been uneventful, thankfully.” Her family had their usual family vacation in Hilton Head, and everyone had a wonderful time. Her two older grandchildren, Emily and Lauren, are both cheerleaders and dancers. She loves to watch them perform. They are growing up so fast. The two little guys, Michael and Luke, are really into baseball. Mary Ann and her husband Mike spend lots of time on bleachers. She says that this winter seems to be very long. She can’t wait for spring. Luckily, she and Mike have been healthy this year. She can’t believe we are all seventy-five. (Ha! Maybe you! I’m 12, remember!) Mary Ann is still volunteering at the local hospital, and Mike is still teaching at Carlow University. They enjoy Sunday afternoons at the local wineries. The wine is not that good, she says, but the music and time spent with friends are great. Mary Ann hopes all our classmates are well and ready to return to SMWC next year.
Giovanna “Vanna” Looney Gorham says she is so looking forward to spring; tired of the cold and icy roads. She is still capable of shoveling snow, but she has not finished raking leaves yet, so when the temperature and the wind are ok, she shovels! Vanna still enjoys watching her four-year-old and her eight-year-old granddaughters, usually on Saturday afternoons, unless there is a birthday party somewhere. Her older grandchildren say, “Grandma who”? (Oh, I know that one!) It has been a slow and awful 2024-2025. Vanna’s youngest sister, 60, is fighting oral cancer; her older brother, 79, heart problems/melanoma but still able to hike and ride his bike; sister Missy, 62, is her taxi and grocery shopper; and sister Nancy, 74, has a broken shoulder that is not healing; and Vanna herself, arthritis most bones, broken ankle and eye surgery coming up, her car died and had to buy another car. As they say here… “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?” Vanna says she can hardly wait to plant flowers. She wishes us a nice spring and summer. She added a PS… “we won’t discuss politics!” (Gotcha, Vanna).
Theresa “Terry” Jones Swayze and her friends enjoy plays/musicals. They have season tickets to a dinner theatre in Clarksville, Indiana, which she loves attending. In the last year, she’s also seen Broadway touring productions of Les Misérables and A Beautiful Noise (Neil Diamond story), which were fantastic and will be seeing Shucked and Wicked in the coming months. Terry says that there is a girl from her city who attends SMWC and plays on their basketball team, so she has been seeing the FB posts of all the athletics that SMWC now offers. She adds that this is certainly different than when we attended. Terry’s grandsons are 16 and 15 now; active in their school’s cross country, basketball and baseball teams, so she keeps busy (loves it all, she says) attending their sporting events. And the fact that one has his driver’s license and the other his learner’s permit makes her wonder where all the years have gone.
Jo Anne Henry says that everything is going about the same in Ohio. She still enjoys training her two dogs in obedience and scent work. They train hard, and so it keeps her busy and active. She and her therapy dog either visit a nursing home or the children’s library. They do enjoy our therapy work. She hopes to see everyone in 2026 at our reunion!
Helen McLaughlin-Hinshaw and her husband, Les, are heading home from two months in Florida – back to the cold Northern Michigan landscapes. When she wrote, they were in Indy visiting family. While in Florida, they got together with Juliann “Juli” Smiley Thrush and Bob at their lovely home in Sorrento, Florida, and had a great afternoon of catching up, trading family stories and pictures and eating dinner together. Juli gave them a tour of her son’s new home out in the country near their home. Bo and his wife, Jodie, designed it and built a lot of it themselves. It was quite well planned and very bright and open, using many ideas from their own glass and window business. They had a great visit as always. Last summer in Indianapolis, Helen surprisingly ran into Elaine Ross Carson and her daughter Gracie after mass at St. Pius Summer Festival. She and Elaine had lunch together the next day and had a fun time laughing and sharing our retirement lives!! Helen and Les are doing well. He plays golf during the summer, and they both take time to exercise, usually going to the “Y” several times a week, especially in the winter. They decided to get away early this winter, and Les did all the driving down to Florida. This was a major accomplishment with all the snowbird traffic and especially the abundance of semis on the roads now. They have always stayed in Sarasota, where his mother had her condo on Lido Beach. This year, they stayed at Helen’s brother’s new condo on the Space Coast on Cocoa Beach. They did lots of exploring the area, watching surfers and quite a few SpaceX launches from the beach and touring the Kennedy Space Center. They drove over to Orlando and looked around Disney Springs and toured many of the Disney resorts, checking out their bar areas with her brother and sister-in-law! So, she says, they are ready to head back and start the new year back in Cadillac, Michigan, starting right into the Lenten season. Their daughter, Carrie, lived in Seattle for many years and had just moved down to Tacoma. Now they’re moving to the Portland area, and she says that it looks rainy to her! Helen adds, “May you and all our classmates continue to be blessed as we go through this aging process!! And hopefully we can all meet up next year for our 55th!!! Yikes!!!”
Dorothy Blakey Priester and Fred were able to travel to Spain with a girls’ basketball team. They were able to meet players from other countries, do some traveling and eat good food/drink for 10 days. They are hoping to take a team to Paris this summer. They also spent 10 days in Italy with their son, Casey, and his wife, Suzie. They loved Italy! Their youngest son, Matthew, got married in September. Dorothy writes that they are excited to welcome Zoe to the Priester family. Their grandkids grow like weeds. Between softball, wrestling, soccer, piano and choir, they are busy grandparents. She says, “Kudos to Fred! This past April, he was inducted into the Virginia State Hall of Fame, and his team just won districts (three years in a row).” Dorothy’s twin sister, Kathryn “Kathy” Blakey Griffith, is living in Florida, so they haven’t seen each other for several years. Janet Blakey Hughes ’68 lives near Dorothy, and she visits her daily, takes her shopping and goes to doctor visits. She hopes everyone is well and is putting our Reunion on the calendar for next year.
Kathann “Kathy” Wyss Koehler says that she, too, doesn’t have much to share in the way of news. She and her family are fine. Last summer, to celebrate our 75th birthdays, her high school class got together. She saw Paula Connor Zembrodt this past fall, and she is now retired for the second time. Kathy is retiring on April 1 “(no fooling)”. After nearly 26 years of fundraising for higher education, she doesn’t think she has another campaign in her. She has nine grandchildren to visit around the Midwest, and beyond, so she will be busy.
Margaret “Meg” Deisher and her sister, Muffet, went traveling. In May, they went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina (where I joined them), and in September, to the east (Pennsylvania) to visit relatives and to Dallas during the holidays. They had a great time in the Outer Banks (OBX). She said it was great to see the wild horses in Corolla again, and the wonderful sunrises and sunsets that OBX is noted for.
Anita Scioldo Osella writes that she wants to tell us they are great-grandparents. Her granddaughter, Catherine, had a little boy on November 1 last Fall. His name is Boaz, but they call him Bo. Four grandchildren are married. Nathaniel is happy working in St. Louis, and Rylee is 10 and enjoys singing, swimming and Girl Scouts. Anita and David are “as good as we are going to be. We can’t complain. We are so blessed.” Anita hopes to see everyone at Reunion next year.
To end, the Larkin household is fine, but there is more white dog hair on everything than on my Clumber Spaniel, Calliope! I have never seen so much hair, and I had six Gordon Setters at once with long black hair. This is how I spend my days; that and making all kinds of wonderful things with my new sewing machine. This year, I joined Margaret “Meg” Deisher and her sister on their visit to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I have come to love it. No big plans for this year as I am waiting for heart surgery again. The rehab will take time. Trying to visit Ireland again. Keep your fingers crossed! All my family is fine and happy. What more can anyone want? As I wrote to all of you, 2026 is our Reunion year…55 years. Look for more information from me. This might be our last hurrah, so let’s make it a doozy! May Saint Mother Theodore gather us in and keep us all safe and well, and guide our sweet Patricia “Patty” Frawley Cunningham to her place in heaven. I’ll see YOU next year!
1974
Debra “Debbie” Furr Plastrik doesn’t have much to report from the Pacific Northwest. We love being so close to our kids and their families. We’re looking forward to warmer weather to start working on the big garden. I’m not looking forward to mowing a couple of acres! But I have the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound to admire while I’m mowing. Hope everyone is well!
Carol Elledge Eads says all is well here. This last year has been busy. I attended two Woodsie 50th wedding anniversaries, one in Peoria and the other in Wisconsin. I also became a great-grandmother in June to a little girl. I will get to meet her at the end of February as they live in Fargo, North Dakota, and are flying into Champaign, Illinois. I enjoy our Woodsie Google Meets group that allows us to keep up every three to four months. Reunion last May was really a great time.
Cheryl Erazmus Freeman says things are going well with us. I am still a member of the SMWC Alumni Association Board, serving as Secretary of the Board. We divide our time, spending six months in Wisconsin near our son, Adam, and his wife, Erika, and spending six months in Arizona near our son, Daniel, and his wife, Stephanie, and our grandchildren, Brodie, 16, and Sloane, 13. Love watching Brodie play football for Basha High School, and Sloane and her dancing. She recently got first place for her solo dance at the Competition Dance Tournament. Dave and I do a lot of volunteering at the local hospital as patient escorts – going behind the scenes to wheel patients from surgery. We are also citrus pickers for St. Mary’s Food Bank in Arizona. Last year, our group picked 100 tons of citrus fruit for the food bank. We are in a bocce league, I am on Lady Putters, play mahjong twice a week, and Hand, Foot and Toe once a week. We love cruising and look forward to future cruises. Last summer, our kids threw us a 50th Anniversary party for family and friends. It was nice seeing everyone at our 50th Woods Reunion.
Anne Corcoran Reed is still taking deep water aerobics classes and walking. However, spending time with my adult kids and grandkids is the best part of my life. I meet a group of nurse friends and my high school friends once a month each for lunch. Also, still busy doing genealogical research.
Debra “Debbie” Noe Johanningsmeier and Jim are doing well. We are in that stage where we attend lots and lots of basketball, softball and baseball games, so we can see and keep up with our grandkids. They are now 17, 15, 14, 13, 10 and 10! Eleven games in one weekend is nuts, but we love it!! Never a dull moment.
Arlene “Zipp” Margevich Hogan attended our 50th Class Reunion – a nice turnout – but no one wanted to sneak out to The Bally with me! I’m still working in my downtown Chicago office five days a week. Mike is retired and home all day with our dog, Charlie, so they keep each other company. Just waiting for my water taxi to start up again in March. We’ll see if Mike and I do any trips this summer. Take care, everyone, and hello!
Claudia Coulter still lives in Evansville, Indiana and is still teaching online for two universities. I teach business courses, HR management and career development. My students keep me sharp and always on my toes! I have been in higher education 25+ years. Had a blast at our 50th Reunion and met up with Marcia Omahen Weedman. I hope to attend in May as well. Hugs and best wishes to the class of 1974!
Coleen Dominik Schultz is still in Mundelein, Illinois, enjoying retirement. We visit our grandkids in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Fort Worth, Texas, whenever we can. I treated the whole family to a trip to Universal Studios Orlando at Christmas. It was a great trip, and all had a great time – especially in Harry Potter land.
Mary Clare Fox Dibb was happy to be part of the SMWC 50th Reunion Class (The Golden Girls) last May. It was wonderful to see classmates and to be back on campus. In January 2025, Phil and I took an expeditionary trip to Antarctica. One of the adventures was to sleep overnight on the continent. We had to dig our ‘bedroom’ into the snow. It truly was a beautiful and memorable trip. In February 2025, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary dinner with Phil’s Mom, our children, grandchildren and our siblings/sibling-in-laws. We are blessed to have reached this milestone in our lives.
Susan “Susie” Riedford Hughes and Peter are enjoying the pace of retirement, as it gives us the flexibility to follow our granddaughters in their many activities! The three eldest are in college, so we don’t get to see them as much as we’d like. We are looking forward to a meandering trip beginning in North Carolina and ending in Rhode Island. We expect to be on the road for about a month. We always look forward to warmer weather, as we really enjoy being on our boat!
Victoria “Vicki” Olzawski Robinson lives in Conroe, Texas. Love it here. Both of our boys live near, but no grandkids! Gary and I are both retired. To those who remember my Mom, Lois Patton Olzawski ’49, she is still very active at 97. If anyone would like to contact me, please email. God Bless to all!
