Class Notes 2026
1948
This year is our 78th Reunion! I (Sara “Tedi” Ketenbrink Williams) enjoyed being in touch with Jean Noonan Faulker and Therese Roy Light. Therese’s children had a 100th birthday celebration for her in October. Tina, her daughter, said she is doing everything for herself. She was showering, so I didn’t get to talk to her. Jean is having meals in her room now and enjoying visits from family. She and I have a retina eye problem. My children are having a 100th birthday party for me in March.
Finally, Josephine “Jo” Storto Mago’s mailbox is full and had no answer to my letter.
Barbara Holman’s phone is disconnected.
The Woods is still a very important part of my life!!
1958
First the sad news
Judith “Judy” Unruh Neely February 14, 2025. Classmate and sister in laws of Mary “Tiny” Neely Poff
Virginia Senicka Wirtz January 22, 2026
Lewis Hudson Husband of Mary Ellen Bendel Hudson July 27, 2025
Mary Ellen’s son, Jeffry, was staying with them and was a great help. Mary Ellen has two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Mary “Tiny” Neely Poff has an apartment with other retirees and has made many new friends
Kathleen Petrunick Lendzion called to say she is well and enjoys visiting with her children and grandchildren who live nearby.
Marilyn Caserostti Kostenski called to say she has some down but is feeling good now and looking forward to summer.
Sylvia Dickas Coma and Bob are staying in Indianapolis, Ind., and now have four great grandchildren.
Carole Marzano Bersinger has a niece who also lives in the Villages, Florida.
Sheila Fitzpatrick Harvie called to wish me well.
Mary Zavatone Pearl reports that all is well with her.
Anita Orlando Matthews is retired and enjoys classes and exercise. She has six grandchildren.
Ellen Narolewski Lau and seven members of her family toured South Africa in 2024. In 2025 she and four family members toured Tanzania, went on a safari and in Zanzibar vacationed on the Indian Ocean.
Carole Lattus Liggett and Jim stay in Arizona and let the family come to visit them. Carole had lunch with her “little sister” Aurelia Duralski Costanzo ’60.
Letizia “Tish” Fiore Lowman’s son, John, is living with her now. Her daughter, Maria, invited her to vacation in Sarasota but when she got there, the trip was to Hawaii. Tish’s granddaughter, Ava, works on Lanai. It was a a grand surprise for Tish.
I (Virginia Reed) am doing all right with help from many friends.
1959
Our sympathy to the family of Ellen Cooper Riddle who passed away on June 25, 2025. MayEllen rest in peace.
Joan Mellican Dickson has been facing some medical issues with a great attitude and no pain. After being diagnosed with cancer, treatments were delayed due to a mini stroke (TIA). In March she fell and needed a partial hip replacement followed by a surgical infection. Presently she is undergoing radiation for a tumor. Joan is still able to play golf occasionally. In June Joan and Bob flew to Asheville, North Dakota to visit son Craig and wife Christy. Next stop was traveling to Southern, Illinois in Craig’s RV to visit Bob’s relatives. In February Craig and Christy visited. While Christy enjoyed art lessons, Craig helped with odd jobs around the house.
Kathleen “Kitty” Farrell Zink now has six great grandchildren and 28 grandchildren. Her son Joe’s son, Charlie, won the Cox Research Institute Scholarship to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He enjoys college life and especially the fantastic year for Indiana football. Granddaughter Delilah graduates from Purdue in May and begins employment with Eli Lilly in Indianapolis. Her research on an immune-contraceptive to control the wildlife population was published in ScienceDirect. Son Jim spent another summer teaching for the North Carolina State Political Science Department in Brussels. Several family members visited him in Brussels. Seth, Joan’s son, graduates from Purdue in May and is already employed by Garmin Kansas. Son Bill and wife Shari traveled to Japan in November with Sheri’s Mom so she could visit her siblings. Kitty’s summer was spent at the lake house with family members passing through. While there, she was able to see George’s brother and sister. Kitty is not as involved as previously, but remains active in church and community activities. Since most of the family is near, she is able to enjoy the grandchildren’s participation in choral and marching band activities.
Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland had a terrible fall and a VERY PAINFUL case of shingles this winter. Her activities have been limited due to her chronic spine pain, but her spirits have been positive.
Rosemary “Roz” Burke Ciaudelli had eye surgery that resulted in a bleed. She wears a patch which has resulted in her balance being off and uses a cane. Both she and Harry no longer drive, but live independently for which they are grateful. Son Joe moved both his home and business from Connecticut to Melbourne, Florida. Joe’s business is called RAYVEL which makes holograms. Daughters Gina and Maria both have homes in Bonita Springs on the west coast so Roz has several choices of where to visit.
Peggy Gardner Gallagher (our fitness queen) accomplished her goal of biking 1,000 miles on September 27, 2025. She’s in great shape and truly enjoys the activity.
Grace Ann “Dace” Doran McLaughlin and Bob love living in their continuing care community, enjoying many interesting people and lots of activities. Their daughter has experienced a very difficult year working for the National Institute of Health where she brings patients in for health issues. She commented that each day brings new challenges.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Chott Carey and Tim enjoyed an Alaskan cruise with their daughter and son-in-law. In July they celebrated the wedding of grandson Tim and wife Sara who live in Colorado. Granddaughter Anna was married in Kauai, Hawaii in February. They spent the month enjoying the sun and all the celebrations. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are all doing well and live close so they see them often. Son Bob and his two sons who live in Florida visited at Christmas.
Marilyn Rogge DiNardo celebrated the graduation of two grandchildren from Notre Dame in 2025. She now has two grandchildren at Tufts in Boston and one at the University of Kentucky. In April she visited Italy with her two daughters, both of whom studied there. They enjoyed a wonderful trip and fabulous food!
Mary Ellen Gase especially enjoys the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Ballet along with the Meier Garden Sculpture Park. The Christmas exhibit featured trees from 46 countries. In May the park will host their third Chihuly exhibit. Her Saginaw Community Foundation college music scholarships continue. She opened it up to four high schools last year as two of her former students are choir directors there. It is a very rewarding project. She also enjoys spending lots of time with her two sisters.
Mary Burtch Fetters writes that much has not changed for her except her balance, which we probably have all experienced. She uses a walker which limits her completing many outside projects. She really enjoys hearing all the class news.
Gaye Salerno Kenny and Phil live at The Mather, an assisted living facility in Evanston, Illinois. Juanita Madison Schretter’s sister Dottie Fugiel also resides there. This summer we enjoyed a delightful lunch and shared lots of Woods stories. Gaye has recovered from foot problems and is doing well.
Elizabeth “Liz” Merry O’Daniel keeps busy with doll and book clubs, yoga, swim classes and attending great grandchildren’s events. In July they celebrated Roger’s 90th birthday. He remains active with the Ham and Eggs group, as well at the local Air Force and Legion chapters. He often is a guest speaker and enjoys writing numerous opinion pieces on current events. Their youngest daughter, Kadi, is a head nurse at the top trauma hospital in downtown Minneapolis. Son Lee’s bicycle accident, and sub quest brain trauma over three years ago, still presents memory problems and difficulty with daily tasks. He is fortunate that his wife and children provide excellent care. Granddaughter, Karrah, had her book published, Ashes of Saint Dominque, which is available on Amazon. Five of daughter Merry Beth’s six grandchildren live nearby. Pehr’s family returned to Minnestoa and have enjoyed the outdoor recreation. He works as a software engineer for Netflix. Son Steven and Toni sold their horse farm, but are building a smaller house and barn. Their son,Christopher, and wife Nicki live in New Mexico. Liz’s granddaughter Kaitlin and family live in Alaska where they particularly enjoy fishing and camping.
Patricia “Pat” Needham Burns had two successful cataract procedures this summer. Son Ian was with her those days. In June she attended the inurnment service for Rosemary “Dee” Cirando Coyne at Arlington National Cemetery. A Mass followed with a procession to the Columbarium. It was a very impressive ceremony. Pat traveled to Pennsylvania for several days at Thanksgiving to Ian’s home. At Christmas Ian’s family visited Pat for several days. Pat adds that she doesn’t enjoy winter weather!
Judith “Judy” Haley Giesen is delighted with her apartment at Mount Carmel Bluffs, an independent living facility, in Dubuque, Iowa. Her neighbors include Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, widows and some couples. She adds that her prayer life has become richer and her work in social justice is inspired by the Sisters’ values. She is active with immigration by teaching English to immigrants/ refugees at the Lantern Center that promotes peace. In addition, it collects food scraps to compost which eventually becomes soil for gardening. She comments that she is a “river rat” who enjoys the three seasons on her balcony watching barges, pleasure boats and kayaks navigate the Mississippi River. Phone calls and visits with adult children and five grandchildren are plentiful and appreciated. Judy saw Elizabeth “Liz” Merry O’Daniel at a funeral memorial in Edina, Minnesota. The deceased cousin and Liz were in the same swim class in Minneapolis. Judy reminisced that she was the only girl from Iowa and Liz was the only Minnesota girl in the SMWC Class of ’59!
Rosemary “Roe” Fratto Malec and Bruce had some health issues, but visit their doctors regularly. She reports that they are getting along pretty well. Bruce suffered a heart attack and Roe has Parkinson’s, but has remained stable. They enjoy three great grandchildren. Two are from Ryan who lives in Philadelphia and a boy from Kyle who lives in Wisconsin. In July they attended the wedding of grandson Riley in St. Louis. The reception was at The Train Station which was lots of fun. Roe adds that they keep in contact with Mickey Coyne, Rosemary “Dee” Cirando Coyne’s husband, who misses Dee but is doing well.
Carolyn Stower Edelmann worked 17 years at Delaware & Raritan Greenway, a non-profit that preserves land, especially land with waterways leading to the Delaware River. While she retired at 85, she continues her preservation role via Facebook many times weekly. Her years as a nature journalist and photographer of Princeton mostly ended with the 20th century. Her daughter Catherine Lynne lives in California. She earned her Ph.D in Psychology, practiced and taught until drug availability in California caused patients to stop wanting to heal. She taught literature and writing at Santa Monica College. One year, with my permission, she taught with my first book of poetry. Carolyn’s friends keep her going. They take her to stores, restaurants or their homes to watch Philadelphia Eagles games. She enjoys classical music at Richardson Hall in Princeton and art films at the art theatre. While she always enjoyed cooking and entertaining, those days have passed and now reading is everything!
Janice Searles Vanderhaar keeps involved with Pax Christi both locally and nationally. While she is less involved than in the past, she is not ready to “hang it up!”. She restarted Waters Edge Cover Gathering so neighbors can come together to express concerns. The Sheriff’s Department is involved and usually sends deputies, along with a chief, to keep us informed. It has been a terrible situation with ICE, causing great pain and concern among the Latino community. PCM is a partner with Memphis Interfaith for Action and Hope (MICAH). Both groups keep me very active.
I (Agnes Piszczek) continue to serve on the board of Maryville Academy. While I am using a walker, I am still able to drive. I enjoy luncheons, a monthly book club and dinners with friends. Please continue to support the Woods Fund and give back so others can enjoy The Woods!
1961
It has been a tumultuous year for all of us living here in the USA. I am sure you all have felt the discord in your community, and I know you have contributed to the welfare around you. The College seemed to have a record-breaking challenge this year on Woods Giving Day, February 12, 2026. Be sure to keep up online with all the wonderful matching gift challengers; and all the expansions going on at The Woods.
Memories is what gives our life so much joy. In these unsettled times one must nurture joy wherever one can. Many of our classmates had some interesting ones. Mary Jo Stewart McPherson recalled that Florence “Flo” Tryner Lindermeier’s aunt gave Mary Jo her first teaching job in Chicago. Flo is one of those “snow birds” going to Marco Island, Florida since 1980. She and her husband, Dale, are now living in a senior living community in Northbrook keeping busy with crafts, watercolor painting AND knitting. She shared news of her best friend from high school, Anita Tiberi McMahon. She is still in her own home but with caregivers. Her son, Michael, provides wonderful support. No surprise there. “I miss her more than I can say”, says Flo. Mary Jo still lives at “the bottom of the lake” as the saying goes in New Buffalo, MI. Her special memory is she was drawn to the Woods from a picture on the cover of a SMWC brochure with Rosalie McGlynn. Sorry don’t know the year!
Now a bit of news from the “Val’s”. Val Wilson Enghauser spent January and February 2026 in Naples, Florida then headed back to Michigan. She had another heart valve replacement, so she has one more to go. She’s “off the hook” on that one because it hasn’t reached the “severe stage”. She’s our bionic woman of our class. Valerie Dziubek Kuck is now living in an apartment in a facility with 560 active seniors (after too many bad falls). I am sure she’s the leader in her art and exercise classes and meeting new friends. She brags about a new granddaughter who has a lovely personality living a one hour flight away from her. NOTE: Please review the NEWS from smwc.edu for the Woman of The Woods: Valerie Dziubek-Kuck dated 03.09.2026.
Some other news from California comes from Nancy Gillespie Putney-Abernathy who divides her time between San Francisco and the Napa Valley where she has a “lifestyle” store in Calistoga called “Blackbird of Calistoga”. She praises her staff and loyal customers. She says she is heavily involved in protesting; promoting Democracy to save the Republic. “Just part of the cadre of us who grew up believing that the end does not justify the means.” Luckily, she has no health issues but sadly both her sons have serious health problems so she spends her time and energy keeping spirits strong and focused on each day. Her final comment was; “no face lifts, so this visage shows some wear, but also has its’ fair share of laugh lines”. The last classmate who would need a facelift, right?
It’s been a snowy winter with our classmates in the northeast. Barbara Langley from Massachusetts wrote in saying she was feeling better after some “bug” and was hoping the March snowstorm was the last of the season. Anne Kaczmarczyk Evans from Pennsylvania never mentioned snow but she continues her work with the historical society and her local Medicare office. She is shocked by the government cutting funds from the Affordable Care Act. It’s a new challenge for the Pennsylvania health insurance. For fun she polkas dances and in the spring she is meeting family and cousins from Ukraine in Florida. Connie Hickey Wahl tells me she was homebound with the snowstorms and zero temperature. She claims “a cold winter kills germs and makes things better”. Her granddaughter who lives in Nashville had no power for days.
It was a real pleasure to hear from Jeanne Vordenberg Listermann from Ohio who shared her life for the past years. She has been married to John for 61 years, had four children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren with two more on the way. Now she is living near her sister who lives twenty minutes away. She retired from teaching in 2005. Congratulations!
Diane Deters Krug from Indiana always has tons of news for us all. She had her son, his family, two dogs and twelve chickens living with her for sixteen months. Their home was hit by a tornado in July 2024 and they were with her until November 2025. It was a joy having them, but the noise level has gone down appreciably since they left. During that time, she managed a trip to Singapore and California and now planning a trip to England and Antarctica. (Thrown in there she mentioned considering knee surgery). Four children, two in Newburgh, one in Houston, another in Dallas come for Christmas with their families.
The highlight of Martha Nordloh Klevay is watching one granddaughter, Ryan Franklin, play basketball for Missouri South State University then went to Tampa where she recently scored her 1000th point. That truly is remarkable!! She received her degree in Kinesiology, too. Another granddaughter, Madeleine Klevay, auditioned in piano at Indiana University and Oberlin College. No doubt she will be accepted to both. Lucky for Martha she can watch both online.
Ellen “Nell” Steers Dana had a get together at her home in Muskegon, Michigan which included Barbara “Barb” Bittorf Brennan, Nancy “Nan” Albers Bechert, Jean McGregor Lauth, Constance “Connie” Hickey Wahl, Mary Jo Stewart McPherson, Patricia “Patti” O’Dowd Scholl and myself. What was extra special about the visit was Patti’s husband, Jim, joined all of us widows. Although we do have some significant others in the picture. During these later years it is happiness with a special partner.
While coming out of water aerobics one morning I received a call from Barbara Bluntzer, SP. We had a wonderful chat about how she remembers all the girls going to classes with the Sisters. She assists at Lourdes Hall now that she is 94 years old. She was present in Rome with those of us who were there during the canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. What an active life she has had! Connie Wahl mentioned in her note the HOPE magazine, published by the Sisters of Providence “should be applauded for their efforts in this exhausting world”. I hope our classmates help the Sisters in their donations to the convent.
Some sad news is the passing of Angela Reed Hinchey on July 17, 2025. We were roommates at the Woods and also spent time together while living in New York City. Her life was devoted to art, as a viewer, practitioner and teacher. She was the illustrator of many children’s books. She did not die alone because a group of our classmates and myself kept in touch with her. We had a memorable week together in Greensboro, Vermont in 2010. May she rest in peace.
In closing I (Alice Steers Lingenfelter) hope you will let me know of our classmates who seem hesitant to contact me so I can share their life journey. We are a special group of women. God has been generous with our talents being so diverse. All those above wish you well!
1962
It’s time to spring ahead with the season but it seems several of our class have fallen back – literally!
Carol Sipe Harter fell while out in Houston, Texas visiting family and ended up with “gifts” she didn’t want – like stitches in her headand a black eye to complete her look for her birthday party. She returned home as planned and signed up for physical therapy – which wasn’t on her original agenda!
Elizabeth “Beth” O’Connell celebrated 2026 by giving herself an 85th birthday party! A 15-day viking cruise in April up the east coast to Canada and back home via the St. Lawrence seaway “was wonderful.” Other vacations included family-oriented trips. Beth is still in Baltimore and counts on family and friends when she needs help – and a recent fall brought her family to the rescue – fortunately, no bones broken!
Kathy Bogan Canady wrote that her recent fall didn’t result in broken bones but has resulted in continuing physical therapy. She misses traveling but loves Florida and its warm weather! Her only excitement, if you want to call it that, was narrowly escaping being scammed out of a large amount of her savings. With the help of police, the fraud was stopped. She advised all to keep an eye on their savings.
Madeline Honnigford Roe’s big news is “at age 85, I have a new grandson!” Ace Roe was born in California to her fourth son, Patrick. He is 45 and his wife is 42. Madeline remarked on the serendipity of her having Patrick at 40. She is enjoying her seven grandchildren and is “grateful every day for her health, family, and good friends.”
Johanna Reichel Schuller and Paul had to forgo a long-planned viking ocean cruise because of Paul’s ankle surgery in April ’25. Because of lack of cartilage in his left ankle, walking had become very painful, so Paul decided on ankle fusion. The result was six screws and a steel plate, and a long healing process that is now complete. Their 31 grandchildren have given them “many proud moments” with their achievements in college, high school, grade school or home school. In lieu of travel, Johanna and Paul are concentrating on house repair and needed yard work.
Ellen Goodrich Bondi and Jim are still very involved with their local community theater group “though more low-key and slower.” Ellen participates in a fun memoir writing group which she prefers to exercising with her husband at the gym! Their daughter visits weekly to help with computer conundrums. Ellen’s new “routine” involves manicures and pedicures! She sends her wishes to all for good health and happiness.
Shari Wigle is staying closer to home and avoiding local events at her clubhouse – a lot of flu is being reported – “I had it twice last year and don’t want it again.” Shari’s new project is tracking California relatives who have moved elsewhere. The good news is that ls several nieces and nephews have moved to her community in Surprise, Arizona.
Linda Keats Renzi happily reported that she finally retired from teaching at the end of last summer ’25. During that summer their children from Sweden and California all came to visit. It was a wonderful visit and the first time they had all been together for several years!
Barbara Saj, who lives in New York City, reported she hasn’t done much this winter but try to stay warm! She does spend “some quality time” at a stable in Queens, New York with the horses and other horse-loving friends.
Harriet Cox Hrezo requests your prayers for two of her grandsons currently serving in the military, one in the Army and one in the Navy. Andrew and Harriet attended the wedding of their youngest grandson in Georgia in December of 2025. In February they enjoyed the warmth of Florida when they visited one of their daughters and their only granddaughter. Since Harriet’s birthday is that same week, she wrote that they celebrated every day while there and she continued to celebrate when home again in Ohio. “The most celebrated birthday I’ve ever had!”
Louise O’Neill Keefe and husband Bob have had some health issues but are “doing fine now.” They stay busy volunteering in different areas and also enjoy the sports activities of their younger grandchildren who are high school freshmen in Orlando, Florida. Their older grandsons are studying in Europe for their junior year in college. Louise commented “I love hearing their adventures!”
A reply from Margaret “Peggy” Piszczek Kloempken was from her husband Tom. Peggy was not feeling well at the time so asked Tom to fill me in on the family. She and Tom moved into a senior living facility and Peggy doesn’t have to cook anymore! They eat their evening meals in one of the dining rooms. Peggy now has a cleaning lady and loves that! Their three oldest grandsons graduated from college, and one also got his master’s degree.
Going back is better than falling back and a note from Patricia Curran Denato wishes everyone the best and mentioned that some of us go way back to high school friendships.
All is well here discounting a fall several months ago that resulted in a broken tailbone and arm. I seem to do everything to the max! Not back to dancing yet, but then again, can’t remember when I last did! We have been blessed this year with two new great granddaughters and a new great grandson. I have a wall hanging that helps me keep track of grand and great grand birthdays, but my “tracking” isn’t that great!
Please take care and keep everyone of our class in your prayers – and please keep in touch with each other and with ME!!
1963
Greetings again, Class of 1963. So many of us are still going strong, dealing with aging but determined to live the blessed life we have. Sadly, in 2025 we lost three beloved classmates, Rosemary Lawler Wong, Kathleen “Kathy” Crone Koepele and Mary Gail Stillwill. We remember them with gratitude for how they touched our lives.
Deirdre McBride Radanovic writes that her granddaughters and grandson are busy athletes and she attends many games. Her daughter survived a serious back surgery but is doing better. Deirdre and her husband renovated and rebuilt an old beach house, an exhausting job but one they fully enjoy now. In good health, she still enjoys family, parish, friends and neighbors.
Margaret “Peggy” Buber Mellon says that she and Pat are adjusting to our age-related disabilities. They have traveled extensively over the years. Now, they pet sit for their five children and spouses. They visited Mother Theodore’s shrine when in Terre Haute for their niece’s wedding last March. Since Pat was taught by Sisters of Providence for 12 years, they both were touched by the history.
Kathleen “Boo” Finneran Valle writes that she is doing well, all things considered. She’s had a few set-backs with her generalized myasthenia gravis and cancer, but “this old cowgirl just keeps climbing back on the horse and continuing.” In November, she attended the wedding of her son Tony to his beloved Loida, a wonderful Filipina. Her biggest goal is to make small quilts for her three sons.
Michelene “Mickey” Barraco McCormick writes life is quieter as we age, believing that is a good thing. She stays active with a book club, playing in two bridge groups and enjoying her grandchildren who amuse, tolerate, and include her in their exploits. She loves seeing them mature, amazing them with stories about life in “the olden days” before Womens’ Lib.
Colleen Ward Mayes writes that she and her husband, Ed, spend cold winter months in Naples, FL and the remainder of the year in Indiana. They still golf and travel. She sees Nano Choghessy Dubish in Naples and Joan Costanza Meister at DePaul University where Colleen is a DePaul School of Music Board Member.
Mary Eppig Kelling says that they were in Sarasota until the end of February and enjoyed a visit with her
granddaughter and boyfriend, then her son Jim and his wife came also to celebrate his 60th birthday. Mary is feeling well except for arthritis.
Linda Hahus writes that in September she drove with several to The Woods for the 65th anniversary of her entrance into the Sisters of Providence. Twenty attended, eight Sisters of Providence and 12 former members, including Kathleen Desautels, SP, 60, and Mary Moloney, SP, ’61, ’06ELM. After ten years, Linda was amazed to see all the changes–a football team practicing and young men running track on the pathways.
