This section includes obituaries received after June 2020, and is sorted by Graduation Year and the Alum's name while a student at Friends.
Maiden Names appear between [ ].
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Alum '50
Died on September 10, 2022Anne Margaret (Allen) Pflugfelder’s '50 body died on September 10, 2022, but her spirit lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren and friends. It was a life filled with love, travel and family. We will all miss her deeply.
Born on July 22, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anne was raised in Wilmington, Delaware where she attended the Wilmington Friends School. She graduated from Sweet Briar College, Virginia where she met her husband, John, on a blind date at the University of Virginia. After graduation, Anne, an English major, moved to New York City, lived in Greenwich Village and worked at the Advertising Agency, J. Walter Thompson.
She loved reading, language and word games. Each day began at the kitchen table with the newspaper and the crossword puzzle (the “Puzz”) and ended with a tall glass of water and a “good” book on her bedside table.
Anne was a world traveler, literally. It would be easier to list the places she hadn’t visited than all those she had. She was genuinely interested in the world around her, recognized that half the fun was planning the trip and always documented her adventures. It was on these trips that she made lifelong friends from around the country and around the world.
After raising their family in Pelham Manor, New York, Anne and John retired to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida in 1993. They found great comfort and happiness in their new surroundings with their poodle, Max.
Anne is survived by her son, Bob Pflugfelder, daughter, Susan Granfors, son-in-law, Robert Granfors, and grandchildren, Harry Granfors, partner Danni Foley and Alice Granfors, partner Dwight Clay. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Kennedy Allen, son, John George Pflugfelder, Jr. and husband, John George Pflugfelder.
If you would like, please make donations in her name to support The Vicar’s Landing Scholarship Fund, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Community Hospice of Jacksonville, Florida.
A private, family celebration of Anne’s life will take place in New England on Thanksgiving.
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Alum '50, Parent of Alumni ('80 & '82)
Died on May 19, 2022HOCKESSIN, DE - Virginia "Ginnie" [Andrews] Chagnon '50, born in 1932, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Cokesbury Village in Delaware with Bob, her loving husband of 50 years, by her side.
Ginnie was born in Richmond,Virginia, to the late Gordon and Charlotte Andrews. She was a graduate of Wilmington Friends School and the University of Delaware. In 1956, Ginnie married Robert L. Brooks, and they had three children together Karri, Scott and Pam. Following Robert's death in 1969, Ginnie married Bob Chagnon in 1972.
Together, Ginnie and Bob raised Karri, Scott and Pam. As a couple, they enjoyed traveling and bought a house on the Chesapeake Bay, known as the "Bay House," where the extended family made some of their favorite memories together. Ginnie was a devoted grandmother of six, a great grandmother to three, and she and Bob enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family.
For 30 years, Ginnie was a kindergarten teacher, loved by her students and their families. In her classroom, she encouraged fun, learning, self-expression, emotional growth and friendship. After retirement, she spent time mentoring children through the CASA program, and she was especially proud of her role in helping twin girls find a family.
Ginnie and Bob eventually moved to Cokesbury Village, where they were blessed with an active life that included volunteering for the social committee, woodshop, white elephant sales, and much more. In addition, Ginnie enjoyed playing bridge with a variety of groups, and she was a member of the PEO sisterhood.
We would like to thank the many nurses, aides and hospice staff of Cokesbury Village for their kindness and loving care of Ginnie and for their continued support of our family. They have been a true blessing during a difficult time.
Ginnie is survived by her beloved husband Bob Chagnon; her three children, Karri Schnably, Scott Brooks '80 (Beth) and Pam [Brooks] Remmey '82 (Mark); six grandchildren, Cindy Rhoten (Jeremy), Sara Green (Ford), Carolyn, Melissa, Mark (Sarah) Remmey, and Leah Brooks; and three great grandchildren.
Services and interment are private. For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com
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Alum '50
Died on January 2, 2022John Magruder Clark, Jr. '50 grew up in Wilmington and attended Wilmington Friends School in the 1940s. He passed away on January 2, 2022 at 89 years old. An obituary is not available at this time. If you wish to leave a message on his Tribute Wall, or to plant a tree in memory of John M. Clark, visit the link below.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '50; Sibling of Alumni ('55)
Died on September 15, 2023Willis E. Cupery '50, age 91, died September 15. A native of Wilmington DE he moved to Berwyn PA in 2010, and then to North Carolina in 2017 to be near family. He graduated from Wilmington Friends School and Oberlin College, and received the PhD degree in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois.
He accepted an early retirement offer from DuPont's Agricultural Chemicals Department in 1985, having spent his entire career at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington. In retirement, he kept busy as a halftime bus driver/garden guide at the Nemours Estate, a volunteer guide at the Brandywine River Museum, and at various times was Treasurer for the Delaware PTA, of which his wife Shirley was a long-time leader. Although raised Presbyterian, he became a member of Chester Bethel UMC and a Methodist Lay Speaker. Upon moving to Berwyn, he joined Main Line Unitarian Church and later became a member of WellSprings Unitarian Church.
Music of all kinds was a major pleasure in his life. He played piano and especially enjoyed jazz, ragtime, bluegrass and 40's swing bands. In the churches he attended he was a member of the choir or "Praise Band." He is remembered for parody "entertainments" at Nemours Christmas parties and retirements. His family got a kick out of his rendition of the Monty Python lumberjack song at family gatherings. He also enjoyed gardening, sailing and vacations at Rehoboth Beach.
Predeceased by his parents Martin and Susanna Cupery, wife Shirley, and son William Edward ex.'78. Survived by his daughters Ruth (Cupery) Mead ex.'76 (Jim) and Susan White (Rob), two grandchildren Ethan and Jenna, and great grandchild Liliana all of North Carolina; also his brother Ken Cupery '55 (Marcia), two nieces and a nephew in Rochester, NY.
Posted online on September 28, 2023
Published in The News Journal
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Alum '50; Sibling of Alumni (ex.'46, '53, '59)
Died on May 10, 2022Marilyn Dew Maisano-Savage '54 passed from this earth peacefully at Chippenham Hospital Hospice in Richmond, Virginia on May 10, 2022. She is survived by her husband, James Savage and her nephews Tom '75 and Kevin '79 Dew. She is predeceased by her first husband, Andrew Maisano, brother Tom Dew, Sr. ex.'46 and sisters Deborah S. Dew '53 and Margaret Dew Dalzell '59.
Marilyn was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 28, 1933 to Walter Dew and Eleanor Stratton Dew.
She attended Wilmington Friends School and Westtown School, graduating in 1950.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1954. She subsequently worked at DuPont Co. in Wilmington, Delaware as an assistant to the Chief Geologist.
She married Andrew Maisano in December, 1956.
In 1962 she was a research associate at the University of Delaware in Newark, becoming an instructor there in the late 1960s.
In the early 1970s Marilyn and her husband Andrew (deceased 1997) moved to Phoenix, AZ where she taught at Arizona State University in Tempe. There she received an M.S. in Geology in 1975 and a PhD in Geology in 1976. In 1977 she became Chief geologist at Energy Resources Development Co. in Phoenix.
In the early 1980s, she and Andrew moved to Virginia. She worked as a geologist at Vande Linde Co. from 1980 to 1984, and then for Dewberry & Davis in Roanoke as a senior geologist.
In 1992 she began working at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA as an adjunct Professor of Geology for many years until she retired in 2007.
In 2005 she married her second husband, Jim Savage.
Marilyn was a passionate and effective crusader for environmental affairs and policies, working on numerous projects as a project scientist/geologist and researcher over the span of a long and productive career. Projects included Superfund site remediations, landfills, coal mining company geologic analysis, expert testimonies, and recently co-founding the county recycling coalition for the Rockbridge County, VA recycling program.
She co-authored the book "Essays on Leadership in Environmental Management" in 2004.
Some of her favorite activities were her university geology field trips she led to various places in Arizona and in Virginia. She and her husband, Jim, were avid hikers well into their 70s and enjoyed exploring areas around their part of Virginia.
Donations in Marilyn's loving memory can be made to Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware.
Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 8, 2022.
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Alum '50
Died on January 30, 2021William ("Bill") Armstrong Reed '50, 90, of Etowah, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 30, 2021. Born August 26, 1930 in Wilmington, Delaware, Bill graduated from Pierre S. DuPont High School and The Friends School in Wilmington, DE. He graduated college from The University of Miami with a degree in Psychology.
An Army veteran, Bill was a member of radio corps at Fort Huachuca in Arizona during the Korean War. Bill worked as a science teacher at Antheil Junior High school as well as a varsity football and tennis coach at Ewing High School in Trenton, New Jersey before joining Leeds and Northrup as a sales training manager in North Wales, Pennsylvania. Over the years Bill served the church as trustee, elder, Sunday School teacher and director at many of the churches he and his wife Dotty attended as they lived in Trenton, NJ, Cockeysville, MD, Doylestown, PA and Etowah, NC.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Dorothy Wikoff Reed, three daughters, Leslie Treadway (husband Jeff) of Asheville, NC, Holly Lipscomb (husband John) of Roanoke, VA, and Tina Tharp (husband Scott) of Phoenixville, PA and two granddaughters, Logan Life and Kelsie Arnold.
The family will gather privately for funeral services with their Pastor, Steve Mirich Jr. from Covenant Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, NC and would like to recognize and are grateful for the unparalleled care and support they received from the staff at The Bridge at Lakepoint Landing and the hospice services of Four Seasons. Condolences may be shared at shulerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Times-News from Feb. 3 to Feb. 4, 2021.
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Alum '50; Sibling of Alumni ('46, '50); Alumni Legacy ('20)
Died on June 6, 2019When Sara "Sally" Corbit Reese '50 was born on 15 June 1932, in Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, United States, her father, Charles Lee Reese Jr. '20, was 29 and her mother, Harriett Hurd Curtis, was 28. She married Samuel Frazier Pryor III on 12 June 1954, in Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, United States. She lived in Representative District 7, New Castle, Delaware, United States in 1940. She died on 6 June 2019, in Redding, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States, at the age of 86, and was buried in Odessa, New Castle, Delaware, United States.
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Alum '50
Died on August 22, 2023Captain James “Jim” Shallcross Roberts '50, 90, of Lewes crossed his final bar at The Moorings at Lewes on August 22, 2023.
Jim was Born in Middletown, DE to Elizabeth (Shallcross) and Harry Benson Roberts, Sr. on October 5, 1932. He grew up exploring the fields, streams and woods of Odessa while working on his grandfather’s farm. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating with his friends and family while at home and also at the family retreat in Fenwick Island from a very early age. A close childhood friend of Jim’s recently shared that as children in Odessa they were far more often afield than indoors and that “no one knew more about the natural world than Jim”.
After graduating from Wilmington Friends School in 1950, Jim enrolled at the University of Delaware. He majored in Biology, pledged to the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. During this time his academics would bring him downstate to Lewes for field studies at the science facility on Beach Plum Island which was the earliest iteration of what is now the U of D College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. In 1954 he earned his bachelor’s degree as well as the National Defense Service Medal as a Gunner’s Mate 3 for service to his country during the Korean Conflict. Jim then transitioned to active USCG duty where he served in the Port of New York in a port security capacity as a Boson’s Mate 2. Upon his active-duty discharge, Jim returned to the Reserves and accepted an appointment as a Delaware State Pilot Apprentice with the Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware in 1956. In the summer of 1957, he married Judith Atkins, anchoring himself to a purposeful life in Lewes for the next six and a half decades.
In his 34-year career as a ship pilot and partner in the Pilots’ Association, Captain Roberts served on its Board of Directors and was a company liaison to the USCG. He was also appointed to the Delaware Board of Pilot Commissioners by Governors Tribbett, Dupont and Castle and would become the longest serving commissioner in state history.
Jim’s interests in Lewes, its history and the natural world of coastal Delaware would inspire his community service to a number of worthy organizations over the course of several decades. He was appointed to the Delaware Coastal Heritage Greenway Council and a board member of both the Delaware Nature Society and Delaware Nature Conservancy. He was a 68-year member of the Middletown Masonic Lodge; a president of the Lewes Jaycees; a member of the Lewes Rotary Club; a commodore of the Lewes Yacht Club; a trustee of the Lewes Presbyterian Church and a president of the Lewes Board of Public Works. As a longtime member of the Lewes Historical Society, Jim served on its board and was chairman of the Cannonball House, for which he received the LHS Dr. James E. Marvil Lifetime Service Award in 2004. In recognition of his lifetime of service to his country, the maritime industry, his community and the environment, Jim was inducted to the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame in 2010 by the Lightship Overfalls Foundation. The Captain James S. Roberts’ Delaware Pilot Experience ship simulator in the Lewes History Museum commemorates his contributions to Lewes and his place in its rich maritime history.
Among his personal endeavors, one of Jim’s favorite hobbies was collecting time pieces which developed into his side business “Father Time” where he restored and repaired many of the Cape Region’s antique clocks. As a lifelong fan of U of D Blue Hens Football as well as the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, Jim spent many happy times tailgating and attending games with family, friends and colleagues rain or shine. He also enjoyed regular poker games with his buddies around and about Lewes for many decades. He will long be missed but remembered by his family and friends as a kind and generous soul of deep integrity with a sailor’s quick wit and a salty tongue.
In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Roberts, Jr.; sister-in-laws: Adelaide Atkins and Louise Roberts and nephews: James
“Chris” Roberts, Sr. and James “Christopher” Roberts, Jr.
Jim leaves behind his children: Stephen Roberts (Jill), Michael Roberts and Elizabeth Roberts; grandchildren: Henry Roberts, Alden Clark, Derrick Martin, Tanner Martin and Zachary Hicks; a niece, Ellen Lewis (Greg); nephews: David Green (Jackie), Peter Green, Jr. (Kate), Harry Roberts, Jr. (Kendra), John Roberts (Debra), Thomas Roberts (Abby) and ten great nieces and nephews and their spouses.
Jim’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to his second family at the Moorings of Lewes, where he resided for the last decade of his life and to Delaware Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
A private in-person memorial will be held on November 5, 2023, at Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium in Lewes. However, all are welcome to join the memorial virtually at 2:00 PM or at a later time by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11136668/LTWebcast. Private interment will be held at the Lewes Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to Delaware Hospice (Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriot’s Way, Milford, DE 19963) or the Lewes Historical Society (110 Shipcarpenter Square, Lewes, DE 19958) in support of the
The Captain James S. Roberts’ Delaware Pilot Experience simulator.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Shallcross Roberts please visit our Sympathy Store.
Click here to visit Online Obituary, Sympathy Store and to Leave Condolences.
Alum '50
Died on May 3, 2022If at some point during the 50+ span of years from 1968 to 2019 in Ames, Iowa, you happened to chat with a woman whose chestnut (later, gray) hair was done up in a bun, likely under a red kerchief, and who sported an infectious smile and laugh punctuated by a bit of bright lipstick and bespectacled sparkly blue eyes, this was likely the irreplaceable Joyce Rock Cummings '50. On May 3rd of this year, while undergoing a procedure to address a hip fracture that resulted from a fall at a nearby nursing home, her heart inexplicably stopped beating--a crushing blow to all who loved her.
Though ostensibly an extremely outgoing individual, Joyce also could be an intensely private person--someone who took pains *not* to be recognized, even relishing in self-deprecating remarks, much to the dismay of those who knew her well. Particularly because her daughter is the last of the family line who is in a position to give a (largely) first-hand account of Joyce's story and the meaningful contributions she made to her corner of the world--and also because it was Joyce's wish to have neither a public memorial service nor a public burial ceremony--a very detailed life history follows to properly honor her:
Born in Manhattan, New York, on March 1, 1933, to Roland Francis Rock, a Wall Street stocks analyst, and Leona Elizabeth Newlander Rock, a retired model and Broadway showgirl, Joyce Katharine Rock grew up to be a down-to-earth, outspoken, and witty intellect, educator, mentor, and advocate for social justice who was as dear a member of her small far-flung family as she was to the large Ames area community.
She moved to Wilmington, Delaware, with her parents at a young age; there, at 604 West 19th Street, one of her earliest memories was helping plant and maintain the family's Victory Garden during WWII. Joyce began a life-long love of learning at No. 24 Elementary School, proceeded to Warner Junior High, and then attended preparatory school at Wilmington Friends. At the Quaker school, she served as "live-wire" chair of the Assembly Committee as well as chair of the Properties Committee for school play productions; played the drums in orchestra; participated in a variety of sports, field hockey her favorite; and performed in a number of school plays, including as lead in Edna St. Vincent Millay's satire, Aria de Capo. During her youth, she looked forward to the family tradition of vacationing at Rehoboth Beach, as well as attending football games with her parents. For at least one summer, she served as a camp counselor in Maine.
After graduating from high school, Joyce became a Wellesley Girl. There, she double majored in French and English and developed post-secondary interests in the fields of zoology and linguistics. She joined Zeta Alpha, an organization of juniors and seniors interested in modern drama. And, as faculty-selected student representative of Wellesley College, Joyce was one of 23 undergraduates representing 18 eastern colleges participating in a workshop on nursing in New York City to become aware of the vast number of career opportunities available within this healthcare profession. After earning her bachelor's degree, Joyce went on to work for several years in Boston at the lab of Dr. William Dameshek, distinguished clinical hematologist and founder of Blood, the clinical journal of the study of blood and blood disorders. Later, at the University of Pennsylvania, Joyce studied linguistics--particularly enjoying Old Icelandic--graduating with a Master of Arts & Sciences degree. She stayed on at Penn to pursue her doctorate, and, while taking a class in Old English, met Columbia grad, fellow doctoral student, and up-and-coming Conrad scholar, David Earl Cummings.
A few years later, they were engaged, each teaching English at the University of Nebraska, where David had followed his major professor and where Joyce worked on her doctorate at Penn in absentia. They opened their apartment-home to two feline littermates who became two dear, long-lived companions, Chow and Lionel. On November 22, 1965, Joyce and Dave were married at a chapel in Lincoln, her parents and their close friends in attendance. Then, in 1968, in a flurry of dissertation papers David was polishing and Joyce, loyally typing up for him on their Royal, David accepted a tenure-track faculty appointment with the Department of English at Iowa State University, where combined, the couple went on to teach composition, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), linguistics, literature, and creative writing--with David also serving as editor of the "workshop-in-print" academic quarterly, Poet & Critic.
Joyce and Dave made their new home in a cherished, don't-make-'em-like-they-used-to 1940s white Cape Cod at 1212 South Third Street in Ames, Iowa, often riding their (terribly heavy!) Schwinn bicycles or driving one of their VW bugs to Ross Hall to teach and hold office hours, exercise at the State Gym, or play tennis at nearby Brookside Park. On February 1, 1971, they welcomed the birth of Elizabeth Anne, their only child. Within that first year and a half of her life, Elizabeth's English prof parents had a field day witnessing her first (and second and third and...) words and expressions emerge, Joyce recording many of them in a very funny homemade dictionary whose entries included, "'AT!": an exclamation made exclusively at Safeway, accompanied by finger pointing (much to the alarm of her mother), upon recognizing that a man was bald--and apparently needing a hat.
At the end of every academic year, both before and after their daughter was born, Joyce and Dave made the trek out East--in their white 1966 Dodge Coronet station wagon--to spend the summer visiting both sides of the family: Joyce's, in New York and later, Connecticut, and David's, in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Many wonderful memories were made at a cottage situated up the hill from the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania, Harveys Lake (no apostrophe). The property had been in Dave's family since 1926, when his father David S. Cummings purchased it as a summer getaway at a time when Harveys Lake was a major destination spot. The humble abode--complete with an outhouse--was passed along to David and Joyce as a wedding gift by his mother Helen Elizabeth Jones Cummings. There, on nearly an acre of land, they would live as a family with David's son Edward for several weeks of the summer. On cold mornings, they kept warm with a wood-burning stove, made blueberry pancakes, and enjoyed conversation and the mountain air while swinging on the face-to-face swing. Family dinners on the back fully windowed porch, looking out on the woods, were regularly adorned by a vase full of hydrangeas, tiger lilies, and phlox that grew on the property.
Joyce and Elizabeth made a routine of picking wild blueberries on the walk down Ridge Avenue and then down the hill of Carpenter Road, where they visited Dave's mother, and sister Helen and brother-in-law Lee, on the porches of their respective cottages; going for a swim at Sunset Beach; nibbling on picnic sandwiches or eating a slice at Joe's Grotto; and picking up the mail from Eleanor at the Shawanese Post Office and a few groceries from Puterbaugh’s before heading back up the hill to the cottage. Visits from Dave's nephew Doug Fawbush, his wife Janis, and their kids, who lived in town in Wilkes-Barre, were also a treat--as were visits in town at Doug and Janis's home and the year-round homes of Dave's mother and Helen and Lee. The whole family enjoyed special nights of fun at the Lake Picnic Grounds, home to Hanson's Amusement Park, where Joyce would join in for bumper-car rides and skee-ball--but not the rickety wooden roller coaster, thank you. Joyce hosted her father as well as several of her friends at the cottage over the years (eventually winterizing the home so her father could live there year round).
Joyce and David were nutrition devotees, baking whole-wheat bread and making a point to eat wholesome foods as meals and snacks at a time and place such an approach to diet was not the popular notion it is today. An array of not-your-average cookbooks were part and parcel of a vast collection of not-your-average books that lined the walls of many a room in their Ames home. Elizabeth vividly recalls exchanges of whole grains at their home among friends from the international (namely, African) communities Joyce came to know at the University. Pooling money with others at Iowa State to help bring about the Mutual Aid Food Association (MAFA--now known as Wheatsfield Grocery) in 1974, Joyce and Dave became the nonprofit's 22nd members of what has grown to be a co-op membership of close to 6,800, as of this writing.