Lynn Moore Delehanty and Tim are ready to babysit three boys with the birth of our new grandchild, Henry James (“Hank”), in December. I received my rating in pickleball here in The Villages and continue to learn new techniques in cookie decorating.
Trudy Ayers Mickey is presently in Myrtle Beach. I plan to go back to Terre Haute in a couple of days. Stan will come back here to golf. Our oldest granddaughter, Ashley, will graduate from Ohio State in May with two BS degrees – one in biology and then an RN. She is planning to get another in anesthesiology. Our daughter Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 is the VP of Advancement at The Woods. Her daughter Emma Saunders ’24 is in Utah working on the slopes in Park City, and her daughter Libby is a sophomore in high school. Sam is a junior and still wrestling at Wabash. He just got back from Rome, where he represented the Newman Center at his school. Jeff’s daughter Kelsey is dancing with the Lionettes at Penn State. She’s on the dean’s list and is studying biomedical engineering. Nolan, a state champion soccer player, graduates this May and is deciding where to go to college. David’s little guys are so cute – two and three years old. He’s moving back to Ohio soon. I’m still crippled and trying to get used to not being able to do everything I used to do. I’m officially retired now. I miss real estate, but I can’t drive or climb stairs. I’m enjoying my new home in Terre Haute and doing things at The Woods. Hope this finds everyone’s family well and enjoying the new year!
Regina McCullough Buckley is still happy with my decision to return to New England after living in Florida for 20 years, though winter is challenging. Making the most of it, though… signed up for yoga on snowshoes in March! May was a memorable month, as I started a new job as a property manager. I had my own property management business in Florida and am happy to be back in the field. The SMWC Reunion was also a highlight. I came away with a new appreciation of our classmates and the campus. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to renew my friendship with Anne Corcoran Reed, my weekend roomie, who had talked me into going! Eileen Smith and I began corresponding and talking again because of the Reunion popping up. During this past fall, every Saturday, we texted back and forth as we watched Notre Dame football. My brother is an alum and organizes a “watch group” of alums at a nearby Irish restaurant. Other highlights of the year include training all summer to return to mountain climbing, something I did frequently growing up. Not too many mountains in Florida, so I was out of practice! I reached my goal in September and climbed Mt. Major in New Hampshire. I’ve started training again so that I can do more climbs this summer. Family is all well and keeping busy. This past October, my daughter, Dani, came for a visit, and she and I and my son, Nathan, did some fun things together, including going on a hayride, apple-picking, ice skating and splurging at restaurants. Dani is a 3-D artist, and Nathan, who turned 30 in December, is a chef. Fun to see them navigate their chosen fields. I wish everyone and their families good health and happiness.
Caroline Myss is on the road teaching this year. Right now, I’m doing a workshop in London, and in June, I’ll teach a workshop in Fatima, Portugal. In between workshops, I am completing a new book that will be released next year. My life gives me a great deal of opportunity to see so much of the world and gain a deeper understanding of this chaotic era of transformation in which we live. My best to all!
Deborah Coughlin Morrin news is – ta da – I retired on November 30 last year! Hooray! As a result, I was able to have lunch with Zipp in the city and now have monthly lunches with high school friends. I’m also involved in managing the healthcare and financial affairs for my ex-husband, Jim Morrin, who is in memory care. I love living in my condo in Wilmette. My favorite cousin lives five minutes away. My sister, Katie, moved to Ave Maria Village in Florida about two years ago and continues to work remotely for a public accounting firm. I’m very close to my sister Melissa’s three “kids” and visit with them and their families in Chicago, Switzerland and Seattle. I’m very lucky to have all of these adult “children” whom I adore in my life. I am also lucky to report that five years ago, I met my “significant other” and we have a lot of fun together. Hope you all are well, healthy and prospering. Stay healthy, exercise and eat right and we will all live long and healthy lives!
Susan Minich Zolvinski says hello to all from LaPorte, Indiana! March is upon us, and as always, time is flying by. We have lived in the city of LaPorte for the past eight years and enjoy living in town, the friendly neighbors and the shorter trips to stores. The park directly across from us encourages us to walk, bicycle and chat with the regulars daily. Frank and I have been blessed with good health, and we know that it is a gift that should not be taken lightly. Frank has deacon responsibilities at Holy Family Parish, and I participate in several ladies’ groups. Our oldest granddaughter made her First Communion in 2024, and the youngest started preschool; all three grandchildren learned to ride two-wheel bikes last summer! Our daughter, Martha, and her husband live in Grand Rapids. She is a stay-at-home mom and volunteers at the kids’ school. Our younger daughter, Katie, lives in Houston. She teaches, conducts a high school band and travels the world. Most of our travels involve visits with relatives who live far away, weddings and (yes) funerals, along with an annual trip to Florida to get some of that natural vitamin D! We join my sister, Therese Minich Gavin ’79, and her husband, Larry, from Rose Hulman, there every year. Woohoo! We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this August. I hear that our daughters are planning a little something. My request was to keep it simple. Thanks for this chance to share. Peace and happiness to all.
I (Lee Ann Schiller Knapp) am happy to report that all is well in Bethesda and with all the Knapps. Tom and I are still working, travelling and enjoying our now-grown kids and the “grands” – seven boys under the age of nine. So fun! Stay well and keep in touch.
In Memoriam: Marion Stamm Breza
Sad news – On January 9, 2025, our classmate Marion Stamm Breza passed away with her children and grandchildren at her side. In Marion’s honor, the Class of ’74 arranged for trees to be planted in a national forest through “A Living Tribute.” Should you like to express your condolences or share any memories of Marion with her family, please email me for their contact information.
1975
It’s hard to believe we are celebrating our 50th Reunion, what a milestone! I hope to see you there.
Judith “Judy” Riordan Bogart moved to a very small town on the western side of Colorado, Cedaredge, and loves it. It’s about 30 minutes from the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, perfect for hiking and skiing. Unfortunately, she lost her husband this past December, and the adjustment is very tough, but is taking one day at a time. Judy’s daughter, Shannon, and her family are living in Omaha with toddler, Emma; Dustin is closer in Estes Park, working hard owning his outdoor adventure company. She is looking forward to Reunion.
Kathy Finley Olson says it has been a rough year for her family since her husband, Paul, passed away on March 5, 2024. She expressed that she has the best friends. Lizabeth “Beth” Rybinski Haynes and Mary Hess Schroeder kept her occupied when we got together in October, on the weekend that would have been her 37th anniversary, and Margaret “Marge” Gorman Ditteon spent several days helping her purge her basement. Kathy moved into a new home on January 9, 2025. It’s smaller and much more manageable. Other than that, she has her daughters and grandkids, as well as friends in Chesterton who have also been awesome. She hopes to see lots of classmates at Reunion.
Amanda “Mandy” Kibler is back home in Terre Haute, Indiana. She moved from Atlanta, Georgia, about three years ago to be with family. She still feels like she is relearning Terre Haute. Mandy has met several alumni and has attended basketball games at The Woods. She can’t wait to see all of you!
Beth McElhone has been through testing for many months in the hope of receiving a kidney transplant. In addition to working part-time as the music director at a small parish north of Kalamazoo, she goes to dialysis three days a week for four hours. It is all exhausting but good. Beth asks for prayers, good thoughts for her acceptance into the transplant program and is in gratitude to a friend who is willing to donate one of her kidneys to her.
Diane Boudinet Shaw had kidney surgery last May 10, and the surgeon used the DaVinci procedure, which took five hours. It was a success, but a long recovery. She is just now feeling like her old self again and is looking forward to the Michigan Quilt Shop Hop again this summer. Unfortunately, she will not be attending our Reunion since she and Bob will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in Nova Scotia. She sends her best to all of you.
Elizabeth “Libby” Maher and her sister went to Disney World in November. Both discovered that it was too much walking for a 72-year-old and an 82-year-old! Libby is heading to the Pacific Northwest in May with Collette Tours. After that trip, she will only need to go to Alaska to finish her goal of visiting all 50 states. Libby hopes to get to either Ireland or Great Britain, but it will probably have to wait until 2026 since she is on the verge of buying a house near her family.
Carolyn Birk Gehlhausen and her husband, Spike, started a G2 Racing League in quarter midgets for their oldest grandson. They race mostly locally in Indianapolis, Kokomo, Terre Haute and winter indoors in Columbus, Ohio. They will be racing Reunion weekend at Kokomo all three days. It is definitely a family-based team and they have so much fun with their daughter, Cassie, her husband, Ty, and grandsons Benjamin “Spike” who is nine, Zachary, our own karate-loving kid, who is six, and Lucas who is two, not sure yet of his passions, except being mischievous!! Carolyn did have a lumpectomy in October 2022, but has been in great health ever since. She is feeling very good and sends prayers to all.
Ann Stineman Nick sends her greetings from sunny Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where she lives during the winter. She is still cleaning up from the hurricanes from last fall, and Ian in 2022, but is not ready to give it up yet! They had their three-year-old granddaughter for a month in Fort Myers while her parents went to Hawaii and Mexico. Ann loved having her granddaughter with her, but 24/7 for a month was tiring. Ann states there is a reason we have babies when we are young!!
Teesie Heineman-Eck states it’s been a rough couple of years for Paul and herself. Their home of 42 years went “up in smoke” on October 12, 2023. They are just now settling into their new home.
Aileen Doyle sends greetings to all from Southern California and, in her own words, has caught us up on her last 50 years: I last visited The Woods in October 2019, accompanied by my dear Indiana friends Rachelle Kissel Gore ’74 and her husband Ted. Our 50th certainly brings up many memories! In the 70s, I worked in SMWC Admissions Office; taught religious studies at Mother Theodore Guerin High School (River Grove, Illinois) and Providence High School (Clarksville, Indiana). In the 80s, I returned to California and worked at Christian Brothers Retreat House (St. Helena), leading high school student retreats. St. Mary’s Press (Winona, Minnesota) later published two youth retreat manuals, which I authored while working there. I studied counseling psychology at Santa Clara University. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I opened my private practice in Hermosa Beach, and I taught seminars in the LA Archdiocese. In the 90s, I taught in Dublin, Ireland (Jesuit Institute of Theology and Philosophy), and I provided bereavement support for parishioners in Sandymount. Many of my students were priests, religious brothers and religious sisters on sabbatical. When they returned to their home counties, some invited me to give seminars throughout Ireland, including at the Our Lady of Knock Shrine. In the 2000s, back in Southern California, I taught at Rosary High School (Fullerton) and Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana). And I was slowed down by lung surgery and a rare Cystic Lung Disease (LAM). Having visited Saint Mother Theodore’s childhood home in France many times, I turned to her and asked others to seek our dear Saint Mother Theodore’s intercession. I believe in her closeness to all of us… We are her daughters. Let us pray together in thanksgiving for our time at The Woods and for all of our families. Blessings!
Frances “Fran” Rumely Jones is hoping to attend our 50th Reunion and can’t believe it’s been 50 years! She is in Marco Island, Florida, during the winter months and up at her Indiana home when she gets the “all clear” of no more snow! She lost her husband, Terry, last January 20th and needless to say, it has been tough for her. She was blessed to be married to him for 46 years! Her family has been there to help with this new journey! She has become good friends with Kathleen “Kathy” Wentland Lubeznik ’80, who lives across the bay from her in Florida and will be attending her 45th Reunion this year. Kathy received her mother’s volunteer award from The Woods, and Fran states it just goes to show how we live in a small world!
I (Lizabeth “Beth” Rybinski Haynes) am signing off as your class secretary with this publication. Thank you to everyone who has shared a small piece of your life with me. Not much is new here, everyone is doing well. In October, Kathy Finley Olson, Mary Hess Schroeder and I met in Yorkville, Illinois, for our annual get-together and had a wonderful time with laughs and wine!
1976
“Life is good!” for Mildred “Mil” Long Hurley in Gross Point, Michigan. In 2024, Mil’s business, A Southern Gardener, celebrated 30 years in business. Grandson, Wells, six, lives close and spends good times with her. From January to March, Mil and her five sisters visit their 98-year-old mom at the family’s North Carolina farm. In 2025, Mil’s goal is to have flexibility of time and to travel with Matt.