Elaine Reis writes that she enjoys volunteer ushering at arts events, and has season’s tickets to some. She also appreciates Milwaukee’s very good symphony orchestra. Her older sister died in July at 91 so with no other family, she is grateful for friends.
Lydia Treadwell Blecksmith says that her husband Jim has made some significant health strides in the last year. Other than caring for Jim, she looked forward to visits from her daughters over the President’s Day Weekend which has become an annual event. She added that her sister, Louise Treadwell Conlon, is doing well.
Isabel Vallecillo Del Valle writes she had a stroke in Puerto Rico several years ago but has recovered about 75%. She moved to Palm Harbor, Florida. and reunited with Bill Barrett whom she dated at the Woods. Together now for 23 years, she says age has not stopped them from enjoying many cruises. They took all of their grandchildren to the Caribbean in July.
Theresa Rosner White writes that she recently turned 85 and is doing well. In the fall she organized a successful family reunion in Indianapolis with her sister and 14 nieces and nephews. It promises to be an annual event. She traveled to Michigan to visit her son and to Colorado to visit her daughter.
Mary Campbell says her sister Debbi and her two cats moved from New York City, N.Y., to live with her recently. Their sister, Margot Campbell ’67, lives a couple miles from them in Arlington, Virginia. They spend time together, especially at a Memory Cafe every week for people with memory issues (her sisters) and caregivers. They visited their Houston family in January, including grandkids now 10, 14, 18 and 20. She has had phone calls with Janet Greene Anderson, “always wonderful.”
Mary Ellen Schneider Backer writes that she is still playing duplicate bridge twice a week, traveling some, Mexico in January, Rhine River cruise in June with family. She has a new companion who lost his wife two years ago. They play a lot of cards and eat with his granddaughter’s family quite often. Her family is doing well.
Kathleen “Kathy” Kearney De Vito adds that she had hip surgery, enjoyed watching the Olympics, three of her grandchildren attended the Olympics, and she worries about our country. She has two great grandchildren, girls. Kathy wishes to thank everyone who reached out when she lost her son Chris.
Elise Schirmer George says she still plays duplicate bridge, enjoys her church ladies group, lunch with friends and family. This year she celebrated two big events. Her grandson RJ became a CPA and his brother David received his MBA and is employed at The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. She looks forward to springtime and her garden.
Margot Rudge Sullivan writes life is good. She is glad to have her family nearby and gets to see her five grandkids in all their sports. She keeps busy with several book groups, coffee, visiting with friends, and volunteering at church. She loves hearing about all of our classmates, and the wonderful memories of our time at the Woods.
Mary Jo Carney Johnson is doing fairly well but is driving- restricted due to a fainting spell, (syncopy) at a family gathering in October. She is still active in Grosse Pointe League of Women Voters and enjoyed her grandson Braxton’s high school graduation in May. Reading is another joy. She belongs to a non-fiction book club and lately they have read books related to understanding AI.
Janet “Jan” Gapen Dean writes her family lives in Florida. Three grandsons are in college. After 25 years, she still does the administrative work for her church food pantry. She participates in a monthly Zoom meeting with a group of grade school classmates, one of whom is Dr. Patricia Hughes Hartlage which has been fun. Jan feels blessed but continues to pray for so many our age with serious health issues and the loss of loved ones.
Patricia Hughes Hartlage, MD is staying busy in retirement in Georgia and South Carolina with volunteer jobs at church, with people in hospice and at a local mission thrift shop. She enjoys her two grandchildren approaching adulthood. She notes the Zoom group with Janice Gapen Dean is planning a train trip adventure together. She loves to see The Woods evolving. Judith “Judy” Scoggin McManmom says every day is a gift at our ages! She and her husband have been in their home in Chesterfield, Missouri or 49 years! She is doing well and continues to stay active with water aerobics five times a week and volunteering with Assistance League. Her family is doing well.
Katherine “Katy” Gibson said that she is blessed in her private life–healthy and active and closely connected to family and friends. January started very sadly, with the heart failure and death of her 49-year-old nephew Payton, son of her sister Ann Gibson ’69. Happier events included an enthusiastic response to a joint memoir that she and husband Walt published, and the thrill of watching her granddaughter Molly star in the 8th grade musical.
Patricia “Pat” Langley Bray said her granddaughters Cora and Martha came to Michigan from Denmark for the month. She had a full knee replacement in October that prevented her from returning to Arizona until January. She’s back playing golf a couple days a week.
Kathleen “Kathy” Ennis Patinkin notes she is happy to say that her health has improved, and she had a busy year. She and husband spend time taking art classes and attending lectures and musical performances. They also explore new restaurants with family and friends. Her favorite hobby is chatting with Nano Cloghessey Dubish on the phone and visiting with Joan Costanza Meister who lives a block away from her.
Anne “Dee” O’Donnell writes that some Chicago area classmates get together occasionally for brunch: Barbara Clemento Savino, Colleen Myers Carey, MD ’80, Elise Schirmer George, Joan Costanza Meister, Mary Eppig Kelling and Patricia Clancy.
In December, when Anne Lenhard Benington visited her area family, they also met. They always look for other area classmates to join them. She especially enjoys summers at their lake house in Michigan, volunteers at the parish, gets involved in local protests, does yoga and tai chi. She reads more thanks to great book recommendations from Suzanne “Suzie” Weiers McKay.
Rosemary Krider Schmid says that much to her delight, she is tutoring a family from Sao Paulo, Brazil. In May, she, her offspring, their spouses, flew to Rennes, France to celebrate with husband Joe’s sister, Bette Ann (Soeur Cyrille), a Little Sister of the Poor.
Nano Cloghessey Dubish notes that she took a wonderful trip to Switzerland and Germany, seeing gorgeous country and ending with Oktoberfest in Munich. She is still having fun tutoring her precious students at the local elementary school and is still ushering at Butler University Clowes Hall Theatre and enjoying the shows. Her sister Mary, last of six siblings, passed away in January 2025.
Margaret “Margie” McElroy says with her advancing age, she is extremely blessed to be in good health and able to enjoy most of life’s better offerings. She had a conversation with Mary Alice Dwyer Carroll who is having dental issues but doing well otherwise. She continues to look forward to her son’s visits and is grateful for the many things he does for her. Before I close, I must thank Margie for the amazing work she does for us as Class Agent, a tireless job.
Sarah “Ginger” Joeris Alcorn is living in Williamsburg, Virginia where she moved into a continuing care community after selling her home of 30 years. Her husband passed away in 2018. She has seven wonderful grandchildren ranging from 11 to 26 years old. Sadly, her oldest was killed in a work-related incident as an engineer. Recently, she traveled on the Queen Mary with her daughter and stayed in St. Ives and London, a wonderful time with the family.
Finally, I (Anne Lenhard Benington) am doing well. Over the 4th of July, our entire family celebrated our 60th Anniversary at the lake, a joy. We spent six weeks in Florida during the cold. Our granddaughter Rebekah in May graduated from high school in Napa, ready for college, twelve-year-old Rachel is keeping her mom busy driving to club volleyball, and 15-month-old great-granddaughter, Penelope, keeps her parents on their toes. Many notes wished our classmates well and expressed gratitude for our Woods’ friendships.
1965
Elizabeth “Liz” Benstent Tuttle
Rick and I reside at Westminster Village here in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is in health care and I am in an apartment with our two cats. Also residing here are Mary Helen Walker Clayton and Jim. Claytons and I frequently have dinner together. There are lots of activities to participate in: stretch classes every weekday morning, cardio drumming, Wii bowling to name a few. We have jigsaw puzzles as well.
Our local alumni club meets here in December for Christmas brunch. President Brennan always joins us and lets us know what is happening at The Woods. Both of my daughters are in the area. We have four grandchildren and four great-granddaughters.
Life is good!
Hi SMWC Class of 1965 and greetings from Atlanta. Still enjoying my decision to move here. With two sisters, two first cousins and a nephew with kids, it was a no brainer. Have had few health problems but expected with my age. Love my little apartment but was big adjustment from my condo and car to senior community center and no car (my decision -no way was I going to drive in crazy Atlanta). Hope you are well, wishing you joy, peace, good health and love.
Paula Rolfes
Mary Susan “Susie” Piszczek McPartlin’s highlight was a return to The Woods for our 60th Reunion. Martha “Marty” Sullivan O’Neill chauffeured Mary “Demps” Dempsey Garvey and me for the enjoyable weekend. While we visited with classmates, we really enjoyed chatting with the student helpers. What an amazing group of young people who were so helpful in tending to our requests and driving us around campus to the various functions. It was a delight to meet and interact with such energetic students! In October, daughter Kelly and I spent ten days at Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, South Carolina. In January, husband Larry, daughter Katie, husband Butch and grandsons Alex, 13, and Sam, 10, traveled to Maui for a 10-day vacation in Wailea. The weather cooperated and we enjoyed watching the kids surf, ride the waves on boogie boards and participate in the outrigger canoe experience among other activities. In March, Kelly and I went to Detroit for an event. In addition to taking in the sights, we had a delightful visit with Marion Polizzi Shanle. Marion drove us around the downtown area, pointing out famous buildings and explaining their history. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at an Italian restaurant. We are already planning our next visit! While our calendar is filled with doctor and dentist appointments, I continue to serve in various ministries at church, including serving funeral meals. We wish for health, happiness, peace and joy throughout the year.
Greetings to all my classmates!
It was such a great experience to return to our 60th Reunion this past summer. It started early with loads of chatting on the four-hour drive down to The Woods with Mary Susan “Susie” Piszczek McPartlin and Mary “Demps” Dempsey Garvey. We also visited with Elizabeth “Liz” Benstent Tuttle and Mary Helen Walker Clayton and their husbands at their homes. So many changes to The Woods since we graduated. It was fun to see so many of the classmates and to meet such friendly and helpful current students willing to assist. The students made such a marvelous impression!
Personally I spend a lot of time with my three children and their families. The six grands range between 12 and 18. The oldest is a freshman at UINDY in Indianapolis. All six are deeply involved in sports – lots of games, meets, completions and concerts. Last April’s trip to Ireland, Scotland. Wales and London was a great getaway. Currently I am looking forward to a Mystery Trip in May. I wish you all great health and amazing things to look forward to.
– Martha “Marty” Sullivan O’Neill
I thoroughly enjoyed our Reunion at The Woods in May. Had so much fun visiting with our classmates. Was privileged to stay in the new dorm. Beautiful building with a great dining room!
Have been busy with my grandchildren: Brady 20, Daniel 16 and Mary 13. Between their school and sports activities, I am kept very busy.
I had a lovely visit with Mary Susan “Susie” Piszczek McPartlin and her daughter Kelly. They were in Detroit for the weekend. I was able to spend a nice afternoon with them at an Italian restaurant in downtown Detroit. Kelly is a delight – so much fun.
I (Marion Polizzi Shanle) hope all of my classmates have a healthy and happy summer. May St. Joseph bless you and your families..
1966
Hello Friends,
I (Mary Holtz Hathorn) had an entertaining and active year with several short trips and visitors. Living with my daughter, son-in-law and their three kids (14, 11 and 8) keeps me young! I have become an OCIA (Order of Catholic Initiation of Adults) mentor and enjoy and am blessed by the experience. Wishing you all a glorious year!
Linda Lewis Mayer and Richard travel to visit sons and grandkids. She still directs a church choir occasionally and plays for a few Masses a year. They participate in the Chesterton Club, the Boeing retiree club and chair an annual luncheon and tea dance. Linda sends “blessings to all my Woodsie classmates.”
Susan “Sue” Eichmuller Hamilton ’90MAPT and Wayne hosted a January gathering in Naples for SMWC. They had a good turnout— about 35. Kathleen “Kathy” Dunne Alexis and Bonita “Bonnie” Liosi Stevens attended so the Class of ‘66 was well represented. They cruised the fjords of Norway in July and made a family Caribbean cruise over New Year’s holiday. They are still Marriage Prep Coordinators and Sue facilitates adult faith formation programs.
Nora Hilger McGowan will be attending her nephew’s May wedding in France and granddaughter’s university graduation. She moved in August back to Chicago suburbs to be closer to family. After 20 years in Tucson it was “a thoroughly investigated and well-planned move,” a happy decision.
Maureen Cassin Vadman reports that husband Dave had heart and pneumonia health issues but is on the mend. A trip to Cabo San Lucas was restorative. They enjoy their daughters and their families, especially their grandkids. She works with a women’s group to further education for women and he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Swimming and hiking keep them active.
Marilyn Gaudreau Hackett has a busy retirement, including working out with a personal trainer, yoga classes, a balance class, Bible Study, delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering for the food pantry at her Church and enjoying Broadway shows that come to town. (“Friends, please keep moving!! WE ARE NOT OLD!”) All her kids live out of state, so she does travel frequently. Three grandkids will graduate this year…two from high school and one from college. Life is good.
Kathleen “Kathy” Flynn Schmidt regrets that she cannot attend Reunion this year but wishes us all a delightful and memorable time. She very fondly remembers her college years as “lovely, dark and deep.”
Margaret Curley Burk is still happy and healthy with hubby Don in Oak Park, Illinois where she produces a monthly storytelling show. She had a fun year virtually traveling with son Nate & family through blogs, Instagram and video calls as they travel the world for a year. Margaret is grateful for Pope Leo’s leadership in calling Catholic Bishops and laity to follow social justice teachings and she will be happy to see many of you in May.
It’s been a busy year for Sheila McBride Beaupre: cruised to Bermuda, went to Denver for a family wedding and a visit with Mary Holtz Hathorn, traveled with church choir to Italy and stopped at various cathedrals to entertain. The highlight of the trip was singing for Mass on the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica. When at home she enjoys Choir, Bible Study, quilting and making dresses for Dress a Girl. “God has truly blessed me.”
This year was full of ups and downs for Margaret “Peggy” Dooley Nitka. Her oldest grandson was married in December, and oldest granddaughter is in her Plebe year at West Point. Her youngest daughter is safe after surgery for breast cancer and reconstruction. She and Dennis are counting their blessings! She writes, “May you all feel love and support surrounding you and your families. Love and cheers, Peggy”
Charlene Panozzo anes says her “news is pretty tame, all things considered. Travel, family gatherings, and the usual routine of daily living. I am grateful for it all! All the best to my fellow alums-God bless you!”
Geraldine “Gerri” Gornick sends us greetings from Powell, Ohio. She and her family are managing an extensive house remodel, despite the occasional lack of sinks and the drywall dust everywhere. She has a 17-year-old grandson and is quite proud of his accomplishments!
When I read the email from Annette McMullen, I learned that her daughter Katherine “Katie” Meyer Cramer ’99 was also a Woods graduate. Here are Annette’s words: “My memories of our time at The Woods are strong – lovely, dark and deep. All my best to our classmates.”
Diana Schmitt Barry remains on her cancer journey. After trying all known Western medicine protocols for this challenge, with the last one causing a stroke, she is “concentrating exclusively on meditation and prayer and working with an exceptional psycho-spiritual mentor who’s helping her to connect more with Spirit and go into trust. She reports feeling good, making quilts, doing volunteer work and enjoying life.”
Caring for husband Bill’s illness with Hepatitis B has challenged Carol Burger Schuler. She writes, “I found that suffering creates a bigger capacity to love and be loved by Jesus, Others, and Yourself! Suffering creates JOY!!”
Mary Jo Augustine is still loving her home in Arkansas. Her son lives next door and daughter is nearby. Despite a total hip replacement six months ago, she has a full recovery and no restrictions and so continues her kayaking and swimming. She reports five grandchildren, one dog and three cats. She looks forward to our Woods reunion this year.
Bonita “Bonnie” Liosi Stevens and Mike spent a few weeks over Christmas last year with son, Erik and his family in Scottsdale, Arizona. January found them celebrating SMWC at the annual gathering at Susan “Sue” Eichmuller Hamiltons’ ’90MAPT and Wayne home with Kathleen “Kathy” Dunne Alexis. Bonnie is looking forward to a visit from her daughter’s family over Easter and to our 60th Reunion in May. She feels grateful for health and blessings.
Gail Holland Chastain enjoys seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They always have a reunion in Pensacola Florida July 4th week. Her youngest grandchild plays varsity soccer for Auburn Alabama High school. She has also been long-distance dating her high school sweetheart for almost seven years. They have been on two American Heritage cruses which she highly recommends. “As someone said ‘aging’ isn’t for sissies!”
We all wish you a blessed, healthy and productive 2026!!
1967
Barbara “Barb” Angelos Emmons sent me a sweet Christmas card with lots of photos and news. She celebrated her 80th (along with a LOT of us who turned 80!!!). They welcomed Jaycie in August to join other great grands Robby, Cohen, Brooke and Andy. And also celebrated the wedding of Mitch and Kate.
Linda French Miller wrote from Florida as she was recovering from a knee replacement. Family was there to help, and she’s missing them now. She was busy with granddaughter’s and grandson’s weddings, looking forward to another one in August. She spent some time last summer with Patricia “Pat” Staszak Kursell. Linda sends an invite to anyone visiting Florida and says she has several empty bedrooms!
Ellen Frawley Geoffrion sent sad news of the loss of her sister Patricia Frawley Cunningham ’71, who died July 2024. Ellen and her brother got to spend the spring and summer with her before her death. She sends care out to all of you who may be doling with grief and understands how hard it is.
HELLO WOODS SISTERS from Marilyn Leerkamp Webb ’99MAPT. She said not much has changed, but I think a trip to England was kind of a big deal! She continues to volunteer with Catholic Charities and enjoys her visits to The Woods for SP Associates gatherings. She is looking forward to seeing you all in 2027!
Barbara “Barb” Leaf Stewart and husband Chuck continue to enjoy living in Richmond, Virginia. Children Kevin and Mara, and grandkids Huck and Joanna live close by. In June the whole family is going to Brisbane, Australia to visit son Sean and grandson Ben. Barb also has plans to visit Europe, South America, Canada and the Bahamas. In between all that travel, she volunteers with the James River Association’s educational programs.
Georgina Iglesias Brown says her standing tremors do not keep her from engaging in activities like pottery, playing bridge, reading and lots of walking. She and Ed enjoy visits from their daughters and grandchildren nearby. After the unusual cold snap they had, they hope their citrus tree survives! “Good health and God’s blessings to all.”
I (Barbara Gal) too had an 80th celebration, took over my gallery and the big common hall and had lots of people, Polish food and vodka toasts and a photo booth for crazy pictures. The best thing is my son Derek, twin grandsons Kyle and Cori, their wives Heather, Armina and Avery and the newest great grandson, Ronan, were there. First time in many years we have been in one place. Only missing the other two great grands, Owen and Noah. All of my younger nieces and nephews are getting married lately, one down, a big one in Italy in May, and two more coming up after that. I LOVE my huge family!!! Right after I send this news, will be my annual show at NEXT Gallery. This one will be a retrospective, “It’s Been A While” with a section for each of the 16 shows I have done in the past 14 years. Luckily, I am almost recovered from a very rare reaction to a COVID shot, which knocked me out from October to February. Made me realize how important health is to our lives!!!
Love to you all.
1968
Jane O’Brien Argento
After a meniscectomy in June and a few weeks of physical therapy to strengthen my knee, Phil and I headed to Europe in late August for a few days in Dublin reuniting with old friends, two weeks in northern Spain and Rome on a wonderful Ignatian pilgrimage, and eight days with our son, Crispin, and his family at their home in Amsterdam and in Antwerp where the five of us spent a long weekend. We have also enjoyed being with our three daughters and their families at their homes in Portland and at ours in Pasadena. Here, in Pasadena, we have been, at times, overwhelmed by the political turmoil that has left neighbors and friends in constant fear and distress. Through our own parish and the efforts of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, we have been active in support and advocacy on behalf of those who need us the most during these difficult times.
Ann Stephens Gries and her husband Michael travel quite a bit. She wrote from Florida where they were spending 8 weeks to avoid Indiana’s cold weather. They have eight grandchildren and enjoy going to their activities in baseball, soccer, diving, concerts and plays. Michael plays in the church band, and Ann is on the prayer team. They continue to host a Bible study in their condo in the summer and one in the winter in Florida. “We have been blessed.”
Ellen Morley Matthews continues to serve on the Sisters of Providence Mission Advisory Board. Ellen’s sister Mary Morley, SP, ’60, is “back home” living in what was previously known as Owens Hall and is now St. Mary’s Senior Living. Mary and her beloved dog Mickey share a two-bedroom apartment in the building where Mary lived when she was a postulant in 1961.😊 Being at The Woods for MAB meetings is a blessing as is spending time with big sister Mary and seeing other SP’s from our years at SMWC and beyond. Sister Mary has taken on as her personal ministry beautifying the sacred spaces on the SP campus. The results are noteworthy and inspiring! Managing the commercial property owned by Ellen and husband David, as well as providing financial and personal management support to a retired business owner, keeps Ellen busy. It is always great to connect with friends, electronically or otherwise. Ellen wishes the women of The Great Class of 1968 peaceful happiness, blessings and an abundance of good health as we celebrate our 2026 Milestone Life Anniversaries.
Sharon Dickman sent greetings from snowy Rochester, New York.
Sheila Van Uum Campbell admits that she has lost touch with many of her Woods buddies, “but it’s surprising how frequently they come to mind.” All is well on the Campbell homefront, although, sadly, Sheila has lost two sisters, Nancy Van Uum Langworthy ’63 and Susan Van Uum Perozek ’65. She feels fortunate to still have two sisters with whom they find fun together, adding that “Bridge and Mahjong keep me amused.” She and husband Terry were headed to Barbados with two daughters and their husbands. “There will be surfing,” she quips, “but I’ll be doing the watching. We are so grateful to still be saying ‘life is good’.” Sheila sent me an article to read from The New York Times. This article, “In a Typewriter Repair Shop, a Reporter Finds a Familiar Hum,” was in response to the funny story (in my request for news) about my grandkids discovering the novelty of the typewriter versus computers. Francis currently has taken my “Smith Corona” to IU, where a group of aficionados may try to fix its paper-feed issues—for fun! I found a Times follow-up story, “How to Fix a Typewriter and Your Life,” now finding redistribution among said group.
When Marilyn questioned if typewriter ribbons could still be readily found, especially the correction ribbons that were used in the fancy models (1980s?), Kateri LaFontain DeMargel noted that “I don’t think we even had correction tape. I remember typing my thesis, using carbon paper for my own copy, and just having to be so extremely careful not to make a typo.” Kateri shared good news about her moving into a nice two-bedroom apartment in March of 2025 and feeling very comfortable there, so happy not to have the worries of owning a house or condo. She has met a group of women her age who are enjoying each other’s company. “I feel very fortunate to have this new life after a couple of really hard years.”
Jo Ann Reitz keeps in touch with Midge Maroni, who was able to come into Evansville last fall, and they managed a visit with each other for a couple of hours when Midge came to town for the funeral of her nephew Jack, formerly a teacher at Mount Vernon High School. Jo Ann‘s sister, Martha Steckler, passed away on September 28, 2025. Martha was 69. She had fought a courageous battle with ovarian cancer! She is greatly missed by her sisters, nieces and nephews, and by her second family that included Allen Steckler (whom she married at age 57), five stepchildren, and eventually 17 grandchildren, and many in-laws.
