Class Notes

When we read this, spring will be on the horizon. Many of you said not much changed in past months, but any news lets us connect. Send additional email addresses so we can stay in touch, through Mary Anne Burns’ class Facebook page and my column alias.

Liz Keith, Barb Exline Staller, and I – suite/roommates for most of our MWC years, though Barbara left for Ursinus College after sophomore year – had our second annual lunch while Liz was on the East Coast in November and caught up with gossip and pictures.

Mary Jane Chandler Miller and husband Fred celebrated their 41st anniversary in February. They plan to work another few years so they can comfortably retire. Their granddaughter is 3½, and Mary Jane was expecting another granddaughter.

After 42 years teaching, Beth Fleming Skidmore planned to retire at the end of the school year. Her two unmarried sons are happy and healthy. Oldest Alex interviewed for an interventional radiology residency program and was to learn in March if he’d made a match with a hospital and program.

Susan Brown Lohin is in close touch with Wendy Dickerson Smith. Her youngest child and only daughter, Amanda, 32, graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean in June 2012. She was interning in animal medicine for a year at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Massachusetts and living at home.

Elaine “Cookie” Brennan Wright still works but was able to spend a month with Rich in Italy, teaching a course in Venice. Rich loves the Chesapeake and his boat. Their younger daughter and her fiancé were to finish grad school at U.Va. in May and marry in June. Their older daughter received an MBA in May 2013.

Mary Weaver Mann’s son, Geoff, and Becky had their fourth child, second girl, Virginia “Ginna” Ruth, named after Mary’s mother, who’s 103. Daughter Emily and Steve expected their fourth child, third girl, around Jim’s March birthday. Mary is still with Betty Barnhardt Hume at the Fredericksburg library, where she’s worked 27 years.

Mary Anne Burns’ mother, 95, passed away in January 2013. Mary Anne said mothers deserve to be honored for raising us. Her mother was her best friend and highest ideal in ethics, using one’s gifts, the purpose of intelligence, and kindness. Her mother dressed for the day and, shortly after Mary Anne’s brother arrived, took her last breath. Mary Anne spent time with her in November 2012 and will always cherish that last visit. She’s still with the Library of Congress, does yoga, travels, and meets friends like Kathi O’Neill, Kathy “Ernie” Marilla Kent, Jane Touzalin, and Philo Funk. Mary Anne planned a Caribbean cruise honoring Edie Windsor and Maya Angelou.

Thanks to all who send notes, cards, and the occasional letter. Our 45th reunion is just two years away! Start planning now, and let’s surpass the great numbers at the 40th.