Class Notes

I have contacted each person for whom I have a phone number, address, or email address, or a family member. Among the many outstanding achievers, at least two served with distinction in the U. S. Navy. Myra McCormick Cole sent a glamorous photo showing her with a large satchel and visible gun on her hip. Myra enjoys needlework, much of which she donates to charities, and her great grandchildren. She is now a Texan.

Lenore McGill Powell was a WWII WAVE officer, a teacher, and a highly honored religious leader whose work has taken her to well over 30 countries. Her son, Michael Downtain, captured her energetic spirit in the story of her life entitled Lenore, What Have You Done Lately? Lenore now lives in Arizona.

I still play Bridge, am involved with Church activities, and get around—usually with a cane or another’s arm! We had a big family reunion combined with my 93rd birthday with all my children, “greats,” and “grands” from Germany, California, and New Jersey. There were 40 in all, including seven “greats” under six years old. Great weather! My son Don has been living with me and helps me a lot. Three of my girls are also in the area and are always there to help if needed.

Marie Kennedy Robins is holding on, but barely, in the independent living level of a retirement community in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Her traveling times are over except for a daily turn around the pond. Life is good but slows as one ages.

Elizabeth Cumby Murray says that her life is pretty much the same and she is still living at the Shelburne Commons retirement facility in Nantucket. She still plays Bridge four days a week. Her two grandsons, with their children, will be visiting for a week including July 4th. They will have their usual cookout!

MaryEllen Starkey is still hanging on, as she says. Her daughter from Florida was visiting her when I talked with her, but she has someone who helps her regularly.

Isabel Hilldrup Klein has been living with her daughter, but I haven’t heard from her lately.

Rev. Natalie Kerns McWilliams writes, “It seems a strange thing to write about yourself!” Known to her classmates as “Bug” Kerns, Natalie’s path has led her to amazing and wonderful places. She says that a very naive girl of 17 arrived in Fredericksburg to begin a life of adventure that fall of 1941. During those four years, the world changed greatly and so did she!

She is grateful to MWC for lessons learned which prepared her for the years ahead, which held a wonderful marriage plus three children. Jay was a small college basketball and tennis coach whose work took them to VMI, Alfred University in New York State, and Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Retirement came in Hudson, Ohio, and it was then her turn to continue their adventure.

Both Jay and Natalie were blessed with membership in many churches as they moved. The church was always drawing her closer. Like other bewildered parents of children of the 50s and 60s, they found refuge, companionship, and amazing strength to weather the storm of many changes. Therefore, in 1978, Natalie entered seminary with the blessing of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

“A wonderful new life for all of us,” she writes. Years of blessing followed in Ashland, Ohio, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with interims in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Sullivan’s Island, and Hana, Maui. Travels to Egypt, Jordon, Israel, Greece, Italy, England, France, and Germany blessed the years. Life at Breckenridge Village in Willoughby, Ohio, continues to challenge mind and body—not to forget spirit! Natalie will always miss Jay, yet the three children are close by.

From Natalie: “Each day brings new gifts of love, opportunities to use all I have learned, and grace to support my 92 years. Most of my close classmates are gone, but for the years at MWC, thankfulness abounds. Grace to you and peace.”

As July arrives, the year is six months old and soon will come to its ultimate close. Sadly, these few months brought reports of the known loss of five more classmates.

First reported, Lee Pelham Cooper Rowe died in February at her Fredericksburg home. Born in Oklahoma, her family relocated to Texas where Lee spent her formative years. She began college at San Diego State and then transferred to MWC, where she majored in history and graduated with our class. She later also took several classes at the University of Mexico and the University of Heidelberg. Married and residing in Fredericksburg, Lee taught both history and Spanish at Falmouth High School; was a librarian at an elementary school in Key West, Florida; and was also a librarian at Maury Elementary in Fredericksburg.

When Maury students requested a book about the Spanish language, Lee found none marketed and decided to write one herself. Her book, Fun with Spanish, became a bestseller in 1966. Her writing career continued with Fun with French; Fun with Italian; Fun with German; and More Fun with Spanish, all for one publisher. Broadening her linguistic skills, she also wrote for other publishers, producing Five Fables from France; Pirates of Puerto Rico; and lastly, The Chinese Language for Beginners.

In the mid-70s, Lee launched a new career as a realtor. Her husband, E. Randolph Cooper, owner of Cooper’s Furniture on William Street, gave her his next door warehouse where she opened Cooper Realty. Adding a partner, the business expanded into the furniture store when her husband retired because of an illness which eventually caused his death.