As Christine “Chris” Roenitz was writing her annual newsletter, her January 2025 trip to West Africa was still on her mind. Before meeting her “Overseas Adventure Travel” group in Bennin, Chris was determined .to visit Nigeria. and had a friend of the Nigerian priest in Sheboygan meet her in the capital city, Abuja. This was fortunate, as much of Chris’s original plans fell apart. Traveling was difficult, even for this seasoned traveler, who had to figure out several of her own arrangements. She made it to Lagos and the slave port of Badagry. “But the highlight of Nigeria,” Chris declared, “was attending Mass.” In Benin, after joining up with her tour group, Chris happened to suggest to a pregnant woman that she name her child “Christine”. About 10 days later, Surprise! Their guide received a picture of the new Baby Christine! During the long bus ride across Togo land to Accra, the tour included lectures on Gold Coast history, e.g. the former British colony becoming Ghana, independent in 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah as president. Chris recognized this story from her grade school current events studies, during which time Nkrumah was internationally known as a social revolutionary and leader of colonial emancipation. A day after arriving in Accra, the tour group visited the memorial to Nkrumah, discovering how strongly he is remembered there. After Ghana, Chris took a cruise from Dakar, Senegal, around the western coast of Africa to Morocco and on to the Canary Islands, where the cliff houses and Teide National Park impressed her. Due to unexpected high seas, their cruise ended prematurely on the island of Lanzarote. But she was happy to have an extra day in Lanzarote and enjoy Cesar Manrique’s art. Flying north to Portugal, Chris finally reached Madeira, where she had planned a one-night splurge staying at the Reid Hotel, a nostalgic visit because her grandmother had vacationed there long ago. In February 2025, Chris’s sister, Katherine “Katie” Roenitz Chesebro ’65, lost her 30-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Aware that she had MM sub clinically for years, Chris started chemo for it. Then, after experiencing trouble playing golf, Chris was hospitalized and found out she had blood clots in both legs and lungs. During all these medical trials, her friend Barbara had been a big support while she herself was dying of cancer. “Two life supports lost.” Chris took a Mediterranean cruise in the fall but found it more difficult than most trips. It seems that her clots had not all dissolved. “The six days in Malta, however, were wonderful.”
Cheryl Van Zetten wrote about 2025. concentrating on the positive. Despite health challenges “like everyone turning 80,” Cheryl is happy to be able to stay active with lots of walking and yoga for mind healing. She spent the winter of 2025 in Scottsdale as usual. Her fall trip to Puglia, Italy, was “charming, though not as exciting as past trips.” A more exciting trip in November was her two-week tour of Saudi Arabia, seeing women’s life appear more free–working, driving, shopping. She observed some hijabs and abayas, but other women wore headscarves instead, with very stylish clothes, and some stylish women wore no head cover. As everyone spoke English, Cheryl found it fascinating to talk to them (asking where they found those fabulous-looking sunglasses). She reported seeing a young population, friendly and accommodating. Having Saudi Arabia open to tourism is recent, and she considered them working hard to attract it, especially in the major cosmopolitan cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. During this difficult cycle of life, Cheryl was thankful for Ellen Morley Matthews keeping her up to date on classmates who are ill, helping us keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers. Cheryl noted how good it is to hear that The Woods is going strong. Keep in touch and stay well. We will meet at our next Reunion… in two years, right?
Mary McCarthy Manthei and Jim went to Iceland for New Years Eve. The year prior found them in London, which was great even though the weather was awful. This past year, they were luckier: Iceland had its warmest December in recorded history. Staying in Reykjavik, they took a Road Scholar tour to see the country. New Years Eve was spent at a revolving restaurant giving a spectacular view of the city’s massive fireworks that went on for hours. She and Jim keep busy transporting their grandsons (ages 11 and 13) who are active in hockey, stylish basketball, football and track, which Mary and Jim love watching. Since their daughter and her husband live not far away, they enjoy seeing them often.
Virginia “Gia” Poppleton Phelps and husband Jim moved to Prospect, Kentucky in 2021 after 42 years in Lexington. Son Jeffery and daughter Teresa and her family live in Louisville. Gia reports that it was a wonderful move. Unfortunately, Jim, whom Gia met at the end of our sophomore year, passed away unexpectedly this past June. Gia and Jim had 57 amazing and adventurous years together.
I (Marilyn Beckman Ward) can admit that I found the ending weeks of 2025 very stressful. The knowledge that I had to replace my aged computer had hung over me all year. So, I finally purchased a new computer with Windows 11 and nothing went smoothly. Week #1, the new one crashed. I got tech support to help with the replacement, but the printer wouldn’t cooperate. I’m still learning Win 11 while I work on our taxes and edit your wonderful, interesting letters. My thanks to everyone who answered my request for news! May God bless you all!
1969
Even though it’s been almost 57 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.
The sad news is that some of our classmates passed away recently. Please keep Nancy Butler Bruck, Laura Maloney Keaney, Rory Tappan Kosanovich and their families in your prayers and thoughts. Nancy died the day before her 79th birthday of bladder cancer. Her husband Morgan and their girls were hit hard but are rallying to keep Nancy’s spirit alive.
Therese Connor Benken had surgery in early September to remove fluid in her chest cavity. She finds it wonderful to breathe deeply again! She still substitute teaches. Her girls and granddaughters are doing well and time seems to fly for Terry. Her oldest granddaughter will be 18 on March 27th.
Cassandra Almonte Bauza has been living in Hanover, Massachusetts for almost five years. When she wrote, both her and her husband were buried under the snow and could only leave the house via the garage door. They’ll be escaping back to Puerto Rico shortly to unite with the part of her family that is still there. They have three now adult children. Graciela and Gustavo are trauma surgeons and Mariana is a federal Magistrate Judge stationed in Puerto Rico. Their six grandchildren range in age from four to nine. Three live near Cassandra and take up a lot of her time. The family manages one big and noisy vacation a year with all 13 of them.
Anita Redoutey Bowlin feels very blessed and says all is good. She is enjoying time with her family, and her hobbies. Both Anita and Ellen Gildea Douglas are involved in Christ Child Society and enjoy their volunteer work and the extra time they get to spend together.
Ellen Gildea Douglas mentioned that in addition to enjoying their Christ Child Society volunteer work, packing baby layettes, Anita Redoutey Bowlin and she had a fun visit with Ann Donahue last May when she flew in to visit. Ann counted churches and Amish buggies when they traveled to Shipshewana, just northwest of Ft. Wayne. Ellen is grateful for each blessing as she maneuvers ‘senior status!’.
Martha “Marti” Rumely Kuehn is on her 3rd career surrounded and enmeshed in the art world of Louisville, Kentucky. In March, she is co-chair for a 300-guest Gala for Louisville visual Art where she has been on the board for 10 years. She is on the mayor’s Art in City Hall and curating the next exhibition of global artists in the area. Her daily oil and watercolor practice also scratches that creative itch. Her husband, Henry, is chairing his 65th Yale Reunion. Then they will wander up to Quebec City for a week. They took their family of 16, kids and grandchildren, for a week in Costa Rica over the Thanksgiving week which was in a fabulous house with a pool/hot tub in “living room” and Pacific Ocean in the back yard. Chef teams cooked breakfast and dinner all week. Her daughter, Maria, will be getting married – first time – at age 51 in Los Angeles with nuptials on Venice Beach!
Donna Eichmuller Liszewski has had some mobility issues that have slowed her down, so she had been at home and not traveled. However, she’s heading to Pennsylvania for the baptism of her 20th great-grandchild. Number 21 is expected to arrive in the next couple of months. Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, Donna continues to enjoy the sunshine. Mary Kay Campbell Watson and husband Al live south of Donna so she gets to see them frequently. They all joined Donna’s sister Susan “Sue” Eichmuller Hamilton ’66, ’90MAPT and Wayne’s for a family cruise over New Year’s. She is busy with the Bereavement Ministry and St. Vincent DePaul at her church and find both perfect for this time of her life. She’s looking forward to our next reunion so we can all meet again on The Avenue.
Mary Kay Campbell Watson and husband Al made several trips to The Woods and participated in many virtual meetings as Board of Trustees members for SMWC this past year. Mary Kay is still doing AARP taxes and enjoys playing Canasta a few times a week. They spent the Thanksgiving holiday with the Hamilton family in Naples. In August, Mary Kay and Al enjoyed a 10-day cruise to some of the southern New England islands and seaports.
Mary Fran Roberts Bennett and husband Richard have been very blessed with good health. They do a lot of traveling, taking five trips last year. They are doing two more cruises this March in Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium. They are very thankful and appreciative every day. Both of their children are doing very well, which is a lot to be thankful for.
Last year was not the best for Christine “Chris” Fleck Neva’s family. Her husband of 53 years, Rich, died at age 82 on May 3, 2025. He had a short, two-month illness precipitated by Parkinson’s. He went through two hospitalizations and two spans of rehab. They brought him home for hospice so that he could at last experience peace and content. Chris’s son Peter still lives with her and together they are planning renovations for the house this spring. They plan on staying in Oregon. Her daughter Susan, who lives in California, had her wedding postponed until October. They will travel to New York for that and meet up with Chris’s sister and her husband from Virginia.
For Kathleen “Kathy” Shine Wright this has been a year filled with great joy for her family and 2026 promises to be even better. Her oldest grandson was married in Cabo in May. They had such a wonderful time celebrating the union. Her second grandson will graduate from Rose-Hulman in May. He has already secured his job with an engineering firm. The third grandson spent the summer in Spain completing his Spanish minor and will graduate from Indiana State in December with a chemistry degree. Kathy’s granddaughter is moving back to Indianapolis from Charleston, South Carolina this summer, where she has lived since college graduation four years ago. Kathy continues to volunteer at a retreat house two days a week and at her parish. She looks forward to keeping busy.
Anne Becherer Hambly and husband Larry and I are continuing to live in the Bay Area. They’re not sure they will ever leave. Most of their time is spent taking care of themselves and maintaining their health. So far, so good. Anne is still involved with theater and has invested in several Broadway shows (not to make money!). They went to New York City last April where they saw nine shows in six days. They hope to go again this year. Their daughter, Kira, and her family are living in Littleton, Colorado. The granddaughters are 15 and nine already. They have slowed down their international travel, after having been to all seven continents. However, Anne and Larry did take a lovely trip to Ireland last August where they learned to do their own perfect pour of Guinness.
Georgette Harber Schraeder continues to lead formation classes within her local Franciscan fraternity in North Carolina and enjoys time with her three sons and their families and friends. This July she is looking forward to being back in the Midwest at the Marriott in Lexington, Kentucky to attend the National Franciscan Quinquennial Congress. Franciscans are commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis passing to eternal life in 1226. This year is designated as a special Jubilee Year by Pope Leo XIV honoring Francis of Assisi.
Judy Sadler Nelson claims to lead a rather sedate life. However, she does enjoy putzing in the yard and flower beds! She’s done some traveling to see family and friends, but nothing too exciting! Health issues have interfered with some of those plans, but life is good for her and she’s looking forward to this new year!
Susan “Susie” Starr Tomaszewski said that her news is simple in that she is enjoying retirement and has time to see her children and sisters more often, especially for trips to Disney World. Her grandchildren are busy too. Madi is in Law School in Minnesota and Andrew is in a Doctoral Physical Therapy program at St. Louis University. She’s proud of all their accomplishments while in school and sends wishes for a great year to everyone.
Kathleen “Kathie” Truffa Cowperthwait’s husband has had two major health issues: Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. They’re lucky to be close to UCSF, where he is being treated for both. She asks that our classmates keep him in their prayers. For this next chapter in our lives, after interacting as classmates, spouses, children, etc., being very ill is a new one for Kathie and she’s struggling to keep it all together. Besides praying for strength every night, she would welcome any suggestions. Several of our classmates are facing these same life struggles as we get on in years.
Barbara “Barb” Wahnsiedler Klein reported that nothing much has changed at her house. Her mother turned 100 years old in January. She still lives by herself in her home. Barb and husband Rich are trying to age gracefully, but at times that is hard to manage. She stated that falling down is not an option because they can’t get back up. If something falls on the floor, she must think very carefully if she really needs it or not before she bends down to pick it up. She hopes everyone is staying as healthy as possible and maintaining a vertical position most of the time.
This March, Patricia “Pat” Doran Martini finally retired from working as an electrical engineer. 60 years in the business and this was her second retirement. She enjoyed every bit of it. Her grandson is going to a private high school locally as a boarder. She shares with the other grandparents to have him at her house for weekends. Pat commented that it is nice to see him more often as his dad is in the service, moving from base to base. This is a stable four years of high school and friends for him.
Marsha Duvall Davis is adapting to life in her assisted living facility in Columbia, South Carolina. She misses her family and church in Folkston, Georgia, but her son Eddie lives in Columbia. She enjoys seeing him almost every day, and she is able to see his family frequently. She also stays busy talking to friends on the phone and writing letters.
Mary Ann Gibbons Rennels has a new grandson born in 2025, Silas, who joins his two brothers: Asher, 4, and Eli, 2. They live in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, where she enjoys visiting them as often as she can. Sometimes when she is there, Mary Ann is able to have lunch with Donna Eichmuller Liszewski.
Anna Mae Brown Comment stated that her five grandkids are flourishing and getting on with their lives and dreams. Two are already out in the working world, one is about to graduate from the university and is applying for a master’s program, one is about to finish high school and already is accepted at the university for the Fall and the last and youngest is in her first year of mids. It has been a challenging two years since her husband Denis had several operations on his shoulder, spine and is now handicapped and in a wheelchair. After lots of physical therapy and they’re hopeful that he will be back on his feet soon. In the meantime, they have curtailed their travel. They have had many visitors including Denis’ sister and niece from Switzerland, his nephew and a cousin also from Switzerland and recently a wonderful visit from James Welu whom they have kept in touch with over the years. Mr. Welu former Art Professor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in the late 60’s, early 70’s is now Director Emeritus of the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts. A specialist in 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Art, he was in Florida visiting an exhibit of Dutch Masters at a Museum in Palm Beach. They were fortunate to have him spend a short time with them and catch up on their respective lives over the years. Though semi-retired, he leads a very active life and continues to lecture at the Worcester Art Museum and is a visiting Professor at the College of Holy Cross. Anna Mae is still working on her second novel and hopefully will finish it by the end of this year.
Patricia “Pat” Bihl-Miranda, MD and husband Fernando spent the last half of 2025 trying to get relief for some of Fernando’s back problems. They did manage to visit all the grandchildren last year; three boys in Birmingham, two boys and one girl in St Louis and, of course, the two boys where they live in Nashville. Their big challenge was the catastrophic ice storm in Nashville at the end of January. They had terrible destruction and loss of untold numbers of trees in town. They were without power for seven days and many people went fourteen days without power. No internet for a total of 16 days. The dog and Pat stayed in the 40-degree house and slept in front of the fireplace.
Penny Higgins Dunham’s family was stunned in September when her niece Amanda Stultz Ludlow ’24 died in a tragic accident. She and her daughter Emma Chambers ’24 both graduated from The Woods in 2024. Amanda had a degree in equine studies and pre-vet and had been accepted in a veterinary school when she died. Her sister Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05 (another of Penny’s nieces and legacies) may also be known to some of you, as she works at SMWC. The family has established a scholarship in Amanda’s name for the Equine Studies program. The rest of Penny’s news is more upbeat. She is living in sunny California for the first half of this year and missing all the snow and ice in the East. Her husband Bill is visiting at Santa Clara University as the Halmos Professor in the math department this term. They live near the lovely campus and have been taking advantage of the good weather and local attractions. There is even an old Spanish mission on campus, and they are just a few blocks from the famous El Camino Real. Her Hoosier roots were excited to learn that this is a big basketball school for both men and women, and they’ve enjoyed having season tickets to the women’s games.
Darlene Skibinski Marchina and husband are enjoying spending time with their granddaughter, Olivia, 2 ½. They try to visit her and her parents in Florida at least three times a year. In September they will travel to Croatia for their youngest son’s destination birthday celebration. Darlene and her husband continue to volunteer at their parish’s food pantry every week. Recently Darlene met a 2018 SMWC alum at a lector workshop. Woodsies are everywhere!
Gloria Kirwan Gick has loved most everything about living in New Orleans for the past two years. Her respiratory system isn’t crazy about an allergy season that starts by February and goes on, seemingly, forever or summer heat and humidity but the people, celebratory lifestyle, culture and beauty make up for it. Son Paul’s family is only five blocks away, and that is the biggest plus. Carrie, Gloria’s oldest daughter, has also made a move down there and is living with Gloria for the time being. For Gloria, it’s a big change from Manhattan.
Mary Romanyak Brown and husband Mike enjoy playing Bridge, gardening and traveling. In the spring, they took a lovely trip to the Smokie Mountains with their son Eric, his wife Janet, and their two grandchildren, Ethan, 8, and Talia, 3. They also spent Christmas with their other son, Jeff and his wife, Shannon, in Dallas and visited Mary’s brother and his family. Summer will take them to Michigan and visit Meijer Gardens and the city of Grand Rapids. Cynthia “Cindy” Jackson and Mary communicate frequently. They even went to their 60th High School Reunion together.
I (Karen Erazmus McNeal) am still teaching math at a local college for my “retirement” career. This semester, I was asked to take on a full-time load of several different statistics and math in healthcare classes when two full-time professors took leaves of absence. My husband David recently executed his second retirement, leaving teaching at the college, but he still has his private psychotherapy practice. For enjoyment, we have taken several cruises. Both for winter breaks to get away from the Chicago area cold and summer ones to see the world. Lately we’ve traveled to the top of the world and the Arctic circle. The next adventure will take us to the Scandinavian capitals and the Baltic area. It was nostalgic to walk across the famous Erasmus bridge in Rotterdam last summer. Our daughter, Karleen McNeal, MD ’92, is doing well as a geriatrician and along with her husband Erlandas, a nephrologist, keeps busy raising the four grandchildren. I volunteer at my parish as a Eucharistic minister and David, and I help with the community dinners there.
As you can tell, our class is keeping busy and enjoying life. We have our ached and pains of aging, but the Woods spirit from long ago keeps us going. Please stay in touch and look for something good each day the Lord gives us.
1970
Greetings classmates of 1966-70. I again feel privileged in my attempt to keep us all connected almost 46 years later. While most of us feel we just left the SMWC, the reality is a bit different. It is with sadness that I share the news from October 2025 of the passing of Carolyn Gallogly. I am so grateful that Carolyn and Bob finally visited me in Australia! It was a great visit sharing memories, laughs, food and wine! Also late in February 2026 was the passing of Julie Cicia Penry. Her good friend, Carmen Hansen Rivera, wrote, “True to her personality she shared a lot of laughs and had many friends. Please keep her family in your prayers; she will be missed.” RIP Julie. Truth is that we are not getting any younger and a ‘shout out’ to classmates that maybe struggling with health issues for themselves or family members.
Ruth Dilger Kelly sends greeting on a cold winter’s day having just returned from 84 degrees in Mumbai. A great trip! All is well in Louisville! Along with daily water aerobics and frequent lunches with friends, Ruth keeps busy with family, volunteering and a lot of travel. Two of her children live in Louisville and one in Connecticut. She has five grandchildren in college or grad school, four in high school and one sweet seventh grader. She very recently returned from India and is always looking for a travel buddy. Love to all, stay healthy and just keep moving!
Christine “Chris” Seelman Rochetti sends greetings from the burbs of Chicago. The news here is pretty tame. She and Rick are both in pretty good shape. “We leave the pharmacy drive-up and say, ‘See ya tomorrow.’” Rick plays tons of golf and has been on several golfing trips to Scotland. Chris works for an estate sale company, occasionally. But like many of us gets the guilts thinking the entire time she should be home cleaning out her own house!!!” Regrettably that is the truth for most of us as our kids NAG US! DECLUTTER! Last May Chris ventured to the Dominican Republic for her sister’s 70th birthday. They had a great time but later decided it might be best to hang out in the states instead. Book club sharing is great but … the daytime book club is very serious; the nighttime book club has yet to pick a book that everyone reads. The however, wine is DELIGHTFUL!!!This past summer her son from Charlotte moved back so they now have both guys in Arlington Hts. It’s been wonderful having them home. Neither is married yet but she still has hopes. Instead, her sister shares her five grandchildren with her! “Seriously, family is EVERYTHING!”
Patricia Kienzler Graham thanked me for my efforts over the years (as have others). Seems her husband, Don is Secretary for Notre Dame Class of 1970 so appreciates both our efforts in connecting with classmates. Patricia is looking forward to The Woods’ Golf Outing (known as the Pomeroy Classic) May 1. Sue Mowerorganizes the team with Carmen Piasecki, Patricia “Patti” Lyons Connor, Jeanie Reime Heller and Barbara “Barb” Brugnaux. They take a more leisurely approach and walk the course with them and cheer. Husband Don gathers the balls and drops them at the best ball. Barb and her husband plan Thursday and Friday dinners, and a good time is had by all. She and Don are busy with grandchildren and travel. Don is still working and is Treasurer of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Patricia continues to play tennis, golf and bridge. Their travels take them to Miami, New York, Kansas City and Chicago to see the kids – two children and six of the 14 grandchildren are in Springfield. In the last few years, they have travelled to Greece and Italy and taken two cruises. Life is good.
Martha Crane reports 2025 was a good year both for family and herself. She welcomed the arrival of her newest grandchild, another girl to her youngest, Luis’, a second daughter. They live nearby so she gets to enjoy their company. Her other children are doing well. Martha spent a month in Texas for her grandson’s 18th birthday, 6 weeks in Spain visiting her daughter’s family and month in Washington state with the other son. Fortunately, Martha continues to hike and kayak during all these visits. The best part of the summer was getting together with Karen Kelly Kiss and Mary Ann Green for a mini reunion in New Jersey. Martha is in good health and stays active. She feels truly blessed.
As Martha mentioned, the three of us had a mini reunion in Ocean City, New Jersey. My girls and nieces and nephews planned a family gathering that seemed to focus on fun rather than a funeral after my brother Frank died in 2024. So instead, we gathered family in 2025 to Ocean City for a mini reunion, including my sister, Valerie Kelly Sullivan ’64 and her family. In all, we managed to gather almost 60 Kelly family members. Note: Not at a funeral! I (Karen Kelly Kiss) continue to keep busy with aqua aerobic classes, swimming laps at the local pool and chasing my “Dead People”, AKA genealogy. David and I are good, mostly upright and doing OK. We see the Sydney grandkids: Harry, 5, and Bobby Michele, 3. Thankfully, we have Facetime to talk to them and the American grandson, David and daughter, Michele. I have even worked out how to share my iPad screen with the grandkids viewing the book as I read them the story.
Hope this finds all our 1970 classmates doing well. Wish we had a few more responses, but it is what it is. Next time I NAG – just do it. Keep well and keep enjoying and getting older. Remember it is a privilege denied to many.
1971
Hello Class of 1971!
Hurray! This is our Reunion Year. Can it really be 55 years? I don’t know about you, but I’m not THAT old! Kidding aside, it HAS been that long, and wow has the world changed since 1971. I decided not to nag everyone this year for news. We have precious little this year from our busy Woods friends, though. So…in the future…I will be a real nag! You have been warned! PLEASE UPDATE YOUR E-MAIL WITH THE WOODS. So many emails bounced back. This is a much timelier method of contact. Let us get right to our news.
