Class Notes

Approximately 33 of us, with 12 supportive husbands and one terrific son, attended our 55th reunion. The campus was lovely, and the sun appeared Friday for the Brompton reception, as ordered by President and Mrs. Hurley. The food was delicious, the staff cooperative, and the Hyatt Place accommodations first-rate. Golf carts and trolleys were convenient, and everything was well planned!

We had about 20 for Thursday’s dinner at Renato’s. Friday’s registration went like clockwork. Alumni College classes were popular. After the reception, we met at Seacobeck, began the memorial service (56 girls deceased this time), ate filet mignon, and had our class meeting. We’re now part of the 1908 Society, with classes that have celebrated 50th reunions. Saturday was beautiful, and the walkway from Willard to the Carmen Culpeper Chappell Centennial Campanile was streaming with people.

There were class pictures, picnics, tents, and activities until 6 o’clock, when all convened at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. The Distinguished Alumnus, Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service, and Outstanding Young Alumnus awards were presented. The class with the largest number of donors and contribution percentage was won by … guess who? We did it again! Our class met for a slideshow songfest and danced the night away. Those left met for Sunday brunch at Jepson. Parting is such sweet sorrow, but plan to be there in another five years.

In June, we lost Edith Sheppard Ott, who had been hospitalized with an inoperable arterial tumor. Several of us attended her memorial service in Richmond.

After slipping and falling on her back at Gary’s U.Va. reunion, Marcia Phillips Ireland was recovering. She missed our reunion but was there in spirit. Sara Bryson Damskier came from Denmark again, with son Hafdan, a psychiatric nurse and photographer who made a class agent happy on the dance floor.

It was great to see Russ and Dan there, representing their late wives Marianne Carrano Raphaely and Pat Gray Proulx, in the middle of everything!

Dodie Reeder Hruby and her reunion committee are tops! Daughter Dorothea’s two oldest are in college, and Dodie has a great-grandchild. She and Dale plan to move to Williamsburg. Irene Piscopo Rodgers is trying to completely retire to be with Don, who’s slowing down a bit. Ann Brooks Coutsoubinas’ husband, Spiros, passed last year. Ann is subbing again in Greek. Son Gregory, in the Army Reserve, is recertifying for his EMT license. Daughter Anastasia was considering a career change that would bring her closer to Ann.

Emily Babb Carpenter and Tom, Marcia Spence Harrison-Thornton and Larry, and Mary Fredman Downing and Glenn were at the reunion. Kay Rowe Hayes and Diana Trischman Lee kept the hospitality room humming. Diana’s hip problems last year laid her low. She literally had to learn to walk again. Nancy Gwaltney Gillette of Spotsylvania joined the reunion committee. She and Bill have 10 grandchildren, five in college. Daughters Deborah and Mary Katherine are in Virginia. Daughter Karen and son David are in North Carolina.

Sally Arnold Sullivan and Bill, Julia Coates Littlefield and Mo, and Jane Tricher Broadbooks and John were there, looking great. Barbara Gordon McNamee and Bob have 17 grandchildren. She travels constantly as a College of William and Mary swim coach and fundraiser. Frances Bourke Lirth and husband John, my volunteer crowd controller, came from Oregon. Afterward, she visited her 100-year-old mother in North Carolina and friends and family on the East Coast. Bunky hasn’t changed a bit. Edith Weber Staib, Nancy Smith Campbell, Nancy Crosland Lehfelat, Carol Daihler Leonard, Cecelia Bergin Robbins, and Sybil Child West looked good.

Molly Bradshaw Clark lost husband Jack a few years ago and has started tackling her bucket list. Audrey Manke Cameron lost husband Gary but was energetic.

Edith Weber Staib planned a trip to Paris with daughter Kathy and granddaughter Jenny. Husband Al was to meet them for a London-to-New York trans-Atlantic cruise.

Celeste Shipman Kaufman’s granddaughter, Frances, Julie’s daughter, was planning her wedding. Jeff’s sons, Smylie and Lucke, stay busy in school and sports. Joan Whittemore Loock came from Alabama and said Joan Essick Woloson was recovering from a mini-stroke. Barbara White Ellis and Donna Pethick Germelman had fun.

Mary Jones Hoff of Michigan, a guidance counselor, lost husband Ed. Mary recovered from heart surgery, still lives in her house, and maintains a summer home.

Carolyn Hickman Bowman, Gail Fallon Neal, Carolyn Jones Yosaitis, Texie Pete Van Devender, and Barbara Hunter Kellogg are ageless. We’re at an age when our bodies take control and sad things happen. I think our turnout is always grand and we should keep on trucking!

Jo Neal Hendricks Scully is in Richmond near her son. Sally Steinmetz enjoys her condo and is active with Connecticut’s Norwalk Community College. She’s had a solo part in the school’s performing arts festival for two years, takes acting and West African hand-drumming classes, and vacationed last summer in Newport, Rhode Island.

Vici Rogers Dumont was reported deceased, but she’s still with us, living in a condo since husband Rollin died.

Thanks to all who ask about the man in my life. Lucas turned 5 in April. He has Granddaddy Tom’s conversational skills and delights me with his curiosity and comments.