Class Notes

The tagline in a recent note from Sherry Farrington Green read “Old Broads Kick Butt.” She’s climbed Mount Everest, been a doula here and in Africa, and earned a Ph.D. She won a gold medal in women’s sabre at the World Veterans Fencing Championships in Varna, Bulgaria. Though it was her last world competition, she plans to keep fencing competitively as soon as she recovers from her second hip replacement. (Jody, Karen, and Bonnie Davis Hall were on the Mary Washington fencing team and are in awe of Sherry’s accomplishment.)

Pat Vought Grine’s family flew her to Atlanta in January for her 75th!Patty Morgan Connolly of Connecticut had a big 75th party, including a visit from her daughter from San Diego. Mona Allen Spilo of Connecticut said, “You can’t hide your age from classmates. Hair color, makeup, Spandex, and a youthful attitude can’t disguise the numbers!”

Betty Ditmars Prosser of New York broke her foot and, while grounded, organized the house. Husband David was a patient chauffeur.Iris Hall Newton lost her brother on Christmas Day. They lived in the same retirement residence. Her sister-in-law also passed away on Christmas Day, and her son-in-law passed away in February after a long illness.

Sue Smith Goodrick had a North Carolina beachside holiday with her children and grandchildren last summer, spent Christmas in Missouri with friend Jim and his extended family, and visited her son’s family in Naperville, Ill. Sue attended a Wilmington, N.C., UMW alumni function and saw many alumni from the eastern North Carolina area.

Karen Larsen Nelson had a Christmas visit with her daughter and family (10 in all, including 3-year-old twins). Including babies expected by two of their granddaughters in August, they have six great-grandchildren. Older sister Cassie, who had a kidney transplant in January at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic, was home and doing great. In March, their son visited from Florida, then visited his Marine Corps son, who’s in electronics school in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Jody Campbell Close spent Christmas with her brother and his extended family. Her daughter gave her a leather-bound “annual” documenting family adventures throughout the year and inspired by her husband’s award-winning photography. Jody is still involved with the broader Florida community through her genealogy group outreach and with the annual Scout workshop. She edits a newsletter for genealogists, is a historical society membership chair, and is our co-class agent. She planned to attend spring Florida and Virginia genealogy conventions. She had gallbladder surgery in March.

Bonnie Davis Hall and Ross volunteered at Revels Singers performances and had a  performance at the Harvard Square subway station in December, taped for Boston TV. She and Ross sang in a January community concert. In November, they visited Bonnie’s cousin in Chicago. Bonnie planned two knee replacements this year.

We look forward to reports from you. It lets us know we’re not writing to ourselves.