Then & Now M-R

Helene Mastin Cohen

After graduation, I went to Moser Business College and worked in Chicago as a secretary until my son was born in 1972. We bought our first house in Buffalo Grove and moved to California in 1974. I worked for 21st Century Insurance as an Executive Assistant for 26 years but, unfortunately, became one of the many unemployed after being laid off 2 years ago. I currently reside in West Hills, CA with Barry, my husband of 42 years. Although he also went to Bowen and graduated in 1965, I did not meet him until we left school. We have two beautiful children - our 39 year-old son Jason is an attorney who owns his own practice. He is married and has given us 2 beautiful granddaughters, Delaney and Courtney. Then there’s our amazing 36 year-old daughter Julie who works as Jason’s office manager. They both live within 3 miles of us. I am definitely too young to have kids this old! We also are proud parents to two golden doodles and a terrier (?) mix. For those who knew my parents, my dad passed away in 1997 and my mom in 2008. Can’t wait to see everyone. Email: Helene.Cohen44@gmail.com

Cindy Moskowitz Berman

I have many memories from Bowen during the four years I attended. I was a bit on the shy side but have blossomed into a friendly, kind person who lives in San Diego, CA. I moved from Chicago in 1982 where I had my sweet daughter (now 29 years old). I have a son who is 32 years old (see photo of my son and me) and has become a worldwide traveler. He is an adventurous person who loves to travel all over the world and is now in Brazil trying to find a teaching job. I am proud of both of them and the only thing I could wish for myself is that I would be a grandmother. My husband and I have 4 children between us, he has two grandchilden and one great grandchild and they all live in Batesville, Arkansas, a long way from California. My husband of 14 years is a wonderful man who has shown me travel, and many things that I have not done when my children were growing up. I worked during my single years as a executive and medical assistant at UCSD and enjoyed it very much; however presently I am retired and looking forward to my husband retiring next year in April of 2012. I look forward to meeting and talking to as many people as possible and hear what has happened in the last 15 years since our last reunion. Goodbye for now. Email: ceebee2@cox.net

Kathy Mayfield Maratto

I’m so glad we’re not yet at 50 years yet! The 10th and 20th reunions were so much fun; I am looking forward to this one, too. I think I remember walking to and from school the most, both Bowen and Warren and Hoyne grade schools. I lived on 91st and Essex and walked to Bowen with Marcia Aldrich, Roz Ryden and Janice Roberts, all from the class of ’65, and fellow Lambda members (at the South Chicago YMCA). They’re the ones who taught me how to put on black eyeliner the “right” way and gave me info about the teachers: Miss Weiss, Miss Blue, Mrs. Stanek, Miss Kartsounes, etc. It was always fun. In grade school, I walked for years with Judy Tuteur (same block) and we walked up 91st to get Debbie Tracy, Cindy Moskowitz and Barbara Shane on Crandon and Iris Silverman on Luella. All our growing up was done on those walks or in Iris’s basement (practice dancing to “Put your head on my shoulder”, “Run Around Sue”, who know what else) with Rosalie Silverman yelling at us and Iris’s sister Linda critiquing us. I spent many days at Judy’s, too. I was introduced to seders there and Kosher salami and heard Yiddish for the first time. We spent time at the JCC (the “J”) as her mom was in charge of the nursery school there. We roller skated in their gym. Bowen was fun because of the friendships I made, in Lambda and with the other TriHiY’s at the Y, and with all the other friends made in classes. Marlene Weinstein got teased by us in Transcription with Miss Kartsounes for wearing her “shiksei” (did I spell that right?) shoes and Mike Velasco got teased for being the only guy in the class. I sat behind Ronnie Maydon in Division and Gloria Makowski was in front of him. I remember Girls Chorus with Mr. Williams and Alice Bergdoll at the piano; the plays in the auditorium (Music Man sticks in my memory); Mrs. Stern in PE and those awful tank suits we had to wear to swimming; football parties and Kenny Skaggs and his motorcycle; Sue Reynolds, Karyn Pietrzak and Summer Blonde by Clairol! Cheryl Young and Karyn P. wearing their matching surfer shirts – the Beach Boys influence on fashion… It seems like a million years ago and just yesterday.Email: kjmaratto@sbcglobal.net

Ira Moskowitz

67 year old married 41 years to Jeri. I'm a retired family physician living in San Diego. I have two grown and married sons and a 4 year old gorgeous granddaughter. Hobbies: drummer of 10 years in a rock/blues band and a country/folk band. Expert witness/consultant to a medical-legal law firm, traveling, exercising, reading, and enjoying living in beautiful San Diego since 1979. Email: mos1856@sbcglobal.net

Marianne Nisevich-Osterman

Had I been of feeble personality, being incorrectly dubbed "Miriam Nisevic" in the 1966 Bowenite could have produced serious identity flaws during my lifetime. Instead, I merely added "Miriam" to my list of monikers that include "Nana", "BaNana" and "Hey You". I have emerged: Marianne Nisevich-Osterman. After graduating Bowen I was fortunate to attend Moser Business School, which eventually afforded me a career in the general aviation field. After a stint with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft that concluded in 1989, I joined J.A. Air Center at DuPage Airport until retiring three years ago. I currently assist my spousal-equivalent in his CPA firm, developing business, managing his aircraft and traveling bi-monthly to our office in Savannah, GA.