As an only child whose mother had unexpectedly died months after the move to Ames--and whose other family lived far away--Joyce regularly expressed gratitude for the wonderful, supportive neighbors she came to know as friends and child-rearing experts, among them: the late Carolyn Affleck, the late Shirley Reece, Fran Berger, the late JoAnn Brown, Ruth Fitzgerald, Annette Forbes, and Cheri Hausner. With neighbors' help, Joyce was instrumental in having the City put in the stop sign still located at the corner of South Third Street and South Hazel Avenue, after neighbor girls were hit and injured by a driver. She also joined forces with fellow concerned parents from the area to address the rash decision to shut down neighborhood school Whittier Elementary--where Elizabeth and many of her playmates had only just begun kindergarten--writing letters to the editor and speaking up at school board meetings covered by the local press. (Later, after Whittier's doors sadly closed and Elizabeth and her classmates were bussed up north to Meeker Elementary, Joyce served for a time as president of the building's new occupant, the People Place, a grassroots organization offering educational and support services to the public.) Joyce partnered with Cheri to help care for retired railroad worker Merle Brown, who was "up in years" and lived on the same block. (She came to learn through the course of conversation that the gentleman had dated Boone native Mamie Doud--later, Eisenhower!) Additionally, Joyce checked in on three other elder neighbors who were widowed, always taking the time to converse with the women at length. Joyce was glad to have both neighbor families, single neighbors, and friends over for occasional dinner gatherings and picnic spreads on the patio--and was touched when her own family was invited to others' homes for a meal and evening of good company.
A dedicated parent, Joyce hosted countless imaginative play times for Elizabeth and friends, including placing 1970s orange sofa cushions on the floor so they could bounce-dance to the sounds of the Latin and jazz collection, Mamba for Cats; filling a built-in drawer with wild dress clothes gleaned from garage sales; putting out jars of glitter and finger paint; turning on the sprinkler for a run-through thrill; and not minding at all when Elizabeth decided to begin drawing on her bedroom walls and on the backside of Joyce's home office door. When Elizabeth was a wee one, Joyce took her to O'Neil Park, just down South Third, almost daily, and as her daughter grew older, took Elizabeth and her friends to more expansive parks like Brookside, Inis Grove, Izaak Walton, and Hickory Grove Park.
Joyce signed up Elizabeth for pre-school at the much-loved "Mrs. Judy's" (Judy Henry, of Berry Patch Farm fame), a mesmerizing-to-kids old Victorian home near the corner of 13th and Grand, where making art, taking time to play dress-up and express make-believe, exploring the outdoors, and learning about and tasting fruit were a focus. As Elizabeth grew older, Joyce also promoted learning outside of the classroom with regular trips to the Ames Public Library, the Des Moines Science Center, and the Des Moines Art Center. She modelled the importance of carving out time for health and leisure by exercising to colorful Jack LaLanne vinyl records, learning yoga from PBS's "Lilias, Yoga, & You", walking daily, bicycling, sketching, reading regularly, and watching very little TV. She encouraged enjoyment of a variety of activities by enrolling Elizabeth in art classes at the Octagon; swimming, baton twirling, and tennis through Ames Parks & Rec.; as well as before-school French lessons. Birthdays and holiday times were always made special with a nice, homemade dinner, thoughtful gifts, and Joyce's hand-drawn decorations.
In 1981, Joyce lost the love of her life to advanced colon cancer (Don't put off screening; start at 45!
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm). After Dave received an incorrect diagnosis locally, he and Joyce went to stay in Iowa City for a period of time for a proper one, while their next-door neighbors the Forbes graciously looked after Elizabeth. Though Dave had been given a prognosis of 3 years, he lived less than 3 months; the cancer had progressed to such an extent his doctors thought he may have had it for the past decade (the entirety of Elizabeth's life). During and after Dave's battle with the disease, Joyce's father, close neighbors, and family friends--notably, Annette Forbes (and family), Joann and Kari Baker, and Lee Bergren--provided care and support in a manner and to a degree Elizabeth will never, ever forget.
Joyce went on to raise Elizabeth on her own, continuing to set an example by showing compassion toward all walks of life; speaking up to call out injustice and offer solutions; fostering creativity; keeping exposure to commercialism and consumerism to a bare minimum; and soldiering on. She continued to make the 1,000+ mile drive out to the Lake (now as sole driver, before the era of cell phones) each summer with Elizabeth, often wowing good-old-boy types in roadside garages along the way with pointed questions that revealed her intricate knowledge of how cars operate. (Many years later, while helping her daughter secure her first vehicle--a Jeep, in preparation for the need of a 4x4 in rural Colorado, the location of Elizabeth's first teaching assignment--Joyce diligently paid a visit to the Ames Public Library, where she consulted the Blue Book of that used make and model. The next evening, in the course of negotiating on the front porch of the owner--a well-to-do country gentleman who had quite the spread outside of Ames--it was clear to Elizabeth from the man's eventual expression and period of silence that Joyce had made an offer that was fair yet shocked and frustrated him (and made Elizabeth proud to be Joyce's daughter). Elizabeth vividly remembers her mother's progressive, fact-based mindset: In the days before the internet, she was always pulling down a volume or two of the Encyclopedia Britannica to answer questions and make sure she knew "what-was-what", if not further exploring resources at Parks Library at Iowa State.
During this time period--in the 70s and 80s--Joyce rhetorically asked of the male-dominated (if not solely male) news-commentary panels she would view on television, "Where are the women?" In the 90s, Elizabeth remembers her mother's dedication to the concerns of Black students on campus, including showing up to support and sustain the work of University colleagues, then-Minority Liaison Melissa DeRadcliffe and scholar Dr. J. Herman Blake. Joyce regularly pointed out the problematic use of the term "minority" by a white majority. As a long-time member of the Collegiate United Methodist Church, she advocated for full inclusivity of individuals identifying with the LGBTQI community who sought to serve in leadership roles. She was also an ardent supporter of universal accessibility, serving on a University committee to address such needs and looking to the expert guidance in this realm from students, staff, and faculty with disabilities, as well as colleague and architecture professor Dr. Arvid Osterberg, who oversaw such initiatives both on campus and in the community, at large.
In the 90s and 2000s, Joyce noted with increasing alarm the degree to which TV drama storylines seemed to be solely focused on the sexual and other violent assault and killing of women--without seeming to address the issue in an educational or solution based manner. She said she knew screenwriters could do better. Joyce was also troubled by what she called "non-stories" covered in the news--ones that did not cover basic questions viewers were sure to have. For this reason, she was delighted when Rekha Basu and the late Rob Borsellino joined the Des Moines Register, immediately becoming an avid reader of their respective substantive columns. When Elizabeth moved to Iowa City, Joyce would follow goings-on there in part by reading Sullivan's Salvos, the weekly newsletter of community figure Rod Sullivan, whose candor she immensely appreciated.
After spending an introspective period during the early 80s grieving the death of her husband and doing volunteer work, Joyce decided to switch careers. She continued to support undergraduates but in a different setting. She began her role as an academic advisor to those studying in the colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Pre-Business at Iowa State, enjoying the opportunity for more one-on-one work with students. She also continued teaching English (namely, ESOL and composition)--only this time, on the Ankeny and Ames satellite campuses of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). She came to realize that many students coming to the University (particularly from small towns) were overwhelmed by its sheer size (namely, class sizes), not to mention expense--and felt community college for many was a much more sensible and sustainable start to a college experience (if not a complete one, in and of itself). As a DMACC instructor, one of her initiatives was including in the curriculum a book on the AIDS crisis, not only to ensure students understood how to protect themselves but also to help eradicate ignorance that could lead to hate speech and other violence. She was deeply invested in her students' and advisees' happiness, in addition to their academic and career success. It seemed that no matter where she ran an errand when Elizabeth happened to be along with her--the bank lobby, the grocery store, the library--Joyce would run into a current or former student or advisee and enjoy making introductions, followed by a pleasant time catching up.
By the late 80s, Joyce and Elizabeth bid a teary farewell to the two family cats. Because Lionel and Chow had been very near and dear to their hearts, the mother and daughter took under their wings a sickly cat, Beany--one they brought home with them on a harrowing return trip from Pennsylvania. He went on to become a favorite for many years, a companion to Joyce into retirement.
In the spring of 1990, Joyce's father and uncle were in a serious car accident out East, while tending to the burial of her aunt (the brothers' sister). This prompted Joyce to help her father move in with her. While Roland was largely independent for several years, Joyce ensured he had opportunities to stay active in his areas of interest, ate wholesome meals, received holistic health care, and remained safe, with Elizabeth providing help, as well. The three generations enjoyed many family meals and holidays together, often with Elizabeth's then-boyfriend, sharing family news, stories, and wisdom. In 1993, Joyce, Roland, and Elizabeth travelled to visit ancestral burial sites while scouting out graduate schools for Elizabeth. In 1998, Roland and Elizabeth were proud to attend an event on campus where Joyce was recognized with an award for her work in academic advising. This honor was in part due to her innovative spin on what were conventionally rather dull classes offered to advisees (e.g., degree audit prep): She made a point to include dynamic guest speakers and facilitate lively discussions of assorted topics related not only to career pursuits but also general well-being of students. Over the years, Joyce, her father, and her daughter also enjoyed going on long walks together, as well as attending faculty recitals given at the University's School of Music. Joyce and Elizabeth continued to look out for Roland once he moved into assisted living a decade after he had arrived in Ames and until his heart-breaking passing in 2004, when he was just a few months' shy of his 100th birthday.
Joyce was keenly interested in the creative and advocacy pursuits of Elizabeth and Elizabeth's boyfriend-turned-husband Tom Glorfield. She was always there with a show of support, from sitting in the audience at Elizabeth's poetry open-mic events at the M-Shop and helping distribute copies of the issue of Sketch--ISU's student creative writing and fine arts publication--that Elizabeth had co-edited, to attending Tom's art showings at the Knoll and the Design Center and one of his band's open-air performances on campus. Then, after Elizabeth graduated, Joyce thoroughly read up on, signed petitions for, donated to, studied her daughter's freelance write-ups and Elizabeth-designed-and-Tom-produced outreach materials, and listened to IPR broadcasts of initiatives Elizabeth worked on, including SEIU's campaign to expand and improve healthcare to Iowans (pre-ACA); Farm Sanctuary's work to extend protections to farmed animals; and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's efforts to overhaul the National School Lunch Program. Soon after September 11th, Elizabeth remembers having a heart-to-heart with her mom over the phone, in which Joyce noted that it was times like this--when one felt the dread of not knowing how to help--that making a donation to good works was particularly important.
While she continued teaching at DMACC into 2004, Joyce retired from her academic advising role at Iowa State in early 2002. The occasion was marked by a celebration in Carver Hall, attended by family and a steady stream of colleagues, friends, students, and advisees. To boot, a few months earlier, Joyce received the generous surprise gift of a Volvo from her stepson Edward, who wanted to recognize her career achievements as well as the important role she had played in his life--and, most importantly, keep her safe. In retirement, Joyce enjoyed participating in continuing education classes through Penn--notably reading the works of Proust--and also offerings from Iowa State's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). She continued to be involved in her neighborhood association as well as serve on the board of a committee that oversees the just operation of independent living facilities in the Ames area.
That same year, Joyce joined members of her, Dave's, and Tom's family at a very memorable summertime sunset ceremony amidst flowering prairie at Kent Park in Oxford, Iowa, to attend Elizabeth and Tom's wedding. The night before, a lovely meal was shared with family in Iowa City at the couple's favorite restaurant, the Red Avocado. Immediately following the wedding, the bride and groom hosted at their home an evening reception with beautiful cakes made by the chefs of the same restaurant and the local co-op. The following morning, the newlyweds also had family over for a light brunch, opening of gifts, and a time for farewells. Though Tom and Elizabeth were exhausted from all the preparations they had put into their DIY big day, Joyce insisted they mark the occasion with at least a brief honeymoon in Chicago, on her tab (which they did!). Later that summer, Joyce attended another wedding reception in Sioux City, hosted by the Glorfields, where she was graciously put up in a bed and breakfast by them.
For years and years, both before and after the wedding, Elizabeth and Tom visited Joyce and Roland (and later, after Roland's passing, just Joyce) regularly in Ames. Joyce also made the occasional trip to Iowa City. No matter the location, it was always both a practical time that included helping Joyce with various projects, as well as a special time, enjoying a meal together, many laughs, and long, spirited conversations about everything under the sun into the night.
In 2019, long-overdue health concerns necessitated that Joyce move into an assisted living facility north of Ames, a most challenging transition that involved parting with her home and leaving behind her neighborhood and community of over 50 years. On top of everything else, she needed to adhere to a regimen of rigorous physical rehabilitation, as she was unable to walk without a walker and the support of nurses. Within months, the pandemic had begun. Though there were many struggles, once Joyce resettled into this new life, she enjoyed corresponding and visits in the courtyard with friends and family; looked forward to singing at religious services; continued to keep her finger on the pulse of all things political (including at the nursing home!)--continuing her study from the papers and TV news of how issues came about, how they intersected, and what solutions to problems could be offered; read books provided by the local library and Spanish primers (so she could attempt to converse with those nursing-home employees who were Spanish speakers) and the Bible Atlas; dared to stay up late to watch old movies; adored visits from resident cat Ella; and never missed an opportunity to chat with staff.
Elizabeth is grateful for the compassionate, dedicated support of numerous nurses who, through many ups and downs (not the least of which involved protecting the lives of nursing home residents before the Covid vaccine was available), tended to her mother's care in this facility--and for her husband's unwavering support in innumerable matters, particularly in the last six years of Joyce's life, when relations between mother and daughter became strained (but gratefully also rebounded in 2021). She also wants to recognize the many cat sitters over the years that enabled Tom and Elizabeth to visit with and tend to the needs of her mother overnight: Amy Blessing, Renee Ross, Nicole Boucher, "the Rachaels", Kelli and Joel, Melanie Long, and Maria Bascom.
Elizabeth would also like to express her deep gratitude to those precious few she, herself, could confide in and receive emotional support and guidance from during the most difficult of times: Doug and Janis Fawbush, Jan Dale, Katie Doyle Errthum, Lindsey Andrew, Patte Henderson, David Johnson, Susan Fisher, Michelle (Davis) Jones, Amy Hintz, Alisa Meggitt, Irene Friend, Katie Foreman, Sondy Kaska, Carolyn Zaiser, Sara Howard, Amy Hackman, Hanadi Elshazali, Sharmi Kaefring-Oyarzun, Bijou Maliabo, Mahdi Obeid, Bill Riker, Jonathan and Susie Poulton, Ana Moreno, Ramatoulaye Diallo, Sungmin Yun, Viviane Amessi, Junior Mokeli, Brian Duhn, Yilmer Cabrera, Junior Kabuana, Emery Bakwanzila, Sergio Cambili, and Ayman Sharif.
Joyce's love of choral, classical, and jazz music, as well as of all forms of visual and written art; her existence as a closet sketch-artist; her desire to get things "just so" in teaching, writing, editing, and gift-giving; her fascination with listening to and learning others' life stories; her dedication to making things plain, asking the right questions, and her knack for outreach and collaboration to help bring about social justice (superficial divisions and sectors be damned); her show of compassion toward all living beings; her belief in the importance of living simply and healthfully; the pull of nature she felt so keenly; and her ease in falling into a mutually satisfying conversation with practically anyone she happened to run into . . . all have rubbed off on her daughter, and Elizabeth is tremendously grateful to her mother for these precious gifts.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, grandparents, parents, sister-in-law, aunts and uncles, and cat companions. Her known ancestral roots are in Ireland, Germany, and Hungary--and the native New Yorker's ancestral ties to various locations in New York State go back many generations, prior to the founding of this country. Interestingly, not until nearly fifteen years after moving to Iowa, which she was seeing for the first time in 1968, did she learn that her paternal great-grandfather helped settle the town of North English, in the eastern part of the state.
Joyce is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Cummings and son-in-law Tom Glorfield of Iowa City; stepson Edward Elliot Cummings of Philadelphia; nephew Douglas (Janis) Fawbush of Nuangola and Enola, Pennsylvania; niece Sandra (the late Pat) Howard of South Carolina; and four first cousins, Patti (Pat) McGraw, Pam (Bob) Boissoneault, Cheryl Newlander (Daniel) Hubbard, and Suzanne Newlander (Alan) Arkin.
In addition to those already mentioned--and a number of whom already have been--Elizabeth would like to recognize the positive role that, in most cases, she personally observed the following individuals actively played at some point--if not many points--in her mother's life: The late Roland Rock; the late Leona Newlander Rock; the late Katharine Rock; the late Bill and Molly Lavin; the late Joan; the late Van; the late Janice (Chan) Parrot and Kelly Hironaka; Nie; Louisa Spottswood; the late Ellis and Shirley Hagstrom; the late Hazel, Harvey, and Judy Macomber; Rie and Bill; the late Larry and Lovella Holmes; John Barth; the late Helen and Lee Fawbush; Doug and Janis Fawbush; Sandy and the late Pat Howard; the late Robert and Sally Rock; Patti and Pat McGraw; Pam and Bob Boissoneault; the late Lee Bennett Schreiber; the late Will C. Jumper; the late Hazel and Buell Lipa; the late Ginny McCarthy; the Lowrys; the late Reverend Les Moore and Ruth Moore; the minister officiating at Alderson United Methodist Church at the Lake in the 80s; Reverend Jim Stiles; Reverend David Stout; Florence Schutter Bunker; Marge Grewell; Jackie and the late Dick Zbaracki; the late Dick and Helen Herrnstadt; the late John Doran, MD; the late Bill McCormack, MD; Ruth Anderson, RN; Donald Good, DDS; Lori Grant; Linda Woodworth; the late Wendell Johnson, MD; the late Bernice Ellsworth; Steve Affleck and the late Carolyn Hall Affleck; the late Mary Drake; Maynard "Casey" Drake; the late Merle Brown; the late Izola Brockmann; Bill and the late Shirley Reece; Fran and the late Jeff Berger; the late JoAnn and Bernie Brown; Sally Brown; the late Pat and Ruth Fitzgerald; Annette and the late Dan Forbes; the late June Weltha; Gary and Sharon Gabrielson; Leslie Snyder; Lee and the late Pat and Darcy Bergren; Pat Olsson, Julie Keigley, and Carla Turner; Deb and A.M. Fink; harlan groe; the late Faye Clapp; Hannah Coney; Lynn Stoutner; the late Anita Albert; Mary, fellow Seven Sisters alum, from the old neighborhood; Paula (Sharp) Miller; Julie Williams Nordin; Joel and Jasie Nott; Norma Woolf; the late Nell Turner; "Mrs. Stevens" at the Lake; Marion Hazeltine, Barb (Hazeltine) Shafer, and Lynne Hazeltine; Ron and Maureen Gosart; Eleanor Puterbaugh; Melissa and Darrell DeRadcliffe; J. Herman Blake; countless other interdepartmental colleagues while she served as an educator and advisor at Iowa State--including Bob Hollinger, Dick Tondra, Geoff Abelson, Dee Hurst; the late Dennis Peterson; Carolyn Russell, the late Trudy Dirks, JoAnn McKinney, Catharine Phillips-Bui, Juan Davila, Kathleen Timmons, Ellen Holm, Ann Farni, and Nancy Osborn Johnson--and as an instructor at DMACC; Carla Gardner; Betty Barton; Ann Rohovit; Terry Lowman; Linda Hefley; Mary (Salawuh) Warren; Jane and Cal Halliburton; Ann Campbell; Lois Heins; Donna Halloum; Mary (Healy) Herrnstadt; the late John Hilgerson; John Forssman; Matt Pepper; Brian Snider; David Battani; Ginger of Safeway; Kim McDermott; John Norman and Bonnie Epstein Norman; Genevieve Pyle of "Pyle's" (Pyle Photo Service); Ole of Goodyear; Volkswagen enthusiast Glynn Scott Frank; Barb Heins; Wendy (Conley) Paulson; and the staff at Emerhoff's Footwear who patiently helped Joyce find the right fit in later years for what she dubbed her "trick foot". If anyone reading this worked at stores of yore--Engeldinger's, Ames Stationers, Carr Hardware, Safeway, Nim's, Boyd's Dairy, Fastco, TG&Y, Sears, Sav-U-Mor, Younkers, K-mart--or the following that are still in operation--"Penney's", Hy-Vee along South Fourth Street, the Younkers Tea Room in Des Moines, or Prairie Lights in Iowa City during my mom's time in Ames--you likely helped her at some point, too. Thank you.
Special thanks, also, to Wilmington Friends School (in particular, Lynne Nathan), whose legacy archival team's dedication to careful, detailed recordkeeping is unmatched.
Finally, Elizabeth wants to express deep gratitude for the professionalism exhibited by the following individuals after the sudden, accidental death of her mother. David Johnson; Joe Reimers; Joe Newman; Kelly Skelly, MD; and Ed Moreano: You all showed me you understand the delicate, indefinite time period that follows the death of a loved one; Tom and I learned the hard way that not everyone does. Thank you for the ways in which each of you provided guidance and insight at such a hurtful time. In particular: David, thank you for being there during this long journey and supporting me in the personalized manner you have; Joe Reimers, thank you for intervening on our behalf during a heart-wrenching situation (when you didn't have to); Joe Newman, thank you for telling me to take my time; Dr. Skelly, thank you for encouraging me to attend the Iowa City Hospice bereavement support group, led by Ed; and Ed, thank you for facilitating the most delicate of discussions . . . I am grateful to begin the process of being a part of them.