Patricia “Patti” Williams Essig– Patti reports that the winter weather in Naperville, Illinois, where she has lived for 44 years, is brutally cold. She looked forward to a few weeks in Florida mid-February where she hoped to see Glenna Cruise Orr and Mary Botti Greenberg. Patti was so sorry to report Mary’s sister Patricia “Pat” Botti ’72 died in October after a long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. She was a good friend of hers; they laughed often when they spoke. She said she will miss Pat. Patti wrote that she enjoys writing poetry and is in the process of printing her second collection of poems. This is her 25th year of teaching yoga at her now in-home yoga studio, Yoga Energy. Patti and her husband Steve, and son Dan are planning a trip to Vienna, Austria and Barcelona, Spain in September. This will be her fourth year as one of five women who facilitate “The Contemplative Women’s Retreat” at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin. For more info https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/retreats/contemplative-retreat/ Directly from her heart to ours… “Wishing you this Metta Meditation we say at the end of my yoga classes. May you be at peace, may your heart remain open, may you awaken to the light of your own true nature, may you be healed, may you be a source of healing for all beings. Sending each of you Love and Light.” Patti is looking forward to seeing us at Reunion!
Kathy DeClue Schubel -Kathy reports that she and husband Mike are doing well and that she does not really have much news-maybe that’s a good thing. We stay busy with grandkids’ sports (lots of hockey with some baseball, soccer and basketball thrown in) and family.
Ruth Kolcun Noack-Ruth wrote to say hello. (We understood that I would have to be a Seahawks fan out here in Washinton state.) Ruth is married with two married daughters and is a grandmother (Bubba in Slovak) to five granddaughters. She is still debating whether to come to the SMWC Reunion. She says “When I wear my Woods black ring, I am noticeably proud of being a Woodsie. When I go out to a restaurant and wear my ring, I have to take the ring off when I wash my hands because water gets under it . So, I remind myself – “don’t forget to put the ring back on” after my hands are dry. Other people in the bathroom probably wonder what is she saying?? (Do I say it OUTLOUD?)” Have any of you lost your Woods ring? Hope not.” Ruth sent a photo of the cover of a song that she wrote. She wrote the music to Grannies by Noack and A Cowboy Can’t Do It. Here is a link.www.soundcloud.com/ruth-noack
Susan Connell Connor- Susan wrote a quick note about her dogs. She says she would have loved to know about my current breed (Clumber Spaniels) when she was younger. She has a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, two English toys (one is an AKC champ-the other is a darling pet) and a Barbet that is an AKC champ and a Canadian champ and a therapy dog. (WOW! That is QUITE an achievement.
Christine “Chris” McCauley Stremel – Chris lets us know that the news from Dallas is very slow; there isn’t much going on. Both of her granddaughters play Club volleyball. She is always amazed by girls’ sports today. It is nothing we had for sure.
Mary Ann Delahanty Latusek – Mary Ann begins by telling us that this year has been quite good. Everyone is healthy and doing well. All the grandkids are finally in school. Her son’s boys are in Kindergarten and Second grade. Her daughters are in ninth and eleventh grade. She says that the boys keep them busy with baseball and the girls cheerleading and dance. Her whole family gets together at Hilton Head each summer for a wonderful beach week. Mary Ann and her two daughters and two granddaughters went to Rome and Venice this past Spring. They were there for the Conclave but were not asked to vote for our new Pope. “It was an amazing trip,” she reported. Her granddaughters are 14 and 17, so it was great to see everything with them. Her husband, Mike, is still teaching at Carlow University. She tells us that there are no hints about his third retirement. She is still volunteering at their local hospital and our church. Mary Ann says she will see us at Reunion.
Glenna Crews Orr – Glenna sent us the following message. “Family, Writing Books and Service to Communities both near and far, continue to keep me hopeful and happy. The work that stands up beside my 501(c)3 non-profit that was established in 2006, leads me to some of the most incredible people and places. Thankful for being connected with my Woodsie Roommate, Patricia “Patti” Williams Essig. Recently, was reunited with Mary Botti Greenberg and it was so good to hear from her. My thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful women that came into my life, as we played and studied at The Woods. She is looking forward to Reunion.
Margaret “Meg” Deisher – Meg is well and still happily living in Phoenix, Arizona. She and her sister, Muffie, continue to travel around to see family. This year they were back in Pennsylvania again visiting cousins. This Spring they plan on going back to the Outer Banks in North Carolina for their biennial trip to drink in the shore.
Christine “Chris” Mariotto Koba – Chris writes that all is well but has no exciting news to share. They are just growing older by the minute; she laughs. Her niece and her daughter did a trip to the Middle East a couple of months ago… “guess that was good timing, huh?” she writes. Jim and Chris are fine, thank God, and are just hanging with family a great deal as they have some members with health issues. Chris says that they are not the best at medical care but try to visit as much as possible. Chris, thanks so much for letting us know you are all right yourself. We all worry, you know!
Jo Anne Henry – Jo tells us that she is busier than ever. She bought a puppy last year, so she has been training her for the show ring and the obedience shows. Jo says the pup is doing well but is a handful; like having a toddler! Jo and her older dog still love visiting nursing homes. She says some residents with dementia will talk to her dog even though they do not talk to people! Jo’s dog makes the residents so happy!
Mary Add Wilson Baker-Mary Add tells us she knows the people she talked to about Reunion are doing ok. She saw Anita Scioldo Osella at the last couple of Lenten Fish Frys. She looks good! Mary Add wishes we had more coming to Reunion, but how ever many come, we will enjoy each other’s company! She is looking forward to seeing all in May!
Theresa “Terry” Jones Swayze-Terry sends greetings from Southern Indiana. She keeps busy watching her two grandsons play high school sports; right now, basketball just ended and baseball games will start early April. They are 16 and 17, sophomore and junior, and she just loves watching them participate in sports. Terry went on a bus trip in October with stops in Memphis, Tennnesee (all things Elvis/Graceland), Natchez, Mississippi (beautiful old mansions), and New Orleans, Louisiana. She stayed right in the French Quarter in a quaint local hotel and toured all the local sights. On the way back to Indiana, she stayed a night in Huntsville, Alabama, and the next day visited a business that purchases lost luggage from airline companies. =The items in the luggage are cleaned up, assigned a discounted price, and made available for sale. It was a really interesting place to shop.
As for the Judith Larkin family…All is well. Calliope is still my little white guardian angel. Clumber Spaniels have only ONE fault in my book…they are not black and tan like my Gordon Setters. (Still pine for one.) Since last year, I have had another heart operation. This time to replace my aortic valve. Oh what fun, as THEY say. I am feeling wonderful, though, and can do so much more without shortness of breath. I am looking forward to Reunion in May. Hope to think of something fun for us!
1972
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!
“And I have promises and miles to go.” Before I share the news of fellow classmates which reveals promises fulfilled and literally miles traveled across the world, I am saddened to report classmates’ passings. This winter I befriended a gal at church who was mourning the loss of her sister. Her sibling was Cheryl “Cher” Snellenberger Bumps who passed on October 14, 2025. I received a call from Mary Botti Greenberg ’71 that her sister, Patricia “Pat” Botti passed on October 27, 2025. She mentioned that Pat had fought RA for years, During the time that she lived with her sister in the Chicago area, she was grateful to Janica “Jan” Borhauer Biller for frequent visits, Mary Borders Key received word from Rosa Miranda Colon’s husband that she had passed on February 15. 2026. Rosa’s obituary on the dejohnfuneral.com website contains a wonderful photo story of her life.
After sharing our favorite Rosa memories, Mary shared her greatest treasures. She has six grandchildren and by the end of May she will have seven GREAT GRANDCHILDREN. Mary is lucky enough to have four of them living in Princeton. Krissy and her husband are missionaries in Indonesia but are on a six-month sabbatical and will have their third child while here.
Coletta Keenan Sayer retired from Houston ISD after 27 years. Since this time, she and her husband, Mark, and their son, Mark have enjoyed family trips to Ireland, Thailand and Alaska. All three of them did the polar plunge in Barrow, Alaska. Coletta and her husband spend time out east and New York City where their son lives and owns his own fitness business – Sayerfit’ When they aren’t traveling, they spend their time living in Denver, Colorado and Houston, Texas.
Judith “Judy” Kienzler Eckstein and her husband, Ken, are doing fine in Metamora. They are fortunate to have all eight grandchildren living close by. They attend many school concerts, band competitions, and volleyball and basketball games. Judy enjoys meeting new people as she volunteers at a Local Resale Store whose profits benefit the school district. Judy, Mary Beth “Betsy” Cera Grossman and Anne Loehr Frantzen try to meet at Starved Rock for lunch and a visit at least once a year.
Marcia Reder Schmidt and Jerry are both retired and have been married for 54 years. They have three sons in Charlotte, North Carolina. If anyone is living there, Marcia can recommend two great doctors and a lawyer. They are fortunate to have their daughter near Cincinnati. They are looking forward to a cruise with the whole family, including 12 wonderful grandchildren from ages seven to 26 years old. Marcia keeps busy with volunteer work, traveling, exercising and whatever may come along. She and Jerry still help with projects at SMWC.
Patricia “Trish” Andrews Shanahan and her husband, Bill moved to a retirement community in Georgia three years ago. They enjoy the city and have made many new friends and learned new activities. Trish is trying to relearn Bridge but at this age it is so hard to remember all those rules. The last time she played she lived in Guerin Hall. Their kids have remained in Chicago, and they are fortunate to visit everyone on one trip. Although Trish’s career took her on a much different path than her major, she still remains an avid sewist of fashion.
Paula Duffy Meany has retired from 40 years of teaching pre-school and Kindergarten. She now appreciates the rewards of two special volunteer jobs at Evanston Hospital. One is with the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, and the other is with the Pet Therapy program. Plenty of air travel is happening with two children in Boston and one in Scotland. Paula is blessed with five grandchildren.
Barbara “Barb” Clark Smith has been a very active Real Estate Broker in Hobe Sound, Florida for 46 years and is still going strong! All three of her sons are married. Doug, the eldest, and his wife and two beautiful children also live in Hobe Sound. Mark Patrick, a senior film editor, and his wife and two boys live in Chicago. Ryan, his wife and dog, Sadie, reside in Chattanooga. When Barb goes home to Princeton, she takes the Hobe Soud grandchildren. They then drive to Chicago and always stop at The Woods. The grands really love to go there! If you are traveling to or near Hobe Sound, give Barb a call.
Adelynn “Addie” Patera Brandenburg and her husband Greg retired to Fountain Hills, Arizona in 2019 and thank God every day for bringing them to a place they love so much. Addie and Greg are very involved in their church, St. Bernard’s of Clairvaux. They enjoy their eight grandchildren who live in many places. Their eldest, Erin, has recently taken a job in Washington, D.C. as the Judicial Conference Secretariat Officer for the Federal Judiciary. Their son, Erik lives in Boise, Idaho and is vice president of Global Affairs for Simplot. The youngest son, Joe, is a certified financial planner. Addie and Greg celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024 with the whole family in Ireland. Addie is looking forward to seeing Arizona Woodsies at a gathering organized by Cheryl Erazmus Freeman ’74.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Trzaska Zapf continues to be retired but is elated with her new job as Grandma! Her granddaughter, Harper was born July 15, 2025. Christopher and his wife live in the next town, so Jackie is babysitting two mornings a week currently. Her husband Michael is easing into retirement. This has afforded some amazing travel experiences including last year’s cruise of the Iberian Peninsula. Jackie noted that the architecture in Spain and Portugal is unbelievable. This year they will be going on a cruise of the British Isles and spending four days prior in London. Jackie keeps busy with Bible study and two book clubs. Thanks to having UCLA football season tickets, they can visit with family in Chicago when playing Northwestern and explore another midwestern town when playing Ohio State.
Elizabeth “Beth” Luking is grateful to be retired (almost nine years) and in good health. She still lives in Connersville, her hometown, and has lots of family in the area. She talks frequently with Nancy Seifert-Kessell who lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. This past summer/fall Nancy has worked hard replanting her yard with flowers, shrubs, etc. For her November birthday, Nancy and her sister, Teresa Seifert ’75, came to visit. In August I was pleased to host Trese Ashley Edward ’76 from Massachusetts for several days. Initially, we had planned to visit Diane Chandler Hickman ’76 in Ohio. She had been battling cancer since 2019 and sadly passed away on August 12, 2025. So with updates from the Hickman family, it was a delight to be part of the “Woods Connection” and talk to Linda Snyder-Lundstrom ’76 and their class secretary to share Diane’s passing. It was amazing to talk via phone for the first time in 40-45 years and the response was gracious and helpful. Lynn O’Linski ’76 was very helpful in connecting Frank Hickman with the correct people in the SMWC Advancement Office. The class of ’76 was the first class that I served while being Director of Guerin Hall. They will celebrate their 50th Reunion this May. I also enjoyed reconnecting with my little sister, Madonna “Donna” Stocker Guelker ’74 by phone, following the passing of her husband David.
These reflections and updates serve as a positive boost for our class to reconnect! May the days ahead be filled with blessings and opportunities to reach out and renew old friendships!
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!
1974
Debra Furr Plastrik / ptrikthor5752@gmail.com
Still loving being out here in the Pacific Northwest. Such a blessing to be living so close to our sons and their families. And so wonderful to have mountains and water to see every day.
We will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary by driving around the sights of the Southwest. Wow, does that number make me feel old!
Pete is still doing a little consulting work and writing a book. I’m doing some quilting and working on some renovations. Me and a miter saw, who would have thought?
We also do a lot of work in our son’s big garden on our property. We grow berries and lots of vegetables. We inherited many bearing fruit trees, and our neighbors are happy to receive plums, cherries and apples. In this climate, it seems like there’s always some outdoor work to be done!
Arlene Margevich Hogan / zippsmw@sbcglobal.net
I retired October 31, 2025 – still not into that new path of my life…It will take time.
My niece, Emily Margevich is getting married. She and her fiancé are Opera Singers and have a busy schedule traveling the country with performances, so that is our big family news.
Mike is doing OK – Waiting for spring to arrive. We will be married 50 years this July, WOW!
Claudia Coulter / coulterc@sbcglobal.net
I was blessed to see so many alums during our last reunion, and I plan to attend this year as well! I believe Marcia Omahen Weedman and Rebecca Rice will be there as well to support the Golden Jubilee alums.
I continue to teach online classes remotely for National Louis University and Southern New Hampshire University on the undergraduate and graduate level in career development, Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. I also serve as SME (subject matter expert) where I update curriculum as well as develop new courses.
I’m finding AI very interesting as do my students. I continue to serve as an active member of our local HR organization and recently was elected to serve term on the SMWC Alumni Board of Directors. Looking forward to ramp up engagement with alumni in the Evansville, Indiana and surrounding areas! Let’s get re-involved!
Please reach out anytime via Facebook and/or LinkedIn! Blessings to the great class of ’’74!
Deborah Coughlin Morrin / dmorrin@kaseorioncfo.com
I am great, retired November 30, 2024, and LOVED my first year of retirement, although it did take a little adjusting. I distracted myself by visiting friends and family, and in June started volunteering at the local shelter, walking dogs three mornings a week. SO MUCH FUN! Really good for mental and physical health, lost 20 pounds and got much more fit. I highly recommend it for health and happiness. Also, on a non-profit board that provides certification credentials for safety professionals; a really nice group of people. Just got on a condo board as treasurer, which I am sure I will live to regret.
Living in a nice condo in Wilmette – Mallinckrodt – build originally in 1913 as a convent and Catholic girls’ schools. I feel like I am living in Le Fer Hall again, no kidding. It even looks like it from the outside – yellow brick and the same vintage. Google it you will see what I mean: 1041 Ridge, Wilmette. Although nicer, I have to admit it.
Two book clubs; cousins book club 4x a year and Mallinckrodt has a robust monthly book club and occasionally I go to the book club at Wilmette library.
I am the primary caregiver/guardian for my ex-husband, Jim, who went into memory care in January 2025 after five years in assisted living. He is slowly declining with dementia; my personal diagnosis is Lewy Body dementia, but all the doctors will say is dementia. I handle all of his financial and health care affairs. He is in the best possible place for him so that is a comfort. I see him twice a week or so, then errands and occasionally he is in hospital.
My cousin, who is like a sister, lives 10 minutes away and I spend time with her kids and grandkids who are a hoot! One of my other cousins is in Sarasota and comes to visit several times a year as does her brother.
Even though I never had kids I feel like I have all these 30-something “surrogate” children – my sister is estranged from her three adult children, and I am very happy to be able to step in to encourage, support and have fun with them and their families in her absence, which they seem to enjoy. My cousin’s adult children in their 50’s and teenage grandchildren are so fun. My good friend from my dietetic internship that I did the year after SMWC graduation has a daughter in Chicago, another “surrogate” daughter for me, who just had a baby last year. It is wonderful and so gratifying to see all these young people growing, thriving and finding success in their professional and personal lives.
So many babies in the past year! Is everyone else experiencing that?
I have been seeing Jim Maloney, retired Chicago Police Lieutenant; former founder and head of financial crimes unit; for five and a half years now. He has a huge family of five brothers and sisters with spouses and 15 nieces and nephews with their spouses and now they are starting to have kids. His brother (retired Chicago Fire) was just hired as Fire Chief for Niles, Illinois. Jim Maloney is a wonderful person and I am lucky to have found him. His family is great.
We have a North Side Parade Irish breakfast at Jim Maloney’s house on Sunday March 15 with about 40 people to watch as the parade goes right past his front door. This will be our fifth year hosting a breakfast to coincide with the parade. We serve a traditional Irish breakfast. Who knows what constitutes an Irish breakfast? I did not know before I met Maloney and I am 77% Irish. Truthfully it is a little awful; heavy on the cholesterol; eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, tomatoes cooked in butter, potatoes soaked in butter, and so on. Yes there is more. I will tell you I am a little tired of it, but the family won’t hear of changing it to something simple like corned beef and cabbage. And it is very fun.
The days go by; the sun shines some days and some days the clouds converge to give us snow or rain. Life is great over here. I am grateful to be alive and to have survived the corporate battlefields. My friend from Kraft published a book “Shards in Her Hair” by Cindie Jamieson which is quite good if anyone is interested.
The cold weather was a blip, but I bundled up and got outside and kept walking dogs! Short walks of course they can’t take it either when the wind chill is 20 below zero. It is truly the best thing I have done in my life, I think. See picture attached from January. Two hats, three pairs of pants, two wool scarves, and on and on. Fortunately, the sun was out that day and many other days.
Warm good wishes to all of you, and may your days be filled with happiness, health and joy.
Colleen Dominik Schultz / colleenschultz6@icloud.com
Hi there-
My year has been a medical year. From spinal fusion, shoulder replacement, and my husband’s spinal fusion surgery. We have just been recuperating. Then on New Year’s Eve, I went to the emergency room and had emergency gallbladder removal surgery. My hope for this year is to stay out of the hospital. My oldest grandchild is graduating from eighth grade and will be in high school in September. Where has the time gone? I keep busy by being on the social commission for our community. It’s fun to plan monthly events for my neighbors.
Anne Corcoran Reed / gypsy652@yahoo.com
Still taking deep water aerobics classes and PT for strength and balance due to a bad back. Meet my high school and nurse friends once a month each for dinner. Spend a lot of time with my grandchildren. My daughter and family are moving to the country in Bardstown, Kentucky, so many short road trips in the near future!
Mary Clare Fox Dibb
Greetings from Wisconsin. Phil and I are doing well. We enjoyed a family trip to Manitowish Waters in northern Wisconsin, last June. Hiking, biking, golfing, go carting, game playing, horseback riding, antiquing, pontoon boating and good eating were part of the adventure. We took our oldest grandson on a trip for his eighth grade graduation. We enjoyed the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum, Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Arcade Games, Fort Knox, Civil War Battle Grounds, a visit to a Buc-ee’s and a stop at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College! Volunteer work continues to be part of our lives.
Susan Minich Zolvinski / zolvinskism@gmail.com
Frank and I continue to be blessed with good health, outside of some aches and pains reminding us that a lot of mileage has taken place on our bodies. The park across the street from our home, our yard, and our garden provide us with many opportunities for exercise. We celebrated our 50th Anniversary in August.
We participated in a mission trip to Mexico City in September 2025. It was organized by Hope of the Poor. It was definitely a very humbling and joyous experience. The fall and winter were full of family visits with my sister, Therese Minich Gavin ’79 and her family, our daughters Martha Vanharen and Katie Zolvinski and their human and pet families.
After a brief stay in Florida with Therese and Larry, we are home mumbling about the continuation of “lake effect snow.” It is February, which does mean it still is winter!
Our church family, Holy Family Parish in LaPorte, continues to nurture us spiritually and provide us with opportunities for service. Thanks so much for this connection! Blessings!
Lynn Moore Delehanty / deledude2@gmail.com
Lynn Moore Delehanty is now the Cookie Lady for Jack and Luke’s school and teams. She’s decorated baseball, dinosaur, polar bear/mitten sets, Valentine conversation hearts, Halloween Boo cookies, and first communion airbrushed wooden crosses this year. On their way up to Indiana, Tim and she stopped on the east coast for Hank’s christening. To make it more enjoyable for their summer guests, they updated the kitchen and bathrooms. To pickleball and beach time, Lynn added Mahjong as a new activity, and Tim started competing in master’s swimming again.
Patricia “Pat” Lyman Darnell / pittyd41@gmail.com
Lots went on in 2025, starting with my daughters. They’re all in wonderful shape.
My eldest daughter. Emily is a paralegal for an immigration attorney, and decided to go back to law school, so she is working full-time as a paralegal and going to law school part-time. She just finished her first semester and is in the middle of her second semester and going strong.
Libby (middle daughter) is working for an IT company. She was promoted in her job this year and is doing great. Ellie (youngest daughter) has been working for a financial company for three years. She just got promoted and is now their trader of securities. So far, she loves it. She also just took one of her first licensing tests and is studying for her second one.
Since my girls are all in a wonderful place in their lives, I decided it was time for mommy to go to her happy place and that is Florida. I moved to Florida (where Alan and I used to live in October), and I’ve been having just the best time. It was a great time for mommy to start living life and I most certainly am.
Trudy Ayer Mickey / tmickeyhouse@gmail.com
Stan went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina again this year to play golf with his buddies. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been so good there or here in Terre Haute. I stayed here so I could make some doctor appointments. Besides, I don’t like the 14-hour trip!
This has been a rough year for me. I had a detached retina in November. That took two visits to the retina specialist and about 2000 laser stabs to attach the retina to the back of my eye, I have no idea how it happened or how it could happen again. I really hope it never happens again. The laser was painful. Now I have to have cataracts removed. But the worst for me this year is that I have cardiac artery disease. So my doctor is sending me to the Cleveland Clinic to meet with a specialist there. Waiting to hear from the Clinic to call and tell me when and where. Fortunately, both of my boys live near the clinic.
They both said I could stay at their homes for as long as it takes. So now I will be back in Ohio for a few weeks while they try to open a vessel in the bottom left side of my heart. Hopefully, it will all go well and I’ll get some time to be with my grandkids there.
As for my family, my daughter Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98, Vice President for Advancement at SMWC, resigned her position effective on February 20, 2026. So, until she gets a new job, she will help me get through the surgery. Her son Sammy will graduate from Wabash this May. Emma is still in Utah working at Park City ski slopes. Libby is playing volleyball and is a Junior.
Jeff had a big promotion and travels the world these days. Ashley is 24 and a nurse at the cancer hospital in Columbus. Kelsey is a Junior at Penn State. She’s on the Lionettes dance team and majoring in Bioengineering and Nolan is a freshman at Youngstown State and has started his own landscaping business. His boys (Fitz, 4, and Remy, 3) are so cute. They go to daycare three days a week.
Other than that, things are going fine down here in Terre Haute, Indiana. Hope all is well with all of you!