In 2001, Lee married Charles Spurgeon Rowe, the retired editor and co-publisher of The Free Lance-Star. The couple divided their time between homes in Fredericksburg and Vero Beach, Florida. Her husband predeceased her in 2015. Lee’s two sisters also had predeceased her. She is survived by her niece and her nephew, their children and grandchildren, and also her stepchildren and their children and grandchildren.

Although Lee was a bit older, married, and a town girl, she had many friends on campus and will be missed by all who knew her during her fascinating life.

An email from Barbara Trimm Wright in February reported the passing of her lifelong friend, Gladys Riddle Whitesides, in Smyrna, South Carolina. Technically, Gladys was not

listed in our class printout; however, she was a classmate although she did not reach graduation. Barbara, Gladys, and Helen Lowe Eliason ’48 shared a room in Ball during our junior year. Barbara said that when Gladys’ mother learned of a romance between Gladys and Les, an ex-Marine whom she thought too old for her daughter, she made her leave MWC to return home to South Carolina. However, her attempts to break up the couple failed; Gladys eventually married Les Whitesides and they had a happy marriage for over 50 years. Barbara was a bridesmaid in her friend’s wedding and, years later, Gladys attended Barbara’s marriage to her “Mr. Wright,” cutting the groom’s cake at their reception.

The two classmates kept in close contact over all the years until Gladys suffered a recent stroke which left her without communicative abilities. Unable to speak by phone, Barbara sent frequent cards of encouragement and was dismayed to learn of her death. Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Les, and is survived by their five children—a son and four daughters. While deeply saddened by the loss of such a dear friend, Barbara treasures the many memories of their shared lifetime.

Our gentle Jeanne Farrington Leslie also passed away in February after enduring several health issues in recent years. Jeanne was born in Philadelphia and spent her early years in Bala Cynwyd and Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, attending schools in both uniquely named cities before joining us at MWC, where she majored in biology and made a close circle of classmate friends for a lifetime. Following graduation, Jeanne married Myron “Mike” Leslie in 1950 and they reared their four daughters in Wayne and West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Jeanne’s Christian faith was central to her life and that of her family and friends. With their daughters and their families scattered around the nation, Jeanne and Mike relocated ten years ago to Roswell, Georgia, to be near their daughter Robin and her family there. After a loving marriage of 63 years, Mike succumbed to a major illness in 2013. Jeanne cherished her close-knit family of Mike, four daughters, their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She had a special gift for friendship and making others happy by her presence.

Jeanne is survived by her sister, Phyllis Soliday, of Litchfield, Connecticut; by her extended family; and by her lifelong friends. She especially will be remembered for her unconditional love, her sweet smile, and her own special persona as her legacy of love and faith continues.

More sorrowful news came in mid-June when the morning’s Richmond Times-Dispatch carried an obituary for our dear friend and classmate Dolores “Dee” May Ross. Caring friends had known of her ongoing health challenges in recent years and kept in frequent touch by phone, mail, or in person. Aware of her consecutive concerns, her brief hospitalization and sudden demise still came as a shock to all. Born and reared in Richmond, she graduated from Cathedral High there and came to MWC as a 15-year-old freshman. She earned her B.A. degree in Spanish, an M.Ed. from U. Va. in 1956, and later also took additional business courses at VCU. Dee devoted her entire life to education, teaching at Kenbridge High for two years and spending the next 35 years in the Henrico County School System. As a valued educator, she followed a progressive course on the primary level from teacher to supervisor, assistant principle, assistant director of personnel and, finally, principle. After 37 years as an educator, Dee retired from those duties in 1986.

During her long tenure she was elected president of the Henrico County Educational Association, president of the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond, and was a Life Member of the PTA. She also served as president of the MU chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary education fraternity, and was a member of a second education fraternity at U. Va. Each year, she noted the rising costs of obtaining an education and was concerned for future students. As a result, she was instrumental in the establishment of a family scholarship at the U. of Richmond.

Dee was a faithful volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital for 25 years and also volunteered at Ginter Botanic Gardens for five years. As a member of Cathedral Church, she used her annual hiatus from her school schedule to teach religion classes for elementary pupils during the church’s summer school and high school students at night during the school year.

After retirement and relocation to the small town of Kilmarnock on the Northern Neck of Virginia, Dee joined St. Francis de Sales Church and became a weekly volunteer there, utilizing her accounting acumen for the collection contributions. In addition, she also performed as Docent at Christ Church in nearby Irvington. With their family scholarship in Richmond, Dee and her sister, Anne Ross Parks ’46, later jointly established a scholarship at Mary Washington in honor of their parents. After her sister’s demise, Dee contributed a second combined scholarship, in memory of Anne, for education students at MWC. Being well-endowed, their scholarship recipients—past, present, and future—are assured of financial assistance for many years to come. Dee enjoyed meeting with those recipients at the annual Scholarship Donor Luncheons each April.

