Class Notes

Deigh Renn Simpson had “no spectacular info this time,” but many of you did. Betty Roper made plans with Barbara White Ramer. Betty Raynor Pittman, who reminded me our 60th reunion is near, enjoys her family’s third generation of Mary Washington students. Her freshman grandson was elected to Class Council and selected as a Washington Guide to conduct tours for prospective students. Despite the changes, Betty said, “the core and spirit of our beloved Mary Washington remain.”

Irene Maliaros Mathas sent news that Joan Schlesinger Miller died in August. Joan’s obituary mentioned her early employment as a buyer for I. Magnin in New York and her volunteer positions and community service contributions to the Virginia Opera and causes in the Tidewater area, where she and her husband raised their family.

Barbara Pritchett Jones evaluated our current place in the world: “We’re still on this side of the dirt, so to speak, and meet the challenges that come in the 80s with all the strength we can muster.” Gayle Winston Roberts’ oldest grandson, Page Jr., graduated from dental school in May and practices in Richmond. He married in October.

Nicky Raitt Staunton lives near her daughter in a botanically rich area at the county line between Madison and Culpeper. A Virginia Native Plant Society member, she advocates for protecting the state’s native habitats. She photographs and illustrates plants, and participates in the Flora of Virginia Project, publishing the first Flora of Virginia – containing documentation of native Virginia plants – since 1762.

Betsy Dickinson Surles and Lenny continue to “house-sit.” Hurricane Sandy came through their carport door! Their elder son lives with them, and his teenage daughters visit often. Lenny still works eight-hour days after a heart valve replacement. They traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in September and attended a niece’s wedding in Richmond, where they found Peggy Hopkins Johnson at the guest book. The hurricane left Peggy housebound for three days. A huge tree fell into daughter Liz’s yard in Arlington, Va., sending her and her husband to a hotel. Peg celebrated her 80th birthday with her sister and friends at Myrtle Beach, then with Liz at the Gaylord hotel in National Harbor on the Potomac.

Thinking of Peg brings Nancy Melton Miller and Nell McCoy Savopoulos to mind. Nell and Mike of St. Augustine, Fla., planned to spend Thanksgiving with their son in Harrisonburg, Va. Her other son and his family, who live in Baltimore, were to join them. After beginning a kitchen renovation in August and encountering many problems, they hoped to be done by Christmas.

Bub and I continue to be in good health, thanks to several daily naps. He still plays tennis, and I do morning neighborhood walks. We planned to celebrate Thanksgiving at Chip and Karmen’s with most of the family, then do Christmas here. When we’re all together, there’s 27. Our Kim, suffering from ovarian cancer in Richmond, got a good report after her first months of chemo but was experiencing other complications.

I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand, making using the computer more difficult. Would one of you please consider assuming the honor of being Class Agent? It’s fun hearing from everyone, and the Alumni Relations staff is great. I’ll be anxiously awaiting a reply! If you aren’t getting occasional emails asking for news, please send me your current address.