Carol Elledge Eads / caroljeads@gmail.com
Things are well in Paris, Illinois. I went to a fellow retired teacher’s daughter’s wedding in November in Franklin, Tennessee. It was at an old rock quarry that had been turned into an events center. Really nice and very unusual. I do not miss driving in the traffic. It makes me appreciate my hometown’s easier traffic.
I have two more weddings in the fall of 2026. My granddaughter is getting married in Fargo, North Dakota in September, and my great niece is getting married in October in Bloomington, Indiana. In March of 2025, I signed up for social security through my late husband’s record. This was possible because of the Fairness Act. I hope all teachers take advantage of this.
I am still meeting retired elementary teachers for breakfast every Tuesday morning from 8:30-11:30. Also, I have pizza twice a month with two different retired elementary teacher groups…and my high school class of ’70 gets together every three weeks at a restaurant. Luckily, I have not gained any weight! Every 3-4 months, I have a Google meeting with a few fellow Woodsies {El. Ed. teachers}. It is always fun to catch up on the latest. I hope everyone is well and ready to put this winter behind us.
Marie Stein Giancatarino / marielgcat@gmail.com
Anthony and I are doing well. We live in the Philadelphia area – we moved back about nine years ago after retiring. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in May with Mass and a lovely dinner with our family and friends.
Our three grown children are well and are doing great work. We often say we want to be like them when we grow up. Anthony and I continue our volunteer work and help out with our grandchildren. We are Eucharistic Ministers, help out at the Senior Home, and are involved in our local community events. We meet up with Anthony’s Company classmates from USNA for an annual bike ride. This year we are going to Mackinac Island.
We are so busy, we often wonder how we had time to work. Do take care.
Cheryl Erazmus Freeman / Soomantha@gmail.com
I have been on the SMWC Alumni Board for six years and my term ends this summer. I have enjoyed my time on the board and it is time to turn my board membership over to a new generation.
Dave and I have continued our cruising (we have gone on 34 cruises so far). We went to Ireland, Iceland and Greenland last summer. It was a beautiful trip, and I was impressed by the beauty and the friendliness of the people.
Our sons (Daniel and Adam) and daughters-in-laws (Stephanie and Erika) are doing well in their jobs and lead very busy lives. Our grandson, Brodie, 17, is a junior at Basha High School and plays varsity football. His team went to the state championship and won! So fun to watch him play in a state championship. Our granddaughter, Sloane, almost 15, is a dancer on a competition team. She also dances a solo dance and came in first place for her individual dance at the Regional competition, competing against 150 dancers. So proud of all of them.
Dave and I continue to do volunteering at the local hospital, Church, school, food pantry, picking citrus in our community for St. Mary’s food bank (our group picked 100 tons last year). I enjoy playing mahjong, bocce ball, hand, foot and toe, various board and card games and knitting baby hats for the local hospital so every baby born gets a baby hat. I am looking forward to the summer as I raise monarchs from eggs or caterpillars and release them when they become butterflies. I tag them and track their flight to Mexico. Life is good!
Mary Jo Thornley Cox / Jothornleycox@hotmail.com
Hello, all! Life has so many twists and turns. I recently took a leave of absence from my work with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (amazing children’s faith formation) to be with my husband, Jody. He was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, so we went into action. We downsized big time from our house of 25 years in Gladstone, Missouri, to a 55+ apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri. Our realtor daughter, Anna, handled the sale, and we’re in the process of closing after putting our house on the market only two weeks ago!
We haven’t had the chance to do much in terms of socializing at the new place as we’ve been steeped in moving and resettling but look forward to many enjoyable events and activities. We’re now within a mile of Anna and her husband, which makes it easier for us to see our granddaughter. She’s 14, so not too interested in hanging out with her Granda and G-Jo, but she’s on a swim team, and we attend all of her meets and help with getting her to and from practices. We’re hoping for the 2028 or 2032 Olympics! She’s quite good.
We’re also happy to be closer to our church in Liberty, Missouri. Our son Jackson lives in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, so we’ve been hearing the true stories of what’s going on there.
Jody and I hope to take in some travel, definitely heading to Washington, D.C. to visit the grave of our son Sam, who’s buried in Arlington National Cemetery. We hope to stop by Terre Haute to see Anne Thiemann Baugh. Other travel may take us to the West Coast. We had a great train trip in western Canada last May, starting in Vancouver, BC, going to Jasper, then Banff and ending in Calgary. What a beautiful country!
My sisters came to Kansas City from Madison, Wisconsin, and Columbia, Missouri, to help with our move. Along with our New York sister (who just had a knee replacement), we share a weekly Zoom call and also have an annual trip. Last year’s was to Chicago, and we had a great time there, though the transportation system was somewhat daunting. We went on an architecture tour and even saw some filming of “Chicago PD.” Looking forward to many more trips with my three sisters!
It’s good to hear what our classmates are doing. We ask for your prayers for Jody’s comfort and healing. We celebrate our 47th wedding anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day!
Lee Ann Schiller Knapp / lasknapp@gmail.com
Happy to report that all is good here. We are both still working (I am part-time now), traveling, volunteering and enjoying our four “kids” and now seven grandsons. Total mayhem but fun. Great hearing from all of you. Take good care.
1975
Holy cow, within hours of my post…Teesie was the first to write back! Woo-hoo
Teesie Heineman Eck: teesie2@gmail.com
I’m still kicking and hopping on a flight to go somewhere about every other month! That’s definitely how I like to roll!
(The Four Corners – where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona meet).
I’m currently enjoying the beautiful snow here just south of Telluride… This is for sure my happy place!
Hope to be back in California in March for my first Grand’s 15th b-day. Perhaps I’ll be able to cross paths with some of you when I’m in Sacramento & the Bay Area ?
Best wishes to all for a peace-filled 2026!
Diane Boudinet Shaw writes: dianeshaw1@comcast.net
I am still up in Michigan surviving another winter. I’ve retired from teaching ESL for 18 years now. I thoroughly enjoy my time with a monthly book club, but mostly quilting wall-hangings using applique. My creative juices get going, and I come up with my own designs. My church had a Quilt Show last November. We had 100 quilts on display and for sale. (I donated six quilts) and our total sales were $17,000.
My fondest memory of the Woods is when I hear our song-The Bells of St. Mary’s; I hear they are calling and/or “Whose woods these are? I think I know”……It seems to me we had an album with that song on it sung by St. Mary’s Choir gals. I wish St. Mary’s would record a new CD of it with the current choir. Maybe they have it, but I can’t find it online through their bookstore.
I also heard in the past that our class has a yearbook of our photos from way back when. I was supposed to get a copy but never did. It’s really hard to feel like I am a part of the group. Getting older ‘ain’t for sissies’, especially when I can’t put names with the faces of fellow classmates.
Blessings to you for sending out the emails. I know it can be a huge job since I was the President of Newcomers and Friends in Livingston County for two years with 330 members.
All the best….
Sarah Snelson Armstrong: armstrong5335@comcast.net
I am good in St. Paul…. retired, teaching Sashiko (Japanese Embroidery), traveling, sewing and visiting friends and family. It was so great to see many of you at the Reunion! Ann Heckler Fetzer, Susan “Sue” Homan and I had a wonderful adventure in Spain and Italy. My family is good and I visit them all several times a year. Please say many prayers for the people of the Twin Cities to bring peace to this wonderfully diverse community.
Lizabeth “Beth”Rybinski Haynes: haynes.beth97@gmail.com
Reunion was a wonderful event; it was good to see everyone and reminisce about the good old days. I am including a few pictures from Guerin Hall. The dorm room is the one Mary Hess Schroeder and I shared. I was shocked to see the furniture we used was still there!
News:
All is well at the Haynes household. Wayne and I plan on spending more time on our new houseboat on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky throughout the year. Our two grandchildren, Cristopher and Chloe, are turning 21 and 16 respectively, they are growing up too fast! I am still traveling to Ohio to spend time with my mother who turns 95 in July. She is living in her home and is sharp a tack, hopefully I inherit her good genes.
Kathleen “Katie” Angelicchio Barth: mbarthiii@aol.com
We are well. Mike is still working, the kids have truly flown the coop. Claire is in Portland, Oregon, Anne is Rotonda, West Florida and Michael is in Indy stuck with looking after the parental units. The 50th Reunion was awesome; we still rock. Mike and I celebrate 50 years in April and are looking forward to spending July on Big Canon Lake in Ontario, Canada. Cheers to another year.
Ann Heckler Fetzer: ahfetzer52@gmail.com
I hope this finds everyone well and happy! February 2025 to February 2026 have been full of heartfelt celebrations and salutations.
In March 2025, my beloved mom passed. Although not a surprise, I can’t seem to reconcile the fact that she is gone. I still wake up thinking I have/need to call mom. Does this ever pass? Had my parents still been alive, in May 2025, my dad (who passed away in 2017) would have celebrated his 100th birthday and my parents would have been married 75 years! God love my mother! We never thought she would survive without him. She was so incredibly strong. I truly believe my mom chose to be with my dad to celebrate this milestone. Or perhaps, it’s just this daughter’s perception, who has known no greater love than that of my parents.
In May 2025, Ken and I had a few setbacks. Just prior to our 50th SMWC Reunion, Ken fell and suffered three fractures in his wrist. Home is where I needed to be, so dear classmates, attending our reunion was not an option. Susan “Sue” Homan (still and forever, Susie Scoop) thank you for using facetime to allow me to “attend” our reception and visit with so many classmates! It truly was the next best thing to being there. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin knows I was there in heart, soul and prayer.
Thanks again to Sue and Sarah Snelson Armstrong, in June 2025, I was able to accompany them on a trip to Spain and Italy!! I imagine Sue might have shared the details, but for me it was a lifelong dream. As only Woods sisters would, Sue and Sarah helped me deal with an inconvenient medical issue that did factor on our trip. Gratefully, thanks to prayers to Saint Mother Theordore Guerin and the kindest dad/chaperone named Chad, I had the most amazing adventure! Thanks for the memories! (OMG, is that what Bob Hope said?!)
My husband, Ken, has Alzheimer’s, and since 2010, we have never been apart for more than three days. My wonderful sister-in-law, my beautiful stepdaughter, and my adorable grandkids traveled from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Naples, Florida respectively to be with Ken so I could travel. It would prove to be a priceless time for all of us. The longer I live, the more I appreciate these moments.
We had such a wonderful time! Sue, Sarah and I are hoping to take a river cruise this November or early December to tour the European Christmas markets! Fingers crossed!
Just a few weeks ago, February 2026, Sue and Sarah came to visit us in Bluffton! I simply don’t know enough ways or words to thank you! What a priceless gift! Along with my siblings, my sister Paula, my brother Luke, and my sister-in-law Nancy, who all live nearby on Hilton Head Island, they joined us in a quiet celebration as Ken and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Thank you, Sue and Sarah. I am forever grateful!
Over the past several years, Sue, Sarah, and Ann Stineman Nick, have come to my rescue in Michigan! Now I am so blessed and grateful to welcome my beloved friends in South Carolina!! Life is short. Memories fade. Time spent with those we love becomes more precious and few. My dear classmates, I cherish and pray for all of you. Should you ever find yourselves near Bluffton, South Carolina, our door is always open, and you are always welcome.
Until we meet again. Love to all!
Tanya Zaylor Ashinhurst: tashinht@gmail.com
What a wonderful Reunion! So greatly enjoyed seeing everyone and hearing remembered stories! We are a great group of ladies, so glad to have you in my life.
The rest of 2025 was much the same for me working still and planning to attend 2026 horse shows. Winter found Cleveland with extended frigid weather and lots and lots of snow (I live in the ‘snow belt’). Looking forward to attending the 2026 Reunion.
Joyce Thatcher: jthatcher007@gmail.com
Count me in! By far the most exciting news I’ve got to share with all of you in the class of 75 is the fact that I am finally a grandmother to two adorable grandsons! The firstborn is Cooper aka the Coopster, born to our son Ben, 36, and his wife of three or four years, Joanna. Both were born in Boston, and both will never leave. Call it Red Sox fever, Bruins fanship forevah, Patriots always on a roll or what have you, they feel their deepest ties to Boston and Cambridge. Hence, I call our son Ben the “other Ben of Boston” because he has the same allegiances as Ben Affleck and is almost as cute, predictable and funny in his spectatorship as the legendary Ben A is. Kind of like Tom Nick in his worship of da Bears of Chicago 🤪!
Our other grandson Adam, at one and a half years, lives in Burlington, Vermont with our daughter Camille and her hubby Justin. They are relentless Buffalo Bills fans, however, and fortunately do not go crazy for every sport the upstate New Yorkers support. They play golf instead and are generally really into sports for themselves and the arts too. What a relief!
Peter and I continue to bounce between Charlottesville Virginia and Massachusetts, but this chapter will soon come to an end, for we are soon to bounce back to Massachusetts and stay closer to both kids and grandkids. I feel pretty sad about moving further away from most of my family of origin and their kids, but really happy to think of the better proximity to the close community of family and longtime friends in eastern and Western Massachusetts. I think Mrs. Doubtfire said it best when he/she told her charges that family are the ties that bind. I would only add that for our family those ties extend to longtime close friends of ours, and those of our children we’ve known as their BFFs, our kids and their families, and friends who are Woodsies. Childhood chums count in a big way too, as do the women I went to university within Switzerland for my junior year at the Woods. The memories of these chums are priceless, as are those of the visits we made to our friends’ homes during those years… what we put our parents through and what they did for us, just amazingly wonderful! Such patience in them!
Hugs to all, big Georgiana pine tree hugs to sister members of the class of’ 75!!! Hope all goes well for you and yours ❤️💚 now and forevah😘!
Marcia Tozer: tozer47834@aol.com
I lead such an exciting life! I am still doing therapy for my broken arm. The snow of January did me in! Actually, it was a ridge of ice that I offered my left arm as a sacrifice to! C’est la vie! Me and my two four-legged boys are still recovering at home. I’m not driving yet as I do not have a range of motion in that arm yet. I still drive my standard shift car, so I need two hands! Once I get a back brace and if I can handle standing again, I may return to the workforce. There are a lot of ifs in that statement! Enjoyed our visit and look forward to a possible visit with Susan “Suzie” Massey Jarmin this spring!
Mary Hogan Weber: mw_53@yahoo.com
Reunion 2025 was great! I enjoyed seeing everyone and reminiscing about our time at the Woods 50 years ago! There was a feeling of love and connection among us that was so nice.
I’m fortunate to still enjoy my usual routine: traveling with my husband, enjoying time with our kids and grandkids, socializing with friends and,of course, book club! I came away from the recent Sisters of Providence book sale with a stack of books, even some from the SMWC library!
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy year ahead.
Judith “Judy” Riordan Bogart: judy.bogart7@icloud.com
I’m still loving living in Western Colorado, staying busy helping write community grants and growing beautiful flowers and plants in my greenhouse. Great early Christmas present-new grandson, Michael, born a month early! My daughter, her husband and three-year-old sister are doing great!
I have a big trip planned for mid-April-mid May,
Going to Borneo to check out one of the oldest rainforests and orangutans’ sanctuary, Jakarta for cultural immersion, Bali for a little diving and rounding out the adventure with 10 days in Sidney! Yes, life is very good! It was so great seeing so many classmates at the reunion last May.
Jody Klein Nesbitt: jodynesbitt@comcast.net
We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary with a trip to Copenhagen and Amsterdam this summer. Places that neither of us have spent any time outside their airports. Grafe and I are treating our three children and the four grandchildren to come along and suspect this may be the last whole family journey once they start college.
Beth McElhone: bam49001@aol.com
Not much has changed in my life…. I still work as the Director of Music for a small parish north
of Kalamazoo which keeps me very busy. (Sometimes too busy Emoji) and my second job
(which is much less enjoyable) is kidney dialysis three times per week. Unfortunately, I was
removed from the transplant list (they felt I was too complicated…. after 1-1/2 years of
testing everything but my ears and my feet!) Anyway, I have applied to another
Hospital (in Detroit) as they credit themselves for taking “complicated” cases and
still have over a 90% success rate! I have my first appointment with one of their
doctors in March. Our Michigan winter has worn me down, too much snow and
WAY too cold! I am looking forward to Spring! Hope all is well with you and yours!
Beth (McElhone)
ALL OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, Beth
Ann Stineman Nick: asnick@comcast.net
Hi all! Spent the first weekend in October at Rose for “the boys” 50th . Was not as much fun as the Woodsie Reunion! I was home for the month of December since Baby sis was due. It was worth it but happy to be back in Florida! Savannah was born on the 12th to join big sister Avery who is almost 4. I love being Grannie. They will be joining us for two weeks in April! Hope everyone is well! Almost forgot, our son Rob threw a surprise 50th for us in August. Lots of fun!
Susan “Sue” Homan: Woodsie75@aol.com
I’m still enjoying my teaching days (daze, somedays!) It’s rather interesting teaching US History these days. Perhaps, I should go to Washington…hmmmmm. I’m Nana Ho to three adorable grandchildren. After nine years, all three of my children are finally in the same time zone!
50th Reunion was wonderful to see so many faces. If you weren’t there, you were asked about. Please reach out and contact someone. We do wonder about so many.
I traveled to Spain and Italy with Ann Heckler Fetzer and Sarah Snelson Armstrong in June. We went with my friend’s High School group and were tagged as “THE GODMOTHERS”. The highlight of the trip was the nighttime golf cart tour of Rome. Highly recommend it!
1976
Lynn O’Linski – Greetings from Chicago. It’s hard to believe we were on campus together 50 years ago, and now we are nine weeks away from celebrating our Golden Jubilee in May.
While 2023 & 24 held wonderful memories of travel, the SMWC Viking cruise down the Danube with Mary Anne Schager, Marcella “Marci” Zurawski DeRoberts and Jane Ternes Francis and other Woodsies, trips to Florida, long walks, late night movies and simply being present in the moment; they also hold some extremely challenging and tearful memories with the unexpected loss of my SIL and my Mother. 💔🙏
I think/feel that it was Providential that I was an officer on the Alumni Board during those years as it allowed for a busy mind, time to reflect and pray, and a reminder to be grateful for the time we had together. And as always, I found the peace and solace that I needed while I spent time at the Woods.
It’s time to celebrate, ladies. Pack your party dresses, wine glasses and snacks and I’ll see you on May 15th. Destination: The Avenue on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College campus!
I look forward to seeing you, laughing with you, sharing old memories, and making new ones.
Safe travels.
Marcella “Marci” Zurawski DeRoberts – Life in Louisville, Kentucky continues to be an enjoyable routine working full time and at night join groups to play Euchre, Mahjong, Trivia, Music Bingo, and Bunco. I see my daughter Lisa (Mike) in Cincinnati often. I make it to Greensboro, North Carolina to visit son Marc (Bahar) and my adorable granddaughters Jasmine “Jazzy”, 7, and Maya, 5, a few times a year. Jane Ternes Francis and I stay in touch with visits, texts, and phone calls! Looking forward to celebrating our 50th in May!
Elaine Tuttle Vlach – I retired in July 2024. During the last 15+ years I have been a caretaker to both of my parents who lived in Arizona. I traveled from Chicago to Arizona frequently until my mom passed. Travel experiences have included a Christian Cruise on the Aegean Sea, Greece, Turkey, Smoky Mountains, England, Wales, Scotland. This brings back memories of Art History classes with Sr. Immaculee. I plan to visit Poland this summer. I am planning to garden this summer and visit with friends and enjoy retirement. Looking forward to our 50th Reunion!
Bernadette “Berny” Newland Heitzman – Dave and I are both retired and have several trips planned – Florida a couple times, some national parks out west, Colorado, Texas and California to visit family, and the Holy Land in November. We are trying to acclimate to this new lifestyle – I’m enjoying new fitness classes and line dancing without having to exercise at 6:30 a.m. anymore. Dave has a very long list of stuff he wants to catch up on, and we are still caring for his mom, so hope the health holds out for both of us for a while. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Catherine “Cathy” Bisch Stephens, Marian Scully Erzen, Sally Record Eck, Elizabeth “Betsy” Guiler Franklin continue to enjoy retirement, volunteer work, travel and spending time with their adult children and grandchildren. They are all looking forward to Reunion in May followed by a trip to Spain together in the fall.
Margaret “Kim” Harrison – Last year was kind of humdrum, boring – but at this age, that’s okay! Excitement this year includes my step-grandson and wife expecting their second child in May. Another step-grandson will be getting married in September! I adopted Honey Bear, a Staffordshire/Pit mix female in January 2025. She keeps Gus on his toes and is a good playmate for him. I am playing Bridge, Mahjong, volunteering at my church, reading on my deck and enjoying nature. Can’t wait to see everyone in May!
Donna Witte Murphy – My husband Dan and I spent two wonderful weeks in Italy in March of 2025. We visited Florence, Assisi and Rome, where we were blessed to take a tour of the necropolis beneath St. Peter’s Basilica to view the tomb of St. Peter. We have a trip planned to the Canadian Rockies in September 2026. I continue to teach senior fitness classes five mornings per week at our YMCA, and I cherish all the new friends I have made there. I am also enjoying my first year as a 5th grade catechist for our parish. We are holding steady with seven grandchildren, ages 6-12.
Michelle “Mickey” Coffey Conway - I recently had knee surgery that went terribly wrong. Recovering now. Hopefully I will be up and running by May. I am trying to make the Reunion.
Holly Hilton D’Amour – Rich and I are well. We spent October in France with a group of his friends from Notre Dame. In January, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with a week in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and two weeks on an expedition cruise to Antarctica which was unbelievable. We are home now, leading a quiet life in Asheville, North Carolina. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at our 50th!
Annie Huggins Grissett-Broome – I want to congratulate everyone on this Golden Jubilee! I can’t believe it’s been 50 years! I have been thinking about making a visit to The Woods. It has always been such a peaceful place for me. The Grotto was one of my favorite meditation sites. Seeing all the names bought back a lot of wonderful memories. I am the caregiver for my mom, who just finished radiation treatments. So, I won’t be able to attend the Reunion. I pray that all of you enjoy the festivities.
Mary Reagan Bishop – There’s not a lot going on here. I guess that’s a good thing! We are in the process of moving my mother-in-law, 94, to an independent living community. (Yes, I said “independent”. Not many 94-year-old can do that!) That is pretty much the focus of our days.
Victoria “Vicki” Weinert Yunker – Hello dear classmates. All is well in Greenwood, Indiana, after helping Rick recover from cataract surgery and knee replacement surgery in 2025. Looking forward to more travel soon. Hoping to add New England state capitals to our list. It was great seeing you at Reunion (I guess I’m assuming it was a good time!)
Jane Stewart Wilcox - Nothing new is going on in my life. My boyfriend John (who lives three houses from me) and I have been together for seven years. We share a mini–Labradoodle Molly who is two years old. I saw Teesie Heineman-Eck ’ 75, Margaret Vidal Crellin ’75 and Bill Crellin, Sarah Chrisitan Wolodkiewicz ’ 77, ’00MAPT and Mary Fran “Fern” Riordan Edwards ’77 last May for Joann Van Horn-Wieland’s ’ 75 memorial in Wisconsin. She truly was an inspiration to her community. As far as I am concerned, life is good. I cannot wait to see everyone in May!
Jane Ternes Francis – It’s been a busy year! My fourth granddaughter, Ava, arrived in March. Girls are different from raising my boys. We had a great family gathering at the Ozarks condo. The girls love going there and hanging out together. Anyone wishing to come for a visit and spend some relaxing time at the lake is welcome. Marci and I enjoyed visiting the class of ’75 at their 50th reunion. Kimberly “Kim” Aydt Dahlen stopped in for a visit to catch up at Easter time. Mary Reagan Bishop and I continue with the St. Louis Alum Association and are thrilled to have Catherine “Cathy” Bisch Stevens joining us for outings. My annual girls’ trip with my neighbors this year took us to Williamsburg, Virginia, for a week of history lessons. I am looking forward to our 50th Reunion this year and hope that we have an awesome turnout.