Prior to our 50th class reunion, Dee also lent her expertise by chairing a committee to form and establish our own Class of 1949 scholarship. Contributing to every fundraising event at UMW over the years, Dee also donated a bedroom suite for the new Kalnen Inn at the Jepson Alumni Center and enjoyed staying in that Ross Room each time she returned to campus for various functions. To her great disappointment, pneumonia negated her planned attendance at her good friend President Rick Hurley’s retirement party in May.

Dee’s sudden passing came when many of her UMW friends were away on post-Reunion Weekend trips, and they sadly learned of her passing upon their return. A faithful friend to many, Dee responded favorably to all who sought her expertise in their endeavors. Perhaps her portrayal of an “angel” in our senior class production “Forty-niners Through the Years” proved prophetic, as an angel she had remained ever since, with or without requisite wings. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and especially by her adored Shih Tzu, Joe, whose welfare Dee thoughtfully pre-arranged.

Further sad news came in late June when word of the demise of still another dear and valued classmate was received. Jacquelyn “Jackie” McConnell Scarborough of Stone Mountain, Georgia, passed away just seven days after her 89th birthday. Ongoing health challenges of recent years ended when her magnificent heart finally failed her. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jackie graduated from Miami High School and headed north to Virginia and MWC, earning her B.S. degree in biology. She then spent the next 48 years in public health service, including 30 years working hand in hand with her husband and soulmate, Leslie Scarborough, at Carr-Scarborough Microbiologicals, Inc.

In her earlier years, Jackie played both the organ and violin. As a member of Atlanta First United Methodist Church, she served on the Administrative Board and also as president of the United Methodist Women organization. She sang in the church choir and was a member of the St. Andrew Sunday School Class. She was devoted to her faith and rarely missed a Sunday service. Jackie was passionate about life, traveling, gardening, and Japanese flower arranging. Having had many pets during her life, she especially loved her precious dog, Lily.

Jackie was a very intelligent, hard-working, talented woman who loved her family and friends selflessly. She and Les also were deeply devoted to her alma mater and were faithful donors to Mary Washington over the years. Jackie is survived by Les, her husband of 46 years; two daughters; a step-daughter; a nephew; a grand niece and nephew; three grandchildren; a great-granddaughter (who was born on Jackie’s last birthday); seven step- grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and a step-great-great-grandson. A celebration of life service was scheduled in early July at her church. With her extended family and close friends in attendance, the service must have offered many reviewed memories of a well-lived and beautiful life.

Happily, there were other events to report since the year began. The end-of-January blizzard named Jonas brought heavy snowfall to blanket much of the East coast, with discomfort for many now a distant memory. Lexington was hit with a deep snow, but Betty Bond Heller Nichols reported being fortunate, since their mayor resides on the street where she lives—which is somehow always the first plowed! Still in recovery from last year’s near-fatal trauma, she actually fulfilled a promise to play for a private party at the piano bar, driving carefully through the snowy streets to arrive and limiting her performance to one hour.

Determined to also make her appearance for the annual show in her hometown of Bedford, fortunately that show was postponed by the bad weather conditions. She has resumed her weekly playing at a retirement home for the eager residents to enjoy their sing-a-long of familiar songs. In mid-February, her daughters Kathy and Anne took her to Winston-Salem to enjoy an appearance by her son Kevin and the band in an Elvis-themed concert with the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra, a popular concept, and just one of a series of like concerts the band has played in other cities.

With her life now geared around dialysis three times a week, Betty Bond can’t say she is back to normal but adds it’s her “new normal.” After further enduring a devastating attack of bronchitis in March, B.B. is determined to regain her strength and stamina to keep on keeping on.

Frances Houston Layton left her West Virginia home in February for a sun-filled two week stay on balmy St. George Island, her longtime favorite retreat from winter’s weather. She said she hadn’t been back for two years and missed its tranquility. Her daughter Sarah went with her, and her son Mathew and his wife Kate joined them for the last week. In preparation for the trip Frances said she was taking a lot of books to read.

Marion Selfe Kelly said all was well with her and husband George in Lynchburg. They were looking forward to meeting their new great-grandchild, Zoe, in March when their daughter and little family were to return home from Australia for six week’s leave from their son-in-law’s ongoing job “Down Under.”