Everyone mentioned in this write-up (and no doubt, countless others) was there for Joyce in some way, shape, or form that may have seemed in some cases like nothing at the time (or over time) but to be sure, mattered significantly to her and her small family. Sometimes, life seemed to present innumerable, insurmountable struggles--some shared here, some not; a small kindness or a good chat lifted Joyce's spirits and helped her considerably. THANK YOU.
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A private ceremony will be held at the Ames Municipal Cemetery in the fall, at a cooler time when a redbud tree can safely be planted in memory of both Joyce and David.
If you would like to recognize Joyce in some way, please consider making an affordable donation in her name* to one (or more) of the following four Iowa-based organizations, whose work she believed in, wholeheartedly:
- The Black Cultural Center at Iowa State
- City of Ames Animal Shelter
- The Emma Goldman Clinic of Iowa City
- NAMI Johnson County
*Because the online donation process of these organizations can unfortunately be unintuitive, labyrinthine, or as Joyce might say, "Simply ridiculous!" at times--and because we want you to feel safe and secure making a donation--step-by-step guidance is provided for each outfit, at the link below:
Click here to visit Online Obituary, Sympathy Store and to Leave Condolences.
Alum '50
Died on August 1, 2024Clara Showell Murray '50 passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024. Born in 1932, Claire grew up in Wilmington, DE and Mendenhall, PA, and graduated from Wilmington Friends School and Lesell College. She was a member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred.
When she was not busy raising her three children, Claire was employed by the Delaware Art Museum and The Brandywine Conservancy. She also enjoyed volunteering for several organizations in the area.
Claire is predeceased by her husband F. Key Murray, son Jackson Marvel and granddaughter Sarah K. Marvel. She is survived by her son Edward B. S. Marvel, daughter Stephanie M. Grant (Scott), and grandchildren Elizabeth and James Grant.
Her love of art translated into everything she did, whether it was painting, decorating or floral arranging, it was done with flair. Most of all Claire loved a good party with good company!
A service for Claire will be held at a future date.
Click here to visit Online Obituary, Sympathy Store and to Leave Condolences.
Ex-Spouse: Jackson Marvel '44 *dec
Alum '51, Sibling of Alum ('54)
Died on September 7, 2022In loving memory of Peter G. Bailey '51. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933, and died on September 7, 2022, peacefully at the age of 89 surrounded with love and family.
Pete/Peter is survived by the love of his life, his "pretty girl", Barbara Jo (Willis), their beloved blended family: Ellen Bailey Lepine (Chris Lepine), Kathleen Bailey Grimes (Mark Grimes), Mary Bailey Erftenbeck, Anne Bailey Porter (Tom Porter), James Richardson Bailey, Sheryl Burk (David Burk), Amy Jo Snyder (John Snyder) plus 17 grandchildren and 12+ great-grandchildren, many of whom called him Grumpa (like a regular Grandpa only grumpier), his sister Anne Bailey Donaghy '51 (Jim Donaghy) and many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Peter graduated with an Engineering degree from Cornell University and a Master's Degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. He finished a 25 year long, successful career as metallurgical engineer specializing in advanced shot peening at General Electric Aviation. For many of those years at GE, Pete taught an advanced metallurgy class that was enjoyed by many.
He was a car enthusiast and restored more than a dozen MGs and one Jaguar over the years.
In early years, he was a member of SCCA and ran autocross races in a retrofitted MG and later got his amateur license as a road race driver.
He lived a good and wonderful life and will be missed.
We love you Dad/Sweet Pete! …….. you're welcome!
Gatherings to celebrate the life of Peter G. Bailey will be private.
Barbara and Peter enjoyed inviting friends to attend their church choir performances. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the Worship Arts team at Springdale Nazarene Church: www.snclife.org/give THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME, Fairfield is serving the family.
www.websterfuneralhomes.com
Published by Journal-News on Sep. 9, 2022.
Click here to visit Online Obituary and Leave Condolences.
Alum '51
Died on March 2, 2025Janet Elizabeth [Cranston] Baxter '51, died 2 March at the age of 91. She was born 24 October 1933 in Wilmington, DE the daughter of Elizabeth Leib and John Paul Cranston '00 and granddaughter of Martha Shelley Churchman and John Armstrong Cranston. She was a graduate of Wilmington Friends School and Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA. She was married 21 September 1968 to Douglas Eugene Baxter of Waverly, IA. They lived in Ridgewood, NJ. Mr. Baxter died 24 December 1978. Mrs. Baxter returned to Delaware in 1986 and made her home in Bethany Beach. Immediate survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth Cranston Baxter and Arthur Crosswell Butcher and grandchildren Catherine Baxter Butcher and Benjamin Cranston Butcher. Services and burial will be private. Ave atque vale.
Posted online on March 05, 2025
Published in Delaware Wave
Click here to view Online Tribute on Stanford Website.
Alum '51
Died on November 5, 2022Article on Stanford School of Humanities Website:
“Peter Duus, an authority on the modern Japanese nation, dies at 88” By Barbara Egbert on February 10, 2023
Peter Duus (WFS Class of '51), the William H. Bonsall Professor of History, Emeritus in the School of Humanities and Sciences and a widely published expert on the history of Japan and East Asia, died Nov. 5, 2022. He was 88.
Duus made significant contributions to our understanding of Japanese imperialism and the modern Japanese nation. His research interests focused on Japanese colonialism and imperialism, the development of Tokyo, and modern political cartoons.
The government of Japan awarded him the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun in 2012 for promoting a better understanding of Japan.
“His groundbreaking work put Stanford on the map as an early leader in the history of Japanese imperialism in Korea,” said Kären E. Wigen, the Frances and Charles Field Professor of History at Stanford.
When Duus began teaching at Stanford in 1973, he had already published widely on Japanese history. He served as director for Stanford’s Center for East Asian Studies three times (1977-1981, 1987-1988, and 1995-1997) and was named the William H. Bonsall Professor of History in 1985.
“Peter was an excellent university citizen,” said David M. Kennedy, the Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History, Emeritus. “He was conscientious, droll, seriously scholarly, collegial, focused, supportive, mordant, balanced, and steadfast.”
A mentor to students at Stanford and abroad
Duus actively promoted the study of Japan and East Asia at Stanford and globally through his leadership roles and educational activities. He served as executive director (1974-1989) of the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies, a consortium school Stanford University founded in Japan for American students pursuing Japanese studies. He also helped establish the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies, a study abroad program for U.S. students.
“Teaching is never easy, especially when you teach about unfamiliar cultures,” Duus said in a Stanford News Service interview in July 1979. “You have to put everything you have into it. But if you are really interested in a subject, students will pick up on your enthusiasm.”
Duus’ former students described him as a mentor who opened their minds to the world and boosted their careers, all with a sense of humor.
“As a historian, he was interested in the big questions related to Japan's development—democracy and empire, feudalism and fascism,” said Angus Lockyer, who received his doctorate at Stanford in 2000 and is now a visiting scholar at the Center for Asian Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. “He wanted to depict Japan on its own terms but also, quietly, to insist that its experience should change our understanding of the things that make up the modern world.”
Alex Bay, who received his doctorate at Stanford in 2006 and is now an associate professor and chair of Chapman University’s Department of History, recalled: “His sense of humor was legendary. … When he hooded me at graduation, I was finishing up a dissertation on the history of vitamin B1 deficiency disease (beriberi) in modern Japan. I knelt down, Professor Duus placed the hood on my shoulders, I turned around to shake his hand, and he said, ‘Beriberi nice.’"
Lifelong fascination with Japan
Peter Duus was born on Dec. 27, 1933, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Hans Christian and Mary Anita (Pennypacker) Duus. Duus was fascinated with Japan at a young age and became fluent in Japanese. He lived in Japan periodically throughout his life, first as a Japan Foundation Fellow and again as a Fulbright Fellow. Later in life, Duus and his wife bought a flat in Kyoto, where they often spent sabbaticals and lived for several months each year after they retired.
Peter Duus received the Order of the Rising Sun from the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco at an award ceremony held February 2013.
“The transformation of Japan into an economic superpower is one of the most fascinating stories of modern times,” Duus said in the 1979 Stanford News Service interview. “It’s exciting to have seen even part of the process since I first went to Japan in 1961.”
He earned a bachelor of arts in history from Harvard University in 1955. He then served with the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. Returning to academia, he earned a master of arts in Far Eastern studies from the University of Michigan in 1959 and a doctorate in history from Harvard University in 1965.
Duus met his future wife, Masayo Umezawa, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she was a freelance journalist. Masayo became an award-winning nonfiction writer who wrote primarily in Japanese. Duus helped bring her work to a wider audience by translating a selection of her books into English. He also supported her work by editing one book and adapting another. Duus married Masayo on Nov. 25, 1964, and they had a son, Erik.
Duus taught as an associate professor at Washington University (1964-1966), Harvard University (1966-1970), and Claremont Graduate School (now Claremont Graduate University) (1970-1973) before joining Stanford in 1973 as a professor in the Department of History and senior fellow (by courtesy) at the Hoover Institution.
At The Claremont Colleges, Duus met his longtime friend and colleague John Haeger, who at the time was an assistant professor of Chinese and history and chair of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Pomona College (one of five liberal arts colleges in The Claremont Colleges). Haeger helped recruit Duus to teach modern Japanese history at Claremont Graduate School. Haeger joined Duus at Stanford in 1979, serving as assistant director of the Research Libraries Group, which had a host institution agreement with Stanford.
“Peter was ideal,” Haeger said. “Naturally soft-spoken and good-natured, he was able to criticize gently, often without giving offense. He rarely aspired to serve on any committee but would generally accept a committee assignment, after first demurring, if he thought he could do something useful and somehow important.”
Duus served as acting director of Stanford’s Center for Research in International Studies in the ’90s and president of the Association for Asian Studies in 2000-2001. He also served on the boards of the Association for Asian Studies and the Committee for International Exchange of Scholars.
He was a prolific writer, authoring, co-authoring, editing, and translating more than a dozen books and many journal articles. Some of his best-known works are The Abacus and the Sword: The Japanese Penetration of Korea, 1895-1910 (University of California Press, 1998) and the trilogy he co-edited with Ramon H. Myers and Mark R. Peattie, The Japanese Colonial Empire, 1895-1945, The Japanese Informal Empire in China, 1895-1937, and The Japanese Wartime Empire, 1931-1945 (Princeton University Press, 1984, 1989, and 1996, respectively).
Duus retired from Stanford in 2004. Both he and his wife donated documents related to their research to the university.
“Peter was a steady and unflappable force in our department” said Jack Rakove, the Coe Professor of History and American Studies, Emeritus, and professor of political science. “He was a great scholar and very sweet guy. He beat me regularly at squash, which I attribute to his height advantage. He was always a graceful winner.”
“He had the sharpest and sweetest wit,” said Gordon H. Chang, the Olive H. Palmer Professor in the Humanities. “Peter was a great colleague, scholar, teacher, mentor, and friend.”
Duus is survived by his son, Erik; daughter-in-law, Heather Duus; and granddaughters Hana, Aila, Haru, and Petra Duus. Masayo died nearly two weeks after her husband on Nov. 18, 2022. A memorial service at Stanford is tentatively planned for late May.
Click here to view Online Tribute on Stanford Website.
Alum '51
Died on March 25, 2025Charles Arthur “Art” Littman '51, 92, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Art (as he preferred to be called) was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Arthur W. and Madalyn V. Littman. He is survived by his wife Wendy, his five children – Heidi L. Meiers (Joe), Arthur W. (Meryl), Heather L. Belford (David), Karl A. (Selena) and Robert R. (Lauren), 10 grandchildren, Amanda, Hannah, Emily, Tyler, Thomas, Paige, Cole, Logan, Jordan, and Keira and 6 great-grandchildren, Max, Eleanor, Teddy, Jonah, Patrick, and Izzy.
Upon graduation from High School, Art went on to Miami University of Ohio but enlisted in the Navy after a year. He served from 1951 to 1953 aboard ships including the Harwood and the Yosemite (under Adm. Arleigh H. Burke) and in Korea where he was responsible for repatriating U.S. prisoners of war. When he returned to the U.S., he enrolled at Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He attended the University of Delaware where he earned his Master’s degree. In 1960 Art was commissioned as an Officer in the Navy and ultimately served in active and reserve duty for over 28 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
In the course of his civilian career, he served first as Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Widener University. He then became Associate Headmaster at Montclair Academy in New Jersey and subsequently as President of Lankenau School in Philadelphia. From there he became a consultant for the Academy of Educational Development in New York City. This led to employment as Vice President of Bloomfield College and later as Vice President for Development at Hackensack Medical Center, both in New Jersey, six years later he became Executive Director of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.
Art retired in 1989 but quickly “failed retirement” for the first time, becoming the owner and proprietor of Family Book Nook, a bookstore in Belle Mead, NJ. He opened a second store soon thereafter, also in NJ. Art and Wendy eventually made their way to Chestertown, MD where they spent many happy years raising the boys (Karl and Rob), boating and opening yet another bookstore. Art again “failed” to fully retire and, with his wife, purchased Candy Hill Campground in Winchester, VA. Shortly thereafter, the couple’s son Karl and his wife Selena took over running the Campground and Art finally fully retired to Bradenton, Florida.
Over the years Art became a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and was accredited in the National Association for Hospital Development (NAHD), now called the Association for Hospital Philanthropy (AHD). In 1985 Art was awarded the Widener Distinguished Alumni Service Award for 25 years of service to the University. He was also a firefighter with the Elsmere, DE, Hillsborough, NJ and Chestertown, MD Volunteer Fire Companies
A member of the Masons and Shriners for over 60 years, Art started his Masonic journey as a member of the Demolay and was raised as a Mason at Armstrong Lodge #26 in Wilmington, DE. He served as President of the Chester River Shrine Club in Maryland and of the Manatee Shrine Club in Bradenton, FL. He was also a trustee at both Salaam Temple in New Jersey and at Sahib Shrine Center in Sarasota. For years he was the drummer of the Sarasota Shrine Banjo Band, an activity which brought him pure joy. At the time of his death, Art was a member of Hiram Lodge #2l in Winchester, VA, Sahib Shriners in Sarasota, FL and the Elks, also in Sarasota.
A Memorial Service will be held for Art on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:30 am at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A Committal Service will follow at 11:30 am in Winchester National Cemetery after which a time of food and fellowship will take place at Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue Event Center, 141 Spinning Wheel Lane, Winchester, VA 22603.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Art to Hiram Winchester Lodge #21, P.O.Box 1488, Winchester, VA 22604 or Sahib Shine, 600 North Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232.
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Alum '51
Died on February 21, 2025Jane [Marsh] Dieckmann '51, 91, passed away February 21, 2025. Arrangements provided by Herson Wagner Funeral Home.
Posted online on February 22, 2025
Published in The Ithaca Journal
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Alum '51, Spouse of Alum ('51)
Died on May 15, 2024Julia “Judy” Mayfield Morrow '51 passed away at home on May 15th following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Born on August 20, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Isabelle and Paul Mayfield. The Mayfields soon relocated to Wilmington, Delaware where Judy attended Wilmington Friends School and excelled as a Mendinhall Scholar and captain of the cheerleading squad. Judy soon caught the eye of a classmate, Ed Morrow '51 and they became inseparable after falling in love and entered into a marriage and loving partnership that lasted nearly 72 years, raising three children along the way.
Judy supported Ed every step of the way as he moved from Army duty in Bowling Green, Virginia, to a career at ALCOA with stints in Pittsburgh, Memphis, St. Louis, and finally back again in Memphis, where, when summoned again by ALCOA to a higher management job in Pittsburgh, they decided together that the Morrow family had settled into a wonderful life in Memphis and agreed to make it their permanent home.
Along with Ed, Judy adored her children, and they, her. They were her focus - countless sporting events that she never missed, carpooling duties which were the source of many funny stories. Always the head cheerleader, she penned numerous letters of support to each of her children as they transitioned to college and beyond, always filled with advice, encouragement and local news with news clippings enclosed. Her children fortunately still have many of these letters.
Judy had a remarkable innate ability for interior design and decorating. She expressed this talent with artistic flair in every home she lived. When she became an empty nester in the late 70's, she and Ed decided to put her talent to good use and launched Calico Corners in 1978, a decorative fabric shop that 46 years later remains today under a new name Fabrications. Customers and employees alike loved working with Judy as she was able to share her creative talents.
Ed and Judy early on discovered the beauty of Naples, Florida, buying a small house there in 1981, remodeling it, and hosting countless family get togethers over many decades and numerous July 4th parties complete with fireworks from the Naples Pier.
Along with her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her sister Ann Mayfield Porter '54. She is survived by her husband, Ed Morrow, her children, Steve Morrow (Nancy), Brooke Morrow, Lisa Morten (Greg), her grandchildren, Anne Jones (Hunter), Paul Morrow (Joy), Meredith Morten, Anna Morten, and 4 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Crossroads Hospice, especially Cassie Rhea; and Janice Mobley, Shirley Bowling, Stephanie Moore and Tomika Chaplin who provided exceptional, loving care.
There will be a private family service on Monday, May 20th with a memorial reception to be held later in the fall.
The family asks that donations in Judy's honor be made to West Cancer Foundation (P.O. Box 382638, Germantown, TN 38183), The Church Health Center (1350 Concourse Ave. Suite 142, Memphis, TN 38104), or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Daily Memphian on May 16, 2024.
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Alum '51, Parent of Alumni ('73)
Died on April 21, 2023Elizabeth Jane Miller Jenkins “Biddy” '51, age 89, died peacefully surrounded by family on April 21, 2023.
Biddy was born in Richardson Park, Delaware, in 1933. She was the daughter of the Drs. Elizabeth and Edgar Miller. Biddy graduated from Wilmington Friends School in 1951 and attended Mount Holyoke College where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in her junior year.
She married William Andrews Jenkins in 1954 and graduated from Mount Holyoke in 1955. Biddy was active in the community and was proud of her involvement in the Junior League of Wilmington where she served as president. Among the accomplishments of her term was the founding of DAPI – Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc., the only statewide comprehensive school-based program serving pregnant and parenting teens and their families. She was also involved with preservation of Old Brandywine Village, where the Junior League is headquartered.
When her youngest – Ann – went to first grade, Biddy went back to school and graduated with bachelors and masters degrees in nursing from University for Delaware. She taught clinical nursing from 1980 to 1998. She received many teaching awards, including Professor of the Year in 1984 and 1985, recognition for outstanding service and dedication to students in 1991, and the appreciation award from the senior nursing class in 1998. She also served as president of the Visiting Nurse Association.
She and Bill were avid travelers and traveled around the world twice en route to visit her parents who were serving as medical missionaries in Nepal. Bill died in 2001 and Biddy remarried John Day in 2013 in Hawaii where her daughter – Tyrie – served as the officiant. Among her other interests were gardening, bridge, tennis, and needlepoint. She was a self-taught fabulous cook. One of her favorite stories is how she won the nine-hole women’s golf championship at the Wilmington Country Club when she was nine months pregnant. When the pro expressed concern, she reassured him that if she gave birth during the tournament she would make sure she delivered in the sand trap.
Biddy was known for her irreverent wit.
She leaves behind her beloved husband John Wells Day; sister Bishnu Maya; children Tyrie '73, Andy (Lauren), John (Stephanie), Ann (Steve); stepchildren Paul and Vicki; grandchildren Doug, Annie, Isabel, Tyrie, Harry, Kylie, Ella, Sam, Emily, Jenn; and great grandchildren Maiya and William.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Planned Parenthood of Delaware. (www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-delaware)
Funeral Services:
A gathering to celebrate Biddy’s life will be held later this year.
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Alum '51
Died on April 27, 2023Mary Beth [Rickards] Baisden '51, age 89, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on April 27, 2023 at Senator Bob Hooper House in Forest Hill, Maryland. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she was the daughter of Alfred and Lillian (Tubman) Rickards and wife of the late William Baisden, Jr. She grew up in Wilmington, DE attending Friends School and Centenary College before attending the University of Delaware where she earned a degree in medical technology. She then went on to run the microbiology lab at GBMC in Towson, Maryland. She met Bill Baisden while living in Towson, married and had her son Troy in 1971. They moved to Fallston and attended Christ Our King for many years. She was active in tennis, bridge and volunteered to support the Community Clothing Center for many years. She also enjoyed her farm and waterfront along the Sassafras River on the Eastern Shore, where she had many happy memories growing up and spending time with close friends and family. Since 2016 she has lived in Brightview Avondell in Bel Air.
Elizabeth is survived by her son, William Troy Baisden, II and her granddaughter, Sage.
Those who desire may contribute to the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy at https://www.eslc.org/give/ or a charity of your choice.
The family will be hosting a memorial service at Christ Our King Presbyterian Church on Thursday May 4, 2023 at 1 pm. https://sites.google.com/biogeosci.nz/mary-beth-memorial
To send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Beth Baisden, please visit our flower store.
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Past Trustee, Alum '51, Parent of Alumni ('75, '78 & '79)
Died on August 26, 2020Charles Sentz Tjersland '51, 88, a Delaware-based orthodontist for 40 years, died on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, in St. Louis, MO, of Covid-19.
Tjersland, known as Charlie, Doc, or Doctor T, had orthodontic offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, and Georgetown before his retirement.
Known for his lively, charming and engaging sense of humor, and his curiosity and appetite for learning, he passionately studied the Civil War and World War II. He loved traveling to Civil War battlefields, and farther afield to places such as Egypt and Morocco. Tjersland was a 1951 graduate of Wilmington Friends School who loved his alma mater and sent his children there as well while raising his family in Alapocas.
A Korean War veteran, Tjersland graduated from Temple University's School of Dentistry, with a masters degree in orthodontics followed by an internship at the Cooper Cleft Palate Clinic in Lancaster, PA. He began practice as an orthodontist in Wilmington with Dr. James Krieger in 1966. For many years he worked with cleft palate cases at Alfred I. du Pont Hospital for Children.