Maureen Fallon, SP – I am Director of Providence Food Pantry in West Terre Haute, Indiana. It keeps me quite busy. In 2025 we served 30,565 individuals and distributed enough food to prepare some 666,300 meals. Looking forward to Reunion.
First, my thanks to Marci for offering to help me out with the Class Notes this year. It really did help. And my thanks for all your prayers for our family. It truly does mean a lot to me.
As for Matt and me (Linda Snyder-Lundstrom), 2025-2026 hasn’t been the easiest of years. Matt had a serious fall February 24, 2026, and needed brain surgery. He is doing well, but there is a long road ahead of us. Making matters more difficult, in May 2025, I was diagnosed with Ocular Myasthenia Gravis, double vision. My treatment is succeeding, but since then, I have had to depend on Matt for every trip to the doctor, labs, “girl” lunches, everything that requires being behind the wheel of a car. However, we are blessed with Leif, his wife, and Katrina who come on the weekends. As well as with many retired and very willing friends, that have gotten me to and from doctor’s appointments and the hospital to be with Matt.
As I write my part of the notes, I can only pray he will be home and recovered well, by time of these Notes’ printing.
I did get in a short visit with Anne Nohl Traub and Jim and to see their grands, Maya and Dillon. Too cute! We had lunch with Victoria “Vicki” Weinert Yunker and JoAnn “Joey” Tomer Weaver. It was so good seeing them! And a trip to visit Gail McMillin Newman and Dave, in Atlanta, Georgia, to make some Christmas goodies!! I also talked with Debra “Deb” Szymanowski Southworth. She and Jim are doing well in Naperville, Illinois, and enjoying grandparenthood! Andrea had a boy in January!!
1978
Elizabeth “Betsy” McDonald Moore There is another common thread in this year’s Class Notes. Last year was retirement. This year: Our 70th Birthdays! I want to wish everyone a Happy 70th! I also want to thank everyone for reaching out during my husband, Kevin’s, cancer battle. He’s doing well. Also, thank you for the prayers after my broken ankle accident this winter. I’m still recovering but pray for full healing. A special thank you to Barbara “Barb” Eggert Maloney who has suffered through broken ankle surgery and offered a long-distance shoulder to cry on and helpful advice! I hope to celebrate my 70th birthday with my twin, Nancy, as she’s planning to come to Traverse City in April so we can be together on our big milestone! Kevin and I plan on a summer filled with family fun!
As most of you know, Susan Record left us on June 18, 2025 after a long, hard-fought cancer battle. I was so thankful that Philomena “Peggy” Bowling Zitzer, Shirley Guiler Millsap, and Reverend Cathy Behm Minor could represent the Class of 1978 and attend Susan’s funeral in Mattoon, Illinois. I know it brought much comfort to Susan’s family. I keep in touch with Sheila Record ’79 and she relays that the Record family appreciates everyone’s prayers and expressions of sympathy. Please keep their mother, Joan, in your prayers. This has been such a heartbreak for Mrs. Record.
For four years, Susan and I sat next to each other or across from each other in Journalism classes in Guerin Hall. Late newsroom nights editing, galley paste ups/layout sessions, and a few tears, forged friendship for life. Fellow journalism majors Susan “Sue” Finley and Anne Walsh Walton and I texted back and forth in the aftermath of Susan’s death. We all agreed Susan was a steady, calm classmate during our four shared years of deadlines. We all deeply miss Susan. I can’t hear a Jimmy Buffet, Jackson Browne, or Dan Fogelberg song without immediately being transported to a car ride, life in Le Fer or sips at Simrell’s without thinking of Susan. Reunions just won’t be the same without her! I will miss her forever!
Cynthia “Cindy” Ackil I have started writing poems from my photos—they’re my inspiration. My poems express the simplicity of everyday things – some with a colorful political slant. It started with COVID when it was hard to find flour … to mushrooms with their RBG collars …to meringue “left-wing” desserts … admittedly fun!
It’s hard to believe we were at The Woods in the 70s … and now celebrating 70 this year! Happy 70th everyone!
Ladies Who Lunch: Kim Alexander enjoys quarterly reunions with Ann Hartman Stolte ’79 and Ellen Murphy ’79. They meet for lunch in Effingham, Illinois. Kim drives from Sullivan, Indiana while Ellen and Ann drive from the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
Michelle Tesar Barrentine ’16MLD I am in a process of adjustment. I stopped working for the Beginning Experience Ministry at the end of September, but being the nerd that I am, I wanted to continue to finish a few projects and obligations. Sooo….
In mid-October, I drove from Texas to Kentucky for a conference, stopping to spend a few days with Judith “Judi” Stankovic ’77. The conference was good and I got to meet one of my successors in person.
After driving and spending a few more days in Cleveland to visit family, I drove back to Texas to get ready for the next conference, which was in Singapore. It was wonderful to meet people in person who I had seen on Zoom or with whom I exchanged emails. Singapore was interesting and beautiful, but very humid.
I had never been to that part of the world before, so I wanted to do something else after the conference. I convinced one of my sisters, who had just retired, to come with me on a 12-day cruise out of Sydney, Australia, around New Zealand. It was wonderful and I wish we could have spent more time there. But, we had to get back because we were going to Florida for a nephew’s wedding. We drove from San Antonio to Florida (visiting with friends along the way), had a wonderful time at the wedding, then drove up to Cleveland for Christmas. I left my old car in Cleveland and flew back to San Antonio on New Year’s Day. I quickly got my new car and then the adjustment period started.
I am just about to the point where I am getting organized so I can finish a couple more Ministry projects and get my taxes done. Now that I have time during the day, I have joined my 55+ community chorus, which is fun but not overly demanding. Nothing too exciting coming up anytime soon, but I think I can use the rest and time to catch up.
Mary Catherine Doyle I have been feeling the itch to travel so I bought a Ram 1,500 ProMaster Scope. We will be traveling soon to visit friends and family. When at home, I’ve been making sourdough bread, working in the yard and taking classes online. I find time flies and I often wonder how I had time to work. I loved teaching, and I love being retired.
Tomorrow, February 8, 2026, I will celebrate my 70th Birthday, even though I have been celebrating with friends for the past week. I have cousins that turn 70 in January. We will celebrate in September with a beach house in Newport Beach, California for a week. I think I will be celebrating this birthday all year! Happy 70th to all my classmates! God Bless, Everyone!
Susan “Sue” Carroll Finley Since I’m probably the youngest in our class, I am counting on all of you to let me know how you are doing having reached that impossible number. How is this even possible, I ask myself daily.
I’m still doing freelance work for my former company and still getting comments like, “I thought you retired.” I am learning to balance my time so I can work on projects I enjoy and find time for volunteer work.
Work on the WRAC project – Women Religious Archive Collaborative – is gaining traction. We’re up to more than 40 congregations that we’ll be representing in a spectacular museum in Cleveland. All will be complete in 2027 due to construction delays but it will be worth the extra time. Plenty of informative and entertaining exhibits – I invite you all when it opens.
As for volunteering, I am involved with the Lakewood Historical Society and soon, the Cleveland Metroparks. All park volunteers must go through a background check. I just hope they don’t pull up my records relating to my repeated illegal parking in front of LeFer.
Last summer’s Woodsie gathering found us in Chautauqua, New York. This adventure included Nancy Hunter Miller ’79, Ellen Murphy ’79, Ann Hartman Stolte ’79, Cathy Nolan Balay and Mary Kay O’Malley, ’77. Sticking a pin in a map to find where 2026 will take us.
Sometimes it’s fine to report “nothing new,” so fine, in fact, I have done a cut n’ paste from last year: 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.
He and I just celebrated “30 years of togetherness” in January and we’re considering a trip to celebrate that, along with his milestone birthday and mine – all in 2026.
Cathy Nolan Balay ’78, Ann Hartman Stolte’79, and Nancy Hunter Miller ’79 enjoyed a Girls’ Weekend in Chautauqua, New York with Susan Caroll Finley ’78, Mary Kay O’Malley ’77 and Ellen Murphy ’79.
Susan Carroll Finley ’78, Cathy Nolan Balay ’78, Ellen Murphy ’79, and Ann Hartman Stolte ’79 posed in front of Susan’s house in Lakewood, Ohio before setting off for a Reunion in Chautauqua, New York.
Anne Franklin The highlights of every year are being in good health and spending time with our children, grandchildren, and extended families. Both of our children and our three grandchildren live nearby, so we spend a lot of time together.
As you know, Mike and I enjoy traveling. In addition to several trips within the US with and without our children and grandchildren, Mike and I headed out of the country a few times in 2025. We spent the month of April in Asia. We started in Singapore, then traveled through Malaysia, and spent the final two weeks in Japan. An absolute highlight of our trip was a half-day spent with Mary Grace Sylvester in Tokyo!
In May, we took our daughter, Sarah, and our grandchildren to London and Paris for a two-week trip. Grayson is 12, and twins, Sadie and Scarlett, are 10. They are at a great age for traveling. Mike and I spent September in Africa. We traveled from South Africa, through Namibia, into Botswana, then to Zambia and Zimbabwe. We saw many animals on various safaris. I do not ever need to go to a zoo again! Zimbabwe was the 70th country we have visited. There are four countries left on our bucket list. We hope to visit three of them this year. Israel is on our list, but we might not make it there given the current situation.
I wish all of our classmates and their loved ones great health and happiness in 2026!
From left to right: Mary Grace Sylvester, Anne Franklin and Mike Flak (Anne’s husband) reconnected during Anne and Mike’s Asian tour. They were able to visit Mary Grace who lives and works in Tokyo.
Geri Leliaert Garrard My eldest sister, Ann Marie, who lived in California, died in February 2026. She did not attend The Woods. Thanks for the prayers for comfort and peace. I spent some time with my sister, Mary Leliaert Renneker ’81, over the summer. She fell and had to have shoulder surgery. So, I went to Indiana to help her with whatever she needed me to do. I was able to see my son who lives in Coldwater, Michigan while I was there. I also traveled to Alabama to see my daughter and stopped to see my sister, Paula Leliaert Sumpter ’80.
We are in a deep freeze in Buffalo, New York this winter. Lots of snow and many days of temperatures in the teens or below. We get a lot of wind off both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Mike and I continue to work on renovating his parents’ house while living in it. We finished the basement and have been slowly working on the first story. We have been traveling a bit. Mike’s kids are in North Carolina and we like to visit them and his grandsons.
In July 2026, some of my sisters are traveling to Buffalo for a sisters gathering. Those attending are:
Deborah Leliaert ’90, Paula Leliaert Sumpter ’80, and Teresa Passafiume Leliaert ’81. Mary Leliaert Rennecker ’81, Teresa’s twin, attended The Woods for a semester when we were Seniors. Deborah attended The Woods before us (class of ’76) but left and then went back to graduate through WED program.
My daughter and I will meet in Chicago this summer for a daughter/mother weekend. She turns 40 and I turn 70.
Recently I was elected to serve on the Vestry of my Church.
Isn’t being retired great?
Barbara “Barb” Eggert Maloney I wish everyone a Happy 70th special birthday!
Mary Henning, OSU, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph (Maple Mount, Ky.) who graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, celebrated her 60th anniversary of religious profession in 2025.
Sister Mary is a 1978 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods graduate with a degree in music. The Axtel, Ky., native earned her undergraduate degree in 1969 from Brescia College (now University) in Owensboro, Kentucky., and has a master’s degree in music in 1979 from Northwestern University. In addition, she earned a diploma in Liturgy from Saint Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, Indiana, in 1998. She was an associate professor of music at Brescia for 32 years (1981-2013). She was also a teacher prior to becoming a professor. Since 2013 she has served as director of worship and liturgy at the Ursuline Motherhouse in Maple Mount, Kentucky.
Jubilarian congratulations may be sent to Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356.
Geraldine “Gerry” Bush MacLeod After two and a half years, I have retirement down pat. I love having the time to volunteer and to do things I enjoy. Ken also enjoys retirement (since May). We have a good rhythm, doing some things together and some things separately. He just had a hip replacement, so we look forward to when he is up and running (so to speak) again! He misses long walks with our puppy, Luna.
In January, our elder son, Greg, started his own landscaping company in Columbia, South Carolina! His first year had its successes and its challenges, but he has done really well, overall. Columbia is only four hours away, so we get to see him relatively often.
Our younger son, Tommy, started nursing school in September! Now he’s juggling classes with ski season as a fourth-year instructor at Snowbird Resort in Salt Lake City. We were able to visit him there last summer and saw him at Thanksgiving as well.
In August, the MacLeod clan gathered in North Dakota to celebrate 200 years of marriage collectively for Ken and his four siblings. There were almost 80 people aged one to 81 and spanning three generations!
In June, Ken and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary and, in September, we will travel to Iceland with a group from our local senior center.
With most of us turning 70, I have to wonder how we got to be the same age as old people???? May it be a good year for all of us!
Shirley Guiler Millsap My heart is broken over the loss of Susan Record, my roomie and bestie. Our big sisters, Elizabeth “Betsy” Guiler Franklin ’76 and Sally Record Eck ’76 introduced us on move-in day Freshman year. By second semester, we were roommates and stayed together our remaining years at The Woods. I think our claim to fame was winning the Halloween costume contest all four years with suitemates Rose Lynn Schnell Greene and my cousin, Elisabeth “Lisa” Hegarty Grabiel. I owe so much to Susan. She introduced me to her Mattoon High School friend, Mike Millsap, and the rest was history. She was so brave in her battle, and my heart just breaks for the Record Family, especially their mom.
Mike and I are retired and spending our time watching our five grand kids (ages 6-13) play all sorts of sports. In our spare time we like to travel while we still can. We head to Arizona for spring training (not our beloved Cardinals) to see how the other teams live! We will take a cruise on the Danube in December and plan to shop at the Christmas Markets!
Reverend Cathy Behm Minor Thank you all so much for everything these many years. You all are such a blessing in so many ways. Thank you to the SMWC staff for everything. It was a blessing to be able to attend our class reunion in 2023. I look forward to our 2028 Reunion.
I was able to join Shirley Guiler Millsap and her husband, Michael, and Philomena “Peggy” Bowling Zitzer at our classmate Susan Record’s visitation on June 22, 2025 and Mass of Christian Burial on June 23, 2025.
We were able to be with Susan’s families: her partner Paul Conforti, mother Joan Record, brother Rush Record, sisters Sally Record Eck ’76, Sheila Record ’79, Shady Record Raboin, and friends. Everything was a beautiful tribute to Susan’s life and legacy. May Susan rest in peace.
My family has had a very blessed year in 2025 and looking forward to 2026. In May, 2026 our son, Kyle, and his wife, Anna’s, daughter, Olivia graduates from high school. In the fall, their son, Cooper, will be in nineth grade in high school. Our daughter, Courtney Minor Moore ’07, and husband, Andy’s, children Dylan, will be in fifth grade, and William, will be in third grade.
My husband, Kerry, and I really enjoy being parents and grandparents. It has been such a blessing to be able to participate in their lives. We are so thankful for our families and many friends in our life journey.
Reverend Cathy Behm Minor, and her husband, Kerry (back row, far right), with their children (standing from left): son Kyle; daughter-in-law, Anna; daughter, Courtney Minor Moore ’07; and grandchildren (seated from left): Olivia Minor, William Moore, Cooper Minor and Dylan Moore. (Courtney’s husband, Andy Moore, took the photo.)
Cynthia “Cindy” Noe As much fun as owning a craft brewery was for five years, I’m really enjoying catching up on reading, traveling, and doing as much yoga as my schedule allows. My sisters and I (including my older sister, Debra Noe Johanningsmeier ’74) traveled through France and The Netherlands last October, tracing Van Gogh’s life. What a thrill it was to learn so much and spend that much time together. Daughter Kathryn lives and works in Washington, D.C. and is newly engaged to a terrific guy she met at school. Very sweet and exciting for everyone. In March, I leave for a few weeks in Sicily and will also visit a friend in Berlin. Jill Spooner and I are in frequent touch and I will visit her in Chicago sometime in April. 2026 is off to a very good start.
Jane Arnold Sirkoch My news is that we breed Papillons. Our Papillon, Guerin Just Playing Games, is the number two Papillon in the country. He has been invited to Westminster dog show. So, we’re very excited for him.
Mary Grace Sylvester A highlight was Anne Franklin, and her husband, Mike Flak’s visit to Tokyo. We had such a great visit. I’m busy working and building my business – teaching English to Japanese corporate employees. Hotel training began yesterday. I’d like to visit my sister Angela Sylvester Lipparoni ’81 and her husband, Enrico, in Perugia, Italy late spring or early summer.
Loretta Ryan Tuegel, MD 2025 gave us the opportunity to spend more time with extended family as two of my nieces and a nephew were married. We traveled to Oklahoma, Michigan, and Ohio to help the happy couples celebrate. We also traveled to Abilene, Texas to visit with Eric’s older brother and some of his brother’s family. Our cruise this year was of some of the Great Lakes – lots of excellent food, interesting fellow cruisers, and educational excursions.
We enjoyed lunch with Geraldine “Gerry” Bush MacLeod and her husband, Ken, in July as they passed through Richmond enroute to Indianapolis.
Our granddaughters are now eight, six and three, and provide lots of entertainment. Eric and I continue to enjoy retirement. Our daughter, Erin, lives with us, works part-time in the business office at our local hospital and enjoys participating in Special Olympics. Wishing the best to everyone!
Anne Walsh Walton I escaped the Cleveland tundra for a bit and enjoyed time in Florida this winter. I’m also making an effort to get to the gym – inspired by Susan “Sue” Carroll Finley! I enjoy reunions with Sue and classmates Cathy Nolan Balay, Kim Alexander, and Nancy Hunter Miller ’79, Ellen Murphy ’79 and Ann Hartmann Stolte ’79.
Mary Frances “Mary Fran” Cebuhar West I am still working and hope to retire the end of 2026. I have some projects I have worked on for years and am trying to complete beforehand.
I am very sad about my brother, Mark Cebuhar’s, sudden death June 22, 2025. That makes two deceased of the five adult children in our family. We suspect he had a heart attack after a long day in his orchard with high heat in Metro Detroit.
I’m so thankful I saw Mark at Barbara Ann Cebuhar’s ’77 son, Connor Lahey’s, law school graduation in May in Washington, D.C. Mark was there because of his son Johnathan’s wedding. I just can’t believe this – it happening so soon after Barbara Ann’s passing. Life is fragile and short.
My son, Matthew, is engaged to Kaska. She hopes to get into medical school. As I write this, Matthew is here in Orlando for a Costar conference. He spent the weekend with me and it was so nice that he focused on ME and didn’t run to see all his former friends here. He is a very good tennis player (gets that from his Dad, RIP) and he played tennis with me on Saturday and Sunday. We went to a local Orlando park with a ball machine and hit balls for an hour. I think I am going to take up tennis! I played again with Colette Vogel Boeker ’80 and her husband, Warren, at Colette’s mom, Phyllis Vogel’s, home in Venice, Florida. (Phyllis turns 90 this summer!) We also swam and attended an art festival. Colette and Warren live on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Warren is a professor at the University of Washington in the Business School and Colette works in the Master of Business Administration placing students with companies.
Florida Fun: Mary Frances Cebuhar West spent time with Colette Vogel Boeker ’80 and Colette’s mom, Phyllis Vogel in Venice, Florida.
Philomena “Peggy” Bowling Zitzer Although retired from Chicago Public Schools, I still work as a Resource Teacher at St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard, Illinois, my grade school alma mater! My husband, Dave, and I are blessed to have our daughter, Ellen and her husband, Chad, nearby.
I made my way around Lake Michigan to Traverse City, Michigan last summer to visit my roomie Elizabeth “Betsy” McDonald Moore. We enjoyed a boat ride around West Grand Traverse Bay with her husband, Kevin, in the captain’s chair. It was a relaxing visit in beautiful Northern Michigan sipping wine from Leelanau Peninsula wineries, late night talks like in Le Fer, and reminiscing and laughing about our antics at The Woods. (Sorry, Denise Wilkinson, SP ‘68!) We hope to see lots of you at our 50th Reunion in spring of 2028! Remember, “Our Days Are Numbered!” “Be There Or Be Square!”
Former roommates, Philomena “Peggy” Bowling Zitzer and Betsy McDonald Moore sitting on the dock of West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan.
1979
The celebration of our 45th Class Reunion in 2024 brought a wonderful collection of updates from classmates, capturing milestones and memories from the past five years (2019-2024). This most recent year, 2025, held a mixture of emotions – sadness in the loss of loved ones, joy in retirements well earned and pride in celebrating the accomplishments of the next generation. As 2026 and 2027 approach, many of us will be stepping into our seventh decade of life. With that comes a deep well of memories to cherish, achievements to celebrate and new chapters still waiting to be written.
Our hearts are heavy as we hold Sheila Record (precord18@gmail.com), Sally Record Eck ’76, and their family in our thoughts and prayers following the loss of their sister, Susan Record ’78, who passed away in the spring of 2025 after a long illness. While we grieve alongside them, we also remember Susan with gratitude and warmth. Many of us can still picture the Record sisters together during our freshman year at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College – each pursuing her own path in business, journalism or social work, yet always united. No matter their varied academic interests, they were a constant presence on the campus and in the front suite on Floor two of Le Fer Hall, where friendship, laughter and sisterhood left a lasting imprint on our college memories. May those shared memories bring comfort and hope in the midst of sorrow.
Leisa Utsler Anslinger (leisa.clf@gmail.com) continues her ministry as a parish vitality specialist for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati while residing in Lebanon, Tennessee. She also writes for Catholic publishers and is a regular presenter at the International Catholic Stewardship Conference. Leisa and Steve enjoy traveling in their camper and are planning an epic adventure with their grandchildren to Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 2026. The Anslingers continue to make treasured memories – one adventure at a time.
Leta Hommel (leta.hommel@uky.edu) resides in Lexington, Kentucky and continues her work at the University of Kentucky.
#Woods Giving Day, the College’s largest annual fundraising event, was a tremendous success in 2026. Our Class Agents, Deborah “Debbie” Lary (deblary1979@gmail.com) and Christine “Chris” Miller Retseck (cretseck@gmail.com), stayed connected with classmates throughout the year and inspired strong participation in support of this important day. Their outreach and dedication made a meaningful difference. Well done, Debbie and Chris – and thank you both for your generous volunteer service and continued commitment to our class and the College.
Pamela Etling Devine (devine@lcss.org) proudly shared the wonderful news that her mother, Patricia Carbon Etling ’54, and her late father, John Etling, were honored at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala for their instrumental role in establishing Catholic Charities Terre Haute. It was a fitting tribute to a lifetime of faith-filled service and commitment to community. Mrs. Etling graciously accepted the award, surrounded by a strong delegation from Terre Haute and the very large and loving Etling family, all gathered to celebrate this remarkable recognition. What a beautiful honor for an extraordinary woman. The Class of 1979 is especially blessed, as we are always proud to have Mrs. Etling seated alongside us at our Reunion Weekend Banquet table – a living reminder of grace, leadership and enduring legacy.