Kimberly “Kim” Aydt Dahlen, her aching joints and Michaellove warm, sunny Hernando, Florida. Kim plays pickleball, golf, mahjong, marbles, cards and book club. Michael’s health has improved. They enjoy grandparenthood, visiting Patrick, Katie and Arden (08/31/2023). Shhhh! Jane Ternes Francis does not know it, but I may arrive at her St. Louis door to say “hi.” Kim lost her mother, Ellaretta Grace Aydt, on January 22, 2024.
One big change for Jane Stewart Wilcox was Molly, her mini labradoodle! A gift for her 70th!! Jane saw Teesie Heineman-Eck ’75, Sarah Christian Wolodkiewicz ’77, ’00MAPT, Margaret Vidal Crellin ’75 and Mary Fran “Fern” Riordan Edwards ’77 in May for Joann “Jo” Van Horn-Wieland’s ’77 memorial service. “It was sad but a proud tribute to her work to encourage intergenerational interaction and established a center to do just that!”
Donna Witte Murphy writes, “In February 2024, I started teaching a senior fitness class at our YMCA. I am now there five mornings a week, teaching three different classes. I have one-and-a-half replaced knees and hope to keep osteoarthritis from taking any more of my parts!” She’s all prepped for Italy!!!
Judith “Judy” Ryan Tribble writes, “Our big family news is the arrival of our 10th grandchild, Noah Beckett. Our grandchildren range in age from sixteen years to six months. “Half boys and half girls. Wishing everyone a safe and happy year ahead.”
Suellen King Coleman enjoys retirement from UCLA. “Although it’s been great,” age is creeping up. She had a knee replacement. One week later, her husband had a minor heart attack. He is fine and playing tennis again. Suellen’s rehab is going well, but she looks forward to its end. With the California wildfires, Suellen has seen how devastation can bring out the good, the love and support of people. “Southern California is still a beautiful and special place to live.”
2024 was a good year for Victoria “Vicki” Weinert Yunker and Rick. They have now traveled to 28 of our state capitals! Visits with Joann “Joey” Tomer Weaver and Donna Witte Murphy are always great. One lunch with Anne Nohl Traub and Joey was a three-hour gab fest! “Love to all!”
Things are more good than bad in Chicago, for Lynn O’Linski. Being on the SMWC Alumni Board gave wonderful opportunities to talk with old and newer alums, as was the Viking cruise with Marcella “Marci” Zurawski DeRoberts, Jane Ternes Francis and Mary Anne Schager. On that Danube trip, Lynn celebrated her late sister-in-law’s birthday. Unfortunately, Lynn’s mother fell, breaking her femur, reminding her, “life is precious, and each day is a gift.”
Jane Ternes Francis has been busy! Trips to her Ozarks condo, the Viking Cruise with Marci, Mary Anne, Terri Wilson Williamson ’77 and Lynn. An annual girls’ trip to Myrtle Beach and SMWC Reunion and Homecoming with Marci! Plus, Jane and Mary Reagan Bishop head the St. Louis Alum Association! With their first luncheon being a great success!!
Mary Reagan Bishop loves retirement! “Being able to do what I want when I want is the best thing ever.” She volunteers with Meals on Wheels and St. Croix Hospice and fills her creative soul with sewing and crafts. Mary and Jane enjoy heading the St. Louis Alum Association, comparing notes and sharing stories with alums of all ages.
Kathleen “Kathye” Scully Hayes enjoyed her first year of retirement! She spent most of it wrapping up her mother’s estate, hoping it’s completed this year. She and DJ took their family to Hawaii for two weeks in June 2024, celebrating her retirement and turning 70. They currently split their time between Maryland and Florida – “happy to be in Florida for the winter!”
Since retirement, Anne Nohl Traub babysits Michael and Darian’s Maya, seven, and Dylan, four, and visits Jimmy, Marissa, James, nine, and Keller, six, in Evansville. Jim continues as a mortgage broker. They visited Moab, Utah, Washington Island, Wisconsin, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Bradenton, Florida and Palm Bay to see Matt and me! All in their Class B van. Anne also visited Mary Johnson Binz (Fort Wayne, Indiana). The Traubs celebrated 45 years of marital bliss last August!!
Marian Scully Erzen and Mark had a rough 2024. In early spring, Mark’s father died. In June, his mother died. In September, they lost their grandson, Hunter. “He was only nine but fought a long, hard battle. Hopefully, 2025 will be better.” Marian did get to do some traveling – Mexico twice with the family and Italy with classmates Catherine “Cathy” Bisch Stephens, Elizabeth “Betsy” Guiler Franklin and Sally Record Eck. Marian can’t wait for the next trip.
2024 was quiet for Margaret “Kim” Harrison. She spent most of her time on her re-fitted deck with a book or friends. She attended her great-granddaughter’s first birthday and visited family at Thanksgiving. Her big news is that a new puppy is keeping Gus company! Faith, a two-year-old pitbull mix, and Gus entertain everyone!
Even though Mary Ellen “Mellen” O’Keefe transferred from SMWC to Boston College, she holds “dear the many friends and memories of my year at The Woods” and extends “best wishes for good health and humor to enjoy the adventures ahead of us!” Her two grown children and grandson add joy to her life. “They are all a delight!” Mellon is a live/virtual event producer for the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.
Diane Chandler Hickman and Frank have downsized their house to a new home on 21 acres of Frank’s family farm. She misses NW Cincinnati and her job, but loves retirement and country living. Their sons James and Jonathon both married recently, James married Nell (2022) and Jonathon to Apoorva (2023), in a traditional Indian cultural ceremony. They visit them in Wisconsin and Seattle, respectively. “We love how our family has grown and look forward to more achievements and good memories with all four of these young men and their wives.” Frank continues to work part-time and with veteran opportunities and recognition groups. Diane stays in touch with Elizabeth “Beth” Luking ’72, Trese Ashley Edwards and those of us on Facebook. Diane has asked for prayers while she deals with metastatic breast cancer.
Holly Hilton-D’Amour and Rich survived Hurricane Helene with minor damage. “Unfortunately, Asheville is decimated. Over 100 people were killed in the storm. The Arts District essentially is gone. Housing is scarce, and many are still living in hotels.” Holly volunteers as a Spanish language translator at a crisis center where they see people who have never asked for help before are now coming in daily. “Please pray for our community.”
Elaine Tuttle Vlach has been the caretaker of both her parents for the last 15+ years and just retired from her job in July 2024. She took a Christian cruise on the Aegean Sea, toured Greece, “walking in the footsteps of St Paul,” and had time to see Turkey. “When traveling to special destinations, I always remember art history classes with Sr. Immaculee.” She visited the Smoky Mountains in November and is making her bucket list for 2025!
As for Matt and me (Linda Snyder-Lundstrom), things are good. I did a lot of traveling; Argentina with my sister, in April to visit a cousin; California in May with Gail McMillin Newman to see Anna McManamon; Las Vegas with my sisters in July (I don’t recommend LV in July!!); Tennessee and Asheville, with high school friends in September, the week before Hurricane Helene hit; Ohio to visit cousins in October; and Atlanta to Gail’s to make Christmas goodies and relax in December. Our son was married on 1/25/2025. That’s enough in one year for me!! In February, I am sleeping!!
Many of you know already, Nancy Von der Schmidt Primus died September 8, 2024. She had been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. I had texted her to see how she was feeling. Roy responded with the news. It’s heartbreaking for many of us.
Sympathies to all of you who have lost loved ones. And prayers for all those in need.
Some have mentioned our 50th coming up in one year. It’s amazing to realize it. If you’ve missed past Reunions, DON’T miss this one! And let’s have a conversation on what kind of theme we want to do.
Thanks for writing. It’s truly my honor getting your notes and passing them on to all. Love you all.
1978
There’s clearly a common thread in this year’s response from classmates: a lot of you have retired! Some are fully embracing this long-awaited reward for years of hard work with travel, volunteering, more family time, or adding an extra mile to daily walks. Others are easing into it with part-time or consulting jobs. But everyone is grateful for our degrees from The Woods that enabled us to pursue the work that has now pinnacled in retirement!
I (Elizabeth “Betsy” McDonald Moore) did not hear from as many of you as I typically do. If your email address or home address has changed, please update me! I really need email addresses from classmates! It makes “my job” easier! Thank you! Remember, our 50th Reunion will be in late May 2028! The 50th Reunion is typically the largest turnout for classes. Let’s show them how GREAT the Class of ’78 really is!
Michelle Tesar Barrentine ’16MLD – Greetings from a sunny, but chilly, San Antonio, Texas. I think we’re almost done with winter after next week! I don’t know how you do it anymore, Betsy, up in the snowy north. I do know I’m getting soft, enjoying more sun than snow. I last reported that I was going to finish my work with Beginning Experience® International Ministry last September, but things went a bit sideways, so I do hope to retire this September. I have at least been able to cut back on my work hours with a co-director taking some of the burden away. I enjoy the work, but I would like to enjoy my retirement with more travel without having to think about getting back to the office. I have always kept up with grade school and high school friends and family in the Cleveland area, and recently, I bought a condo in the area. I may yet (after work finishes) become a snowbird between Texas and Ohio. I’m looking forward to being able to spend time there while visiting family and friends for longer periods of time. My family is all well, thankfully. I see most of my siblings, aunts and cousins at Christmas time. But I need a visit up to the Tacoma, Washington, area where my stepchildren and grandchildren reside. Visiting will commence soon, I hope, to all parts of the country to see family and friends!
Susan Finley – Back in November 2024, Anne Walsh Walton, Ann Hartman Stolte ’79, Catherine “Cathy” Nolan Balay, Kim Alexander, Mary Kathryn O’Malley ’77 went to Ellen Murphy’s ’79 sister Mary Murphy’s memorial in St. Louis. Ellen was so happy to have her Woods sisters there by her side. While I formally retired in December 2023, I still freelance for the company I worked for since 1993. I am sure that over time and with new players eager to build their own empires, I’ll be replaced. For now, I’m happy to accept projects from them and I enjoy being selective in choosing some over others. Two of my favorites are non-secular, which I imagine has most of the readership dropping their collective jaws. Show mercy. This could be my redemption tour. Of the two, this is the one that I think will really resonate with our class: I was brought in as a writer/producer to work on creating content for a brand-new museum for the Women Religious Archives Collaborative, a nonprofit organization based in Cleveland. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of religious women in North America. We are involved in creating the Heritage Center, which will become a permanent home for the archives of congregations of Catholic Sisters in the United States and Canada. Currently, 39 congregations have committed their collections to WRAC. We will create an entire visitor experience with interactive multimedia, permanent and temporary exhibits, artifacts, interpretive displays, a companion website and more. The overarching goal is to celebrate the achievements of women religious and show how they are still contributing to the growth of the Catholic Church. It’s been a wonderfully enriching project thus far, and I’ve only written the proposal. We start bringing the content to life in March. It opens in fall 2026, which, in development time, is no time at all. I am grateful to have this opportunity to give back to the sisters who gave so much to me. Mike is doing well and still runs the Student Production Program at Cuyahoga Community College – preparing students for the crazy professional world of media production. He still plays out with a couple of different bands. We are doing well with our little life.