He was an active board member and the 1994 Vice President of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the 1986 president of the Mid Atlantic Society of Orthodontists (MASO). He was also a member of the American Dental Association, the Council on Orthodontic Healthcare, and he helped form the Delaware State Orthodontics Society. He received the Devlin Award from MASO for outstanding service and the James R. Brophy Award from the AAO for distinguished professional service. He received the MASO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
After his second marriage in 1995 to Gloria Dolejsi Tjersland, he lived in Lewes for many years before moving with her to St. Louis, Mo in 2014. They traveled extensively during their marriage, which created cherished memories for them both.
In addition to his beloved wife, Gloria, Tjersland is survived by his daughter Trina '75 (Rebecca Frederick), Charles Sentz Jr. '78 (Yani), and Timothy '79 (Erin); two grandchildren Jackson and Dylan Tjersland and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Layton, a brother, Yngvar "Terry" Tjersland II (Dorothy) and the mother of his children, Joanne Smith Tjersland to whom he was married for 38 years.
Services and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Direct Relief Fund at directrelief.org or Direct Relief, 6100 Wallace Becknell Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93117. The family is so grateful to the nurse who was with him at the end and helped them talk to him on the phone.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The News Journal from Sep. 4 to Sep. 6, 2020.
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Alum '51
Died on July 18, 2023Yvonne “Mike” Webb Wahlers '51 of Franklin, MA passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the age of 89.
Mike (as she was known all her life) was born in Bethlehem, PA on October 17, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Pauline (George) and George Webb, Jr. (1948-1955, Math Faculty). She attended high school at The Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware where her father was a math teacher. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College) in Westminster, MD. She met the love of her life, Al Wahlers, at Western Maryland and they married in 1955. She and Al lived in Baltimore while he served two years in the Army stationed in Washington, DC and then moved to Silver Spring, Maryland while working at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Mike and Al moved to Franklin in 1965 when Al was transferred to Liberty Mutual’s headquarters in Boston. Mike was a stay-at-home mom and so proud of her family. She was a wonderful baker and her fudge brownies, pies, and grated chocolate coffee cake are family favorites. She took decorative painting classes in the late 70’s with Franklin Adult Education and was the activities director at Franklin House Healthcare for 5 years.
Mike and Al have been members of the Franklin Federated Church since 1965. Mike was a member of the Warm Puppies women’s group, a member of the Book Club, and a frequent volunteer at the annual church fair. She and Al hosted tennis party gatherings at their home with their extended church family for a number of years.
First and foremost, Mike was grateful for the 65 years that she and Al were married. They shared many wonderful vacations and trips together and made friends wherever they went. She enjoyed attending the concerts and sporting events of her grandchildren as well as any celebration involving immediate and extended family. She loved living at Benchmark at Forge Hill and made many friends with fellow residents and staff.
Mike is predeceased by Al. She is survived by her children, Karen and husband, Randy Myrick of Hingham; and Betsy and husband, Peter Bertoni of Medfield; three grandchildren, Matthew Bertoni, Christopher Myrick, and Meredith Bertoni; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Alice Jane and John Buschman of Yardley, PA; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Gary Wahlers of Oaks, PA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she held close to her heart.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill in Franklin and Compassionate Care Hospice. You are all angels on earth.
A private graveside service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 10:30 A.M. at the Franklin Federated Church, Franklin, MA.
Please consider a donation in Mike’s memory to The Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Wahlers family. guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com
Posted online on October 06, 2023
Published in The MetroWest Daily News, Milford Daily News
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Alum '52
Died on August 12, 2020Lewis L. Doughton, Jr. '52, age 86 of McMurray, PA passed away on August 12, 2020. Born on December 2, 1933 in Birmingham Alabama. He was the son of the late Lewis L. and Elizabeth E. Doughton. Beloved husband to Vira M. Doughton. Loving father to Vira A. Doughton and David L. (Karen) Doughton. Cherished grandfather to Brandon L. and Ryan L. Doughton. Dear brother to Elizabeth (William) Davis. Loving uncle to Thomas A. (Susan) Greulich, Jr., Elizabeth (Kevin) Gilleland and Margie (Michael) Morris.
Lewis was born in Birmingham Alabama and he never lost that southern gentleman charm. His family moved to Wilmington, DE when he was sixteen. He graduated from Wilmington Delaware Friends School in 1952. Many of his classmates remained friends throughout his life. He began his college career at the University of Virginia then transferred to University of Pittsburgh when his family moved to Pittsburgh. He was an active member of the SAE fraternity and has met with fellow alumni for breakfast once a month. It was at Pitt that he met his wife Vira and shared 60 years of happy marriage and their children, Vira and David.
Lew’s lifelong career was in the insurance industry. He owned his own insurance agency for many years then joined Liberty Insurance Agency. He loved golf and was a member of St. Clair Country Club for many years. Rotary International was important to him as a member of Pittsburgh Rotary while his office was downtown. Boating was a special part of his active life and he enjoyed membership in the South Hills Power Squadron. He was interested in old cars and owned several throughout his lifetime. He was a self-made handyman who always had some project in the works at home or at his son or daughter’s house when he visited. Lew was a valued member of the Board of the former Western Center in Canonsburg. In later years he became a strong contributing member of the Board to restore Canonsburg Lake and was devoted to that cause.
Lew had the quality of putting other people first before himself. This, plus being principled, forthright and loyal made him many friends throughout his life. He could always see good in every person. Many of his friendships from high school, college and in the work world and social life were always part of his life. Lew was a neighbor to be counted on and never hesitated to help when he could.
The best way to describe Lew is all the personal tributes and comments that came from many people who knew him throughout his whole life.
Some of these include: “He enriched our lives,” “He was our ‘go to man’ when we had a problem,” “He was always the best of the best,” “I considered him a pillar of the Cranmoor community. He will be missed for his kind and gentle nature, his smile, his insurance expertise.” “He has contributed a lot to our community over many years.” “He was a great friend and a true gentleman.” “He loved life and spread happiness to many,” “Someone to be counted on.” “One of the kindest persons I have ever known. It was a special privilege to have known him.” “Your father was an ambassador for honesty, decency and kindness.” “He was a special person and will be missed by all who knew him personally and in business.” “Always had a positive twist on any topic.” “Your dad was a wonderful man and I wish more were like him.” “He loved his family. He was a truly positive person and spread that positivity everywhere he went.”
Lew was clearly cherished by his family and appreciated by so many and will be greatly missed.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 from 4 PM – 8 PM at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, (724) 260-5546. A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to Canonsburg Lake Restoration and Improvement Association C/o Deanna Krugh, Treas., 1534 Grandin Ave, Dormont, PA 15216 or online at savecanonsburglake.org. Please visit the website canonsburglake.org and view the history of Canonsburg lake to see why Lew was so dedicated to the cause for restoring the lake. It is enjoyed by so many people and there is an abundance of wildlife that depends upon the lake.
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Alum '52, Sibling of Alum ('56), 1748 Society
Died on July 18, 2021Ira Thomas Ellis Jr. '52 will forever be remembered fondly by all those who knew him, or spent any time with him, and he will be sadly missed. Ira departed this world on July 18th, 2021 at the age of 87 years young. He leaves behind his sister Madge M. Ellis '56 of Wilmington, Delaware, extended family, and many friends who were like family from every facet of his incredible life.
Ira was born in April of 1934 to Ira Thomas Ellis Sr. and Marjorie Macadams Ellis, who preceded him in death. He attended Wilmington Friends School in Wilmington, DE, graduating in 1952. In 1956, he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Bucknell University. While there, he was inducted as a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and also completed 2 years of Army Reserve training. In 1964, he got his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University.
On July 30th, 1956, Ira began his lifelong career at IBM, where he was an IBM “research staff” member, highly valued as a programmer, and held the position of Senior Telcom Engineer. He worked at IBM for 60+ years, doing consulting for them even after retirement.
Following a scouting trip to the Green Mountains of Vermont, he joined others in forming the Snowald Corporation in 1957. Snowald was created to purchase land (to hold, develop, and maintain) for education, conservation, recreation and to promote outdoor sports, camping, and scout activities. After extensive consideration, they purchased property near Stratton, VT. Ira managed the booking and use of the “cabin” on the property.
Ira loved learning. He traveled extensively, including taking yearly cruises with his sister all over the world. They were often considered “the life of the party.” He never forgot his scouting “Do a good turn daily.” He shared his love of learning by tutoring and encouraging others to pursue higher education, and set up scholarships at Bucknell University. Ira felt that children were extremely important. He showed it through his guidance, enabling them to experience the world and outdoors, with a view to provide a stable, growing character.
Ira became an uncle and mentor to many families. He was active in church and in the community; and involved himself in everything his adopted families did. He supported local music performances and took part in Christmas Pageants (as a narrator), as well as attended numerous school concerts, graduations, birthday parties, and other family gatherings. He was an assistant coach of Cortlandt Youth Soccer for 36 seasons. He supported a number of nature and educational charities and social groups, and was active in everything he put his interest toward. Ira loved and was loved.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ira Thomas Ellis Jr., please visit our floral store.
Services
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Lower Brandywine Cemetery (101 Old Kennett Road, Wilmington, DE 19807)
FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Grace United Methodist Church (900 Washington Street, Wilmington, DE 19801)
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Alum '52
Died on July 7, 2020Nancy Fairchild Esty '52, age 86, died at her home in Amherst, MA on July 7, 2020. The daughter of Harry Fairchild and Dorothea Dorman Fairchild, Nancy was born on April 28, 1934 at her home in Upper Montclair, NJ. According to her brother Jack, Nancy was lovingly placed in a dresser drawer, which served as her makeshift cradle.
Nancy graduated from Wilmington Friends School in 1952 and earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College in 1956, majoring in Political Science and Russian. While at Mount Holyoke, her courtship with Amherst College student and future husband Charles Esty flourished, including picnics and outings at the Esty family home in the Notch in Amherst, conveniently located between both colleges.
Nancy and Chuck lived in Simsbury, CT when their four children were young. Both parents were active in the life of the community, volunteering for scouting, sports and church. In 1975 they moved to Wolfeboro, NH to serve as resident faculty members at Brewster Academy. Nancy taught Latin, Geography, and English as a Second Language and also served as a dorm mother.
In 1985, Chuck and Nancy returned to Amherst, where she was again an active volunteer for church, gave rides for seniors, volunteered in the library, and taught English as a Second Language at Amherst High School. In 1994 Nancy and Chuck retired to Bristol, RI, where they enjoyed sailing and tennis. Following Chuck’s death, Nancy spent several more years in Bristol before returning to Amherst once more, becoming a resident of Applewood Retirement Community in 2012.
A fierce and competent competitor in tennis, badminton, paddle tennis and cribbage, Nancy was known for her sharp wit and unexpected zingers. She was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner. This eclectic knowledge helped her complete the crossword puzzles she loved and fill in the blanks in conversations with arcane information.
She is survived by her brother, Jack Fairchild, and her four children: Catherine Esty Wejchert of Byfield MA, Robert Esty of Rocky Point NC, William Esty of Ithaca NY, and Thomas Esty of New Gloucester ME, as well as seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Esty on November 18, 2004.
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Alum '52
Died on August 6, 2021Wilmington - Suzanne Maria [Govatos] Diamond '52, 87, of Wilmington, Delaware and Athens, Greece passed away on Friday August 6, 2021. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Nicholas and Melissa Govatos. Suzanne attended Wilmington Friends School and later married Spiros Diamond. She was an active volunteer guide at Rockwood Museum while still in Delaware. Upon moving to Greece with her husband, Suzanne became an avid member of the Mediterranean Garden Society and until her last days she spent her time caring for her many rescue dogs. Suzanne is survived by her children Andrew and Melissa, their spouses, grandchildren Andrew and Lydia and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She will lay to rest in Athens, Greece next to her deceased husband.
Posted online on September 03, 2021
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Alum '52
Died on January 13, 2021December 29, 1934 - January 13, 2021
Wilmot Rufus Jones III '52 passed away peacefully in his home in Ada, Oklahoma on Jan. 13, 2021, at the age of 86. Rufus is survived by his beloved wife of 13 years Martha L. Ehrlich who was at his side to the very end. Rufus is also survived by his sister Mary “Lee” (Jones) Hargadon '48 of Brunswick, ME, his first wife Joan R. Jones of Bedminster, NJ, and his six children including Jennifer R. Jones of Florham Park, NJ, Elizabeth A. Jones of White Salmon, WA, Margaret J. Carpenter of Falls Church, VA, Peter R. Jones of Acton, MA, Stephen M. Jones of Victoria, TX, and Kenneth C. Jones of Kenmore, WA. Rufus's family includes six nieces and nephews, five wonderful stepchildren, fifteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Quite a legacy, especially considering he was the child of parents that believed in the idea of low population growth.
Rufus is preceded in death by his second wife Ellen 'Rusty' Jones and his youngest son Daniel T. Jones.
Rufus was born in New York City on December 29, 1934, and spent his formative years growing up in Wilmington, DE where his father Bill was headmaster at Wilmington Friends School. From his parents and his schooling, he was raised in the light of the Quaker faith yet still found means of expressing (and frequently getting away with) a mischievous sense of humor that he never abandoned in adulthood, as his sister Lee can attest. Rufus's childhood summers were enjoyed at his family's vacation home in South China, ME, where the family escaped the cloud of the Depression and war and where Rufus came to embrace his father's love of sailing. Rufus graduated from Friends School in 1952 to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, NY where he studied Hotel Administration. At Cornell, he met his first wife Joan with whom he graduated in 1956. That year he was called into military service when, keeping with his Quaker faith, he served as C.O. at Memorial/Sloan Kettering Institute in NY. In 1957, Rufus and Joan were married and then returned together to Ithaca where Rufus obtained his MBA from Cornell. 1959 marked the dual launch of his successful career in Marketing, and more importantly to him, the start of their family which grew over the next twelve years to seven children strong.
As the 'Great Provider' for nine, Rufus pursued a career path where a willingness to move and meet opportunity facilitated a steady and steep career trajectory. Rufus ascended into senior management with many large foodservice companies including General Foods in Indianapolis, IN, R.T. French Co. in Rochester, NY, Nestle Foods' chocolate division (a hands-down favorite of his children) in White Plains, NY, and Pet Foods in St. Louis, MO, leaving his mark at every stop. Anyone who is familiar with the 'Squeeze Me' bottles of French's Mustard or has ever enjoyed the crunch of Rice Krispies in their chocolate bar has Rufus to thank. Through ten relocations as a self-proclaimed 'corporate nomad', his dedication to his family always came first. He somehow found the time for competitive sailing with his daughter Jennifer on Lake Ontario, going to Indian Guides campouts with his boys, teaching his cheerleader daughters the finer points of high school football just so they would know the perfect cheer to call, or simply showing up at the back row in the audience of a school play when you knew he had to work late. All this while saving enough to send all seven kids to the best schools he and Joan could afford, including Williams College, Stanford University, Harvard University, and their alma mater Cornell. A Great Provider, indeed.
In 1992 Rufus married Rusty Pardon in St. Louis, MO, expanding his family to include stepdaughter Pamela and stepson Douglas. Still, with some career energy to burn, Rufus purchased Mike & Min's, a renowned blues bar in the Soulard neighborhood downtown which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1997. In 2002 he and Rusty decided it was "time for re-potting" and moved to St. Augustine, FL where together they built the home of their dreams. Over the decades, South China, ME was a steady hub for Rufus, a love for which his family came to share. In a life already full of victories, it was a personal highlight for Rufus to acquire with Rusty a property of their own on China Lake, just a stone's skip down the shore from the original Jones family camp founded by his namesake grandfather.
In 2006 Rufus' beloved Rusty was lost to cancer, but not before she played matchmaker and connected Rufus with her best friend of 40+ years, Martha Ehrlich. Martha and Rufus were married in 2007 in a ceremony overlooking China Lake, with so many family and friends in attendance it was a wonder the back deck did not collapse. Rufus's family had expanded again to include Martha's children, Miles Ehrlich, Erich Ehrlich, and Cara Crawford, and a new home base in beautiful Ada, OK. Rufus's final years were spent in peace and happiness with Martha at his side until his final sunset.
Rufus will be remembered for his bone-dry wit, his competitive spirit (be it on the squash court, croquet pitch or backgammon board), his fondness for a certain whisky, a roaring fire, frequently hideous pants, but above all, his love of family and the legacy of a life very well lived.
Rufus will be laid to rest in Maine in a private ceremony later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to Wilmington Friends School or the China Lake Association.
Published on January 19, 2021
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Alum '52
Died on July 3, 2022Professor Allen Dupree King '52, 87, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022 in Athens, Georgia.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Dr. Allen Dupree King, Sr. and May Loeffler Keech King. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Suzanne Hofmann King; his sister, Ernestine Loeffler King, Frankfurt, KY; his daughter, Suzanne King Jackson (Stan), Aiken, SC; his son, Stephen Allen King, Aiken, SC; his son, Peter Morton King, Lexington, GA; and two grandchildren: Ashlan Dupree Jackson, Nashville, TN; Conner Stephen King, Estill Springs, TN.
He attended Wilmington Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware where he played varsity football and varsity baseball. He received his BA in physics from Colgate University in 1956 where he was a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity. He earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Texas, Austin in 1961. There he met his bride-to-be, artist Suzanne Hofmann.
Dr. King began his career with Texaco, Inc. in Beacon, New York in 1961. There their first child Suzanne was born. He decided to pursue a career in research and teaching and received the R.A. Welch Postdoctural Fellowship at The University of Texas, Austin. He accepted a position as an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Georgia in 1963. Here he enjoyed decades as a dedicated, popular member of the faculty. During his tenure he received the ACS Student Affiliate Undergraduate Teaching Award in 1983 and served as graduate coordinator from 1984 until his retirement. He taught his last chemistry course at the age of 78. He retired as Emeritus Professor of Chemistry.
In addition to his teaching and research in the chemistry department at UGA, he consulted with Brookhaven National Labs, Inc. in 1980, with Lester Laboratories, Atlanta from 1979-1985, and Enzymatic Deinking Technologies (EDT), Atlanta from 1994 to 2006. His research focused on fundamental chemical research related to areas of coal and other energy sources, nuclear physics, textiles and dyes, and pharmacology. He held significant research grants and was responsible for several patents. He also published numerous papers and articles with a focus on colloid and surface chemistry.
Dr. King was passionate about teaching, research and his students. He often left social events early to tend to an experiment in his lab or to oversee the progress of his graduate students. But he pursued other passions as well. His childhood on the family farm in Wilmington, Delaware instilled in him a love of farming and a lifelong concern for all creatures great and small. Wild and domestic animals took up with him at his home on Historic Woodlawn Avenue, a house he and Suzanne purchased in the early 1960s. His family grew to include two sons as his expansive garden in his backyard grew in the production of vegetables and flowers, all shared with friends in his tight knit Five Points neighborhood and beyond. He and Suzanne combined their creative talents in a partnership of "farm to table" meals enjoyed by all on their back porch as wildlife and house dog looked on. He had a great love of family. Humble to the end, he was modest about his accomplishments and quirky in his sense of humor.
His professional and community affiliations included the American Chemical Society, Sigma XI (president), American Institute of Physics, Athens Country Club, Historic Athens, and First Presbyterian Church of Athens.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 2:00 pm, at First Presbyterian Church of Athens, 185 E. Hancock Avenue, Athens GA 30601. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Athens or to the "UGA Foundation" mailed to Franklin College of Arts & Sciences, Attn.: Office of Development, 124 Old College Avenue, Athens GA 30601. Indicate the Chemistry Department in subject line of check.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Posted online on July 08, 2022
Published in Athens Banner Herald
MEMORIAL SERVICE INFO:
First Presbyterian Church of Athens 185 E. Hancock Avenue, Athens GA 30601
July 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM
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Alum '52, Alumni Sibling ('48)
Died on April 8,2023John A. Nice '52, a long time resident of Denver, CO and Naples, FL, passed away April 8, 2023. He enjoyed a 50+ year career as an investment advisor, most recently with Raymond James and Associates. His survivors include his wife Mary of 62 years, 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Private memorial services will be held with his family. The family requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Collier County or Vitas Hospices in lieu of flowers.
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Published by Legacy Remembers from May 5 to May 7, 2023.
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Alum '52, Former Trustee, Parent of Alumni ('75, '77 & '79)
Died on November 23, 2024Walter King Stapleton (Walt) '52 was born in Cuthbert, Georgia, on June 2, 1934, and passed away on November 23, 2024. He was a deeply kind and generous person, whose profound wisdom, unwavering integrity, and joyful spirit left the world a better place. He was a principled leader with a unique ability to hold the nuance of truth and justice, while also making difficult decisions with confidence. His contributions shaped a generation of legal opinion and the hearts of all who love him. Walt moved to Wilmington, Delaware with his family at a young age, and attended Wilmington Friends School. Walter earned an undergraduate degree in English from Princeton University, an LLB from Harvard Law School, and a Master of Laws degree from The University of Virginia. He received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in 1998 from the University of Delaware. After practicing corporate law, serving as an Assistant Attorney General, and helping to revise the Delaware Corporate Code, he was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware in 1970 at the age of 36, becoming the youngest judge at the time to ever serve on that court. In 1985 Walt was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit by President Ronald Reagan. Later, he was chosen to chair the Committee on Codes of Conduct for the Judicial Conference.
A recent quote by Chief Judge Chagaras of the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals noted, “Among many accolades earned during his long career, Judge Stapleton received the American Inns of Court Professionalism in 2014. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates ‘integrity, professionalism and dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession’ - a most fitting description of the qualities that Judge Stapleton exhibited throughout his illustrious tenure with the federal judiciary.”