Our world-wide adventurers, Bob and Linda Lovellette McLeaish (kenwoodcottage@att.net), recently returned from an unforgettable European journey, spending several weeks exploring Ireland and Scotland. Blending family visits with spirited sightseeing, they immersed themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of both countries. From wandering through ancient castles and charming villages to strolling bustling city streets and quiet schoolyards, every day brought a new discovery. They toured museums, savored hearty regional cuisine and delighted in learning new expressions along the way. Meandering through narrow cobblestone alleyways and centuries-old passageways added a touch of mystery and romance to their travels. It was a grand adventure filled with laughter, heritage and treasured family memories – and true to form, before their suitcases were fully unpacked, plans for their next European excursion in 2026 were already underway.
Deborah “Debbie” Lary (deblary1979@gmail.com) continues to stay very active. She works at Linden Leaf Gifts, serves as a fill-in receptionist at the Providence Center front desk and also works at the White Violet Farm store. Along with another alumni board member, Debbie helped establish a monthly alumni Mass and luncheon – a relaxed opportunity for fellowship and quality time together. The group attends Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and then gathers for lunch. In recent news, as of November 22, 2025, Debbie became a Providence Associate candidate, along with Julia Thompson Henry (jannehenry@gmail.com) and Kathryn “Kathy” Jasinski (kejasinski@hotmail.com). By the time you read this, Debbie will have attended her first Providence Associate spring retreat! Debbie also enjoys serving as our class agent with Christine “Chris” Miller Retseck (cretseck@gmail.com) and faithfully attends the annual Reunion Weekend since she lives so close to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. As Debbie shares, “Reunion Weekend is always fun, and I would love to see more of you in attendance next time for our 50th class gathering.”2029 will be here before we know it!
Congratulations to Kathryn “Kathy” Jasinski (kejansinski@hotmail.com) on her retirement in June 2025! Kathy is truly enjoying the gift of free time. Her mother now lives in an assisted living facility nearby, and Kathy is grateful to be able to spend much of her time with her. Retirement has also given Kathy the opportunity to reconnect with Norma Marie Honiball (nmhoniball@hotmail.com). The two enjoyed a two-week visit together in October, including one special week spent at The Woods in one of the hermitages. Kathy is currently pursuing becoming an Associate of the Sisters of Providence and is excited to be sharing this new journey with Julia Thompson Henry and Deborah “Debbie” Lary. Since retiring, she has made eight trips to the Woods – each one deeply appreciated and enjoyed. In addition, retirement has provided time for hand embroidery, sewing, reading, organizing closets and storage areas, and, most importantly, spending time with family.
Pamela Etling Devine (devine@lcss.org) shares that while attending her 50th high school class reunion, she and Leisa Utsler Anslinger were finally able to take a special “Woods ring” photo together. During her visit, Pam also spent time with Anne Franklin ’78 who is married to Mike Flak, a high school classmate of theirs. Pam continues to teach Kindergarten at Saint Lawrence School in Lafayette, Indiana, where her classroom saint is Mother Theodore Guerin. Her son, Tommy, is a junior at Indiana State University and is enjoying college life in Terre Haute. She holds all of her Woodsie classmates in her daily prayers and looks forward to seeing everyone at the 50th Reunion in 2029 at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College!
Catherine “Cathy” Jacikas Fox (5slyfox1@msn.com) and Mike are doing well overall, though both are managing the usual aches and pains that come with age. Cathy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2021, but she maintains a positive outlook. She considers each day a blessing, and carefully managing her medications helps her stay active and productive. All three of the Fox children are grown and have families of their own. Cathy shares that they are doing well, and their six grandchildren keep Mike and Cathy happily busy and entertained. Mike and Cathy remain active in church ministries at their parish, Prince of Peace in Madison, Indiana.
At the time of this writing, Margaret “Margi” Owen Miller (margi.miller@att.net) and Mike are enjoying their annual three-week ski vacation in Big Sky, Montana. Each year, they set aside time to gather with family and friends for fun in the snow. Although snowfall this season has been lower than usual (it seems the Northeast received most of it in 2025–2026!), they are still finding the skiing enjoyable and most importantly, cherishing the time together. Margi has fully recovered from rotator cuff surgery last June. She is now preparing for knee replacement surgery this coming May. After postponing it as long as possible, she has decided it’s time, as the bone-on-bone condition has begun to limit her daily activities. She is hopeful the surgery will bring relief and improve her overall quality of life. The good news … Margi plans to continue working through the end of 2026 and then retire. She is looking forward to embracing retirement with new experiences, hobbies and adventures.
As for me, Judith Anne “Judy” Gilberti (megaphonemaniac@aol.com), la famiglia è tutto — family is truly everything! The past two years have been overflowing with joy as we have celebrated the next generation with unforgettable bachelor/bachelorette parties, beautiful bridal showers, spectacular weddings in wonderful destinations, and baby showers and sprinkles. The most extraordinary blessing of all? Becoming “Great Aunt Judy” to a new nephew! Welcoming another little Capricorn into the Gilberti family – and proudly adding another birthday to our ever-growing calendar – has filled my heart beyond measure. My days as a high school counselor continue to inspire and energize me. Each day brings new adventures, meaningful challenges, and opportunities to make a difference in students’ lives. I also remain actively involved in New Jersey Cheerleading as Scholarship Director and dedicate time to altruistic work with Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary organization for women educators that means so much to me. One of my annual highlights is reconnecting with fellow Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College alumnae, especially Madeleine Walsh Sullivan ’65, Ph.D. and Lydia Ruiz Hull ’71. These cherished friendships are a true gift! 2026-2027 will be the perfect year for SMWC to return and reconnect with all of us alumni in New Jersey. What a celebration that will be – hint, hint!
Thank you for continuing to share your updates and life moments with the SMWC community. No matter how full your days may be with family, work, service or the gifts of retirement, it is always a joy to hear from you. Even a simple note to say “life is good” warms the heart and keeps us connected. Though time has carried us in many different directions, our roots remain planted in our beloved Woods. The friendships, laughter and memories we created nearly fifty years ago still bind us together in a beautiful and lasting way. It is truly an honor to serve as your class secretary and “go-to resource”, and I cherish the bond we share. My hope is that these connections will continue to grow stronger with each passing year. May 2026 bring you and your loved ones abundant sunshine, good health, deep joy and countless blessings. Please continue to keep in touch … and in touch with one another. ASPIRE HIGHER!
1980
Jean Faulkner Smith
I am pleased to say that our children, sons-in-laws and grandchildren are well and thriving. We continue to enjoy retirement with many activities. Traveling to new and familiar places is what we most enjoy doing together. We are blessed.
Margaret “Meg” Swift Rogers
I’ve had a big year. I traveled with my brother to England and France last May and in September to Scotland! Both trips were amazing. Other than that, I’ve been spending a lot of time in San Diego with my 94-year-old mother. She still lives alone, but I try to be there often. Last year I flew out five times. This year I’ll basically just live there, flying home to visit instead of vice versa. I am very blessed to have my mother still with me, and still awfully darn sharp and mobile. I can’t wait for our 50th! HOW can we all be that old? I remember going to our five-year Reunion and feeling so grown up. That was a lifetime ago.
Maria Vega Prado Monhaut
Last year we traveled quite a bit. First, we cruised to Hawaii in January. Then, after our wonderful class reunion (it was fun to spend time with classmates), we continued traveling throughout 11 states. We visited many National parks and art museums. The highlight was hitting my husband’s 50th state: North Dakota. I am missing a couple states, so we have goals for this year. In October we made it to Italy to experience the Jubilee Year. We spend time with our Tulsa grand littles almost every day. Retirement keeps us very busy. We are enjoying life. Grateful for that.
Anita Greer
My mom passed away in July at 101 years old. She lived a beautiful life but was so ready to join my dad in heaven. I retired in October. Between singing, traveling and volunteering, I’m not sure how I ever had time to work. Living the dream.
Kathleen “Kathy” Archer Steele
While nothing super exciting happened in the last year, my family and I are in good health and continue to connect with the community through volunteering.
Dave and I made it to the Rose-Hulman homecoming and had a great weekend touring both campuses. We rehashed so many memories. I was saddened by the change to The Woods’ Le Fer lake. I loved that bridge.
Katheryn Newport
Nothing new to report. Just living a good life and so grateful for my many blessings that have grown exponentially since our college days!
Catharine “Cathy” Brown Phillips
We’ve had a very hard year. The day before Brad’s birthday, he got Covid and has been very sick but is finally recovering. He fell as well and was weak but thankfully no injuries. Other family members have had a hard time as well. I’m doing pretty well but am a bit worn out.
Barbara Wan
My husband and I are FINALLY fully retired.
In 2025 we went to Hong Kong/China (twice), Japan (twice), took a cruise to Greece and Turkey.
None of my two kids are interested in getting married, needless to say, no grandkids – but hope springs eternal!
Susan “Sue” Sedlacek Wilson
This year has been bittersweet for me. I lost Ray, the love of my life, in March. His health had been declining for several years. We had just returned from a cruise when he got pneumonia and passed away a week later. His lungs were just too damaged to recover.
Since then, I have been able to visit my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter; in Fort Wayne, I was also able to watch her for a week last summer, here in St. Louis. Babysitting and watching my granddaughter, Montana, grow has been wonderful
Mary Jeanne Schram Miller
Last May I attended The Woods’ graduation of my niece, Lillie Gendel ’25!! Then went back for our 45th Reunion. It was a small group, but we had a great time. It was so wonderful catching up with our classmates! In July I ventured to Mississippi to attend a reunion of family I had never met. After the Reunion I met up with Laurie Mayers in Memphis, Tennessee. A wonderful time!!
Husband, Eric suffered a stroke in front of me. Thanks to the quick action from our son and others he ended up with ZERO deficits within 24 hours! A true miracle! I have no doubt that Jeanne had something to do with it! I continue to love canning and quilting. I will see you at our next reunion – the big 50 – in 2030!
Mary Angela “Angel” Brown Menestrina’s great niece married her sweetheart on December 20, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. LEFT TO RIGHT: Tabatha (daughter-in-law), Tony (oldest son), grandson Roman, husband Rick, and Angel
October 2025 – Mary Angela “Angel” Brown Menestrina’s family LEFT TO RIGHT: grandson Chandler, Tristan (daughter-in-law), grandson Easton and Alex (second son)
1981
Tamara “Tammi” Buczynski Vallo lost both of her parents within six days of each other in 2025. They were fortunate to be able to remain at home through the help of family, caregivers, and hospice. Her mother-in-law passed as well. She welcomed her third granddaughter as well. She now has three granddaughters and a grandson. She retired six years ago, and her husband retired in January 2026.
Marie Ayer Roberts retired in December after teaching for 23 years, so now she gets to do whatever she wants. Mark and she are traveling to London, Scotland and Ireland in May.
Beverly Groeber Williams retired November 2024 and hubby in January 2025, and they are loving it! They are traveling more to see kids in Austin and Atlanta; catching up with friends; hitting the gym more and doing all the things you don’t get to do when you work full time. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Reunion!
Corinne Kreiner-Bardgett celebrated my mom’s 100th birthday in July with a big bash. Then in late August she passed. Oldest grandchild Alexis is a freshman at the University of Kansas. Her brother, Kyle, is now driving. The rest of my family is doing well. Tim will have knee surgery in April. We are traveling to London in September to see the KU game in Wembley Stadium.
1984
Loretta “Lori” Hieber-Girardet
Lori writes, I have another year and a half to work before I retire at the end of September 2027. I have been working in the United Nations for the past 25 years or so, and have been grateful for an interesting career, with lots of travel and interesting topics- most recently with a focus on disaster risk reduction. I haven’t got plans yet for post-retirement but hope to spend more time in the United States, having lived abroad for most of my adult life. My daughter Elisa is living in Vienna, Austria where she works for a NGO and travels frequently to Africa and Asia doing surveys on aid effectiveness. My son Alexander lives in London where he is working on AI, setting up his own company. Fingers crossed! My husband Eddie is working on a book on his travels in Afghanistan as a war correspondent. I don’t keep in touch enough with former SMWC classmates- and time seems to have flown. Just to let everyone know you are very welcome to visit in France. We live just outside Geneva, Switzerland and have plenty of room for any SMWC alum passing through and would like a place to stay!
Have a wonderful year all!
Regina Hartman
Gregg and I are enjoying retirement and happy to be in the Medicare club. We celebrated Gregg’s retirement last summer with two weeks in Hawaii and are looking forward to a trip to Greece at the end of May! Gabrielle is finishing her first year of teaching at Parker Woods Montessori. She is loving her pre-school and kindergarten class. Gregg and I are volunteering in her classroom one day a week. The kids are adorable and hilarious! Alana, Michael and the grands are still living on Bainbridge Island, Washington. I’m hoping to get out there more often since the grandkids seem to grow up so much in between visits. Zuzu is now eight and Desmond turned four in February. They are such a blessing! I keep busy with two book clubs, local social justice groups and of course as a Providence Associate. I get to The Woods about once a month, sometimes more – and still feel that magic every time I’m on campus. It’s wonderful to connect with some of our classmates who are also Associates.
Elizabeth Nardi Jeffries
Elizabeth graduated in 1984, but from the WED program, and mentions she does not have all the connections we campus students share. I assured her that we are all connected at The Woods! Elizabeth shared Louisville is still our primary home and we are seasonal in Naples, Florida. The fun connection is that we get to go to the Naples Alumni meeting every year in January, so it’s a good way to keep up with what’s happening at The Woods. I’m still loving my work, staying healthy and enjoying family time and travel.
Jane Kohanyi Villaroman
I’m still working at Griffith High School. Pretty sure I’ll retire after next school year. I have a student teacher this semester so that has kept things interesting and challenging. I took two awesome trips the last two summers. I went to Spain in the summer of 2024 with my daughters, Hannah and Mariah, and had an absolutely fantastic time! Spain is so beautiful. I had not been to Europe before. I would love to go back some day. This past summer my younger daughter and I took an epic 21-day trip to Washington, Oregon and The Big Island of Hawaii where my sister and her family live. So now, Mariah and I have been to all 50 states! We had such a wonderful time in Hawaii that Mariah decided to apply for a teaching job in Honolulu and moved there three weeks ago! I miss her but am excited for her. I see Mary Ellen Boyle ’83 almost every week at mass along with Christine “Chris” Miller Retseck ’79 and her husband Bill. Also keeping in touch with Janet Jayo ’83. Already looking forward to our next Reunion!
Mary Bee Baroody Haworth
Life is full as ever for me these days, still chasing the elusive ‘balance’ as I continue living into this very big role at L’Arche as Community Leader/ED in London. Learning and growing, still! A new highlight is being a Providence Associate candidate this year, living the year with Tracey and being mentored by Dawn. So good.
Tony and the kids are all well. Tony retires at Christmas time and it’ll be nice to have him ‘at large’ and exploring his next steps. I’m not thinking about it at all yet! Mo and Christian both are Masters grads now – Mo in Library Science and Christian in History. Mo is spending a lot of time at L’Arche these days, volunteering and working while he searches for something in his field. Christian will present his research at a conference soon, and is casually imagining his next steps. Hannah graduates with a music degree (voice focus), education minor in the spring. None of our three have landed yet, and we’re in that phase of teetering between being really proud and seeing their potential and wondering if they ever will land! Loved celebrating Reunion with everyone last year, love every chance to connect with my Woods pals, and love this new invitation to go deeper with the SPs!
Elizabeth “Beth” Dietzen Purcell
Lots of travel for Phil and I these days. We’ve been to Glacier National Park in Montana and a Mediterranean cruise. A few shorter trips thrown in between. Most exciting news is that I’m a grandma and loving every minute of it!
Brenda Blake
In May, I will be having my ninth and final grandchild. I really love the grandma gig! My husband is also retiring in May, so we bought a house in Terre Haute, Indiana, closer to my mom, one of my daughters and grandchild plus most of my retired siblings. I am sure there is lots of traveling, pickleball, cards and golf in the near future. I anticipate retiring in two years. I continue to work as a mental health counselor, licensed certified addictions counselor and certified EMDR trauma therapist. So many broken souls out there and it is such a privilege to be a part of their healing journey. I can’t wait for our next reunion!
Jacqueline “Jackie” Jaudes Hourani
Moujalli and I have lived in the Hudson Valley of New York for the past 38 years. I’m still working as the music director of St. Martin de Porres parish and teaching music to Pre-K 3-8th grade at the parish school. I direct the spring musical every year. It’s a thrill to bring the love of musical theater to the lives of middle school children. The musicals are very well done with the help of many devoted volunteers. It’s a busy career that I’ve been blessed with for many years! The problem is that New York’s school year extends to the third week of June. I miss all the reunions because of this. Our eldest daughter has two little boys that we adore and babysit regularly! Our youngest son moved to Orlando and works for Disney. Visiting Disney parks is the highlight of my year! We have a very smart German Shepherd who is devoted to my husband. Moujalli still teaches Engineering at Manhattan University.
Jan Giddens Lorenzano
I continue to enjoy working and spending time with the family and soon to be five grand babies! Vince and I like to travel and booked a Viking Cruse for September that starts in Rome and ends in Athens. We are staying a few extra days in Athens and are researching the sights to visit. I am on the SMWC 2027 Gala Committee. The gala will take place in Indianapolis on September 24th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. It is exciting and rewarding working with other alumni and friends to plan and ensure this will be a memorable event. Let me know if you would like to help or attend! I, along with Jane Phillips Sharon, Kathy Armstrong Rich, Mary Bee Baroody Haworth and Regina Hartman spend a long weekend in Michigan last July catching up, taking walks and reminiscing about our days at The Woods. I had dinner just last night with Elaine Walter-Shamdin and we went to a play reading Karin Stratton is directing. Of course, it was hilarious!
1986
What an amazing year Tara Burke McMurray has had! Travels with her husband took her to Hawaii, Las Vegas nd Boston. Her son gave her the experience of a White Sox box, her daughter gave her a new grandson, and her younger son gave her an engagement to a lovely future daughter.
Ann Roering Bak reports that all is well. She continues teaching ESOL part-time which allows her and George to follow their son, Chris, as he competes for the USA. Turkey, Greece, Monaco and Italy were on the roster this year. Her oldest, Andrew, proposed to Amber and she said YES!
María Frech happily calls Guatemala home, where she works as a family business consultant. Her greatest joy is her close-knit family: son Scott, daughter-in-law Mafer, and twin granddaughters Liah and Alexia. When not working, they escape to the Pacific Coast for sun, laughter and sandy adventures together as often possible.
Lisa Robison Ellis reports that life revolves around cows, corn and serving as the only woman on her county board. She still works for Aetna from her front porch office and enjoys the flexibility and being able to work in her jammies!
Julie Farris Hofmeister writes that her family is doing well. Her three children are all planning weddings in the coming year. She is planning a solo to Ireland in April for a bit of an “Eat, Pray, Love.”
Joan Frisz says there’s nothing new under the sun in Louisville. She’s got the same job, the same house and the same dog. In short, it’s the same Joan. She is happy to continue her biannual visits with Paula Keeton, a tradition they started four years ago. The highlight of the last year was a Frisz family reunion at Shades State Park, which her family owned prior to selling it to the state of Indiana. Fifty Friszes descended upon the park to hike the Frisz Ravine and connect with each other and their ancestors.
Shirlee Fager-Baldwin writes, “I can’t believe it has been so long. I obtained my Masters in Theology in 2022. I retired as Public Defender in Marion County Mississippi only to “unretire” in 2026 to another full-time Public Defender position in Lamar County Mississippi. I have 11 grandchildren. And I am still so proud to be a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College”
Barb Edgcomb Davis-Robinson says, “I started a new job in June 2025 with the State of Indiana. It is interesting work and keeps me very busy. Owen turned ten in January. He is playing two-handed touch football and on two different basketball teams this winter. He will be starting travel baseball in March. Genevieve turned six years old in February. She takes dance class, gymnastics and will start softball in the spring. Lauren and Justin are very busy parents. I only get an occasional weekend sleepover with the grandkids, but I am thrilled for any one-on-one time with them. I am excited to see everyone at Reunion.”
Danielle Harrington continues to work for the Delaware State Hospital for the chronically ill. She recently received a promotion to Medical Records Specialist and is enjoying watching the progress being made in building a new facility for their patients, eager for the day they get to use the new facility for residents and staff. The change brings an increased workload, but she enjoys staying busy. She is also busy outside of work. She continues to ride and show her horse and is looking forward to a great season. She is active in her parish and enjoys singing in one of the choirs. She is also a member of Delaware Choral Society, which performs concerts twice yearly. She is enjoying the sense of community and newfound friendships that come with being in these choirs. She will be traveling to California this summer for a large and festive family gathering in San Jose. Afterwards, she will travel back to the east coast by train, something she has always wanted to do. She is looking forward to seeing classmates and campus for Reunion this year and invites any Woodsies who are traveling to Delaware and her beautiful part of the country to reach out and look her up.
Mary Collins Dove sends news from Southern California. “I pray all is well with each of you. Not much new here. I still enjoy teaching and serving as Vice Principal. It’s my third year in middle school. Let me tell you, it’s a long way from fourth grade, but I love it. Mark and I were empty nesters – for about six months. We were having a great time, but still were very happy to welcome our daughter, Maura, home, as she finishes up school. Our other three girls are up in Northern California, living their best lives – finishing up school and working. In between work and a few family trips, we will have two more college graduations. One of my highlights of the past year was spending time in Indy with Angela White, CFRE and Matt Donovan (and their son, Patrick) and attending Dawn Tomaszewski’s, SP, ’74 Golden Jubilee at The Woods with Angela and Elizabeth “Beth” Dietzen Purcell ’84. I was absolutely overwhelmed – lots of tears – when I saw the beautiful faces of so many dear friends: Veronica “Roni” O’Connor Kindley ’88, Tracey Brown Baroody ’84, Mary Bee Baroody Haworth ’84, Joan Frisz, Sheila Galvin ’87, Maria Price ’87 and Regina Hartman ’84. It was also great to have lunch with Tracy Collings Richardson ’88, Ph.D. in Terre Haute and dinner with Roni and her husband, Mike, before I flew out of Indy. After the Jubilee, I had a great visit in Kansas City with my sister and nieces before heading home for a new school year. In October, our family was back to the Midwest for my niece’s wedding in Kansas City. A girls trip to Florida, visiting friends in Tampa and then over to St. Augustine, kicked off 2026. We still have a few trips planned. Next, we are heading to Montana for a family wedding in the summer and are trying to stretch that into an Alaskan adventure. Our last scheduled trip is a birthday celebration in Nashville in the Fall. My visit to The Woods was such a whirlwind, I didn’t get a chance to catch up with everyone. I was really looking forward to seeing all of you in May. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend Reunion this year. At this point, it coincides with the final date for my niece’s Commissioning Ceremony into the Army Corps of Nurses. We are SO proud of her. Know that I will miss seeing you. I know you’ll have a great time!! As always, I send my love to everyone and prayers for good health and happiness!”
Linda Peters shared wonderful news. “All is well here in St Louis. My happy news is I’ve joined the grandmothers club on January 23, when my daughter Nancy had a baby boy Beau! (Say that three times!)
Our precious little guy and his mom and dad are doing well too and adjusting to this little nugget”
Kymberli Huet Payonk has had a great year as well. “My husband and I continue to do a lot of traveling in retirement by camper, cruise ship, plane or road trip. In 2025 we found ourselves in Florida, Isle of Palms in South Carolina, Jekyll Island in Georgia, Maui, Iceland, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands and England. So many fantastic trips can blur together in my mind, so I’ve started journaling so we can look back on our adventures later. Our family is well and our grandchildren are a source of great joy. Our biggest news of the year is our daughter’s engagement to a wonderful young man. I am also looking forward to seeing friends gather on campus for our 40th Reunion this year.”