Anne Franklin – Mike and I are busy, as always. Mike has been retired 26 years, and I have been retired 23. You would think that we would be sitting in our rocking chairs by now. We are still the busiest people I know! We are blessed with good health and pray that it continues. We are also blessed to live near our two children and three grandchildren. Sarah is a single mom, so we help a lot (mostly with transporting the kiddos to all of their activities), which means that we see our grandchildren several times a week. I could not wish for more than our health and getting to spend so much time with family. Our son, Tim, lives in a group home near his day habilitation program Monday through Thursday and is home with us Friday through Sunday. Between Tim and the grandchildren and all of their sports and activities, we are in constant motion. I’m sure all of the activity is beneficial to our health. We have had a few opportunities to travel in the past year. We took a fabulous trip to South America. We started at the Pacific Ocean and crossed the continent to the Atlantic. Over Spring Break, we went to Dubai with Sarah. It was wonderful to have so much time together as adults – we rarely have time to bond without the kiddos. Mike and I took an extended vacation to the Balkans. We especially enjoyed our time in Croatia. Over the summer, we took a family vacation to the Wisconsin Dells, then spent a few days in Minnesota visiting my sister, Kathleen Franklin Peterson ’81, and her family. We had a wonderful time at my 50th high school reunion in the Chicago suburbs! Michelle Tesar Barrentine ’16MLD spent a night with us on her way to a meeting up north. It was a great visit! Both of us still live in Texas. She is a few hours south of us. I hope to connect with Mary Grace Sylvester when Mike and I travel to Tokyo in 2025. I hope that all of our classmates are well and happy!
Geri Leliaert Garrard – I moved to Buffalo, New York, in November ’23. Mike and I are renovating his childhood home. Then we will sell it so we can move somewhere warmer! This winter has been very cold and we have received lots of snow.
Janet Huening Helton – I am enjoying my retirement after 42 years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with most of those years as the Lead Technologist for Blood Bank/Transfusion service. Now I spend my time on hobbies such as gardening and crocheting when I’m not chasing after my three grandkids. I am blessed.
Geraldine “Gerry” Bush MacLeod – I am enjoying retirement much more this year than last. As I was told by my surgeon and my orthopedist brother-in-law, it took about nine months for me to ‘grow into’ my new knee. While not 100%, I am able to do almost anything I want to do. I volunteer at church (playing music and counting money), bring the Eucharist to friends who can’t attend Mass, serve breakfast at the homeless shelter twice a month (with Ken) and fill food bags at Catholic Charities once a week. I also love doing puzzles of any kind, spending time with friends and traveling. In August, I celebrated my 50th high school reunion in Key West. I had a lot of fun being on the planning committee, reconnecting with folks I had not been in touch with since forever! The reunion weekend was wonderful, and everything went off without a hitch – sunset cruise on Friday, Cuban food for lunch and a lovely banquet on Saturday, and mass on Sunday. It was amazing how quickly and easily 50 years just melted away. Ken is doing the ‘happy dance’ because, as of June 1, 2025, he will no longer be gainfully employed! Yes, after 36 years, Eastern Carolina University will finally be rid of him. He says he is READY!!!! In his spare time, he refurbishes homes. He finished painting the four remaining rooms in our house—the conclusion of a multi-year project. He has been preparing my dad’s house to sell—pressure washing, painting, replacing carpeting with flooring and just general cleaning. Elder son, Greg, still lives in Columbia, South Carolina, and his journey this year has been about slowly moving toward starting his own landscaping company. He had a few clients who would call on him for odd jobs (with his then-boss’s permission), and so he purchased equipment as needed and picked up the few skills he didn’t already have. Around the end of October, he ventured out on his own. We helped him get a bigger vehicle (it turns out you can’t run a yardwork company out of a tiny Mazda 3) to carry around his mower and other tools. Jobs are a little scarce in the winter, but he stays as busy as he can and finds temp work to fill in the empty hours (including coming home to help Ken with Papa’s house). He and Amelia are doing well and enjoy sharing space with their massive lab/pitbull, Leroy, who (as with most big dogs) believes he is a lap dog. In late September/early October, my younger son, Tommy, and I traveled to Europe, on a 10-day pilgrimage to Portugal, Spain and France to visit Marian shrines—including and especially—Fatima and Lourdes. It was sponsored by the Raleigh Diocese, and our bishop and one of our priests traveled with the group (of 85 on two buses). Both agreed that it was a wonderful trip—there’s nothing quite like going to mass at the grotto in Lourdes where the Blessed Mother stood. Tommy began his third year of teaching skiing at Snowbird Resort in Salt Lake City. He achieved his Level 2 teaching certificate last winter and spends his spare time doing increasingly daring tricks on his skis. Fortunately, he doesn’t send the videos of the falls, just the ones he lands. This summer, he worked for a survey company and tried to find some place to ski every month (not sure whether he made it in August). He is beginning to plan out possibilities for what he wants to do next (EMT training for Ski Patrol, or nursing or something else). He is back to playing soccer (both outdoor and indoor), sharing time in goal with time on the field and loving all of it. He and Maddy still share a great love of the outdoors and spend all the time they can traveling to places out west. Inertia may keep us in Greenville, or we may look for someplace new. We hope to have more time to travel to spend time with our boys.
Reverend Cathy Behm Minor – Thank you to all of our SMWC Alumni, your families, our professors and all of our staff for your kindness and care these many years. My husband, Kerry, and I really enjoyed our retirement. We were able to spend time with our son, Kyle, and his family and with our daughter, Courtney Minor Moore ’07, and her family. Kerry and I were able to attend my 50th year class reunion from Mattoon High School in September 2024. It was so much fun. I hope that many of you were able to attend your 50th high school class reunions. Much love and many blessings to all of you, your families and your friends.
Maureen Jones Naunheim – I retired after a very dedicated and long career, primarily in elementary education in the St. Louis Archdiocesan school system. I love being retired and doing whatever I want! I spend time with family and love visits to Dallas, where my son, Fitz, lives. I look forward to a week in Florida in March!
Susan Record continues serious health battles and really appreciates all the prayers!
Mary K. Stadler – Susan works from home as an HR consultant, and I am serving my last semester as a school counselor and will retire from that role in June. I’ll continue to work part-time providing online therapy to individual clients from home. We’re looking forward to having more freedom to travel, and I’m finally going to read all those books in my “to-be-read” pile. At least that’s the plan!
Mary Grace Sylvester – I continue to consult and teach English full-time in Tokyo, Japan. This fall, I had a 10-day visit with my sister, Angela Sylvester Lipparoni ’81, and my cousin, Lilly, when they traveled to Tokyo from Italy and the United States, respectively. I look forward to seeing Anne Franklin when she’s here in April 2025!
Mary Frances Cebuhar West – Well I am hoping and praying that I can retire end of 2025 or early 2026. I’m trying to figure out whom to hand off my properties and landlords. I went to Philadelphia and then on to the Poconos with my son, Matthew, and his girlfriend, Kaska, for Christmas. We had fun. There was a lot of snow and deer. His Siberian husky, Denali, absolutely loved it. She’s still a handful even though she is three years old! I remodeled my master bath and took out the “step”—you know—a bad thing for a person getting older. It was still very hard because I was working full-time. I am trying to complete these tasks before I retire, and I still have cash flow coming in. Matthew started a new job with a real estate software data company. I have helped him with his interview process so much so that his recruiter said, “Your mother has prepared you well for your interview and presentation!” What are mothers for? That’s about it. I don’t know when I will ever get to travel. But I don’t want to travel alone at 68 years old. I have to spend time finding a travel group that doesn’t double-dip solo travelers. Everyone is married or has kids getting married, etc. One day, I am going to find a good group to travel with.
Philomena “Peggy” Bowling Zitzer – Not too much to say (which may be a good thing). I retired from Chicago Public Schools this past June and have taken a position in the Catholic school that I attended. It has been quite an adjustment going from the city back to the suburbs. Who knows about next year? My daughter, Ellen, is doing very well and is teaching nearby. She loves teaching the special education students. I am very proud of her. Dave is also doing well. Hopefully, we will be able to do some traveling this summer!!
Kevin and I (Elizabeth “Betsy” McDonald Moore) have had a rough year with the loss of several family members and his being diagnosed with prostate cancer AND kidney cancer. A big shout out to Jane Ternes Frances ’76, who stopped by the visitation before my brother Chuck’s funeral in St. Louis! I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be wrapped in a Woodsie hug at such a sad time. Our life revolves around doctors’ appointments and Immunotherapy infusions every six weeks for Kevin. Please keep us in your prayers! I was grateful that I was able to join my twin sister, Nancy, back in St. Louis in September for our 50th St. Thomas Aquinas High School Reunion. We shared so many laughs with our high school classmates all weekend. My only regret is that I did not have a free minute to meet up with Ellen Murphy ’79 and give her a hug on the loss of her sister, Mary. Keep Ellen in your prayers as she’s also endured a knee replacement. Michigan had a “real” winter, and thankfully, Kevin and I were able to get out and snowshoe and XC ski. We love our time with our red-haired grandchildren—Liam, five, and Abby, three. Visits with them and our elder son, Kyle, and daughter-in-law, Caroline, in Deerfield, Illinois, or at our home, is THE BEST medicine! We look forward to all of us being together for the joyous occasion of our younger son Aidan’s wedding to Ashley on April 26, 2025, here in Traverse City, Michigan!
1979
The celebration of our 45th Reunion at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College took place on campus just before the official start of summer on May 31 – June 2, 2024. It was a special sapphire anniversary, marking 45 years of our time together as students and comrades. Attendance from the Class of 1979 was smaller than previous years, yet the weekend was filled with laughter, tears and heartfelt memories. For some, it was a throwback to being age 21 again… would you like to relive those days? (LOL!)
Classmates in attendance throughout the weekend were: Leisa Utsler Anslinger, Kimberly Gladieux Bloom, Mary L. Coleman, Pamela Etling Devine, Susan “Sue” Kuehl, Deborah “Debbie” Lary, Judith “Judy” Higgins Price, Teresa Wunderlin Swaim and myself. Patricia “Pat” Carbon Etling ’54 shared a wonderful Saturday afternoon with the Class of 1979 and joined us for dinner at the banquet. Oh, what fun she had sharing delightful stories of her personal experiences at SMWC. It was a fun reminder of how much has changed, but how the SMWC traditions remain timeless.
Throughout the weekend, we were also joined by Marcella “Marcy” Zurawski DeRoberts ’76, Jane Ternes Francis ’76 and Lynn O’Linski ’76, President of the SMWC Alumni Association Board of Directors. The girls spent time with our class, updating us on the latest happenings at the college and with alumni from the Classes of 1976-1979. One of many exciting weekend introductions came from Sydney Wilderman, DO, ’17, who was honored as a recipient of the G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award. The award recognizes young alumni for their professional achievements, continued service and exemplary personal qualities. Sydney’s connection to the Class of 1979 was highlighted throughout the weekend as she was a recipient of the Legacy Ring Program and received a 1979 SMWC Onyx Ring from Ellen Cain.
Reunion weekend continues to be filled with our faith, rekindled friendships and cherished memories. It is always bittersweet when it comes to an end, as we bid farewell for another five years, uncertain of where life will take us next. For those unable to attend but who sent their well wishes, we kept you in our hearts. You were with us in spirit, and we continue to keep you in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Our hearts were saddened with the loss of five classmates who were memorialized during Reunion weekend at the Saturday afternoon service, “We Remember, We Celebrate.” Dorothy Caruso, Wilma Hendrix Dohner, Christine Fulton, Betty Jean Grubb and Margaret Gard Roof. These remarkable women will be deeply missed.
The success of Reunion Weekend would not have been possible without the incredible work of Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05, SMWC director of alumni relations, and her team. The staff continues to work with 6,000+ members of the SMWC Alumni Association. Sarah and her staff orchestrated a seamless event full of love and care for all. The annual Reunion weekend at SMWC is a difficult task to organize. However, Sarah successfully displayed her event planning expertise and deep connections with others with ease, gratitude, and love and produced a beautiful experience for all to enjoy.
The Class of 1979 continues to have a strong presence at SMWC. Mary L. Coleman assists SMWC as a former member of the Board of Trustees. Deborah “Debbie” Lary, former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and Christine “Chris” Miller Retseck will remain as our Class Agent. I (Judith Anne Gilberti) will continue serving as secretary, maintaining the cherished connections within our class. Thank you all for your support and service to our alma mater – so very proud of you!
Deborah “Debbie” Lary has a new address! She sold her childhood home in Westville, Illinois, and moved to Indiana to the Maryvale Apartments. Debbie is so happy in her new residence. She is thrilled to be closer to SMWC and enjoys spending quiet time on campus, volunteering at the Linden Leaf Gift Shop, and participating in college events. Debbie keeps our class Facebook page up to date and is always a big supporter of Woods Giving Day. She looks forward to our 50th Reunion celebration in 2029!