Walter inspired his many law clerks, who praised his wit, wisdom and fine mind. So much more than ripples caused by a pebble, his impact is more like a tidal wave in the legal community. In his last public speech, Walt reflected that his legacy would be all the judicial opinions he scribed, only to later realize that his true legacy is all the law clerks he mentored who went on to greater accomplishments. Walt’s success as a lawyer and a judge is due in no small part to Mary Lynne, his indomitable assistant for over forty years.
Tirelessly committed to public service, Walter served as a member of the Governor’s Commission on the Code of Ethics for State Employees, chairman and founding member of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Committee on Continuing Legal Education, as well as director and officer of the Big Brothers Association of Northern Delaware. He served on the Board of Trustees and was a vigorous supporter of Wilmington Friends School. Silverside Church was the center of his spiritual life. He served in many capacities, from Sunday School teacher to supervising the drafting of the church constitution. His service also included the Board of Habitat for Humanity, Buck and Doe Trust and many others.
Walter Stapleton married Trish Chappelle '52 in 1956, and they had Russell '75, Theodore (Ted) '77 and Teryl '79. Later, he married Georgianna Hannum in 1991. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he was known as Grandy to his grandchildren.
Walter had a wonderful sense of humor, mostly making fun of himself. Each year, he treasured formulating his annual Christmas Joke. He was an aficionado of sunsets whether they be at Foalsfield, Maine, Nantucket or on his many travels. Treasured family trips when his children were young included numerous camping trips with the Turk Family, visiting the Veaseys at the shore, road trips to his family’s property in Cuthbert, skiing and trips to Europe. Walt continued to travel widely with his second wife, Georgie and family, including trips to Ireland, Vieques and Kenya. His love of nature included the many cherished canine companions he had over the years. Always embracing the beauty of creation and endlessly curious about the Ultimate Reality, Walt was a profound thinker. Gracious, charismatic, humble and extraordinarily kind are also words often used to describe him. Walter was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Hellier and his beloved wife, Georgianna Stapleton. Walter is survived by his children, Russell Stapleton (Sylvia), Theodore Stapleton (Moni), and Teryl Price (Larry, deceased 2019); as well as grandchildren Somer Stapleton (Ana Maria), Emily Gately-Price (Wesley), and Christopher Price; and stepchildren Jeb (Emily), Christianna, Curtiss (Bonnie) and Jordie (Kimberlee) and their children. He is also survived by Trish Chappelle, his first and last love.
That Man is a Success
Who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect
of intelligent men and the love of children;
Who has filled his niche
and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy or a perfect poem or a rescued soul;
Who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had.
~Robert Louis Stevenson
A memorial service to honor the life and legacy of Walt will be held in 2025. More information to come in the new year. In honor of Walt’s generosity and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
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Alum '52, Alumni Sibling ('50), Alumni Legacy (1886, 1919)
Died on March 27, 2021Rodman Ward, Jr. '52, age 88, died peacefully on March 18th with Susan Hill Ward, his wife of 63 years, by his side. In much the same way as he lived, he entered hospice care with a pragmatic determination and a thoughtful compassion for those whom he left behind. In addition to his wife, he leaves his three children, Margery Garnett (James), Emily Neilson (Lewis Levin) and Rodman Ward III (Gina). He was predeceased by his daughter, Jennifer Oppenheimer (Jonathan). He was inordinately proud of each of his thirteen grandchildren, Susan Conte (Anthony), Sofia Keller (Jared), Madeline Garnett (Alex Cushman) and James Garnett III; Susan, Elliott and John Neilson III, Carolyn, Julia and Rodman Ward; Samuel, Isabel and Nathaniel Oppenheimer. He was delighted by his four great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Sedgwick A. Ward '50 of Shelter Island.
Born to Rodman '19 and Dorcas (Andrews) Ward, Rod attended Wilmington Friends School and then The George School (1952), Williams College (B.A.1956) and Harvard Law School (LL.B. 1959). The year of law school graduation also saw marriage to Susan, admission to the Delaware Bar and the start of service as a Captain in the US Air Force JAG Corp, which took the family to Kyushu, Japan until 1963.
A distinguished legal career spanning 40 years continued upon his return to Wilmington when Rod joined the firm that eventually became Prickett, Ward, Burt and Sanders. During the 1970?s, Rod became the go-to Delaware litigator for a rising firm named Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and in 1979, Joe Flom asked Rod to leave his successful practice and head the first office of Skadden outside of New York.
In the words of his valued friend, Leo Strine, during this formative period of Delaware takeover law, Rod and the Skadden Wilmington office were at the center of many of the era?s key takeover cases. Among other matters, Rod argued and won the iconic case of Mills Acquisition Co. v. Macmillan, Inc. To Rod?s delight, his convincing advocacy in that case led his adversary to mutter Henry II?s lament, ?will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest.? He was equally proud of his rare foray into Constitutional law, Coalition to Save our Children v. Delaware State Board of Ed. where he represented the state in securing an end to court ordered supervision of the New Castle County schools on the assurance that the schools would treat all students equally.
Rod was an exemplary lawyer-citizen, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, President of the Delaware State Bar Assoc. (1989-90), Member of the D.C. Bar Association and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, American Law Institute and The American Judicature Society. In 2000, he co-chaired the Courts initiative for Chief Justice Veasy and Governor Carper. He is the co-author (with Folk and Welch) of the revised four volume edition of ?Folk on the Delaware General Corporation Law? - Not recommended for light reading.
He was particularly proud of his foresight and hard work in nurturing the seeds of growth at CSC and his valuable service to the board for over 50 years.
Never one to use a simple phrase when Latin would do, Rod drew inspiration from the great Marcus Tullius Cicero, ?Si hortum in bibliotheca habes, nihil deerit? (If you have a garden and a library, you will want for nothing). In furtherance of the above, Rod served as a director and/or trustee on many boards including but not limited to: The Delaware Historical Society, The Delaware Art Museum, Winterthur Museum and Gardens and The Garden Conservancy of America.
Lunchtime almost always found him happily engaged in conversation at his stalwart, the Wilmington Club. He also enjoyed memberships at The University Club of New York, The Wilmington Country Club, The Vicmead Hunt Club, and the GCI Coffee Klatch.
In 2001, Rod defined ?of Counsel? as ?reciting useful parables to glazed eyed younger lawyers and doing good works about town.? It also meant spending more of the winter in Cape Town, South Africa and more of the summer on Great Cranberry Island, Maine. Rod?s many passions included History (both ancient and local), Shakespeare, Opera, Landscape Gardens and Gardening.
Always curious, with a charming and intellectual wit, his life was led full speed ahead and invariably ready for whatever came next. Obstacles existed only to be overcome with a laser like mind connecting the dots to come up with a joke. He relished the punch line and the chance to deliver it.
A true son of Wilmington, Rod was able to practice law at the pinnacle of his chosen profession in his own hometown, driving himself the twenty minutes to and from the house he built on his grandfather?s land. He spent his days advising the titans of business and was home for dinner by 6 o?clock.
In his own words, ?It would be a fair summary of my life to paraphrase Churchill: In 1959, I married Susan Hill and lived happily ever after.? His was a life fully lived and a job well done. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Library at Winterthur Museum and Gardens are welcome. The family will be hosting a reception to celebrate his life on May 15th at the Winterthur Pavilion. For further information, please email: onwardreception@gmail.com.
Posted online on March 24, 2023
Published in The News Journal
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Alum '53, Sibling of Alum ('56)
Died on May 25, 2024Priscilla Bowdle Lamont '53, age 88 of Woodstown, NJ passed peacefully on Wednesday May 15th, 2024, with her husband David by her side.
Born in Wilmington, DE to Frederick and Ruth Bowdle, she was a graduate of Wilmington Friends School and Sweet Briar College, and received Master's degrees from both Teachers College of Columbia University and Glassboro State University. She worked as a play therapist at Children's Hospital in the city of Philadelphia, PA, where she also met her husband, David Lamont. They eventually settled in Woodstown where they raised their four children along with an ever-evolving cast of goats, horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and various animals. She and David were active in the local community and the Woodstown Friends Meeting. She organized sewing groups to make quilts for needy babies, after-school tutoring for students, volunteered for the Humane Society, and helped with the food pantry at United Methodist Church. She was also an advocate for peace and helped organize demonstrations for non-violent conflict resolution in town. She loved music, gardening, the beach; feeding the birds and meeting new people.
Priscilla had an open heart and was a loving presence in the lives of many. Most of all, she loved her family.
She is survived by her husband David Lamont, her four children Sally Lamont, Susan Lamont and husband Peter Claggett, Meg Lamont DiRodio and husband Joe DiRodio, and Sam Lamont and wife Meg Juckett Lamont; her eight grandchildren Rachel Carly, Maggie Carly, Eli Claggett, Hannah Claggett, Rafe DiRodio, William Lamont, Delia Lamont, and Finn Lamont; and her beloved dog Lizzie. She is predeceased by her brother, James Bowdle '56.
A memorial service in the manner of the Religious Society of Friends will be held at Woodstown Friends Meeting, 104 N. Main St., Woodstown, at 11AM on Saturday, June 1st, with a luncheon and visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salem County Humane Society <https://salemcountyhumanesociety.org/> and/or Pacem in Terris <https://depaceminterris.org/support/>. Also feel free to visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence or favorite memory.
Arrangements by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Woodstown.
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Published by South Jersey Times from May 17 to May 18, 2024.
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Alum '53, Sibling of Alum ('49)
Died on March 27, 2021Monticello - Antoine (Tony) Marie Robert de Sercey '53, age 88, of Monticello, died March 27, 2021 at the Big Bend Hospice House.
He was born February 17, 1933 in Normandy, France, the son of Felix Maurice Marie Laurent de Sercey and Henriette Ellen Emilie Brolemann de Sercey. Tony migrated to Wilmington, DE with his mother in 1945 after WWII. In Wilmington, DE he met and married Isabelle Marie de Vives on May 12, 1956. He served in the Army as a PFC.
In 1960 he moved to Miccosukee, Florida where he raised Charolais cattle and hay on the family farm. Tony eventually settled in Lloyd, Florida where he and Isabelle raised their 6 children.
He is preceded by his Father, Laurent de Sercey; Mother, Ellen Brolemann de Sercey; brothers, Paul de Sercey and Claude de Sercey. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle de Vives de Sercey; brother, Patrick de Sercey '49; his children, Hubert; Bruno (Lisa); Betsy (Mack); Dominique; Patricia (Eric); and Nicholas (Amy) along with his 8 grandchildren Michelle, Jessica, Tony, Tristan, Sarah, Hans, Elizabeth, Ethan and 5 great grandchildren, Savannah, Mackenzie, Sercey, Ari, and Sophia.
Tony was an avid hunter and hunted for many years with Tools Hammock Hunting Club. It was there where he enjoyed the most being a southern Frenchman. He was an honorary member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Monticello, Florida.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tony's honor to Big Bend Hospice/Dozier House.
The family is being assisted by James Sircy and Jackie Fulford of Young Fulford Funeral Home, Tallahassee, Florida. (850) 610-4444 YoungFulford.com
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Published in Tallahassee Democrat from Mar. 31 to Apr. 11, 2021.
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Alum '53; Sibling of Alum ('50)
Died on November 24, 2022HILL, Joseph John '53, 87, of Radnor, PA, died of complications from diabetes on November 24, 2022 with his wife and children by his side. Joe, born in Wilmington, DE, was the son of Mary Louisa (Butcher) and Julian Hill. He attended Wilmington Friends School and graduated from Gov. Dummer Academy in South Byfield, MA in 1953. After attending Swarthmore College, Joe served in the US Army and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1961. With a strong interest in venture capital and service on many small company boards, his career spanned 53 years as a stock-broker in Philadelphia and Conshohocken: beginning with Butcher & Sherrerd; he retired from RBC Dain Rauscher in 2007. He was Chairman of the Board for The Ralston Center and on the Board of the Ralston/Mercy-Douglas House. A long-time board member of The Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Community Development Corporation, he also served on the finance committee of The Girl Scouts of Philadelphia. He was a long-standing member of The Merion Cricket Club, The Rabbit, and the Chester Yacht Club (Nova Scotia) - where he served as Commodore. Gregarious and fun loving, Joe enjoyed sailing, cooking, reading, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Libby) Bartlett Hill, sister Louisa [Hill] Spottswood Coughlin '50, 3 children: Alexander (Nancy Simonyi), Michael, and Susannah (Brian Doherty) and five grandchildren. Joe was devoted to his family and friends who will miss his personal warmth, sense of humor, and joy. A celebration of life will be held in the new year.
Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Dec. 11, 2022.
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Alum '53
Died on July 31, 2020Maris Fisher Krasnegor, Philadelphia gerontologist and textile artist, dies at 84;
Posted by Bonnie L. Cook: August 25, 2020.
Maris Fisher Krasnegor '53, 84, of Philadelphia, a gerontologist and textile artist, died Friday, July 31, of an infection at Temple University Hospital.
Ms. Krasnegor was an administrator for senior citizen programs in Philadelphia. Her day job was enriched by her avocation — an interest in art, said Steve Bremner, her friend and caregiver with whom she lived in the Wissahickon section of the city.
“Her real passions in life were creativity, as seen in her textile artwork, and caring, as demonstrated by her running the Roxborough senior center, and in forming and operating Communicare, the volunteer organization to benefit Center City elders,” he said in a statement.
Born in Cleveland, Ms. Krasnegor grew up in Chadds Ford, the daughter of a chemist with the DuPont Co. The family moved often as he helped invent the nonstick coating Teflon.
She graduated from Wilmington Friends School in Delaware. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Wellesley College in 1957 and a combined master’s degree in gerontology and the psychology of education from Temple University in 1983.
Ms. Krasnegor did two years of postgraduate study in textiles at what is now the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and worked in designing and producing textiles from a studio at home. She had many exhibitions of her work, which included felt and wool garments, and hanging textiles.
She was a founding member of the Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers.
From 1975 to 1980, she worked for Catholic Social Services in Philadelphia, creating art programs for the elderly and training art therapists in how to run the sessions.
She spent 1980 and 1981 identifying and signing up local artists to work with the seniors at centers in West Philadelphia. The program was subsidized by a contract with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, according to her resumé
From 1982 to 1987, she was a social and recreational activities director for the Interac Senior Center on Ridge Avenue in Roxborough and also supervised planning and operations.
She went out on her own in 1987, designing and running workshops in art therapy for seniors and professionals in the local elder-care industry.
In 1990, Ms. Krasnegor’s focus changed to helping isolated older adults at risk for loneliness and physical decline. She founded and became the director of Communicare, a project that matched volunteers with the frail elderly in Center City. The aim was to provide companionship and do small chores for the seniors in their homes.
She recruited and trained volunteers and stayed in touch with them as they sallied forth to carry out their missions of kindness.
Courteous and gentle, with excellent communication skills, Ms. Krasnegor was uniquely suited for the job because she could get along with anyone, said Bremner, who worked beside her as a Communicare volunteer.
She had an uncanny ability to read people and know exactly which volunteer would be the best match for a senior citizen in need of a sympathetic ear — or a small, personal favor.
“She would tentatively ask things like, ‘Next time you’re visiting Fred/Freda, would you consider helping them to trim their nails? I know it’s not the pleasantest task, but it would mean a lot to them,’” Bremner recalled.
“Somehow you found yourself saying yes because, well, Maris was Maris. Three days later, you’d be feeling good about the whole thing, and quietly wondering how Maris knew you’d say yes before you knew it yourself.”
In 2014, Ms. Krasnegor retired from Communicare, which was absorbed by a wider outreach program, Episcopal Community Services, in Center City.
In retirement, she read widely, especially fiction, and kept in touch with old friends.
Ms. Krasnegor is survived her former husband, Harvey A. Krasnegor, and a nephew.
At her request, no services will be held.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102 or via www.afsc.org/give.
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Alum '53, Sibling of Alumni ('57, '58*, '60* & '61)
Died on December 21, 2021Susan [McGovern] Herndon '53 died on December 21, 2021 at her home in Santa Ana after a brief illness. She was born on April 29, 1935 in Wilmington, Delaware and was raised there, the eldest of three children of Kathryn and Edward McGovern. After graduation from Wilmington Friends School, Sue attended Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut. During her college years she met Roy Herndon, a student at nearby Yale University and their love was born. After Roy's graduation from Yale they were married and moved to West Los Angeles where Roy entered medical school at UCLA. During Roy's years of medical training, Sue worked for Carnation Company in the Department of Nutritional Research, retiring from that job as they began to raise two children. The Herndon family moved to Orange County in 1964 when Roy opened an office in which to practice his specialty, Internal Medicine. Sue has served the community for many years and was a Life Member of the Assistance League of Santa Ana. She also was a member of P.E.O. and Alla Gitana. She volunteered at Children's Hospital of Orange County. Her greatest accomplishments, however, were being a devoted wife to Roy for over 65 years and a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. When not enjoying the love and company of family and friends, Sue could be found pursuing one of her greatest passions - the design and creation of greeting cards of all kinds. The Herndon Christmas cards were always an annual project. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Roy II, son Roy III (Lynn), daughter Kathryn Arnold (Kevin), four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Supportability, P O Box 4885, Irvine, CA. 92616. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future for her family to attend privately.
Published by Orange County Register on Dec. 24, 2021.
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Siblings: Alice McGovern Doering '57; Edward McGovern, Jr. '61
Step-Siblings: Judith Gaumer Hutton '58*dec.; H. Richard Gaumer '60*dec.
Alum '53, Alumni Sibling ('56, '60 & '61)
Died on July 25, 2024Richard "Dick" S. Roberts, Jr '53, aged 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Glen Mills, PA on July 25, 2024. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Priscilla, by his parents and infant son Rhys.
A multi-lingual citizen of the world, Dick was born in Cleveland, OH in 1935 to Richard S Roberts and Dorothy Whaley Roberts and grew up in Wilmington, DE. While a student at Wilmington Friends School, he was chosen to participate in an international exchange program with the American Field Service the summer of 1952. Living with a family in Germany opened up the world to him and planted the seed of his love of travel. It was the first of many trips abroad. After getting his bachelor’s degree in Political and Economic Institutions from Yale in 1957, Dick was eager to return to Europe to further his education. He obtained a PhD in Political Science from the Graduate Institute of International Studies at the University of Geneva, Switzerland in 1962.
Dick had met Priscilla Herget on a student ship sailing to Europe in the summer of 1955. While he was at Yale, she was at the University of Montana. When he moved to Switzerland, she moved to Washington, DC. There were many miles between them, but through near-daily correspondence and an occasional visit, their hearts grew fonder. They were wed in 1959 at the Herget family home in Peoria, Illinois, then began married life together back in Geneva. Nearly 65 years of love and devotion to each other followed. They traveled the globe and brought up two world-wise daughters, settling in Egypt, El Salvador, California, Tunisia, Boston, Denver, and Morocco.
As an international management consultant, Dick spent his life and career promoting international understanding and bettering the lives of people in developing and underdeveloped countries. His early work for the Ford Foundation took him from the Aswan Dam Project in Egypt to family planning projects in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. As an independent consultant for UN and US agencies, he organized many training seminars for public sector managers and development programs in most of West Africa, the Sudan, Haiti, Egypt, and Guatemala. Dick pursued his career with Boston-based Management Sciences for Health (MSH), often under contract with USAID, working on health care and family planning. Short-term assignments took him to Algeria, Cameroun, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, Zaire, and Zimbabwe. A long-term program focusing on maternal health began in Rwanda in 1991, but that came to a sudden end with a forced evacuation in 1994. Back in the United States, Dick continued traveling the world on short-term projects with MSH until his retirement, helping to improve management of and access to public health care in Africa, Honduras, Yemen, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Traveling was not just part of his job, but was a passion that Dick shared with his entire family. He planned a memorable trip with his girls through West Africa one year, taking them as far as Timbuctoo using local modes of transport: train, boat, and bush taxi. He enjoyed skiing with his family in the Alps and sharing a raclette or fondue dinner along with a glass or two of good wine. His sense of orientation was of great help in navigating the local bus routes during a family visit to Costa Rica.
Dick was a charming, handsome man with an intellectual curiosity and an interest in trying to solve problems of all kinds. He enjoyed keeping up with world events, having political discussions, doing puzzles, and reading a good mystery novel. He and Pris actively promoted cross-cultural events, whether in the US or abroad. In Tunisia, they helped organize an exhibit on Islamic Arts, for which Dick photographed each item and put together the display at the Tunis Hilton. They designed an exhibit, From Tents to City Sidewalks, which introduced the Arab World to kids, for the Children’s Museum of Denver. Dick used his creativity to further cultural understanding, but also to please his girls. His oldest daughter proudly remembers the prize-winning Big Bird Halloween costume he made for her when living in Tunisia. Both girls spent hours of fun playing in an old wooden packing crate that he had lovingly painted and transformed into a playhouse on wheels.
Though their lives were spent discovering many places around the world, Dick, Pris, and the girls kept returning to Denver, which they were proud to call home for more than 30 years. They were loyal supporters of the Denver Center for Performing Arts, enjoying many an evening at the symphony or a matinée to see a musical. Dick contributed much time and energy to the Downtown Denver Resident’s Organization, helping to make LoDo a more pleasant place to live. He was instrumental in acquiring the rights to the city-owned property for the construction of a playground for the neighborhood and public use. And, of course, he was an active proponent of and contributor to the project. He helped monitor the health of the trees planted along city sidewalks and actively promoted public transportation. His grandkids fondly remember their early morning bike rides with Grandpa along the creek, filling up his saddle bags with groceries, and making regular visits to the skate park.
