Class Notes

Many thanks to Joan Frankhauser, who so ably served as our class agent for so long. Thanks to those who “almost volunteered,” because I plan to do this for only two years and I want you to be ready to volunteer quickly next time. It is exciting to learn of the many things our classmates are doing.

Ellen Hertz Hewitt is learning bridge and French, and in June plans to visit Newport, Rhode Island, where she and husband Charlie can renew their love of New England. Elizabeth “Libby” Fordham wrote of her grand-nephew who is playing tennis in Fredericksburg, which she finds is changing so much from what it was. Florence “Foncie” Lawrence Williamson is living in Raleigh at Sunrise Senior Living. Katherine “Kay” Nelson Richardson is now at Lakewood Manor Retirement Community in Henrico, enjoying the classes, entertainment, and friendly people there.

Deane Ford Rook lost her first husband some time back, and is now married to Navy Captain Clark Rook. She has homes in Tucson and Pensacola, and she’d love to get an alum chapter going in the latter area.

Our famous author and painter Mary Montague Sykes produced a new novel in 2015 entitled Evening of the Dragonfly. She taught a class, “Painting Like Georgia O’Keeffe” at several locations and has plans for more in 2016. Her art is exhibited in many locations, including Richmond, Williamsburg, and South Carolina. She has a website where more information is available.

Barbara Craft Grantz and Helen Grantz Fortner have special family ties, seeing each other’s children when their own live far away. Like so many of us, they travel to see them on special holidays. This Christmas Barbara visited her son in California. Barbara and husband Walt went on an archeologically-oriented trip last fall with their daughter to Israel and Petra. In January, Barbara and hubby visited Patagonia and Buenos Aires, where Walt was born and lived as a little boy. He recognized some of it, too. Cliff and I visited Chile and cruised from there around the cape to Argentina, making several stops. I especially enjoyed making the acquaintance of some penguins.

As I began receiving your messages, I learned that not all of our classmates have updated email addresses. If yours has changed, please mail to alumni@umw.edu.