Sharing in God’s miracles… Gail P. Size was the recipient of a double lung transplant in July 2022. She waited years for this procedure and continues to recuperate throughout this very long journey. Please continue to keep Gail in your thoughts and prayers. With all fingers crossed, we hope to see her in the spring of 2029 for our 50th Reunion weekend at SMWC. Gail keeps in touch with several longtime friends via FaceTime and Zoom get-togethers. Needless to say, lots of fun, good laughs, fond memories and some tears are always present for their virtual meetings.
Mary Jane Browne Roth was unable to attend our Reunion weekend. However, she did share that many things are happening in her family. The big news is that after an enjoyable and successful career as an educator, Mary Jane retired from teaching! Soon thereafter, she became the very proud mother of a doctor. Her son recently received his MD/PhD and resides in San Diego, California. Her daughter, now married, is living near Vancouver, BC.
Leisa Utsler Anslinger and Steve took a bucket list trip west with their camper for nine weeks last spring (2024). They visited the national parks in Arizona, Utah and Colorado, and their son and daughter-in-law in Denver. The Anslingers enjoyed the trip so much that when they came home, the camper was sold, and a newer, smaller one was purchased for more conducive trips. 2024 also turned out to be a year of big purchases as they bought a new home on the other side of town in Lebanon, Tennessee. Leisa enjoyed Reunion Weekend so much that she is already making plans to attend our 50th Reunion in 2029!
Margaret “Margi” Owen Miller and Mike continue to reside full-time in St. Charles, Illinois. They have been in this location for 27 years – WOW! Margi is working for a small consulting firm. As long as the job is fun while enjoying the challenges to address, she plans on working with great colleagues and clients for a while. Mike is retired and finds tons of things to do to keep him busy. He has more projects on the list than the time to attack them. The Millers will be heading to Montana soon for their annual ski vacation with family and friends. The snow conditions are extraordinary, so everyone is looking forward to a fun time on the slopes. Margi’s next highlighted adventure in 2025 will be the celebration of her 50th high school reunion … as many of us will experience this spring. Have fun!
Rosa Marie Hill-Green was employed as a human resources consultant for a large health care organization until 2010, when she had to leave the workforce due to health issues. She is able to enjoy her time at home – she is officially retired! Rosa is happily married to Kenneth, who, in 2000, through a chance encounter, literally knocked on her front door to help with lawn and yard work. All these years later, through fun and tough times, they are making it together and still finding the fun in life! In 2007, Rosa completed the Catholic Rites of Initiation for Adults and was baptized and confirmed. She now has a church home and is active in the parish. Rosa continues to keep in touch with high school classmate and SMWC roommate Judith “Judy” Higgins Price. An incredibly happy story!
Therese Minich Gavin and Larry send greetings from Siesta Key, Florida, where they spend several weeks away from the Michigan snow and ice. They enjoy the fluffy white sands, beach walks and sunsets in the south but also look forward to boating on the Michigan waters in the spring and summer. In 2024, the Gavins traveled internationally to Paris, Amboise and surrounding areas in France and then to Scotland. Both travel excursions were with family, making travel time with the grandchildren always so special. Therese and Larry extend a warm welcome to anyone traveling to Michigan.
Christine “Chris” Miller Retseck and Bill send their greetings from Northwest Indiana! Bill is in his second year of retirement. He recently had outpatient hip replacement surgery and is actively participating in physical therapy. Chris, now eight years into retirement, enjoys her cross-stitch work whenever time will allow. The Retsecks send their blessings and love to all!
At the time of this writing, Kathryn “Kathy” Kelly Proffitt was facing a challenging medical journey as she was scheduled for surgery to have a kidney removed. She is currently on medical leave from her part-time retirement job until her medical review is approved. It will be a challenging journey to recovery, so please keep Kathy and her family in your daily thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Etling Devine is still reminiscing about our time together at Reunion weekend. It is always wonderful to catch up with one another, and through all these years, no matter how much time has passed, we still have a great connection with one another in the Class of 1979. We have shared the best memories together, and best of all, we all look amazing! Pam is in her 21st year of teaching at Saint Lawrence Elementary School in Lafayette, Indiana. Her focus the last six years has been in the kindergarten classroom – how fun! Son, Tommy, is in his junior year of college at Indiana State University and sees his grandmother, Patricia Carbon Etling ’54, often. He really enjoys college life in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Sending love to all ’79 Woodies is the latest update from Kimberly “Kim” Lange! 2025 marks the tenth year that Kim is delivering Meals on Wheels five days a week and loving every smile! As the chair of the Meals on Wheels Valentine’s card campaign, 3,400 cards were secured for homebound seniors. She enjoys her work and the joy it brings. This is also the tenth anniversary celebration for Kim as the “Keeper for Muskegon Light” (lighthouses), and manages the gift shop and volunteers. This is a compact description of retired life for Kim… no doubt. Life is good!
Teresa Wunderlin Swaim – RETIRED! Teresa celebrated her first day of retirement with all of us on Friday, May 31, 2024, at SMWC during Reunion weekend. Many cheers and celebratory toasts were shared with Teresa on that day… it certainly brought back highlights of the old college days that we remembered. After Reunion weekend, Teresa spent her first week of retirement babysitting her four granddaughters, and she loved every minute of their time together – a joyful start to this new chapter!
For Greg and Rebecca “Becky” Penquite Hemmer family, friends and community are special. Becky’s daughters, Caitlin and Andrea, are married, and three grandchildren bring much excitement and happiness to their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Becky and her family on the passing of her mother, Ruth Ann Penquite, on October 24, 2024.
Kimberly Gladieux Bloom and Denny reside in Delaware, Ohio. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in August 2024. We all remember… and it is awesome! Four children and many grandchildren have added to the Bloom clan. Life is filled with happy surprises, and the next generations will be sure to embrace the love and traditions that have been created for all.
Here today and gone tomorrow … jetsetters Linda Lovellette McLeaish and Bob continue to travel throughout the United States and abroad. They are both retired and can make a quick decision to travel with a 24-hour notice. They booked a cruise on January 1 and jumped on a one-way flight on January 2 to Hawaii. Spending time with friends added more fun to the adventure. It was too cold in Indiana, and the warmth of the sun was needed, so the McLeaishs stayed awhile in Hawaii and made it back home before the end of the month. During their stay in Hawaii, Linda was surprised to find out that the local Target store sells leis in the produce department!
Shirley Makowski McAlister continues to volunteer at the University of Notre Dame, staying active and involved in her community.
The three amigos, Deborah “Debbie” Lary, Christine “Chris” Miller Retseck and Cathy Nolin Taylor have held a steadfast friendship since their SMWC days and continue to organize regular gatherings several times throughout the year. The highlight of each get-together is a group photo posted on Facebook.
Although her dream for retirement was to be a snowbird for the winter months in Florida, Susan “Sue Kuehl stayed at home and became a weather girl during the blustery and snowy January days in Indiana. Sue has certainly kept her sense of humor and shares it during the times when we need a little chuckle the most. Sue is keeping busy at home with chores and crafts and connecting with old friends both near and far.
An annual visit to SMWC during the summer months is always a highlight for Kathryn “Kathy” Jasinski, Julia Thompson Henry and Norma Marie Honiball. Kathy resides in Palatine, Illinois, and is still a major part of Montessori teaching. Julie enjoys baking at home (Indianapolis, Indiana) – holiday pies are her favorite. She continues to focus and share her thoughts on all good things – such is the life of the wife of a minister. In the summer 2024, Julie enjoyed participating in the National Eucharistic Congress, which was held close to home in Indianapolis, Indiana. Norma Marie lives in Heredia, Costa Rica. From four sons to the next generation, Norma and Mario embrace the days of being surrounded by their family.
Catherine “Cathy” Jacikas Fox and Mike were missed in 2024 for our Reunion weekend. There was a good excuse as two new grandbabies were on the way to their new world. Benjamin and Carina Rain are the two newest members of the Fox family. The grandchildren are growing fast – a high school freshman, seventh grader, fifth grader and kindergartener, plus two babies, make six grandchildren adored by their grandparents to add to the growing family – God is good!
As for me (Judith Anne Gilberti), I am still working as a high school counselor, still judging at cheer/dance competitions, still enjoying walks and bike rides along the New Jersey shoreline and still loving spending time with la famiglia! I remain actively engaged in altruistic activities with Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary organization for women educators. My fundraising efforts are shared with the New Jersey Cheer-Dance Coaches Association as their scholarship director. A six-figure amount is the goal each year to support financial assistance for cheerleaders and dancers at the collegiate level. It is exhausting, yet competitive and very exciting. An annual highlight for me is connecting with SMWC alumnae Madeleine Walsh Sullivan, Ph.D., ’65 and Lydia Ruiz Hull ’71. 2024 was a year filled with celebration while enjoying the destinations of bachelor/bachelorette parties, showers and weddings for the next generation in our family, and of course, a Reunion weekend with some really amazing women at SMWC!
Woods Giving Day took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Our class gift that was announced at the Reunion Banquet totaled over $15,000.00, surpassing our goal. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and we are hoping you will continue to contribute in 2025. God bless you!
Thank you for sharing your latest news and activities with the SMWC community. Although family, social, work or retirement activities may keep you busier than usual, please be sure to check in to say hello and let us know that “life is good!” Though our traditions are deeply rooted in our beloved Woods, the friendships and memories made have lasted nearly half a century. Wishing you and your family much sunshine, good health, happy times together and a blessed New Year in 2025. Please continue to keep in touch, and in touch with one another. ASPIRE HIGHER!
1980
Vicki Ross Fish– Life is going well. My vascular surgeries on my legs last May have done well. I’m our church’s handbell director and play at another church. I swim three times a week, sing in the choir, go to my Believers meetings and whatever comes up. I guess it’s just different from the stress and busyness of working in a high school daily. The coolest thing I bought this year? The Neakasa Automatic Litter box. My cats (just two cats, don’t call me a cat lady!) love it!
Kathleen “Kathy” Wentland Lubeznik– Glenn and I sold our home in Michigan City in the fall of 2023 and bought a condo in Indianapolis, Indiana, and we still winter in Marco Island, Florida. A new granddaughter, Rory, born November 2024 in Indy, joins another granddaughter, 30 and grandsons 26, 26, six and three, who live in Indy, Columbus, Ohio, and Chesterton, Indiana. Frances “Fran” Christian Olender and Mary Antonsen Hoffman visited Indy for a weekend in January, with Elizabeth “Beth” Killion Traub joining us for dinner. I enjoy staying in touch with Woodsies from our class and others whom I have met over the years while I was on the Alumni Board, Board of Trustees or attending alumni events. One of my Indy neighbors is an alum, Theresa Niles Arness ’77, small world!
Mary Jeanne Schram Miller- Life in Oregon and California has been busy. I am a reverse snowbird, spending winters in Sisters in the snow and summers in Butte Valley, so I can garden and am into canning. I also continue making stuffed animals and quilts that I hand quilt. I continue to participate in the AFSP – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Overnight Walk held each year in June in memory and to honor the life of my son, Jake, who died at 20 from suicide as well as for so many others I have known and for those who suffer from depression, suicidal thoughts and mental illness. Last April, I returned to The Woods to see my niece receive her Ring. It was not just any ring… but it was that of my dear Aunt Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49, Lillie’s great aunt!! What a thrill it was!! And I will return to watch her graduate from our alma mater!! I am excited for our upcoming 45th Reunion in late May!! I can’t wait to see everyone and catch up on all their lives and activities!!
Sheryl “Sherry” Ralph Predaina– I was a WED student at SMWC graduating in 1980, so I’m not sure any of the on-campus students would have known me, but some of us are still around!
Judith Erdman– I’m happily retired and living in Charlton, Massachusetts, with my partner, Susan Bussing, our dog, Lilly and our cat, Cleo. I’m about ready to take off on a seven-day Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, and will be meeting up with my sister, Paula Erdman Kayser ’77, and younger sister, Laura Mueller, their husbands and other friends. After the cruise, we head back to the Midwest for more family fun at our 44th year “Family Weekender” in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’ve been in touch with Kathleen “Kathy” Daugherty, and I hope to attend our class reunion in May!