1987
I was excited to hear from Anne-Therese Bechamps last year, and she said that for her the highlight of 2024 was the Danube River cruise with other Woods alums. She enjoyed spending time with Judith “Judy” Coulup Hund ’13MLD and her husband, Mark, as well as many Woodsies from the Class of 1988, and making new acquaintances too. She highly recommends it and would love to see more classmates on a future cruise.
She was also glad for the opportunity to reconnect with Maureen “Mo” McEvilly Carmody at the bonfire at the SMWC Homecoming on campus in October 2024. Anne-Therese continues to serve on the Mission Advisory Board for the Sisters of Providence and has the privilege of returning to The Woods twice a year, where she is always pleasantly surprised to run into old friends.
Elizabeth “Liz” Wallin Pawlak reports she and her husband, Geno are doing well. She sold her orthodontist practice in Madison, Indiana, in July, but she’s still working there three days per week. Geno still sees podiatric patients 2-3 days per week. This schedule allows them to see their two children in South Carolina and Iowa and still visit more exotic locales. They went to Italy in October for Liz’s 60th birthday. They spent most of their time in Sicily—they even went back to her great grandparents’ hometown to trace her roots. She found this so emotional and awesome. They then went north to Florence. Over Christmas break the whole family went to Poland—very cold, but such a beautiful, clean and friendly country, she said. Liz claims she ate her way through both trips: wonderful food in both countries! One of my favorite parts of being class secretary is living vicariously through my classmates’ travels, and Liz never disappoints.
As she is working less, Liz is hoping to do more volunteering and lunch with friends. She mainly hears from Margaret “Mags” Short Layne. Liz hopes everyone is doing well!
Speaking of Mags…she wrote she cannot believe it is 2026! “We turned 60!” She said 2025 was uneventful for her in Delaware. No trips or any flashy events. In July, she got together with Rebecca “Becky” Brown Schone for dinner to celebrate 60. It was great to see her. On December 31, Becky’s youngest (and final) daughter was married. It was a beautiful ceremony and party to start 2026. She does keep in touch with Juliann “Julie” Polites Toth and Elizabeth “Liz” Wallin Pawlak but they haven’t physically seen each other in years. “I am so blessed to still be part of the SMWC Family.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, Mags!
Margaret “Maggie” Hess-Witucki says living so far away from Woodsie action sometimes makes her feel like she is missing out, so she is grateful for these notes. She says thank God 2025 is over! It was a bittersweet year for her and her wife Sharon. Sweet: she retired in May and is enjoying her leisurely days of doing as she likes. Her week is filled with walks, hikes, arts and crafts, cooking and baking. Southern California has so much to offer! Maggie and Sharon have had a few trips. They went to Disneyland three times since May. (Costco had a deal.) They went to their cabin in the mountains a few times and went rock hunting with Maggie’s sister. The rock thing is not really Maggie’s thing, she says, but it allows her to hike new and interesting places. She has enjoyed the time to decorate her house for all the seasons and holidays. The neighbors tell her they enjoy seeing what I will do next. “I have to be honest, climbing ladders and in trees I am wondering how many more years I will physically be able to pull off the big decorating jobs, you know?” If any of you find yourselves in Southern California, they have plenty of room and would love to have you stay. Maggie stated she is working on improving her health and has lost some weight and feels really good. “Retirement is a good thing.”
The bitter part of her year has been dealing with some hardships with her youngest son in Utah. They have been traveling to Utah a lot this past year to help him out, and it appears the hardest part is over now. He is good and doing well now. The other stuff she reports has been hard has been watching everything with the world and inside our country. She is sure many of us are feeling the same way, and she and Sharon are looking forward to a much better year. She is happy to say all is well with the rest of the family, and she misses us all and wishes she could be home at The Woods more often. Maggie, honestly, we all would trade being in Indiana for that SoCal sunshine right about now!
Margaret “Meg” Littlejohn Nation is still with Washington Township schools with a focus on early childhood, which she loves. Husband Tim is at the helm of Peace Learning Center, and he is helping with the Sisters of Providence Missions Board. They feel fortunate that three of their four children are in town, with their oldest having moved to Washington, D.C. in August. Alice Sherfick Shelton keeps track of Meg’s parents at their mutual church “so I can ensure they are behaving!” But who’s keeping an eye on you, Meg?
Maria Price wrote she loves simple things, “like a morning walk with you (Chantel Hesting), separated only by a few hundred miles but connected by the miracle of modern technology.” (Maria was gracious enough to keep me company on my occasional two-hour long commute between my home and my office. She walked in Louisville while I zipped down the highway to Indianapolis. The time went so much faster!). Another simple pleasure for her is enjoying the University of Louisville Women’s Basketball season. Fandom is really fun again this year!
She also said, “My computer-in-a-pocket iPhone also brings me loads of joy when I get sweet pics of smiling great nieces and nephews in the middle of the day. They live in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Alabama, so little random connections are great fun.” She especially loves the in-person connections though. “Getting together with friends for the weekend was a highlight. In addition to seeing my close friends, I caught sight of barges on the river!”
Her brothers, in-laws and friends made it to Louisville again this year to staff a pull-tab booth for the 175th Picnic to raise funds for St. Joe’s Children’s Home. It is inevitably the hottest weekend of the summer, and they work a LONG day (9AM – midnight), but they keep showing up and she loves them for it!
Travel has also brought her lots of joy: Charleston (visited the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church); Puerto Rico (good times on a jet ski with a 16-year-old nephew); and other regional travel to visit family. She was also at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the Providence Associates Annual Meeting and she is continually grateful for the Associate relationship. “Such gifts in my life are the Sisters of Providence, the beautiful Saint Mary-of-theWoods village, and our enduring SMWC. After all, they brought me to the Class of ’87.” We are all grateful to the Sisters for doing that, Maria!
Maureen “Mo” McEvilly Carmody wrote that 2025 was her first full year on the Alumni Board of Directors for SMWC. She was happy to have been included with the other Board members for planning inclusive alumni events. She is really looking forward to what 2026 will bring to alumni and the College! She wants to see everyone at the Onyx Gala, September 24, 2027, in Indianapolis.
She continues to live and work in downtown Chicago. She loves the city center’s energy: always something happening for tourism and engaging the “locals.” We all know Mo does her part contributing to that energy!
Rhonda Hite Smith is enjoying her position as a part-time administrative assistant at Huntington University in the Academic Center of Excellence where she manages the tutoring program and special testing accommodations for students with disabilities. She is also a receptionist at H&R Block in the evenings and on weekends during the first four months of the year. She decided to go skiing for her 60th birthday in March, took a tumble and tore her meniscus and ACL. That put a damper on last summer’s plans, but after an injection, she and Chuck still managed to take a trip to Glacier, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Parks. She still highly recommends the daily PBS show “Classical Stretch,” which has really helped with her neuropathy and back issues. Glad you’re still able to enjoy traveling, Rhonda!
Lori Harris Strawn will remember 2025 as the year her gallbladder went kaput. Less one bodily organ, she finds life infinitely better. 2025 also marked the year she gained a second great-nephew, Cooper James, joining young Henry, who has yet to succumb to her charms, but will. She is not above bribing with candy. Lori also took a job as an assistant editor with HOPE magazine, for which she is ever-thankful. She hopes the Sisters will be pleased with her work. She will do her best! As a sub-par classmate of Lori’s in many an English class, I know her editing will be flawless.
Paje Etling Felts is very excited as Karen Steffy-Goldberg is planning a trip to Indianapolis in early March. The visit will also include a gathering with Meg Littlejohn Nation, Lori Wilson O’Leary, Sally Dickson and Carolyn Krier Friedman. They are hoping to hit The Woods with her, also.
Paje is also very proud of her mother, Patricia Carbon Etling ’54 who was feted by the Indianapolis Archdiocese as the 2026 Legacy Gala honoree for her amazing work co-founding and running Catholic Charities in Terre Haute, along with her husband John.
Paje wrote that all five of her kids are doing great. Her youngest is now a sophomore at Bishop Chatard. She said it’s odd to just have one there! She is still lobbying for the Indiana State Bar Association and fighting the good fight for Indiana legislation. We need you, Paje!
Catherine “Cathy” Rumschlag is living with her dad who will be 92 in June. She is expecting identical twin girl grandbabies, Violet and Ivy, in early June, courtesy of her son Andrew and his wife, Lexy. Andrew just got a promotion at work so that Lexy will be staying home for a time with the twins. She is so excited for them!
“I’m continuing to work as a counselor as well as a TCM (The Cortina Method) Practitioner to complete visits with my guests to resolve trauma and free them of the past. I love this!” Her sister Julie Rumschlag ’88 visits regularly from Delaware and is retiring July 1 so she expects to be seeing her even more often. She helps Cathy care for both their parents. The Ruschlags’ mom is still living alone at home but has some early signs of dementia so they’re managing that as a family. Her other sister Cynthia Rumschlag Stark ’94 has been helping by providing meals and sometimes will drive up from Indianapolis for an appointment as needed, and of course, visits regularly. Cathy’s daughter Cecelia is completing her residency in internal medicine and already has a five-year contract with Parkview in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to work as a hospitalist so I am looking forward to her family continuing to be in Fort Wayne. She says life is good even with its challenges! Cathy, I think we’re all at the age where we have or are currently caring for parents, and our thoughts are with you. I’m so glad you have supportive sisters in your corner!
Alice Sherfick Shelton shared some fascinating notes and introspections on her 2025, so I’m including it verbatim here: “In 2025, I started keeping track of the letters, notes and cards I wrote and also the books I read. I found the process interesting and informative. I think the outcome suggests that what I expected to find is true — I love to read and I love to write and be in touch. I read 70 books in 2025, and I know that I stopped early in the read for two of them. Life is too short to read books that do not garner my attention. I know I read “The Covenant of Water” for the third time last year and I know I read “Overstory” for the second time. My favorite read of the year was “The Correspondent” in case anyone cares! Sometimes people ask what I like to read, and I usually respond with sharing that while I read mostly novels recommended to me by smart women, I am almost always reading something religious or spiritual and something about a contemporary subject like a political or economic matter. I am usually reading more than one thing at a time. My “long read” currently in the works is “The Thirteenth Greatest of Centuries” by James Walsh. I read about one page a day and at this rate will finish late in 2026 or early 2027. That is a great way to handle a book that might otherwise seem impossible. I read “Moby Dick”, “War and Peace” and “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” using that method.
In 2025, I sent 126 notes, cards and/or letters out. At the cost of stamps today, that is a little investment! Some folks received more than one item from me in that number. I enjoy writing notes, sending articles, acknowledging gifts I have received and noting a loss in someone’s life through death or otherwise. I send very, very few Christmas cards and when I do, there is a lengthy note included. I love purchasing beautiful, boxed cards from our local museum shop. When I am out of town, I enjoy finding boxes of cards in bookstores or other unique places. In a world so full of texts, social media and email I really love sharing something personal and handwritten. I enjoy receiving the same back if anyone is seeking a new hobby! I will always write back.
John and I celebrated 30 years of marriage in October and had a short trip to Maine to note the milestone. We returned to one of the cities where we spent our honeymoon. Our time away from home is usually spent at a friend’s home on Lake Michigan for long weekends. I still try to get to my brother’s lake home in northern Indiana when my family is there during the summer. I continue to cover the miles between Indianapolis and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with some frequency as part of my service on the College’s Board of Trustees and also in my engagement as a Providence Associate. My years of service at Marian University now number nearly 36 and I remain committed to continuing for a period to be determined when it feels time. It seems the most common question asked of those our age is “are you retired” or “when will you retire”. I find those questions as irritating as I found being asked my major in college. Who cares? Ask me what I am reading, what project has my attention, what I notice on my early morning walks or what occurs to me when I awaken at 4:30 every morning.
I have noticed a few things about myself since turning 60. There are a lot of one story homes. Ibuprofen works better than acetaminophen for most pains. I have far fewer friends and much deeper friendships. You can pay neighbor kids to do almost everything you do not want to do. People smile back when I smile and frown back when I frown so I smile more. I notice dust in my house more than anyone else does. Not every thought I think needs to experience freedom and air.” Alice, we could fill a whole week discussing all your points, but as to your last one: that principle alone led me to much success in my career!
Anita Lawrence moved to Noblesville, Indiana, right across the street from her grandchildren and their parents. “I have morning coffee before school and evening goodnight hugs. Nothing better than seeing those cute children.” Amen, Anita!
I retired in December and can see no downsides to the golden years so far! I get to visit my niece and nephews as they leave the nest and start their amazing lives in new places, babysit my super cute 18-month-old great-niece two days a week, run errands for loved ones, decorate the home we moved into in November, have coffee dates with my siblings, do more cooking and baking, travel to visit college friends and new places, volunteer (need to fight the power now more than ever), read, and continue to discover my purpose. I’m grateful for the new online notes format so there’s no longer a word limit—I mean, look at all the awesome things going on for the Class of 1987!
1988
Veronica “Roni” O’Connor Kindley and husband Mike are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year, having married at SMWC on a full moon 10/15/16. They are enjoying their grandchildren and a blessed life, frequent travel, attending concerts, playing live music and visiting with friends keeps them young at 60!
Ann Englum Staats is doing well, still living independently in her home in Paris, Illinois, at the age of 91.
Mary Ann Tyl has completed her bucket list. She has gone to Australia and has held koalas many times over. Went to Sydney and Cairnes in ’25 and Brisbane in ’26.
Margaret “Peggy” McCormick-Platz and Tony pilgrimaged to Italy in June and celebrated Pentecost at the Vatican. Shared a lot of family time in 2025. The newest Platz leprechaun, Adaleigh, arrived in January. Peggy is the director of the Ursuline Education Network and Tony continues as a manager for Pike Engineering.
Julie Rumschlag retires in July after 38 years of service in public education. She and Susan look forward to relaxing trips to independent bookstores! Julie travels from Delaware to Indiana to help her siblings care for their parents. Catherine “Cathy” Rumschlag ’87 lives with their father. And Cynthia Rumschlag Stark ’94 sends home-cooked meals!
Kristine Binder lives and teaches in Chicago. She recently earned her master’s degree and LBS1 endorsement. After the loss of both parents this year, she keeps moving forward while managing her coaching/social media business and embracing new opportunities.
Dr. Tracy Collings Richardson celebrated 30 years of teaching at SMWC in December. As the MA in Music Therapy is a distance program, Tracy lives part-time in Nashville pursuing songwriting in her free time. Daughters: Savanna teaches Gaelic in Chicago, Illinois, Vanessa is sideline reporter for Houston Rockets. Son Collin is deployed.
Susan Albrecht Sivore still works at State Farm in Bloomington. Her third oldest will graduate from the University of Dayton in May and her youngest is a sophomore at U of I. Susan connected with fellow Woodies and loved celebrating Nan’s retirement from State Farm!
It’s been awhile since Sally Jensen Kaminski has checked in! She hopes fellow classmates are healthy and happy as most of them are entering a new decade–the sixties!! Sally currently lives in Durango, Colorado and loves it. She has two grown children and two granddaughters, all living in Indiana.
Nelleke Knarr enjoys living and working in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She teaches piano full-time at a music studio, sings in the GR Women’s Chorus, attends protests regularly, swims, hikes, contra dances and visits with her two daughters. She also travels regularly to Danville, Indiana, to visit her dad, 94.
1989
The only update I received this time was from Karen Aeschleman Hurley. Her second term on the SMWC Alumni Board concludes in June. It has been a pleasure to serve the impressive alumni community, especially the Chicago area alums! She started a new position in March as executive director for Association Acumen located near Milwaukee. She and Brian moved into a beautiful apartment overlooking a waterfall near her office, and commute to their home in Chicago on weekends. It’s an adventure for sure.
1990
Sheila Mitchell Johnson writes that her son is 27 and in his third year with the union for the steamfitters and pipe. Jai, her daughter, is a first-year college student and is on the track team. Kevin, her husband, is starting his 23rd season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Sheila says her life is uneventful and that she plans to draft a book when she retires because of all the unique employees that come through her office. She traveled to Florida alone to visit her sister-in-law. Their family trip was moving Jai into college.
Carolyn Alexander Griffin writes that she started her own pet sitting business, Carolyn’s Cozy Critters. She and Deron love attending concerts. She and Deron were able to visit Annie Bisch Jansen and her husband, Paul, last May. She has worked with the state for 31 plus years. She enjoys visiting her son, daughter-in-law and her granddaughter, Rain, in Florida every chance they get.
Jane Abbott writes that 2025 was not the year she anticipated. In April she was diagnosed with early stage ovarian and uterine cancer. She had extensive surgery followed by chemotherapy, which led her to miss Reunion. Now she writes that she is just healing from all of that and hoping to be back to full time with work soon. She is still working in Home Health Physical therapy, part-time, since July, slowly increasing the workload. She states that Providence was working overtime for her because another issue led them to finding the cancers. She says family and friends have been awesomely supportive and helpful. She says that she loved being able to recently spend a long weekend with Annie Bisch Jansen and Jamie Hunt Kauff.
As for me (Jamie Hunt Kauff) and George we are doing fine. I am retired and enjoy spending time with our seven grandkids. They are the apple of my eye. We are currently helping our son remodel the house next door to us in order for him to flip it. I help watch the littles while George and Matt do the hard work. I enjoyed seeing everyone who made it back for the 2025 Reunion. I got to spend a really great weekend catching up with Annie Bisch Jansen and Jane Abbott in February. We had a blast.
1991
Joy Bertrand-Moring, Angela “Ang” Dickson Yildiz and I, Beverly Randolph-Fernandez, formed a 2026 Reunion 35th Class Reunion Committee. We cannot wait to see fellow classmates and their family members to celebrate being together and “home” again!
Ang is playing violin in a trio for fun. Her highlight of the past year was visiting Carolyn Miller ’90 when she came down to Florida for a satellite launch her daughter was working on. Lots of laughs were had!
Lisa Fleming Bland shared, “Hello Woodsies.” Hope all of you are doing well! I just turned 57 on Valentine’s Day. The last month she has been a caretaker for Max, her husband’s uncle. He is recovering from stem cell transfusion for Myeloma blood cancer and is also in dialysis three days a week. It’s been a long road. Prayers are appreciated. Her son, Elliott, 23 graduated from Miami of Ohio last year! Go Redhawks! He is working for Ernst & Young in Chicago and lives in Old Town area having a blast. Her daughter, Emersyn, 19, is majoring in pre vet/biology at Indiana State and is on the cross country/track team. Lisa loves that she is in Terre Haute, our old stomping grounds! When she visits, she always drives through SMWC and says hello to the horses and beautiful campus. Her hubby, Tom, has a very successful Dry Wall business, Van Gogh Inc., with 80+ employees and has jobs within Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. He stays very busy. Being an empty nester has its perks, but she misses her kids so much and loves visiting them. Lisa shares, “God bless you all, love and hugs from Valparaiso, Indiana.”
As for me (Beverly Randolph Fernandez), we have a new family member, Nino, a Havaton puppy. Carlos, my husband, surprised me with him three days after knee surgery and right before Christmas! It has been a true adventure, and Nino is living his best puppy life. Carlos is continuing studying for his actuarial exams, which are brutal in nature. Meanwhile, I am enjoying serving on SMWC’s Alumni Board of Directors, and hopefully, I am making an impact engaging our students and alumni, especially in the Central Indiana area. It has been an absolute amazing experience meeting and collaborating with fellow board members and alums. If anyone is interested in serving on the board, please reach out to me and/or any member of the board. We will be happy to discuss it with you. Outside of volunteering, I am celebrating 23 years in business with The Protocol School of Indianapolis, LLC, and 15 years as an adjunct professor at Marian University in their online programs teaching business-related courses. However, I am yearning to pivot back into the corporate world. This, too, will be an adventure!
1997
Angela Hensley and partner Trish have been fostering a brother and sister since May 2024 and are adopting them. She says, “here’s to late in life mom hood”!
2001
Where did the time go? It’s our 25th Reunion year! I am excited to see classmates at our upcoming Reunion this May! I look forward to spending time on campus with classmates and visiting our old haunts (is Traveling Jesus still around? 😊)
We heard from a couple of classmates this year for our news.
Join our Facebook group, find us under “SMWC Class of 2001.”
Paulette M. Campana reports that she traveled to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in July 2025 with her son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters and they had a wonderful trip!
Lisa Boyll Orsburn writes that she is still teaching first grade at Sullivan Elementary in Sullivan, Ind. Her family had a very blessed year. Lisa and her husband fostered their 18th child this past year! In addition, one of their children got married, and they took a Jamaican cruise and went on a ski trip! Lisa also reports that their first grandchild was born!
My (Gail Baker Zwaska) family and I have kept busy this past year now that our children are in two different schools! Patrick, 16, is a sophomore and is very involved with Boy Scouts and his high school band where he plays both the clarinet and baritone saxophone. Abby, 12, is in sixth grade and she also plays clarinet in band at her school! Bob celebrated 20 years at Fermilab this past December and I continue to teach preschool part-time. I hope to see more of our classmates at our 25th Reunion this May!
2019
I, Baylee Garver Myers, work currently as an ER nurse, and I reside with my husband and my little girl on my husband’s family farm! Our life is messy, chaotic and oh so beautiful and full of new adventures.
Jordan Love married Larissa Michels at Holy Cross Church of Wendelin in Newton, Illinois, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
MLD
Emilee Roberts ’17MLD, ’26Ph.D. is excited to be finishing up her Ph.D. of Global Leadership at SMWC in 2026! In addition to completing her degree, Emilee continues to work at a nonprofit organization in Terre Haute, Indiana, and enjoys traveling with her husband, Caleb, and their two dogs, Louie and Fitz!
Devin Blankenship ’17MLD continues to teach English and Social Studies to middle school students online while teaching ESL and Irish (Gaelic) on the side. He just finished his principal’s license. He particularly enjoys travel, whether individually, with students, or with other grown-ups! Devin will be taking a student group to Greece for the fourth time this summer, and he is preparing to take two trips to Japan (one with grown-ups and one with students) in the summer of 2027. He currently serves as the secretary and education chair for Circle City Irish Fest, as the president of Bloomington Restorations, Inc., and is a member of the Monroe County Historic Preservation Board of Review. He leads his neighborhood 4-H group in northern Monroe County, Indiana, as well.
Valerie Bendel ’17MLD officially retired in October 2025 from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Melissa Rohrbach ’21MLD will continue into 2026 being a consultant for the nonprofit Gibault Children’s Services, which will now include a dual role of Fund Development coordinator, as of January. With her husband, Scott, they continue to manage their seasonal non-profit Team Green Wrestling Club and are smitten over their first grandbaby, Rusty.
Ashley Williams ’17MLD was recently promoted to director of Membership Development and Engagement at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. She has been with the statewide chamber for almost five years. She and her husband live in Mooresville, Indiana, with their two children. They welcomed a new kitten to their family, Milo!
Frances Jordan ’16, ’17MLD is excited to be starting a new career in Municipal Public Works as an administration aide to the City Engineer of Independence, Kansas. Since graduating from SMWC in 2017, she has published four fictional novels, started a thriving farmers market, moved three states away, become a fully certified 911 emergency response operator, and started a family. She’s looking forward to many happy years in her new hometown.
Courtney Jordan ’23, ’24MLD has jumped into the world of Human Resources since graduating with her MLD in 2024. She currently works for Smithfield Foods Inc. and has been with the company for just over a year. With exciting growth opportunities ahead, she looks forward to continuing to use the skills gains from the MLD program to support the Greenfield Distribution Center.