Dick is survived by daughters Laura Roberts of Glen Mills, PA and Wendy Zambalas (Zacharie) of Gif-sur-Yvette, France; granddaughter Alexia Zambalas of Denver, CO; grandson Luca Zambalas of Paris, France; brother John Roberts '56 (Susan) of Morehead City, NC; sisters Dale [Roberts] Megill '60 (Bob) and Connie [Roberts] Amend '61 (Bill Amend '59), both of Glen Mills, PA, and by the fruit of a 15-year project of patience and passion with his beloved Pris, in the form of a book published by Lehigh University Press in 2008: Thomas Barclay (1728-1793): Consul in France, Diplomat in Barbary.
Our loving dad, grandpa, brother, and friend will be dearly missed.
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Alum '53
Died on February 19, 2024Joyce “Jo” [Sheehan] Hanley '53 peacefully passed away in her home on February 19, 2024. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on September 13, 1935, Jo relocated to Palm Beach in the early 1960s with husband George W. Hepworth. As a young adult, Jo developed a passion for firearms, eventually becoming one of the few female NSCA Level III sporting clay, skeet, trap, and field instructors. Throughout life, she passionately pursued sport fishing, tennis, hunting, and competitive shooting at the highest level. Known for her bold, vibrant personality, and can-do attitude, Jo left a lasting impression on friends and loved ones alike. Jo is survived by daughter, Jill Hepworth Crompton, granddaughter Taylor Hepworth Crompton, niece Nicole Bostwick Fonseca, and long-time companion, Peter C. Theron. Jo was preceded in death by George W. Hepworth and William H. Hanley. Plans for a celebration of life are currently in progress. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Jo's honor to Safari Club International Foundation.
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Alum '53, Sibling of Alumni ('56, '61 & '70)
Died on October 25, 2021Wilmington, DE - Carolyn Ruth Weber '53 was born in 1935 in Wilmington, Delaware. The oldest of four born to Dr. Arthur G. Weber and Marjorie Ruth Weber, she first attended Mt. Pleasant School where she thrived as part of the marching band, playing the saxophone. She also learned to play the accordion and later in life would visit retirement homes and offer her musical gifts.
She entered Friends School in the 7th grade, and excelled academically, graduating in 1953. Next she attended Wellesley College majoring in Art History, graduating in 1957. Also she painted in oils and was a sculptor extraordinaire.
Carolyn initially worked in Wilmington as an art teacher but then went to Drexel University, earning a Master's in Library Science in 1968. She worked in Wilmington as such until her retirement. When her father died in 1987, she helped her mother to recover. Soon she moved into Shipley Manor with her mother, caring for her until she passed on June 30, 2002.
Then she took an apartment on Prior Road for a short time but then entered Lorelton Retirement Home in 2010. There she actively enjoyed their art program. Last October, she fell and broke her hip. She returned to the Lorelton under Hospice Care and died peacefully October 25th. As long as she could, she ate dinner in the dining room with her dearest friend Walter. Her siblings were all in contact with her most days until the end. Her family thanks the Lorelton staff and the Bayada Hospice staff for their excellent care.
She is survived by her brothers, Arthur '56 and Dan '70 Weber, her sister Margaret Makar '61 and husband Michal, nieces Sarah and Karen Makar and their families.
Carolyn was a talented, smart, modest, quiet soul who never sought attention but was many times a servant to others. She was a devout Christian and she will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace.
A memorial service for Carolyn Weber will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:00PM at Westminster Church, 1502 W 13th St. Wilmington, DE 19806. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
Posted online on November 03, 2021
Published in The News Journal
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Alum '53
Died on July 25, 2024The Rev. Marjorie L. [Wesp] Montgomery '53
Marjorie Louise Montgomery, previously Marjorie Sams, née Wesp, minister emeritus of the First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church in Fort Worth, TX, and former minister of The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist, MA, died at the age of 89 on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Born December 2, 1935 in Buffalo, NY to Florence and Edward Wesp, raised a Lutheran, Marjorie cultivated an early love of traditional church music. She attended the Wilmington Friends School in Delaware, receiving the Mendenhall award given to “the senior whose ideals and service to the school make her or him an outstanding member of the graduating class,” having volunteered at the duPont Institute of the Nemours Foundation in Wilmington, a children’s hospital known for research in pediatric orthopedics, and subsequently travelling to France as a summer work project volunteer.
Marjorie graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree in Music, specializing in piano and organ performance, and fondly recalled her time singing with a student choir and social organization, the “Wellesley Widows.” At Wellesley, she learned to play a church organ, and took a bible study course that sparked a lifelong interest in religious study, along with her love of music and dedication to service, and later ministry.
In New York, NY, Marjorie taught private piano lessons and worked as a church choir director and organist while attending classes at Union Theological Seminary where she received a Master’s degree in Religious Education. She also worked as a summer student at Passavant Hospital, NY, as a part of a Lutheran initiative to encourage church-interested young people in service roles.
In Arlington, TX, Marjorie helped to found the Junior (Women's) League of Arlington and the Arlington Medical Auxiliary. She assisted in organizing one of the community’s first children's day cares, in fund raising for the YMCA and in advocating for city parks. She was asked to run for City Council, but did not choose to pursue politics.
In Dallas, TX, Marjorie worked as Religious Education director and Minister in Training at the First Church in Dallas, Unitarian Universalist, and completed her Master of Divinity at Southern Methodist University on the way to ordination as a Unitarian Minister.
In Belmont, MA, Marjorie served as the Minister of the First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist from 1976 to 1980, guest lectured at Harvard Divinity School, and co-authored the book, “Living Through Your Divorce” with Earl A. Grollman.
In Fort Worth, TX, Marjorie served as the Minister of the First Jefferson Church (now All People’s Church), Unitarian Universalist from 1980 to 1990, where she doubled the membership to over 200 and led a capital fund raising and building project transforming the building with a new sanctuary, offices, library, and garden. Upon retiring from full time ministry, Marjorie was awarded the title Minister Emeritus by First Jefferson Church in 1995. She continued her work for the Unitarian Universalist Association, as an Interim Minister in Las Cruces, NM, and filling in part time as a guest Minister at several locations including the UU Fellowship of Waco from 1990 to 1993, Westside UU Church in Fort Worth, and other churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. In addition to preaching, she filled leadership roles in the Unitarian Universalist Association, including President of North Texas Ministers, as a Programming Consultant and as Southwest District Ministerial Settlement Representative to help place many ministers in churches. She was recognized for her service to the UUA with the Russell Lockwood award in 2001. Her legacy includes a collection of over 150 published sermons. Outside the church, Marjorie was a leader in Toastmasters, President of the League of Women Voters of Tarrant County, and organizer of Crop Walks for Hunger in the Southwest Region, receiving recognition as a “Volunteer of the Year” in 1991 by Tarrant County Community of Churches. She was honored by the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in 2008 as the “Civil Libertarian of the Year.”
Marjorie and husband Duane joined the Trinity Terrace Retirement Community in 2008, where she continued to immerse herself in good conversation, music, and friendship for the remainder of her life. She was a mainstay in the choir and at the piano, giving hundreds of hours in musical performances. She organized discussions of ongoing learning videos, enjoyed many years of exercise in the swimming pool, shared quiet walks along the Trinity River, and hosted holiday parties for family and friends, while staying engaged in the civic causes she supported, with long ties to both church and community. Marjorie proudly cast her ballot in 17 Presidential Elections. She loved and supported local arts and culture, especially the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, and the Annual Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Marjorie is survived by sons Philip and Richard, stepdaughters Janelle and Stacy, and granddaughters Natalie and Jessica. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Murry of Rockville, MD and first cousin, Jim Norton of Wooster, OH. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Robert Duane Montgomery, by her former husband, Dr. Joseph Terence Sams, and by her beloved daughter Valerie.
A Memorial Service is planned for 2pm on May 8 at the Robert F. Jones Chapel at Trinity Terrace in Fort Worth, TX
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Alum '54, Alumni Legacy (1900), Sibling of Alumni ('30, '51, '53)
Died on February 14, 2025Eleanor 'Ellie' [Cranston] Hileman '54 died at age 88. She was born 1937 in Wilmington, Delaware, the youngest daughter of the late Elizabeth and John Paul Cranston 1900. She was a loving mother to her good son, Christopher Hileman and the beloved wife of John Hileman.
Ellie attended elementary school and junior high at A.I. DuPont, graduated from high school at Wilmington Friends School, earned a degree in marketing at Lasell College in Auburndale, MA, and married at age 22 in a relationship that lasted until her death.
In her early married years, she chaired several committees for the Wilmington Flower Market and served on the Board of Directors. Later, she started a profitable catering business for chateau country customers, but after a couple years, closed the business after deciding it was more work than it was worth. She then began a long (over 30 years) stint as a volunteer at Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research where she served on the Board of Directors, fed baby birds, rescued hurt birds, and travelled as a member of the oil spill team (to wash and rejuvenate birds that had been coated with oil from tanker spills). In addition, for decades, she managed an annual “Jumble Sale†for the benefit of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research.
Ellie was a highly ethical and strongly opinionated woman -- an avid reader of nonfiction. She was a staunch environmentalist and lover of animals: she maintained a deer feeding station in the front yard, had bird feeders and bird baths in the back. Over the years, our numerous family dogs benefited from her tender care and all were most loyal to her.
Her favorite sports were tennis and cross country skiing; she made many, good friends from these activities.
She was predeceased by her parents, a sister (Martha Shelley [Cranston] Morris '53) and a half-sister (Jean [Cranston] Hodupp '30). She is survived by her husband (John Hileman), her son (Christopher Hileman) and his wife (Cynthia-Dorice), and her two grandsons (Aidan Hileman and Zachary Hileman). Also, she is survived by a sister, Elizabeth [Cranston] Baxter '51 and five nieces: Marie Radebaugh, Elizabeth Butcher, Ann DeCicco, Claire Irving, and Shelley Alden.
To meet Ellie's wishes, there will be no funeral and the burial at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, 110 Old Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE.
Posted online on February 18, 2025
Published in The News Journal
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Alum '54, Sibling of Alumni ('50 & '52)
Died on January 21, 2022Richard "Dick" W. Foulk '54, the youngest of three Foulk boys to attend Wilmington Friends School, passed away Monday evening, January 21, 2022, in Wilmington.
Obituary provided by his brother, Bill '50.
Alum '54
Died on March 13, 2022Janet [Holmes] Waddell '54, age 85, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2022 in Kennett Square, PA.
She was born in New Rochelle, NY and raised in Wilmington, DE, the daughter of Gwen Williams Holmes and J.B. Sanders Holmes.
Janet was a 1954 graduate of Wilmington Friends School, having spent a summer in Munich, Germany in 1953 with the American Field Service. She attended Connecticut College for Women for two years, transferring to the Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in illustration and graduating in 1959.
She worked for several years in fashion illustration, both in Wilmington and Washington, D.C. She was also a senior guide at Winterthur for six years before becoming a full time artist. She worked in watercolor, pastel, and oil, painting mostly landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay, the Wilmington area, and Cape Cod. Her work has been shown at the Studio Group, the Christmas Shop, the DuPont Easel, Christiana Bank, Hardcastle Gallery, and the Cape Cod Art Association.
She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Junior League of Wilmington, the Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts, The Studio Group, The Greenville Country Club, and the Orleans Yacht Club in Orleans, MA.
Janet is preceded in death by her husband, James G. Waddell. She is survived by her daughter, Ann W. Miller (Richard), her son, William G. Waddell (Teresa), two granddaughters, Louisa Miller ex.'15 and Calista Waddell, and her grandson, William G. Waddell, Jr.
Services are private.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet’s memory to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware by going to https://www.bgclubs.org/donate/
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Alum '54, Sibling of Alumni ('57*)
Died on June 4, 2023Frank Marshall Hoopes, Jr. '54 went peacefully to his Lord's eternal home on June 4, 2023.
Frank was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 19, 1936 and packed several lifetimes of living into his 87 years. He grew up on Shipley Road and graduated from Wilmington Friends School and Washington & Lee University. A fine athlete, Frank played baseball at Washington & Lee and was the team's most valuable player his senior year. Frank was president of his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, in 1958. He continued his education at Columbia University School of Business where he earned his MBA. Frank then served the country he loved so dearly in the United States Army as a tank platoon leader at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Though his father conducted a successful dental practice in Wilmington, Frank did not follow in his footsteps as his younger brother, Rob '57, later did. Instead, as Frank told it, "I always wanted to be a businessman." Frank joined the DuPont Company in 1960 and enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned nearly 40 years. He served in several of the company's businesses, including automotive finishes, Teflon and Corian and finished his career at ICI when DuPont swapped the Acrylic Monomers business that Frank directed. He retired with much acclaim in 1999 having lived and worked in Cleveland, New York City, Toledo, Grand Rapids, West Chester, Dallas, Miami and, of course, Wilmington.
Frank excelled at baseball, but his true fascination was with golf. Over the years, he belonged to such wonderful clubs as Inverness Club, Doral Country Club, Blythfield and Grand Harbor. He served as president of Eagles Mere Country Club where he spent many summers. But he always belonged to his beloved Wilmington Country Club, having been a member for over 70 years and serving in many leadership capacities.
Frank was a competitor. He loved the rough-and-tumble that he found in both business and sports, but was a stickler for the rules, always holding himself to the same high standards of conduct and decorum to which he was sure to hold his opponents. And he was no pushover, loving the psychology of competition. His good-natured, creative and always hilarious trash talk was something to behold. When asked about it, Frank once said, "Every golf match is won and lost in the locker room when you're putting on your shoes next to your opponent." He could give an earful.
As much as Frank loved business, golf, Philadelphia sports teams (and, yes, the Dallas Cowboys), the greatest part of his heart belonged to his family, beginning with his wife Anne. Frank and Anne were married in 1965 and were devoted to each other for those 58 years. He always expressed gratitude that his daughters Laura Nilsen and Ashley Wilks both lived nearby in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Frank was an attentive and doting grandfather to Laura's boys, Ryan and Brett, and Ashley's girls, Sophie and Eliza. His sons-in-law, Keith Nilsen and David Wilks, will always fondly recall Eagles Mere evenings with Frank and his good friend Johnnie Walker.
Frank Hoopes was one of a kind. He was fiercely loyal and he was lovingly gentle. He was sternly serious about the things that matter and he was hilariously irreverent about the things that don't. He taught us much and we will miss him.
Our family cannot adequately express our love, respect and appreciation for the nurses, aides and staff at Country House, where Frank finished his days. We witnessed selfless love and great skill in action every day.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Frank's memory to the Wounded Warriors Project. A celebration of life will be held on June 29, 2023. Details available from the family.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Frank Marshall Hoopes Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by P. Dean Homer Funeral Home - Dushore on Jun. 7, 2023.
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Alum '54, Spouse of Alumni '53
Died on November 21, 2024Wendy Anne [Jackson] Barnhill '54 age 88, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully after a long illness on November 21, 2024. Anne was born in June of 1936 to Wendell and Margaret “Peggy” Jackson in Wilmington, DE. She graduated from Wilmington Friends School in 1954 and attended Hollins College in Roanoke, VA where she studied Biology.
Anne was a gifted artist. She was a painter of portraits and landscapes. There are many such watercolors in the Wilmington and eastern shore area. Anne also loved to teach the children to paint. She taught at Wroxeter school and Tatnall school. She was an active member of the Howard Pyle Studio Group on N. Franklin Street. Anne loved the water and spent many years racing and cruising on the family sailboats. Anne and Glenn also made many trips to coastal Maine, which inspired many of her watercolors of water and coastlines. She and her husband enjoyed many years of visits from neighbors and their children coming over to enjoy the pool. Anne consistently had a mindset of “the more, the merrier.” She had a heart of gold and always made sure that all were made to feel welcome.
Anne is survived by her husband and best friend, Glenn P. Barnhill '53 and their five children, Sandy Michaelson (Molly), Robert Michaelson (Traci), Deborah Barnhill Diver, Glenn P. Barnhill Jr. (Delvin), and James S. Barnhill (Tara). Anne was a beloved grandmother to 10 grandchildren, Andrew, Sabrina, Stephanie, Lukas, Annalise, George, Christopher, Trevor, Charlie, and Graham. She was a great-grandmother to 4 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on January 25, 2025 at 10:00 am at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in her name to Howard Pyle’s Studio Group, www.howardpylestudio.org or the SPCA, www.bvspca.org. To offer online condolences, please visit www.chandlerfunernalhome.com.
Posted online on December 15, 2024
Published in The News Journal
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Alum '54, Parent of Alumni ('77)
Died on December 20, 2022Barbara Phillips Kurtz '54, 86, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 2, 1936, to the late Elizabeth and Herman Phillips. Although born in Kentucky, Barbara grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating from Wilmington Friends School. She went on to graduate from Connecticut College. Barbara met her beloved late husband Francis, and they were married in 1958. After moving many times for Fran’s job with DuPont, Barbara and Fran landed in Carmel, Indiana. Barbara immersed herself in the community: she was active in the Carmel Women’s Club, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Women’s Group, and the Sunnyside Guild (SMHG) as a life member. She loved to knit and play bridge and will be greatly missed by her many bridge and knitting group friends. Barbara also had a passion for reading, belonged to several book clubs, and could often be spotted at the Carmel library. Barbara is survived by her daughters Betsy [Kurtz] Hudelson '77 (David) and Heidi (Kyle) Foyer; her grandchildren Stephen (Marianne) Hudelson, Phillip (Natalia) Hudelson, Andrew (Caroline) Hudelson, Edward (Stephanie) Hudelson, Katie (David) Hanover, Joey (Courtney) Hicks, Stuart Hudelson, and Elizabeth Hudelson; and 15 great-grandchildren. Barbara’s family is profoundly grateful to Dr. Skierczynski and his staff at IU Endocrinologists as well as the staff at Wellbrooke of Westfield and The Barrington of Carmel for the love and care they gave to Barbara. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 20, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where family and friends are invited to gather from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. After the service, a luncheon will precede the interment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation (425 E Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 or www.carmelclaylibrary.org/ways-to-give ) Please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com to view, comment, and sign the guest register.
Posted online on January 14, 2023
Published in The Indianapolis Star.
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Alum '54
Died on April 11, 2022Roberta “Roby” Hearn Simpson Marcopulos Harrell '54, age 84, passed away on April 11, 2022 to be with the Lord. A resident of Saint Johns, Florida since 1986. Roby was born on April 7, 1938 in Wilmington, Delaware to Virgil and Ruth Sheldon Simpson where she graduated from Wilmington Friends School. Roby graduated from Bradford Junior College in Boston and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she met her first husband and they resided in Pittsburgh, PA until they were transferred to Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela by US Steel. Roby and family returned to live in Wilmington, DE for many years and then moved to Saint Johns, Florida.
Roby is predeceased by her parents, her former husbands: Nicholas Marcopulos and Wade Hampton Harrell, her sister Carol [Simpson] Pakradooni '52 and her son Thomas Marcopulos.
Roby leaves behind 3 surviving children: Deborah Kitchens (Rick), Sandra Jacoby (Steve), Robert Marcopulos, 3 surviving step-children: John Harrell (Birgit), Debbie Matthew (Noel), Michael Harrell (Heather) 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many dear friends.
After raising her children, Roby enjoyed a career in banking in Wilmington, Delaware and then upon moving to Florida in real estate. Roby was active in her church, Fruit Cove Baptist, she especially enjoyed the widows Sunday School class.
A Celebration of Life will be held later, in June, at Fruit Cove Baptist Church.
Posted online on April 13, 2022
Published in Florida Times Union
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Alum '55; Spouse of Alumnus '55; Alumni Sibling '64; Alumni Legacy '33
Died on August 9, 2025Jane [Ellis] James '55 passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 87. She was the daughter of Raymond Wallace Ellis, an executive of Hercules Power Company and Ruth [Booker] Ellis '33. She is survived by her husband, Albert W. James, Jr. '55 Also she is survived by a brother, David H. Ellis '64 and sister-in-law Martha A. Ellis, two daughters, Anne Thompson Spurgeon and son-in-law Barclay E. Spurgeon, Elizabeth Thompson Good and son-in-law Gregory W. Good, and son Jeffrey B. Thompson and daughter-in-law Marie O. Thompson and granddaughters Olivine M. Thompson, Ellen Spurgeon, Amanda J. Good, Emily Good Freeman and grandson Benjamin Spurgeon and great grandson Malakai Joel Freeman. Jane, originally from Wilmington, Delaware, worked for Hercules Power Company as an administrative assistant. Later she started a lampshade business in Wilmington making custom shades. When she moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, she took her lampshade business (The Shady Lady) with her. For 40 years she made custom shades for wealthy patrons over the Southeast. In addition, she enjoyed playing golf (won several championships), hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. She had many friends with whom she maintained close-knit contact. Interment at the Lower Brandywine Cemetery will be private. No condolences, please! Enjoy your life – Jane did. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane Ellis James, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Post & Courier - Hilton Head on Aug. 11, 2025.
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Alum '55
Died on September 7, 2018Vittorio Ginzburg '55, September 7, 2018. Husband of the late Elaine (nee Duberstein). Father of Lionel (Shani Ferguson) Artom-Ginzburg and Sofia (Lindsey) Ermey. Grandfather of Alexander and Julian Artom-Ginzburg and Zachary and Audrey Ermey. Brother of the late Ellen Ginzburg Migliorino '62. Relatives and friends are invited to Graveside services Sunday 12 NOON precisely at Mikveh Israel Cem. (11th and Federal Streets), Phila. Shiva will be observed Sunday Only Beginning at 4 P.M. at the Parc Rittenhouse Community Room. Contributions in his memory may be made to Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, 1328 S. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146.