I was married once in 1970. The marriage lasted a few years and Jesicca Louise is the extraordinary result of that not-so-extraordinary relationship. Jesicca is one of the lights of my life; however, she shares the spotlight with another. Several years ago I had an astonishing reunion with my first born daughter. Jennifer is the mother of two and a successful VP at Key Bank in the Cleveland, OH area. Jessica is the mother of five and a thriving stay-at-home mom.

I had a good time at James H. Bowen High School. I wish I could tell you that my four years in the hallowed halls inspired me to greatness. Instead, lasting friendships were honed; Bowen's diversity extinguished narrow-mindedness; and a simple, common sense approach to life was absorbed. And, c'mon…you have to admit it. Didn't we have one of the last good Chicago public school educations offered? I look forward to trying to recognize once familiar faces and exchange remembered stories at our reunion. Just promise me one thing. Please don't call me Miriam. Email: mosterman@messina-patek.com

Tony Palumbo (1948-2013)

Dr. Anthony "Tony" Palumbo of Kent, WA passed away Monday, October 21, 2013. Anthony was a graduate of Bowen High School, Loyola University, and received his Doctorate in Naprapathy from National College of Naprapathic Medicine in Chicago, IL, Class of 1984. He practiced holistic medicine in Lansing, IL and Kent, WA. Tony was a lifelong member of D.A.V., having served in Vietnam. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Tony served in the Marine Corp and was in Vietnam from 67-69. He and his wife, Aileen, met in 1975 while he was attending Loyola University, Masters of Education program. They were married in 1984 and have one daughter. She and her husband have two sons. Anthony got his Doctorate in Naprapathy in 1984 and cared for patients in Lansing, IL before moving to Washington State in 1990. He loved his profession very much and wanted to make sure everyone could read and learn about this great healthcare alternative. While in WA, he built up his practice and wrote a book titled, ' Naprapathy, The Effective Healthcare Alternative'.

In 2008 he started receiving kidney dialysis, then in August of 2013 he suffered a major stroke that caused severe heart damage. After much careful thought, he decided to enter home hospice care, passing away Monday, October 21, 2013, after receiving the Last Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.

Madeline Perlow

How can I update my life in a few words? Not easy to do. I have been in Denver Colorado for the better part of the last 40 years, although I also lived in California, Atlanta Georgia and Mexico along the way. I sold new homes for large builders for almost 30 years. I have had three husbands, two Labrador Retrievers and no children. I am healthy, happy, and looking forward to this wonderful time of life!!! Currently I am in Puerto Vallarta Mexico until April then back to Colorado for the summer. I am single, (most of my life) and for now, very happy that way! I love the outdoors, was a skiier for many years. I still hike and snowshoe and try to stay healthy. Email: madeline.perlow@gmail.com in case anyone would like to drop me a line. I look forward to seeing you all at our 50th. I have only the fondest memories of all of you!

Sharon Pitler Citron

After not having a 40th reunion I decided to plan the 45th because it has been almost 15 years since our 30th. The last 45 years have gone by so fast, really too fast, but I have accomplished and done so many different things. After graduating from high school, I went to college where I had a double major in Phys. Ed. and elementary education. At NIU I met my husband Jerry and we have been married over 41 years. I then ended up graduating from National Louis so I could have my Second degree of elementary education, without going to school another 21/2 years. We have lived in Buffalo Grove, Ill for the last 33 years and have two children Amy and Adam, who are both married, 1 grandson David (the love of my life) a granddaughter due in June and 2 grand dogs. I have just retired from teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Phys Ed and health. I was a basketball and cheerleading coach and during summers I was a director of camps, ran pools, gave swimming lessons, taught summer school to name a few things. For all these years I have worked with children of all ages K-12. Now I have time to be with grandchild and to substitute teach. It is really the best of both worlds. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion in Sept. It has been great reconnecting with people as I plan the reunion, so I know it will be a lot of fun!!! See you Sept. 17th. Email: Shar426@aol.com

David Robin

From Bowen I went to Chicago Musical College (Roosevelt) and graduated with a degree in music compostion. I worked as a studio musician, composer and producer for years then left music for the business world. About five years at Jesen Sound Labs (remember the "Triax 6x9" rear deck speaker), then about 15 years at Texas Instruments (calculators, etc.). Now I'm back to music and loving it more than ever. I have an incredible wife, Susanne, and a wonderful daughter, Leslie, who is married, and is an occupational therapist living in Plano, Texas. While I didn't enjoy my Bowen years very much, I have great rememberances of some terrific classmates. I wish everyone well. Email: djrobin at aol dot com (sorry, just trying to avoid automated spam)