Kathleen “Kathy” Daugherty– Hi everyone! I’m living the life in the cheese state. My favorite times are hanging out with the grandkids and beer gardens! I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone face to face for our 45th Reunion, May 30 – June 1, 2025.
Jean T. Faulkner Smith– All is well with my family, we are blessed. I have been fortunate enough to spend time with Christine Devine and Rita Devine Horan ’82 on Cape Cod. Even got some time with Patricia “Patty” Hand Curley as she was a surprise guest at Rita and her husband’s 40th wedding anniversary. I happened to be there visiting Christine at the time. Also, we spent a lovely weekend with Lisa Gottschalk Hoey and her husband in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where our daughter, Joanna, lives. LP and I continue to travel as much as possible. Italy was the big trip in 2025.
Kathleen “Kathy” Archer Steele– Our only “excitement” for the last year was Dave’s mom passed away in November at the age of 96. We are all healthy and still retired.
Patricia “Patty” Hand Curley– I enjoyed some mini-SMWC reunions in 2024: Cape Cod in April for Rita Devine Horan’s ’82 40th anniversary with Christine “Chris” Devine and Jean Faulkner Smith; Madison, Indiana with Jane VandeWater, Mary Jeanne Schram Miller, Joan “Joni” Dierkes-Bear; and fun at Marjorie “Margie” Feichter Brunner’s lake house with Jane, Joni, Laurie Mayers and Mary Angela “Angel” Brown Menestrina. I visited Kathleen “Kathy” Wentland Lubeznik’s beautiful home in Indy this fall. And I’m going to be a grandma in June! 🙂
As for me (Catherine Ley Cornell), we are staying busy with work and playing with grandkids. Not traveling much right now, due to Tom’s mom living with us. She’s 90 and has decided that she is no longer going anywhere. I have been able to sneak away for a day to Arkansas to visit my family. By the time the Onyx arrives, our 45th Reunion will be over. I hope many were able to attend. Only five years to our 50th!!!
1981
Mary Wade Kiscaden is glad to be back in the suburban arms of the Windy City! Virginia was nice, but they missed family. She is busy volunteering, and Brad is enjoying his second year of retirement. They miss the kids, who are still in Virginia, but hope they move to the Chicago area soon. She said, “HEY, time to start harping on your hallmates!!! YOU HAVE ONE YEAR TILL OUR NEXT REUNION!!!”
Marie Ayer Roberts says Mark and her will be retiring from teaching this year. They may get part-time jobs to supplement their Social Security, but plan on relaxing this summer. Their oldest, Ryan, is landscaping. Matt returned to school to major in computer science, and their daughter Rachel is a flight attendant for Delta. She continues to stay in touch with Connie and Bev via texts and messaging. She always gets a chuckle from Dot Duncan’s Facebook posts and Mary Dee’s replies.
Beverly Groeber Williams hopes this finds everyone well. It has been an eventful past 5-6 months! She retired at the end of November. More visits with kids, reconnecting with friends, more exercise and enjoying sunrises and sunsets! Looking forward to the next Reunion!
Shirley Smith Bergman and her husband, Mike, spent another year living in the “paradise” of South Florida. No cold, icy Hoosier winters. The move put them close to the VA Medical Center. The VA is attentive to his chronic health challenges. She keeps busy as president of the local genealogical society and facilitator for a community book discussion group.
In July, Janice Nesser Chu, was named the District Dean of the School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts for St. Louis Community College (SLCC). She oversees programs and theaters on SLCC’s five campuses.
I (Corinne Kreiner-Bardgett) had a successful surgery in February and am back to work. My husband, Tim, is retired and is the grandchildren’s chauffeur. Granddaughter Alexis is graduating from high school and will be going to the University of Kansas. Grandson Kyle went to state in Cross Country as a sophomore. Remember, next year is our 45th Reunion. Share what’s happening in your lives throughout the year using the 1981 SMWC class Facebook page.
1982
Mary Gutman moved to a retirement community after downsizing from her home of 30 years. Much to her delight, she has a neighbor who is a Woodsie. She keeps busy with OCIA, the Bereavement ministry and Dayton Right to Life.
Anne Fleming Sweeney is enjoying retirement in Arkansas, where they can go fishing. She has become the fishing “B” champion. She either catches the first, the most or the biggest fish. Health is good, but gained too much weight being retired and checking out all the good restaurants in the area. They are near Bull Shoals Lake & Norfolk Lake in Arkansas.
Renee Shreeves Herndon: Melissa and I are retiring to Portugal. After a wonderful vacation, we decided to make the move to Nazare’, a small fishing village. We found a language school and will be speaking Portuguese in no time! The picture is a street in the town. Here is to the next chapter!
Mary Kintz Hanifan’s last year has been difficult. Her husband, John, became ill in April 2024 and passed away at the end of May. In early December, she had a mild stroke from which she is still recuperating. But her brain function is 100%; her memory is intact. She is doing PT. Both of her daughters were with her at Christmas – It was great!
Patrease Wiggins Henson retired from teaching and is working for a Birth to Three Program, which is a lot of fun. God blessed their family with their first grandson, Jack, who will be two years old in June. Grandson number two is due in May. She has everything she ever hoped for, and God is Good.
I (Sally King Backer) am still working as an interpreter for a high school, and I am now teaching in the Deaf Studies program for the local community college. Larry is good. My brother lived with us for a couple of years and now moved out. Monica completed her first year of teaching SPED in 4th grade.
1983
Caroline “Carrie” Carver Carpenter’s husband, Fred, retired in 2024, and they’ve been trying to get in some traveling.
In May 2024, they met Mary Kae Jasinski Moss ’84 and her husband, Shawn, in Virginia at Carrie and Fred’s nephew’s bed and breakfast, enjoying a four-day visit with Mary Kae and Shawn doing wine, beer and mead-tasting. November 2024 saw them on a private island in Belize. Their kids all live within an hour of them, and she keeps up with fellow Woodsies on Facebook.
Patricia “Trish” Moran Collins stays busy singing with a women’s chamber chorus, Sorelle, and continues to direct theatre professionally in the San Diego area. Her next work is an original work by a local playwright, to be performed in Fall 2025. Trish had brain surgery in August 2024 to remove a benign meningioma. She says recovery has been steady, and she’s looking forward to a bright 2025. Sadly, Trish’s only sibling, her brother Marty, died in June 2024. I know from personal experience losing a sibling is a whole ‘nother animal from losing a parent or grandparent. May he rest in peace.
Kathleen “Kathy” Hahn Keiner happily reports she and her husband, Dave, welcomed a new daughter-in-law in 2024, Genevieve, who married their youngest son, Jacob. The wedding was held at Sunset Cliffs at Ocean Beach in San Diego, California.
Eva Gankiewicz Merkel says she and her husband, Glenn, are still living in Key Largo, Florida. She’s made lots of friends playing Mah Jongg at their JOY (Just Older Youth) Center. She’s formally joining their Board, and she’s been writing articles about JOY for the Keys Weekly, as well as helping with grants and Board reorganization. Eva says she recently eliminated all social media from her life and finds it quite liberating.
Diane Orr Schafer sums up 2024 as a year of transition for her. She’d moved to Massachusetts in 2022, seeking to find a new life following the death of her husband, only to find she was an Indiana girl at heart. Though sorry to leave Massachusetts and the ocean she’d grown to love, she came home to Columbus, Indiana, to a new parish, Saint Bartholomew, and old friends.
As for me (Anne Marie Keough), I actually went abroad for the first time in my life in 2024. In November, my sister Mary and I went to London. The Victoria and Albert Museum was great, as was the Tate and the British Museum, but the Tower of London was a workout–all those staircases! Viewing the crown jewels was hilarious, though. You’re on a people-mover like you’re at an airport. Had lunch one day at a pub older than the U.S., then went on a tour of the rebuilt Globe Theatre. Stonehenge was a bit underwhelming. Saw Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s tomb at Westminster Abbey and couldn’t stop laughing. Our next trip is to Paris, but I’m stalling, because I know I won’t be chic enough. Stay your awesome selves, people.
1984
Cheryl Yates writes that all is going well, and still loves her job as a Procurement Specialist for CBRE, which is a contract company for Elanco, where she has been on site for 25 years. Cheryl completed an item on her bucket list last fall and took a two-week trip to Puerto Rico! It is now her favorite vacation spot. Her group stayed in Old San Juan and then flew to Vieques to stay in the mountains. It was an absolutely amazing trip!! Her baby, Nic, is now 20 and entering the workforce, which makes Cheryl feel really old, but Nic is doing great. She still sees Kathleen “Kathy” Hahn Keiner ’83, Rita Mankus, MD ’82, Jacqueline “Jackie” Giordano Morgan ’83 and Florence “Flo” Perrelle Callahan ’94 when they can get together, but finds it’s getting more and more difficult with everyone’s schedules. Cheryl had a wonderful time coming “home” for Homecoming and seeing everyone at Reunion! Absolutely a THRILL to see Michelle Mondello Bossong after 40 years!
Elizabeth “Beth” Dietzen Purcell loved seeing everyone at Reunion and is already looking forward to our next one. She and her husband, Phil, have been able to travel quite a bit over the past few months. Their most amazing trip was a cruise and train trip to Alaska over the summer. Phil spoke at several conferences in the fall, and Beth was able to tag along. Those events took them to San Diego, California, Orlando, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee.
Rosemarie Jutzi Martin shared that it was wonderful seeing everyone at Reunion and had the best time. It’s like no time has passed when we all get together, and she is already looking forward to the next one! Retirement is the best! Rosemarie and her husband, Tim, are in central Florida. Tim will retire in April, but Rosemarie had a head start and is staying very busy. There is so much to do; of course, there is golf, of which she is waiting until Tim retires to take up, pickleball, which she’s working on, and Cardio Drumming, which is a fun favorite. And, of course, crafts; lots of those which she loves. And lots of social events. Rosemarie has met a lot of new people as they live in a new neighborhood in a huge community, and residents moved in around the same time, so they are all getting to know each other. Rosemarie’s boys are good. She, Tim, Ben and I met Joe in London last year and traveled to Scotland. It was a great trip. Ben is still in Raleigh. He is considering a move and possibly a job change, but he is enjoying Raleigh for now. Joe is still in Copenhagen. He is NOT considering a job change or a move. He is happy with his job at the University of Copenhagen, and he loves living there. Rosemarie wishes he was closer, but is glad he’s happy. Rosemarie keeps in touch with Barbara Haggerty Hoeft, Brenda Shenk Valek and Elaine Walter-Shamdin. They have a fun text chain that keeps them updated, and she gives Elaine the most credit as she doesn’t let the group go too long without a picture, update or a word of wisdom. Rosemarie is still dealing with her mom’s passing last June and misses her every day. She had been failing, but went even quicker than they thought at the end. It’s been a hard, emotional process, and she’s earned a lot. And shares, “Hopefully, I’ll never again have to use what I’ve learned.”
Brenda Blake shares that there is not a whole lot of new news! She is enjoying her kids and eight grandkids. They sure grow fast! Brenda turned 62 in February, and retirement is being discussed with her husband. She is still enjoying her career as an addiction therapist and is also a trauma therapist. She feels so privileged to be helping her seven siblings care for our 92-year-old mother. In Brenda’s spare time, she enjoys travel, camping and golf.
Jan Giddens Lorenzano continues to enjoy working and does not plan to retire anytime soon. She does plan to slow down a bit this summer to spend time with her three grandbabies (Alphonse 2 ½, Josehine 1 ½, Maria 5 months) and a fourth (a girl) that will arrive on April 23. Jan has taken up golf and is most comfortable on the driving range at this point. Jan and husband, Vince, will be celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary with a trip to London and a Viking cruise around the coast of Spain. Jan is involved with the SMWC Indy Alumni group and is passionate about helping The Woods in any way she can.
1986
Mary Collins Dove and her husband, Mark, are semi-empty nesters! She’s still passionate about Catholic education as a vice principal and middle school teacher. This past year, Mary moved her sister to Oklahoma, sailed the San Juan Islands, explored Olympic National Park and trekked through Oregon. Next stop: Montana and Indiana.