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Alum '55, Alumni Sibling '58, Alumni Legacy 1923, Trustee (1978-1986)
Died on March 23, 2024David Hillegas '55, son of David '23 and Eleanor Hillegas, died on March 23, 2024. He is survived by his wife Yancey, his three children Jody (John), Courtney (Bob), and David (Heather) and his five grandchildren Bobby, Riley, Maisy, Jane and Charley. Dave is also survived by his brother Don Hillegas '58 (Jamie), brother-in-laws Hank Graves (Jana) and Henley Graves (Cheryl), sister-in-law Susan Fentzloff and by his nieces Julie, Cary, Megan, Whitney and Yancey, and nephews Tyler and Hunter. He was predeceased by his nephew, Michael Hillegas, and his brother-in-law, Bill Fentzloff.
This is a quote from Dave, “Since I met Yancey on the beach, my life has been wonderful, happy, and relaxed; and Yancey (Yum Yum) has been my ‘Baby Doll.’ Jody, Courtney, and David, along with the grandchildren, have been the best family I could ever have. They are special. All my love to Yancey and the children. See you in heaven.”
In lieu of a memorial, the family will honor Dave’s wishes for a private family gathering. Please share condolences and memories on David's Tribute Wall by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, Delaware.
Posted online on March 30, 2024
Published in The News Journal
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Alum '56, Alumni Sibling '52*, 1748 Society
Died on October 28, 2022Madge Ellis '56 of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on October 28th, 2022 of complications from Covid. She was born on August 21, 1938 and was living at Sunrise Senior Living at the time of her death.
Ms. Ellis was pre-deceased by her Father, Ira Ellis, Sr., her Mother, Marjorie (Macadam), and her brother Ira Ellis, Jr. '52. She was particularly close with her brother Ira. Madge was a lifetime member of Grace Methodist Church.
She lived her whole life in Wilmington. Madge graduated from Friends School and Swarthmore College, where she was a multi-sport athlete. She went on to work for duPont Company for 36 years. Madge was a long-time member of the duPont country club, an avid golfer who just happened to have 2 holes in one. In addition, she also enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, and doing all kinds of puzzles.
She loved to travel. She and her brother took numerous cruises all over the world, including down the Amazon. They also traversed the Panama Canal three times.
She loved to read and anticipated the book sale by the AAUW every year. She walked all over Trolley Square stopping to pet every dog and cat along the way. Also, she enjoyed many an afternoon in front of a penny slot machine at Delaware Park. Madge enjoyed being with people and was friendly with everyone.
Funeral Services:
Funeral Services will be private.
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Alum '56
Died on October 30, 2023Diana Gebhart Swartz '56 age 84, a lifelong Wilmingtonian, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 30, 2023.
She graduated from Wilmington Friends School and The University of Delaware with a B.S. degree in Education. She continued her education later in life at The University of The South, School of Theology graduating from their ministerial program.
Religion and service were an important part of her life; she was involved with Wilmington Flower Market ending as General Chairman 1976, on the Board of Directors of the Junior Board of the Medical Center of Delaware and a member of Immanual Church Highlands. She also enjoyed a long working life retiring from Winterthur Museum and finishing at Nemours Mansion and Garden.
Married to George V. Kelly of Wilmington (deceased); she had three sons, Joshua G. Kelly, Zachary M. Kelly (deceased) and Mark P. Kelly; later married William H. Swartz of Wilmington (deceased).
My Mom was wonderful, I know she enjoyed so many things, from travelling the world with Bill to her garden on 17th St and of course all the animals, maybe the boxers most of all. Mom thank you, Caroll, Mark and I will dearly miss you.
Services and burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Immanuel Highlands Episcopal Church, 2400 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
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Alum '56
Died on September 7, 2020Ernst Rolleman "Hasty" Habicht, Jr. '56
We were unable to find an obituary, but we have recently learned that Ernst "Hasty" Habicht passed away on September 7, 2020.
Alum '56, Parent of Alumni ('81, '82 & '88), Grandparent of Alum ('08)
Died on February 22, 2021Wilmington, DE - Cynthia Pyle Woolley '56 passed away peacefully on February 22nd, surrounded by her three loving daughters. Cynthia was a vibrant 82-year-old who lived her life on her terms and remained independent and active until her final days. She spread love and joy to everyone she knew, always with a pleasant smile.
Cynthia was born in Virginia and spent her childhood in New Castle with her mother Louise (Eliason) '24, father Cyrus '24, and sister Charlotte '50. Cynthia, like multiple generations of her family, attended Wilmington Friends School. She graduated in1956 and excelled in both academics and sports. She earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in 1960. Cynthia married Clark Woolley '56 and became a proud, long standing member of the Wilmington community. She had three daughters: Laura '81, Lisa '82, and Susan '88, who also attended Wilmington Friends School, and three adoring grandchildren: Michael (Anderson) '08, Devon, and Cory.
Cynthia had a long career as a paralegal in tax and estate planning at Morris, James, Hitchens & Williams. She was an elite tennis player and winner of several singles and doubles championships including Delaware State, National League and the Senior Olympic games. Cynthia played piano and sang beautifully. She welcomed family and friends to her beach house in Stone Harbor for over 30 years. She enjoyed traveling immensely and always looked forward to her next big trip. We are sure that Cynthia is enjoying another adventure now.
Cynthia was proudest of her generous contributions to the local community. She served on the boards of Wilmington Friends School, Girl's Inc, the YMCA, and served as provisional and admissions chairman for The Junior League. She volunteered with the Junior Board of Christiana Care and provided tax preparation services for low-income individuals.
Cynthia was a very bright light in the world. She offered kindness and true friendship to everyone she encountered. Cynthia was loved by countless people in her life and she is greatly missed.
On-line condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The News Journal from Feb. 23 to Feb. 28, 2021.
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Alum '56; 1748 Society
Died on September 29, 2024Meryl Richardson Nolan '56 passed away peacefully at 86 years young. She was surrounded by her family in Oxford, Maryland. Meryl loved her family and friends so very much.
She was born in Mt. Vernon, New York, the daughter of Merlyn Eldon Richardson and Eleanor Low Richardson. Moving to Philadelphia at six months, she went to Stevens School of Germantown. There she participated in plays, one with Grace Kelly. Field hockey was her love.
She also attended the Philadelphia School of Art.
Meryl’s family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, and she attended Wilmington Friends through High School. She was the captain of the field hockey team, and the chair for dance decorations.
At Mary Baldwin University she graduated with an art degree with a minor in play production. Meryl was very active in extracurricular activities, becoming President of the Recreation Association, President of the Fine Arts Club, and President of the Dolphin Swim Club. She also played and taught field hockey. During her college years she traveled to Bermuda and many cities in Europe.
After trying to promote her art portfolio and coaching basketball in Atlanta, Georgia, she moved to Washington D.C. where she worked at The National Gallery of Art in the Publications Department and met President Kennedy. Even better, in D.C. she met Gaillard Ravenel Nolan (Gil) at a Hexagon Club meeting. They fell in love and were married in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 1963. They lived in Acton, Massachusetts for 25 years. They raised two active boys, Gaillard Ravenel Nolan, Jr. and Merlyn Richardson Nolan (Rich). Meryl was very busy with the parents committees at their schools, the Junior League and her love of the garden. She also served on the Guild of the Concord Antiquarian Museum. She has been published for the design and curation of various period rooms there. During the boys’ college years, she acquired a degree in Interior Design and started Meryl Nolan Interiors.
Meryl and Gil moved to Miami, Florida in 1990. She was involved with the Junior League, the Coconut Grove Garden Club, and the Fairchild Tropical Garden. She was also very engaged in the Coral Gables Villagers and curated the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, on Key Biscayne. She also was in charge of Dr. Fairchild’s Study and the School House in Coconut Grove.
After 10 years Gil and Meryl moved to Santa Clarita, California. Meryl was a member of the Garden Club and the Junior League. Meryl and Gil loved to travel and visited Hawaii, New Zealand, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, San Francisco and San Diego. Outside of San Diego they were thrilled during a hot air balloon ride.
They left California and drove the southern route across the US back to their home in Florida. Meryl wanted to be closer to Rich in Maryland to watch the grandchildren grow up, moving to Oxford, Maryland. They were able to sail their sloop, Windfall, on the Tred Avon. They took several river and land trips in England, Scotland, Ireland, Europe, and Russia.
Gil passed on in 2020. Meryl is survived by her two sons Gaillard Ravenel Nolan, Jr. (Pamela Barit Nolan), Merlyn Richardson Nolan, (Heather Falk Nolan), two grandchildren, Hadley Jane Nolan and Parker Richardson Nolan and loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She loved sharing her passions and great times with her dear friends in wonderful Oxford, and Talbot County volunteer organizations.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23 at Holy Trinity Church in Oxford, Maryland beginning at 1 p.m. Donations in Meryl's memory can be made to friends at The Oxford Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, The Oxford Garden Club, and The Oxford Museum.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '56, Alumni Legacy (1887, 1888)
Died on January 14, 2023We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Shirley Stone Hoffman '56 of Longmont, Colorado. She fought a courageous battle with health issues and was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed on January 14, 2023.
She is survived by her loving partner Paul A. Deeter, brother David Crane (Christine), children Donna Hoffman, Sherri Cooper (Rick), JJ Hoffman (Ida), and Katie Stafford (Lee), ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Born February 27, 1938 in Yonkers, New York, Shirley was adopted by Betty "BB" & Roger Stone and moved to historic Ardentown, Delaware. It wasn't until she was 83 years old that Shirley was blessed to find out she had a brother, David, who lives in Boston. The two met recently when David came to Colorado for a visit which was a magical time.
She attended primary schools locally and was very involved in the local theater group, at the Candlelight Theater. Her Quaker upbringing led her to attend The Friends School, in Wilmington, Delaware.
She attended Endicott Junior College in Massachusetts. After college she married George Witman with whom she had two daughters, Donna and Sherri. Her first job out of college was working at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington. She and the girls spent their summers in Deer Isle, Maine where Shirley worked as the administrator of Les Chalet Francais, an all-girls French camp.
After Shirley and George Witman divorced, her professional career continued as she moved to the Head Clerk and Recorder position for the Justice of the Peace, State of Delaware, Criminal Court #14 in Wilmington.
She married John Hoffman in 1968. They moved to Lakewood, Colorado in 1969 where they welcomed the birth of their son, John Jr. "JJ". Shirley and John started an estate liquidation business "Hoffman Enterprises" which involved the entire family with weekend estate auctions and buying and selling of antiques. Shirley was very active in her community, volunteering in Girl Scouts as a troop leader and district cookie sales chairman. Upon the tragic death of a Scout member's mother and father, Shirley and John welcomed Katie and Rana into their growing family. It was then the family moved to a farm in Broomfield, Colorado where her passion for horses grew.
While living in Broomfield, Shirley continued with Scouting and horsemanship. She became a member of the High School Rodeo Association where she sat on the State Board, while also organizing Broomfield's High School Rodeo Team. Shirley's professional career took her to many new management positions: A Child's Adventureland, Miller Stockman and A&E Office Supply.
After helping a nearby horse farm recover from a fire, the family gifted her a chestnut filly named "Copper Delight". This would be her first American Saddlebred (ASB) horse, which led her down a new path in the horse world.
After a few years of horsing around, Shirley moved the family to Longmont, Colorado in 1983 and established Hi View Acres where she combined her love of horses and dogs. Shirley and the family spent weekends attending Schutzhund training in the local park with her shepherds, and horse shows across the front range . She continued to expand her breeding of ASB & National show (NSH) horse's operation. She was dedicated to promoting the breed through her involvement with the American Saddlebred Horse Association, National Show Horse Association.
Shirley had the gift of gab! She dedicated many years of her life in her booth at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo educating and recruiting new members for the ASB association. For many years, Shirley and her family traveled throughout Colorado and other states to show and compete in the horse show world. Shirley was devoted to all animals, especially her passion for horses. She was recognized by Colorado Horsemen's Council in 1994, as Horseperson of the Year.
Shirley traveled to Essen, Germany to attend a horse expo at Equitana where she promoted tourism for the State of Colorado, ASB and NSH breeds, her equine export business and stateside at Americana. She dreamed about bringing Equitana to Colorado and this is how the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo was born. That big dream gave birth to the Expo. She was one of the founding members of the RMHE, which grew to become one of the premier horse expositions in Colorado.
Shirley was also very active on numerous horse show boards, carriage clubs, and horse club associations throughout her life. She strived to make the world a better place for horses by founding her horse rescue, HORSES FOREVER. It became one of the largest ASB rescue operations in the United States. In addition, she helped to organize the Colorado Horse Rescue Coalition for the State of Colorado to optimize the efforts of all horse rescues. She was a strong supporter and advocate to stop horse slaughter in the United States and was active in protecting the wild horse herds from being rounded up. She was involved with the WHIP Program, (Wild Horse Inmate Program), which not only rehabilitated inmates but also prevented wild horses from going to slaughter.
We all know Shirley loved a good fight! The bigger the challenge, the bigger the fight. She was passionate about what she believed in and loved to debate. She was powerful with her words and always went to the top! She had the heads of corporations and their phone numbers in her Rolodex. Shirley empowered people, especially women, to have confidence in themselves and to feel intelligent in a "man's world". Her dedication to the horse industry over the years was instrumental in the promotion and wellness of many horse breeds. Shirley will be missed by so many in the horse world, and has left behind a legacy that is hard to match.
A private memorial service will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to HorsesForever.org
Click here to visit Online Obituary, Sympathy Store and to Leave Condolences.
Alumni Grandparents: Frederick E. Stone 1887, Bertha L. Stone 1888
Alum '57
Died on July 4, 2020Article from Antiquers.com:
Bill du Pont: Impassioned Collector and Connoisseur Discussion in 'Furniture'
started by Lita Solis-Cohen and James Conrad, Oct 26, 2020.
William “Bill” Kemble du Pont II '57, impassioned and very private collector of American antiques, died tragically in a tractor accident on July 4, leaving the Delaware Valley antiques world without its number one supporter. Over more than six decades, du Pont bought antiques from a battalion of dealers, collectors, and auctioneers when they offered something that met his high standards. A tastemaker, he was ahead of trends. Because his eyes were often bigger than his pocketbook, he sold collections when his focus changed or when he could upgrade a form.
Charming, generous, complicated, patriotic, and a good storyteller, this scholar-collector dedicated his life to preserving history, waterfowl, and open spaces. He was a regular at antiques shows in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Chester County, and York and at auction previews, but he rarely did his own bidding. Two generations of dealers who regularly alerted him to opportunities represented him.
A history buff, du Pont attended the University of Virginia. He spent his life hunting, fishing, conserving wetlands, preserving waterfowl, tending his farm, and buying, selling, and trading American antiques. He served on the boards of the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Longwood Gardens, Hagley Museum and Library, and Delaware Wetlands. For many years, he was senior vice president of Ducks Unlimited.
He was appointed chairman to the advisory board for the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife in 1974 by the U.S. secretary of the interior. He was on committees at the Philadelphia and Delaware Antiques Shows. He joined the Walpole Society and the Kentucky Rifle Association and soon resigned from both—not his style.
Bill du Pont (second from left) hosted many groups of collectors, most recently director R. Scott Stephenson and the Museum of the American Revolution’s Collections Society. “Bill had lent his John Schreit long rifle dated 1761, the earliest dated Kentucky rifle, for the opening of our museum and earlier this year gave it to Winterthur,” said Stephenson. “Before we left Rocky Hill he gave the Museum of the American Revolution a wooden campaign chest and a survey owned by Anthony Wayne.” Photo by J. Shaver, courtesy the Museum of the American Revolution.
In the 1960s and ’70s, du Pont added to a collection of high-style 18th-century American furniture inherited from his father, Samuel Hallock du Pont (1901-1974). He bought from Israel Sack, Joe Kindig, John Walton, Philip H. Bradley, and others. His collecting addiction was inherited. When his father had no more room for American furniture, he amassed a world-class collection of gold coins that was sold at Sotheby’s in 1983.
Delaware dealer James Kilvington remembers sitting with Joe Kindig in du Pont’s living room and hearing Kindig say, “Second to the Readbourne Parlor at Winterthur, this is the finest room of Philadelphia furniture in America.” Much of it had come from Kindig.
Harold Sack, who began to deal with du Pont in the 1960s, told a story about du Pont in his 1986 memoir American Treasure Hunt. Sack noted du Pont’s “instinctive flair for antiques...strengthened...with a continuous and serious study of objects, photos and textbooks as well as conferences with leading dealers.”
Bill du Pont proved the thoroughness of his self-education. After Sack sold him a New England high chest with fan-carved drawers in its upper and lower sections, du Pont called and told him he had determined that the upper fan-carved drawer was not original. Harold dispatched his brothers Albert and Robert to Delaware to confirm du Pont’s suspicions, and they said du Pont was right. As luck would have it, Robert Sack knew the cabinetmaker that did work for the New York dealer Sack had bought the chest from, confronted the craftsman, and threatened court action until he produced the original uncarved drawer, which Sack sent down to Delaware.
In the early 1990s, du Pont began selling his Chippendale holdings. He sold at first privately through Alan Miller, then his conservator and advisor, and what remained he sent to Sotheby’s for a sale in January 1994. He had changed his focus to earlier Pennsylvania material, Quaker furniture, and Pennsylvania German furniture and folk art. He was supplied by two generations of Philip Bradleys, Joe Kindig, Skip Chalfant, Jim Kilvington, Vernon Gunnion, and a few others who were able to buy directly from local families or were victorious at local sales.
Curator Jack Lindsey said du Pont was the largest lender to Worldly Goods: The Arts of Early Pennsylvania, 1680-1758, Lindsey’s 1999 landmark exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In his acknowledgments, Lindsey thanks du Pont, “who delayed construction and let me send a truck.” His loans were tagged “private collection.”
William du Pont cornered the market for line-and-berry-inlaid furniture made in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He owned a line-and-berry-inlaid secretary, a Queen Anne high chest, a William and Mary chest-on-frame, multiple spice boxes, and Bible boxes, in all more than a dozen pieces. He had the largest collection of sulfur-inlaid furniture and owned Pennsylvania German painted chests. He considered his Berks County Black Unicorn chest the best painted chest known. His many schranks—carved, painted, inlaid, and architectural—are also among the finest.
After looking at 60 log houses, he finally found one to buy in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and moved it to his farm near Newark, Delaware, called Rocky Hill. He placed it on the landscape to serve as a point of contemplation and furnished it with Pennsylvania German furniture and household gear. The dozen tall hoop-back Lancaster Windsor armchairs around a sawbuck table in the log house are a rare form. No one else has a dozen; few have even a pair.
Former Winterthur curator Lisa Minardi, who watched du Pont upgrade and refine his collection over the last 15 years, said he “changed out one of his many stretcher-based tables ten times; each one was little bit better.”
Bill du Pont often moved his collection around and enjoyed studying the relationship of one form to another. He liked clocks, Moravian chairs, firearms, brass candlesticks, spice chests, and fraktur. He once had a du Pont car from the 1930s, now owned by dealer Kelly Kinzle, who took it a couple of years ago to Pebble Beach, where it won third best in the show. He loved anything wrought iron; his collection of hinges, latches, cooking utensils, and tools is enormous. At one time he owned 100 pairs of iron fire tongs, according to Jim Kilvington, who said “he came by hoarding naturally; his father is said to have owned five hundred burl bowls and a thousand long rifles.”
He assembled an impressive collection of Philadelphia silver, including works by Philip Syng, father and son, and three generations of Richardsons. He bought Delaware silver and had a cupboard of English silver too. He inherited some long rifles and pistols and bought more and collected powder horns and tomahawks.
As his interests changed to collecting the finest early vernacular works made in the counties surrounding Philadelphia, he sent truckloads of good Pennsylvania material to Pook & Pook auctions, where it was cataloged as property of a “distinguished Delaware collection” and always sold well above estimates.
Ron Pook said he has been selling to and for du Pont since even before he became an auctioneer. “When I was a dealer I sold him a lantern clock in an early inlaid case that du Pont treasured because the immigrant had a Pennsylvania case made for works he brought with him from England. The case, dated 1740, was his earliest clock in his collection, and he owned a schrank dated 1741 by the same hand.” He gave both of them to Winterthur last year.
He shared his collection with scholars and advanced collectors and often lent to exhibitions. When he lent his early clock and schrank to the 2011 Winterthur exhibition Paint, Pattern & People: Furniture of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1725-1850, they were tagged the Rocky Hill collection. “He knew how important it is to preserve history and provenance, who made it, who owned it, and how was it used,” said Minardi, who wrote about many pieces of furniture in the Rocky Hill collection in the book that accompanied the exhibition and said du Pont was the largest lender.
Bill served on the board of Winterthur for 42 years; only former board chairman John Herdeg served longer. “He never missed a meeting,” said Winterthur director Carol Cadou, who added that 30 objects in the Winterthur collection came from du Pont. “His gifts ranged from a pipe mold to a pole screen with hairy-paw feet and included fraktur, a schrank, an early long rifle, and a tomahawk. He was arranging to give us Joseph Richardson’s high chest, dressing table, and Joseph’s father Francis’s marriage certificate in 2020,” she said.
Cadou said, “Bill was a valuable member of the collections committee and served as a sounding board for acquisitions, always wanting to enhance the Winterthur collection to be able to tell a variety of stories.”
He was the driving force behind Winterthur’s acquisition of the Peter Stretch clock from the sale of the Jeffords collection at Sotheby’s in October 2004, said William Stahl, who was then Sotheby’s Americana chief. “On Bill’s insistence, I took the clock to Winterthur for the collections committee to study it for a whole day,” he said.