Leaving Toronto’s wintry weather, Corinne “Conni” Conley Stuart headed for Los Angeles in February to visit her son Tony and his family and enjoy a more moderate clime. Tony is an attorney and Conni got to watch him in action during a trial. She said his closing argument was splendid, but unfortunately—as his mother wasn’t on the jury—he lost the case. Leaving the courthouse, they crossed the street for lunch at the Disney Concert Hall, which Conni found very interesting. Staying with Tony and Karen in their Santa Monica home, Conni said Tony has become something of a chef and prepared dinner most nights for Conni, Karen, their kids, and Conni’s adored great-granddaughter (whose picture revealed a look-alike in a precocious pose).

Tony took Conni to the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings and to his favorite butcher’s shop. Karen is the executive director for ATA (Association of Talent Agents) and took Conni to the Directors’ Guild Academy Award show, where the nominated directors spoke along with the stars of their movies, all of which Conni enjoyed. Not having the nerve to rent a car to travel L.A.’s intricate freeways now, a few old friends did come to Santa Monica to visit. But, she noted, so many former friends are no longer there. She had lunch with her old commercial agent, but her theatrical agents are long gone. Connie added that while she always thought she’d go back to pick up her L.A. career, she fully realizes that was only a fantasy, adding that she feels fortunate in getting occasional work today in Toronto.

In a later update, Connie said she and son Curtis were taking a 10-day Alaskan cruise in late June. Curtis was to arrive in Toronto a bit earlier to take in the Luminato Festival, a very exciting Toronto cultural event, with a plethora of avant garde offerings, from which Conni said they probably would need the cruise for recovery. Conni keeps in close touch with her BFF roommates, Norah Pitts Byrnes and Betsy Thorne Bultman, saying both still are in their respective homes and visit each other frequently. Conni said with a lot of new filming going on in Toronto, she seems to get many auditions, adding when the roles don’t come her way she thinks just having to learn lines for those auditions is better for mental acuity than crossword puzzles!

The many friends of Cynthia “Cindy” Snyder ’75, our longtime Director of Alumni Affairs, will be delighted to know that she now lends her expertise to George Mason

University’s School of Law. In supporting the efforts of professional staff in career, academic, and alumni service, Cindy’s new position allows her to be involved in higher education in a totally new environment which she finds is a wonderful opportunity to keep learning. As the law school campus is convenient to her home in Arlington, it’s a welcome change from daily I-95 commutes.

Elizabeth “Betty” Fischer Gore said she is enjoying her new life at the Woodland

Retirement Center in Fairfax, a smaller facility with good service and friendly residents.

She especially enjoys having delicious dinners every night that she doesn’t have to cook herself, adding they’re so tasty she has to watch her weight! With frequent trips for residents, she recently visited the Amish country around Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. In April, Betty returned to campus to attend the annual Scholarship Donor Luncheon. She was the only one present from our class, as Dee was resting at home in anticipation of attending Rick Hurley’s farewell party in May. In Dee’s absence, Betty met with every recipient of classmates’ scholarships, taking pictures with each one to later be sent to absent donors. This year’s luncheon was held in the new Chandler Ballroom in the University Center, on the site of old Chandler, which she found “quite impressive.” Betty especially enjoyed seeing Marye’s Hilltop in beautiful springtime bloom, a lovely scene fondly remembered by us all.

Margaret “Peggy” Walton Mason left her home in nearby Bethesda, Maryland, for the short drive to Washington at Eastertime to view the famed cherry blossoms and enjoy walking around beneath the beautiful boughs along with the many visiting tourists.

Over these many years, the “Fabulous Forty-niners” have been very supportive of our alma mater, with many providing generous donations, individual/combined scholarships and special endowments and bequests for future generations. As you don’t normally have access to the names of those benefactors, here’s a current list of classmates who merit membership in the Heritage Society and in the Washington Society. Those with an asterisk are now deceased; those in italics are also Washington Society members: Erma Whitaker Henry Bockoven, *Claire Doiron Bullington*, Erminia Ubaldi Daspit*, Elizabeth Seelinger DeBedts*, Elizabeth Fischer Gore, Beverly J. Hungerford*, Joan Rekemeyer Kibbe*, June Davis McCormick, Josephine Drury Ramsburg*, Dolores May Ross*, Lee Pelham Rowe*, Jacquelyn McConnell Scarborough*, Katherine Mayo Schmidt, and Mary Elwang Sharpley.

When this winter issue of the UMW Magazine reaches you in December, you may be in the process of sending holiday greetings. If you include your Class Agent, please add a line or two of more than the ubiquitous “no news!” As ever, love to all of you.