Tara Burke McMurray has thoroughly enjoyed her first year as “Nana” to her new grandson! Meeting up at Reunion weekend with Barb and Kymberli for Kymberli’s award and visiting with her big sister, Regina Hartman ’84, and so many other Woodsies was a high point. She loves teaching math and spending time with her husband and children.
Ann Roering Bak and George stay busy traveling. From skiing in the Rockies to sightseeing in Paris and Florence, then hiking the Cinque Terre and on to Genoa to cheer for their son, Chris, as he won the men’s singles for coastal rowing in the World Championships. Next up is Alaska, then Brazil to watch Chris defend his title. Life is good!
Joan Frisz celebrated her 60th birthday with a 50-mile bike ride around Bear Lake in Utah/Idaho. Mario joined the family last spring and serves as the Chief Barking Officer at Just Creations. Joan swapped visits with Paula Keeton, with Mario serving as co-pilot on their road trip to North Carolina.
Jillmarie McGrew enjoyed a springtime cross-country road trip with her sister before her retirement move from San Diego back to Michigan City, Indiana, in June 2024. She has loved being closer to her hometown family and friends. Sadly, her mom passed away in early January 2025, but Jill feels blessed that they had so much time together in her mom’s final months.
Barbara “Barb” Edgcomb Davis-Robinson has been at RE/MAX Results running the front office for over two years. She loves spending time with her grandkids. Owen is nine and has almost recovered from a complete tear to his ACL, eager to start the travel baseball season. Genevieve is five and busy with dance, spring t-ball and gymnastics.
Lisa Robison Ellis and Matt’s daughter, Sarah, was married in December. The reception was held on the family farm, which was turned into a formal winter wonderland. Mary Pat Sepanik Romine and George and Mary Beth Hunter West traveled to attend the wedding. Lisa enjoys working remotely and continues to serve as the only woman on the County Board.
Danielle Harrington works for the state of Delaware. She is still riding her horse and winning awards at competitions and looking forward to the next show season. Last September, she went on a cross-country train trip to visit her mom and see the sights in California. Her home renovation is almost complete, and next up will be landscaping projects.
Angela White, CFRE, joined Eskenazi Health Foundation’s leadership team as executive vice president on August 5, 2024. Angela, Matt and their sons, Casey and Patrick, will be traveling to Ireland for two weeks this spring. Patrick will be joining them from London, where he is studying abroad.
Mary Pat Sepanik Romine writes that the big news is that her first grandchild, Charlotte, was born in December to her eldest son, Billy, and his wife, Maddie. Also, her youngest son, Davy, is getting ready to graduate from college with a degree in computer science.
Richard and I (Kymberli Huet Payonk) are thoroughly enjoying retirement. This was a year filled with travels, camping, visits with our grown children and grandchildren and home projects here and at our daughter’s first home. This year, I’ve also had the pleasure of visiting with several dear friends from The Woods.
1987
Lt. Col. Carleen Messina received an Air and Space Achievement Medal for her service with the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. She and daughter, Marley, will be celebrating Marley’s college graduation with a twelve-day cruise out of Barcelona in May.
My note caught Maureen McEvilly Carmody in the midst of a move, but she remains a Chicago gal. She is really enjoying her time on the Alumni Board of Directors and encourages anyone who would enjoy engaging with fellow alumni and visits to campus to self-nominate and join!
After selling their cabin business, Rhonda Hite Smith and her husband, Chuck, spent most of 2024 acting like they were retired! Rhonda took their daughter to begin her 2,200-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail and continued to Savannah, Georgia, where she visited with Andrea Timperman Taylor. She also stopped in Charlotte, North Carolina, and visited with Anne Hicks Kaylor ’88.
Catherine “Cathy” Rumschlag’s father weathered an emergency surgery and immunotherapy for stage four colon cancer. She’s happy to report he’s doing well, and she and her siblings are working together to support him in whatever ways he needs. She remains excited about her work helping those with trauma using The Cortina Method.
Margaret “Meg” Littlejohn Nation sent two reminders we are old: first, all of her children are out of their teens. Second, she wishes us all a happy 6-0!
In June 2024, Judith “Judy” Coulup Hund ’13MLD and her husband, Mark, enjoyed a Viking River cruise from Budapest to Germany with many other Woods alums, including several from the class of ’88. She especially enjoyed catching up with Anne-Therese Bechamps.
Lisa Bowling sends news of our future: she turned 60 a year before most of us, and she reports that it’s fine and “it’s the least of our problems now!” I’d like to add she’s doing better than me, mentally, despite her “advanced age:” she caught a glaring typo in my letter!
Paje Etling Felts dropped me a line. Yes, just a line. I guess she used all her words getting her journalism undergrad. I’m pushing for two lines next year!
Margaret “Maggie” Hess-Witucki and her wife, Sharon, traveled to Utah to visit their son and fell in love with the Virgin River Gorge. They then celebrated their 20th anniversary. By the time you read this, Maggie will be near the end of her teaching journey, as she is retiring in May. Congratulations, Maggie!
Lori Harris Strawn echoed many who noted the election as the worst part of 2024, but she is glad to have an online support group of Woodsies to keep her sane. She is also grateful for additions to her family: great-nephew Harry, born last year, and another great-niece or nephew on the way.
Maria Price’s year had highs and lows. She found joy in nature, including whale watching and the eclipse. The overdose death of her nephew, Kiel, who had struggled with drug addiction for years, was devastating. She marveled at the strength of her brother and sister-in-law as they found unique ways to cope.
Maureen O’Donoghue is also taking a river cruise this year, experiencing Amsterdam and tulips with her sisters. Although she is officially retired from her career as a high school guidance counselor, I can attest she is busier now than ever.
I loved the note Anita Lawrence sent: “The most joyful thing about 2024 was we bought a second house across the street from my son in Noblesville and get to have breakfast with my grandkids every day. It is just the best!” How awesome is that?
Alice Sherfick Shelton wrote the most surprising thing about 2024 was that millions of people didn’t take the opportunity to vote. She also shared she’s been spending time in Oregon with her younger brother, Ed, who had a series of strokes earlier in the year. Thankfully, he is making great strides in recovery.
Elizabeth “Liz” Wallin Pawlak said the best and hardest thing about 2024 was becoming an empty-nester as the youngest child graduated and moved to Iowa. She and her husband, Geno, continue to enjoy their practices as well as traveling as much as they can.
I (Chantel Hesting) spent time with Woods friends in Indiana, Kentucky and South Carolina last year. I continue to thank the butterfly’s wing flap that set me down in West Terre Haute 42 years ago.
1988
Catherine “Cathy” Schueth Thomas and Bill are loving living in North Carolina. Cathy is an educational executive director. Cathy also stays busy with Rotary and Junior Charity League. They have five beautiful grandchildren. In their free time, they love to go to the beaches and mountains.
Dr. Jennifer La Civita is celebrating 12 years as a department chairperson and associate professor at Adler University in Chicago, and also works as a psychologist/art therapist for Reclaim13, an organization providing services and safe houses for sexually exploited and trafficked children and adults. She also enjoys her nine grandchildren.
Florence “Christi” Garcia celebrated 10 years with E-gineering, valuing her flexibility. She cruised the Danube with Woodsies and attended Paris 2024. With partner Zeke, they will walk the Camino del Norte route this fall. La vie est belle!
Dr. Zella Lyons Garron is looking forward to celebrating 25 years of marriage to Kenneth. They are the proud grandparents of 13. Dr. Garron is honored to serve students of all abilities in the Merrillville Community School Corporation.
From Mary Ann Tyl: I absolutely love koalas. I visited Sydney and Cairns, Australia, in June of 2024. This May 2025, I will visit Brisbane, Australia, because they have the largest koala population in the world. I still live in Broadview, Illinois.
Amy Harris Enriquez is still living in the Los Angeles area and working with American Airlines. In the past couple of years, she and Carlos have traveled to Central and South America and during a European trip, stopped at Lourdes, France. She prefers the grotto at The Woods.
Coleen Kehoe Alley and Tony have moved again and, hopefully, for the last time. Coleen’s father passed away, and she continues to feel the loss. She continues to enjoy her career at CommonSpirit Health. Coleen was in attendance to celebrate her daughter’s graduation from The Woods.
Veronica “Roni” O’Connor Kindley and Mike enjoyed multiple trips together in 2024 and are looking forward to spending precious time with family in 2025. Roni lost her stepmom, Maggie, in February and sends thanks to all those who reached out with support.
Kristine Binder earned her master’s in education while advocating for teachers and students as a union delegate. After losing her father, she honors his legacy of action through her advocacy and continues to run her coaching business, empowering women with the same dedication and passion he inspired in her.
Between their job responsibilities, Margaret “Peggy” McCormick-Platz and Tony love traveling or being at Lake Lorelei. Three of their five children are married, and their favorite role is being grandparents. Last summer, they enjoyed summer fun with Roni and Mike and Nannette “Nan” Vonderahe Lockenour and Dave.
Nancy Watt Miller visited Mara Elephant Project headquarters in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, in October 2024. While there, she participated in an elephant collaring operation, administered first aid to an injured female elephant and rode in a helicopter across the Mara. She’s the organization’s director of finance.
Nelleke Knarr enjoys living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her two adult children, teaching piano lessons and singing in the GR Women’s Chorus. Her mom, Norma, passed in September; she was an SP novice many years ago and worked for Holy Cross parish & Miracle Place in Indianapolis.
1989
Exciting things are happening at The Woods! If you haven’t been keeping up with all the amazing local and regional alumni events, now is the perfect time to reconnect. They are a wonderful opportunity to relive cherished memories, forge new friendships and celebrate what makes our alumni community so special.
We had an incredible 35th-year Reunion last May at The Woods! It was like stepping back in time to our days at Le Fer Hall in the ’80s, laughing, reminiscing and sharing stories with dear friends. I (Luahna Carter) was joined by Anne Gruhn-Loken, Tana Thompson Jaeger, Michelle De la Rosa-Olson, Lynda Welch Hemmerling, Christine Majewski and Karen Aeschliman Hurley.
Karen is currently vice president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors (Anne is also on the board, serving her first year!) and reports being part of fantastic gatherings in the Chicago area, Indy and Ohio. She and Brian are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary in November; she welcomes recommendations for unforgettable places you’ve traveled.
Christine “Chris” Majewski wants to organize some online class get-togethers! If you are interested in participating or learning more, drop me a line to let me know it’s okay to share your email with Chris!
I heard from Julie Hostetler Kosey, who continues to enjoy training and coaching people in leadership and well-being skills. She loves nature adventures with her husband, often playing with photography and videography. Julie’s dad passed last October, and she’s planning to take her mom to Rome for her lifelong dream to see the Vatican this fall.
As always, I welcome your news and updates. You can reach me via email at jwswife@gmail.com or winninl@ucmail.uc.edu year-round.
1990
Greetings from the Class of 1990
First up, Carolyn Alexander Griffin married Deron last April and is so happy!! Granddaughter Rain turned a year old. Celebrated 30 years with the State of Illinois in August. Still love my pet sitting business as my side gig.
Erica Hoover Aker writes, “After 32 years of practicing law, I retired in February of 2024! I still retain my law license and occasionally accept consulting projects. My husband sold his manufacturing business in January 2024, and he, too, is retired, but only on a part-time basis. Needless to say, our retirement status has afforded us the opportunity to live our lives on a much slower and intentional basis. We have enjoyed numerous trips to the East Coast, Great Lakes and, most recently, returned from a month in Florida. It is so nice to travel and not worry about having to rush back to the office! 🙂
Katherine Butler sends, “Staying busy as a Denver tattoo shop owner/artist. Celebrated Mom’s 80th birthday in October 2024. Planning on coming to the May 2025 Reunion.”
Amy Sonderman Woods reports, “Jeff and I moved again. Found that a condo was just a bit small so we bought a house in our same retirement community. We also bought a condo in Saipan for when we get tired of Illinois weather. Doing lots of traveling alone while Jeff works on Navy ships.”
As for myself (Jane Abbott), still hanging here north of Chicago, doing home health physical therapy. Work keeps me hopping, but had to slow down in January because of various bugs. Definitely do not recommend having to use up vacation time for being sick. Look forward to seeing all of you at Reunion this year. 35 Years!!!
1991
Cynthia “Cindy” Troy Lueking happily reports that her family is growing as she has one grandson, Parker Delaney, 19 months, and with a big smile, shares that two more are on the way in April and July.
Tanya Clawson Leahy and Terry moved to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, in 2023 and have just retired at the end of 2024. They love having time for all of their activities. They are involved with their local dance club and are still running. Tanya is exploring writing and drawing, and they both love the social life and getting to know people in their new community.
Lisa Fleming Bland shares, “Hello class of 1987,” and hopes each of you are doing well. They still live in Valparaiso, Indiana. She is an empty nester for the first time, and it’s such a hard thing to get used to. Their son, Elliott, is 22 and is in his last year at Miami University in Ohio. He will be working for Ernst & Young and living in the “Windy City” Chicago. So excited he will only be an hour away. Their daughter Emersyn is 18. She is attending Indiana State University in our great town of Terre Haute. So fun when they go visit her and tell her stories from our Woodsie days! She is on the cross-country/track team and loves it. She is studying biology to become a veterinarian. “So proud of my kids. They are so faithful and hard working!” Tom, her husband, works hard owning his own business. Van Gogh Drywall is a striving company of about 100 employees, and they do work in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Lisa has been busy attending church functions and making sourdough recipes. She keeps her weekends open to go watch Emersyn run in her meets. Lisa caught up last year with Jacquelyn “Jackie” Garritano and Heather Beck ’92 at Jackie’s mom’s funeral. Love you, Jax! She loves keeping in touch with Woodsie friends via social media and texts.
Ericka “Jade” Hoke-Smith’s mom continues to decline with her dementia and general health, but lives in a safe place about 10 minutes from her home, which is a blessing. Her husband was just diagnosed with cancer, but is confident it was caught early and can be eradicated. Looking forward to her niece’s marriage in June, so she’ll be back in Indy for that.
Karen Heningsmith Pinkham volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and participates in the community with Lion’s International. She plays alto sax with a local jazz band and a concert band with strings. Her youngest pup has been cast as Toto in The Wizard of Oz at a nearby high school, so she’s recently added musical rehearsals to her schedule. Crocheting and knitting have become recent hobbies. Her girls are adulting, and she and her husband are navigating their way through parenting his parents and her mom.
I (Beverly Randolph-Fernandez) continue with my business, The Protocol School of Indianapolis, LLC, and as an adjunct professor at Marian University. My husband is progressing on his actuarial exams. We enjoy our family/mini-zoo of three dogs and two cats. Most importantly is that next year is our 35th Class Reunion, and let’s start planning! It will be wonderful for us to reconnect and celebrate!
1993
Susan Yochum is still working for the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana. It’s been interesting to get to know the sisters in a different way than 30+ years ago. Susan was able to drive across country in 2024: Massachusetts to Indiana (two days) and Indiana to California (four days of an 8-day vacation).
Wendy Fries Brown and Todd now call North Carolina home. We moved down from New Jersey this summer and are in the process of building our final home, as Todd works as a consultant. Blessed to have Levi graduate from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology last May. And Kaylee is in her second year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Cassandra “Casey” Jungblut Schomer’s oldest daughter, Kathryn, is working in Indianapolis as a graphic designer for an offshoot of IU Health. Her two youngest children, Christine and Daniel, each started their freshman year at Purdue University last Fall. Christine is pursuing entomology, and Daniel is studying engineering (field TBD). Casey attended three premieres for movies she performed in last year. Two of her movies launched on streaming platforms, and a third film will start streaming in April 2025. Her husband, Bill, received a promotion last year to senior quality assurance project manager at Evonik and will celebrate his 25th year working at the Tippecanoe plant site this summer.
Tara Shepard-Long enjoyed an Alaskan cruise with our family this past August. We took the train from Chicago to Seattle to start our trip. Love splitting my time between Martinsville, Indiana and Miami Beach, Florida.
Teresa Walker Bishop became an author since my early retirement from Toyota HR. You can find me on Amazon.com under the author name T.L. Bishop. I write Christian fiction and have written a series entitled “The Complete Souvenir Series,” which is in hardback form and comprised of four books in the series. These books can be bought individually or as a set. I recently received word that my most recent book, “Seasons Near the Mystic Jack’s Fork River” is published and also available on Amazon.com. I am also available for speaking events on Women’s Christian issues and can be reached at terribishop2012@gmail.com
Chandra Dorsey has transformed 1/3 of my backyard to native plants and am enjoying learning about the “locals”. I enjoy watching caterpillars prepare for transformation. Everything else is going well ~ we are blessed.
1995
Hello from the Class of 1995! It is very hard to believe that it has been 30 years! I (Jennifer Rondeau Sider) am enrolled at The Woods again as a student in the Music Therapy Equivalency Program and am completing my first practicum. I will be down at The Woods at the end of May for my third residency. I became a Providence Associate in October of 2024. I have moved back to southern Indiana and am now living in Ferdinand, and am the music director for Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville. I see Susan Yochum ’93 quite often. I got to visit with Rory Gillingham ’96, Cynthia Rumschlag Stark ’94, Teresa Dwyer ‘94, ’13MLD and Molly McConnell Harris ’94 this winter. Rory still has the same bubbly personality! It was good to spend time with her. I visit with my daughter, Bridgett “Bea” Sider ’21, a music and voice major from SMWC, whenever I can. She is working in music in the greater Chicago area. It is nice to have a fellow soprano and music major in the family to go to for reference in a minute’s notice! I also frequently talk with mentor and friend Maryanne O’Connor Donahue ’61, and mom, Nancy Rondeau ’06, who is also doing well.
Meredith Jones Feschyn says that, first of all, I would like to share a nota bene, the birth of our first child, Victor Jerome Feschyn, on February 11, 2015. Of course, this is a somewhat belated announcement; he just turned 10 and has already started thinking about attending SMWC!! We (Paul, Victor and I) still live in Greenwood, Indiana, on the south side of Indianapolis. I only recently joined Facebook, but occasionally log in and have joined the pages for the class of 1995 and for the “Bloomington Indiana” Woodsies. I enjoy reading Onyx Anneau and am always interested in news from other Woodsies. My good friend Adrienne Bates-Brown ’96 lives nearby and also attends Saint Francis and Clare Church. As a family, we attended Homecoming for the first time last October, and it was lovely.
Kathleen “Katie” Sur Shattuck reports that all is well. I am still married and growing old with Brian. My boys are now 22 and 20. My youngest is now a sophomore at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. So, I get to frequent our old stomping grounds several times a year now that he is there. I work as a PAC provider for those receiving Medicaid services through the BDDS waiver. I support my oldest son in his community as his provider. (He lives independently in his own apartment in a blended community of people with disabilities and others who are not disabled). I also stay busy volunteering at church, playing lots of tennis and traveling. Last year, I was fortunate enough to step foot into seven different countries and loved them all. I was able to attend the Australian Open (tennis), which was a big bucket list item for me. I keep in touch with Jennifer “Jenny” Cox Key and Melissa “Missy” La Civita weekly, and we still laugh nonstop! But we have also been great support for each other over the years during tough times too! I see Stacia O’Donnell from time to time on the tennis courts. And she ran into Megan Jarvis Christman just two weeks ago, and it was so good to catch up.
Nancy Cawley Pence-Fritsch reports: I’m so very happy to share my joy having been a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods graduate in 1995, and I wear my ring with pride to all who look at it and admire it. I’m the mother of six children, 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. God bless you all, fellow classmates, and all who take such care of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! Bless you all!!
Victoria “Vicky” Nelson sends us this note…Not too much has been happening in the Nelson house. I did switch school districts this school year. I am now teaching in Hammond, Indiana; 7th grade ELA at Eggers Middle School. It is a different demographic, but I really like it, and I know I’m making a difference. Connie is also teaching. This is her 3rd year in the East Porter school system. Samantha is finishing up her sophomore year at Ball State. Jeff and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary with a weekend trip to Wisconsin.
Jennifer “Jenny” Cox Key reports: Our boys are at the same university this year, which is very nice for them. I completed a few years of classes, passed my certification and am now a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. I have been working on clients remotely and on weekends, it is so much fun! A big perk was that during my classes, I got to stay with Tonya Crawley Cameron! It was amazing seeing her four times last year, as always, lots of fun! Feel free to reach out to me, I’d love to stay connected with everyone.
2001
Paulette Campana writes that she spent most of 2024 dealing with her daughter’s (Lisa) surprise diagnosis of Myelofibrosis. Paulette was her daughter’s primary caregiver and even stayed with her in the hospital for a month when she had a transplant. They spent another month in housing that is run by the American Cancer Society to enable daily visits to the hospital for blood work and infusions as her daughter recovered. Paulette reports that Lisa is now doing well!
My (Gail Baker Zwaska) family is doing well up here in northern Illinois in Chicago’s western suburbs! Our children keep my minivan running around suburbia as Patrick is now a freshman in high school. He keeps busy with band, Boy Scouts and sports! Abby is in 5th grade and is also in band, sports and Girl Scouts! I teach preschool for our local park district, which works well for our crazy family calendar. Bob will celebrate his 20th year this fall at Fermilab as a physicist. We try to keep in touch with various SMWC classmates and their families! I look forward to seeing you all at our 25th Reunion next year in 2026!
2010
Melissa Madsen writes that she’s had an eventful few years. She became an aunt in 2023, and she also celebrated 10 years at her job before she moved to North Carolina last November. With her new job, she feels like her knowledge in the veterinary field will be very helpful.
Annette Trotter is in her 35th year as a tour director for Turner Coaches and says, “It just keeps getting better!”
As for me (Jenifer Shetley Slabaugh), I’m still working for the VMware end user computing division, now a standalone company called Omnissa. In 2025, I purchased a 20-acre horse farm just outside of Columbus, Indiana, which I manage as a boarding co-op with four other women.
2018
Nicole Goodin Cooper – We expanded our family and welcomed baby number two on October 5th! A little boy!
Holly Henderson – I’m engaged and in the thick of planning for a wedding in May! My fiancé and I also moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, in August of 2024 and are exploring the area.
Ashley Todd – I went from being an RN to a forensic psychiatric nurse practitioner. I help with medication management for inmates incompetent to stand trial, and love my job (St. Louis, Missouri).
Casey Dust-Waywood – I changed jobs this summer! I’m now the first-ever Kids Special Needs Central Director at Maryland Community Church!
Olivia Swickard Owen – I’m in the first class that will graduate from SMWC in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in 2026. My wife and I expected the birth of our daughter on March 12th: Lilly Linda Louise Owen.
Edie Hollis – I recently opened a physical location for my small business, Black Cat Confections.
Jodi Smith O’Neal – I am currently growing my photography business – Behind Her Lens Photography by Jodie O’Neal.
Catherine “Katie” Johnson Smith – I bought my own house as a single mom before I met the love of my life. I got married this July, and my husband is in the process of adopting my daughter (who was my inspiration and motivation to get my degree!)
Shauna Renata – I started a new position as Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist in the blood bank of Summa Hospital in Akron, Ohio.
Taylor Bunch Patrick – I have been a stay-at-home mama since around mid-November. It has given me so much extra time with loved ones and my boys! We are expecting our rainbow baby in June.
Mari Bennett Jackson – My husband and I explored Europe during the Christmas season – visiting Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Of course, being parents to our three boys has been our greatest adventure. I am also celebrating the one-year anniversary of my own small business – Sugar Dolly Soap Company.
Kinn Reagan – I have been teaching online criminology courses for The Woods, and I just started my doctorate in criminal justice.
2022
Tavia Hedrick – I received my Master of Science in Environmental Science and Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University in December 2024. During my time there, I interned with the Hoosier National Forest and the WonderLab Museum, studied coral reefs in the Cayman Islands and presented my capstone research to the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. Currently, I substitute teach while actively applying for jobs!