Bill loved his big farm and was content to be quarantined there during the COVID-19 pandemic. “He was a true outdoorsman, preferring to mow the fields and prune the trees on his property himself rather than hiring someone do it,” said his daughter, Sabrina. “He was as rugged as he was sophisticated.”
Several years ago du Pont sold The Marsh, a wetland property off the Delaware Bay, where he hunted ducks. He liked shooting ducks and for many years traveled to Scotland to hunt grouse as well. And he shot big game in Africa. Some trophies compete for space in his farmhouse.
“He was an admirer of Jefferson. They both died on July fourth,” remarked Lisa Minardi, who hopes to finish the book on the Rocky Hill collection that she has begun.
Minardi, now executive director of Historic Trappe, had been du Pont’s curatorial advisor for many years. “I first met Bill in 2004, when I started in the Winterthur M.A. program. By then, his collection had begun to focus on early Pennsylvania German and Quaker material. Whatever Bill liked, I liked, and vice versa. I remember calling him during the opening of the Philadelphia Antiques Show to tell him about a sulfur-inlaid schrank in Greg Kramer’s booth that I thought he should consider; he told me to march back over there and put a hold on it, and he bought it the next day. Bill always pushed me to make new discoveries, whether it was identifying who the initials stood for on his line-and-berry high chest or tracking down a carved gravestone he had read about and we then visited. He supported all of my endeavors—loaning objects to exhibitions, underwriting photography for many books and articles, and even donating old bricks and sandstone (he collected everything!) for the restoration of the Speaker’s House in Trappe, Pennsylvania. He was a huge fan of our new Center for Pennsylvania German Studies, which opened last year, and donated an extraordinary inlaid schrank/desk hybrid; he wanted to give the first major piece of furniture to the museum and hoped others would thus be inspired to donate objects of like quality.
“Unbeknownst to me when I first met him, Bill had long been planning to do a book on his collection. In 2008 he shared this idea with me—then he stunned me when he said that he wanted me to write it! As a young Winterthur curator, I found it hard to believe that he really wanted me to be the author. But he was indeed serious and reminded me often about the project. Work finally got underway three years ago as Bill approached his eightieth birthday. Working together with photographer Gavin Ashworth, we set up a photo studio in Bill’s living room at Rocky Hill and got to work. While Gavin photographed, I dusted, measured, and took notes on hundreds of objects. Bill helped us move furniture in and out of the set, polished all of the silver, and along the way shared the most amazing stories from a lifetime of collecting. It was truly a team effort. The book is Bill’s legacy, and I very much hope to complete the project for him and for everyone in the Americana field.”
Most of the photography was completed at Rocky Hill, but Minardi must track down pieces that left the collection for other prestigious assemblages. For example, a Philadelphia rectangular tea table with a white-painted iron top, figure 135 in American Rococo, 1750-1775: Elegance in Ornament, the 1992 catalog by Morrison Heckscher and Leslie Bowman for the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is now in another private collection. Vernon Gunnion remembers du Pont saying, “It is the most brilliant work by a whitesmith in American art.” The more than 30 works at Winterthur should be included in the book. It will be a scholarly book with studies in connoisseurship like those Minardi has published in American Furniture, the Chipstone journal, and will be filled with stories of acquisition and ownership that live on in the memories of the dealers who were his close friends.
Vernon Gunnion tells about taking du Pont to see a monumental tall-case clock made for Peter Ferree, one of the most ambitious of all known sulfur-inlaid clock cases, with Ferree’s name and the date 1765 on its hood. “It was owned by China Mary in Lancaster,” remembered Gunnion. “China Mary, a Mennonite missionary, returned to Pennsylvania and lived in an old house on Route 30 in Paradise, Pennsylvania, with an Asian companion. I thought I could get the clock privately for Bill,” Gunnion said. “I took him to see it, and he loved it, but China Mary wouldn’t sell it. She gave it to a local auctioneer named Emil Murray in Lancaster. I was curator of collections at the Landis Valley Farm Museum at the time, so I did not think I should represent Bill at the sale, and Bill got Phil Bradley to do the bidding, taking one likely competitor out of the competition. Bradley bought it for a little over $40,000. A local dealer was the underbidder for Richard Dietrich. Bill was so happy he called me and said, ‘Meet me at Bradley’s—I have a bottle of champagne.’ Bill called it ‘the purest tall-case clock known,’ and its purchase cemented our relationship. After I retired I often represented Bill at Pennsylvania sales.”
Gunnion said every December du Pont would call him and say, “Christmas is coming. I need stocking stuffers.” Gunnion would pick out a dozen or so things and take them to Rocky Hill, and du Pont would buy all of them and give them to his close friends and family.
Vernon Gunnion said he was always on the lookout for du Pont. “I remember seeing a very good wainscot chair at one of Skip Chalfant’s open houses, and I gave Bill a call and said, ‘You better get down here.’ He came down and bought it.”
Skip Chalfant said he met du Pont in the 1970s when he was working for the senior Philip Bradley in Downingtown. “The first thing I sold Bill was a full-blown acanthus-carved Philadelphia wing chair,” Chalfant remembered. “I took it down to him, and we looked it over for two or three hours, had lunch, and he said he would buy it, but the only way he would pay for it was if I got Philip H. Bradley down to Delaware to see his collection. He had invited Phil, but he had never come. So Phil and I went to town together and spent the entire day looking at furniture, never stopped for lunch, sustained ourselves with Bloody Marys, and then went to dinner.” After Chalfant opened his own shop in 1982 he sold to, bought from, and traded with du Pont often. He said he delivered Ron Pook’s 1740 dated clock to Rocky Hill. These Pennsylvania dealers all worked together and were friends with each other, and all were du Pont’s good friends.
Bill was the consummate host. Jim Kilvington remembers dinner at the farm on July 3, 2013. “My wife and I, Bill’s daughter, Sabrina, and her husband, Conrad, and Bill and a girlfriend were at the table when Bill reminded us that 150 years ago the Union Army stopped Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War. After dinner we all watched the movie Gettysburg. Bill loved American history; he knew all about the generals and collected objects owned by General Anthony Wayne.”
The younger Philip Bradley had helped du Pont with New York sales for the last decade. In January 2016 at Sotheby’s he bought a circa 1731 tall-case clock with a movement by John Wood Sr., made for Margaret Thomas Lewis, with the case attributed to her father, Thomas Thomas of Radnor Township, Chester County. The father’s and daughter’s initials, “TT / ML,” are inlaid on the door. The clock was in the sale of the collection of Irvin and Anita Schorsch at Sotheby’s and sold for $162,500. It had been exhibited at Winterthur in Paint, Pattern & People.
Bradley said he was not always successful for du Pont. In 1998 at a Horst auction, Bradley was the underbidder when a 1768 George Hoff clock in a case with pewter inlay sold to Richard Dietrich for $118,000. It is now on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He was also runner-up when Chipstone bought a pewter-inlaid clock with a Rudy Stoner movement at Pook & Pook on October 3, 2015, for $192,000. “Bill wanted one of these clocks with pewter inlay to pair with his sulfur-inlaid clock made for Peter Ferree,” said Minardi, Bradley’s wife.
According to du Pont’s daughter, her father always wanted to expand and improve his collection and had a target list of things he wanted to acquire scribbled on pads throughout the house. She recalled his photographic memory and marveled that he knew the history of every piece in his collection and in other collections too.
Carol Cadou said, “The book was to be a collaboration between Bill and Lisa and Gavin Ashworth. It is important that the photography be completed before the collection is dismantled.” Winterthur will publish the book. It will combine du Pont’s connoisseurship and storytelling with Minardi’s ever-expanding scholarship, and it will document the creation of an extraordinary private collection of furniture and furnishings with classical proportions that reflects the confidence men had in themselves when they were striving for independence and creating a new nation.
Originally published in the September 2020 issue of Maine Antique Digest. © 2020 Maine Antique Digest by James Conrad, Oct 26, 2020
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '57
Died on December 24, 2020Hockessin - Hugh W. "Boopie" James '57 passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020. Born in Wilmington, DE on March 7, 1938, Hugh was the son of former mayor of Wilmington, Albert W. James and Madalin James. He attended P.S. DuPont High School and Wilmington Friends School. He then attended Dickinson College and Philadelphia Textile Institute (now Philadelphia University). Upon graduation, Hugh was hired by The DuPont Company, working in the Textile Fibers division, and then capped off his career as a marketing manager for Remington Arms (a then-subsidiary of DuPont.
Hugh will be sadly missed by Nancy, his wife of 58 years. He was very proud of, and is survived by his two sons, Benjamin, and Brooke (Karen), as well as his granddaughters, Rachel and Natalie. He is also survived by his brothers Albert W. “Jim” James Jr. '55 (Jane Ellis James '55) and Jay Paul James '59 (Barbara), as well as wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be private. To view an expanded obituary or to send condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com.
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Published in The News Journal from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2020.
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Alum '57; Sibling of Alumna ('54); Parent of Alumni ('00, '02)
Died on September 24, 2022Reverend Jerome A. Poole (Jerry) '57 of Wilmington, DE, passed away while sleeping peacefully in his home on September 24th, 2022. He was 83 years old. Jerry graduated from Friends School in Wilmington, DE, then attended West Point Academy in NY, followed by Colby College in Waterville, ME, and then received a Master's in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Newton, MA. Throughout his long and varied life, Jerry was a jack of all trades who enjoyed being active in his church and community, staying fit by working out at the YMCA of Wilmington and at home, going on long drives and walks with his spouse, playing guitar, painting with watercolors and spending time with his kids, grandkids, and friends. He also started many businesses while managing a successful financial service business for almost 60 years. Jerry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan Flagg Poole; his children, Kimberley Adams of Bryn Athyn, PA, Kendra Poole of Chestnut Hill, PA, Leonore Poole Kempisty of New Hudson, MI, Timothy Alden Poole of Middletown Springs, VT, Aaron Flagg Poole '00 of Claymont, DE, and Rachel L. F. Poole '02 of Ardmore, PA; his ten grandchildren and soon-to-be-born 11th grandchild; his two great-grandchildren; and, his sister Faith Poole Greeley '54 of Greenville, DE. He is preceded in death by his brother, Henry Stafford Poole; his parents, Stewart E. and Leonore Dresser Poole; and Stepmother, Mary Shellenberg Poole. Jerry was born on March 3rd, 1939, in Wilmington, DE. He was a rascal of a kid, and over the past month, as he looked back over his life, he shared many memories of a happy and engaging childhood: From feeding chickens and gardening to crocheting clothes for his stuffed turtle and rabbit to baking with his grandmother, reading books with his nana, singing with his mother, splitting wood with his father. His favorite childhood memories centered around his family decorating, cooking, and preparing for Christmas. As his family and friends know, Jerry loved Christmas, and his spirit will continue to fill the season with hope, joy, peace, and love. Maine was also a special part of Jerry's life from a very early age: It was in Maine that his father taught him how to use a saw and an axe when he was six or seven and where many wonderful early family memories were formed on Little Sebago Lake. In 1976, Jerry and Susan bought a seaside cottage in Friendship, Maine, and they have summered there since. Jerry's family will miss spending time with him in Maine sailing, swimming, picking berries, eating lobster, drinking gin and tonics, playing board games and singing by the fire, watching sunsets, seals, and birds, and working on projects together. Jerry will be remembered as an open and dynamic thinker, a lover of Christmas and Maine, an artist and musician, a diligent and hard worker, and an accepting and kind person – a bright light in the lives of many. He had a way of making people from any walk of life know they were special and loved. His wife, children, family, friends, congregants, clients, and business partners will greatly miss him. A memorial service is scheduled for November 12th at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Holy City at 1118 North Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806, with a reception in the same location. Reverend Shada Sullivan will officiate the ceremony. The service will also be live streamed. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry's life. Donations can be sent to the Church of the Holy City or pancreatic cancer research in Jerry's remembrance.
Posted online on September 29, 2022
Published in The News Journal
MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Church of the Holy City at 1118 North Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806
November 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
1748 Society; Alum '57; Sibling of Alum ('54)
Died on May 7, 2022Carl Frederick Shrawder '57, age 82, of Calabasas, California passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Carl was born February 11, 1940.
~
I’d like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering
Softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.
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Alum '58, Alumni Sibling '52
Died on November 20, 2020Earl H. Cone, III '58, age 77, of Salem, MA, passed away suddenly on January 24, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and is predeceased by his parents, Earl H. Cone, Jr. and Virginia Crew Cone and his sister Miriam [Cone] Atkins '52.
Earl was a college graduate with two Masters Degrees. Earl met his wife of 53 years, Vivian, while traveling in Switzerland in 1962 and they wed in 1964. Earl and his wife moved to Marblehead, MA in 1969, where they grew their family by adopting thirteen children from multiple countries. Earl was a devoted family man who loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, and especially vacationing in Searsmont, Maine and traveling across the country. He had a keen sense of humor and he loved to follow Boston sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
Earl is predeceased by his son Hai, and he is survived by his wife, Vivian and his children, Chi and his wife Cindy, Duoc, Lynnette Goodrich and her husband Joseph, Diem and her husband Mark Chaklos, Jonathon and his wife Amber, Nicholas and his wife Maura, Trista Christensen and her husband Andrew, Minh and her husband Roy Berroa Hernandez, Chester, Michael, Jeremy and Donte. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua, Samantha, Brandon, Khang, Dominique, Alexander, Tyler, Alicia, Kendra, Jovaun, Aydan and Cameron and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Journey. He is also survived by many members of his extended family. Earl will be missed tremendously by his family.
Visitation will be held in the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead on Monday, January 29 from 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alliance for Children Foundation, Vietnam Children’s Foundation, 17 Oak Street, Needham, MA 02492; www.afcfoundation.org/Donate.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '58
Died on November 20, 2020Battle Creek - Mary Gilruth Butler '58, 80, of Battle Creek, died unexpectedly Friday, November 20, 2020. She was born September 23, 1940 in Wilmington, Delaware to James and Marjorie (Parsons) Gilruth.
Mary received her undergraduate degree with Honors from Swarthmore College and her M.A. from the Winterthur Museum/University of Delaware Early American Studies Program. Before coming to Battle Creek she served as Executive Director of the Baltimore, Maryland, Historic District Commission as well as Assistant Director of the Territorial Restoration in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mary was the Director of the Research Center of Heritage Battle Creek and the Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek, Michigan. She was the author of a recently published biography of Sojourner Truth for middle school students, which was named a Carter G. Woodson Honor Book by the National Council for the Social Studies in 2004. Mary was the founder and editor of Heritage Publications, which has produced a series of eleven volumes of local history as well as monographs and special issues. The publication program has received several awards, including two Awards of Merit from the Historical Society of Michigan and the Award of Commendation from the American Association of State and Local History.
Mary was recognized as a Humanities Scholar by the Michigan Humanities Council and an accredited Architectural Historian by the Michigan Department of Arts and Libraries, Bureau of History.
Mary is survived by her husband, James Butler; her daughter, Katherine Butler; a granddaughter, Alex Koller and a great-grandson, Oliver Koller. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services to celebrate Mary's life will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 30, 2020 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Nov. 23 to Nov. 29, 2020.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '58; Alumni Legacy (1928 & 1929)
Died on August 10, 2024Elizabeth "Penny" [Griffith] Smith '58, age 84, a devout Christian from Edina, MN/Naples, FL, peacefully returned to her husband and God on August 10, 2024.
The only child of Elizabeth [Metten] '28 and Carroll W. Griffith '29 of Wilmington, DE, she attended Wilmington Friends School, a Quaker school from K-12. She graduated from Wheelock College, in Boston, MA, with a teacher's degree in early childhood education.
She loved children with a passion and shared that love at both Kids Time Out and Hugs and Hearts in Edina, MN.
Penny's favorite pastime was being a wife to her husband Kurt Smith of 45 years until his passing in 2020; and being a "Granny" to her grandchildren.
She felt that God gifted her with a wonderful life and was filled with gratitude for her many blessings.
She is survived by her three children; Kirt Mostrom (Margaret) of Naples, FL; Kristen McPhail (Andrew) of Fremantle, AU; and Douglas Mostrom (Kimberly) of Newark, DE; and her three stepchildren Hutch Smith, Liz Jones, and Cindy Hernandez; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 15th at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, Naples, Florida.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '58
Died on January 12, 2022Hockessin, DE - William Murray Metten, Jr. '58 of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 12, 2022, as a result of FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia).
Bill was born in Wilmington, DE in 1940, to W. Murray '21 and Martha Metten. He graduated from Wilmington Friends School, the University of Delaware and the Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism in Philadelphia.
Bill is survived by his bride of fifty-three years, Nancy; (whom he met on a blind date), two children, Victoria and William M. Metten III (Deana) as well as two grandchildren William IV and Madeline. Bill was proud of his family's Delaware roots which date back to the early 1700's and for his family's service above self-commitment to improve the quality of life in the community like his father and grandfather.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Delaware Hospice team for their care, compassion, and help.
A graveside service will be held at Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, DE on Wednesday January 19, 2022 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Salvation Army 400 North Orange Street PO Box 308 Wilmington DE 19899 or to Delaware Hospice (https://www.delawarehospice.org/donate/). For online condolences and to view the full obituary, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com
Posted online on January 14, 2022
Published in The News Journal
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '59
Died on April 11, 2024Fletcher “Sandy” Evans Campbell Jr. '59 , 83, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away Aug. 11, 2024.
Sandy was a devout Christian and a proud, loving husband, father and grandpa. He was kind with a rather old-fashioned sense of humor. He was an avid stamp collector. He loved history, traveling and Philly sports teams. He enjoyed politics, the 6 o’clock news, diet soda, trains and hymns.
He preferred to spend a day at an art museum rather than the beach. He never learned to operate a flip phone, much less a smartphone. He had an endearingly bad fashion sense. His favorite foods ranged from lobster tail to peanut butter and crackers—and he ate everything astonishingly slowly.
He loved to read historical fiction and the Sunday newspaper. He fancied himself a punster—he’ll read this obituary from heaven and with a smile say it’s dead on.
Sandy was born in Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 31, 1941. At age 10, his family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he graduated from Friends School. He graduated from Oberlin College and Harvard Law School.
After serving in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Air Force Security Police at Bien Hoa Air Base, he became the associate attorney general of Delaware. In 1971, he drafted the Delaware Coastal Zone Act for then-Gov. Russell Peterson. The law continues to protect the Delaware coast’s natural beauty from industrial development.
Sandy worked in the general counsel’s office at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for 20 years. For most of that time, he raised his family in Derwood, Maryland. He spent the last 10 years of his career as an administrative law judge for the U.S. Department of Labor in Newport News, Virginia, before retiring in 2004.
In retirement, Sandy taught food and drug law at William & Mary Law School. He was an elder and adult Sunday school teacher at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. He was president of the Williamsburg Stamp Club for 13 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fletcher Evans Sr. and Frances Morgan Campbell. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, the Rev. Virginia (Gini) Campbell; their three children—Nancy (Mike) of Alexandria, Virginia, Richard (Lauren) of Westfield, Indiana, and Stephen (Ashley) of Providence Forge, Virginia; and five grandchildren—Anderson, Beckett, Wells, Maren and Owen.
The family would like to thank Commonwealth Senior Living and Medi Home Health and Hospice for their compassion in taking care of Sandy over the last seven months.
A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 250 Richmond Rd., on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m.
His ashes will be placed in the columbarium at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Williamsburg Corps or the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church endowment fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '59, Alumni Sibling '55 & '57
Died on March 24, 2023Jay James '59 passed away on March 24, 2023, at the age of 82. Jay was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 22, 1941, to the former mayor of Wilmington and Attorney General of Delaware, Albert W. James, and Madalin W. James, former Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the University of Delaware. After graduating from Wilmington Friends School, Jay received his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Jay began his career as an attorney with Morris James LLP and went on to become deputy Attorney General of Delaware. He served for 30 years as a Family Court Judge, where he was most proud of his work with families to mediate custody issues before moving to the Court of Common Pleas for the State of Delaware from which he retired from public service.
Jay was an avid outdoor sportsman, participating in bird hunting, fly fishing, and hiking, and enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends. Jay was a dog lover who bred Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, one of whom was featured on the cover of Sports Afield, and rescued many dogs from shelters. He was a generous person who was always willing to lend a hand to others.
Jay was predeceased by both his parents, as well as his brother, Hugh James '57, and great-niece, Jenna James. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Barbara A. Neville; her two daughters, Kathy Croasdale and Emily Fisher, and their five children; his brother, Albert W. James, Jr. '55 (Jim); sister-in-law, Nancy James; his cousin Ellen Jennings; his nephews, William James, Benjamin James, and Brooke James, and niece, Laura Brace, and great-nephew, Jarett James, and great-nieces, Alexandra Brace, and Rachel and Natalie James.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Lorelton and Compassionate Care at Hospice for their support and care.
Interment at the Lower Brandywine Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Faithful Friends Animal Society 12 Germay Dr. Wilmington, DE, 19804.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '59, Alumni Sibling '54
Died on March 11, 2023Philip Knapp '59, 81, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Maine Medical Center after a very brief illness.
Phil was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 3, 1941. He was the son of Barbara and Stuart Knapp. He graduated from Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware and then graduated from Perkiomen School in Pennsylvania.
He was in the Army for two years serving in Korea as a medic. After being discharged, he was a member of a rodeo, riding Brahma bulls and then trained horses for various race tracks around the country for a few years. He then became employed by the International Longshormen's Association of Southeast Florida Ports where he retired and moved to Southport, Maine.
Philip's parents, wife Lois and brother-in-law Ormand Wade predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Miriam Wade, brothers Stuart '54 (Jan) and David, two stepdaughters and their families and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and dear friend Lois Hoffman.
There will be a graveside service in early summer.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay. To extend online condolences please visit Philip's Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Alum '59
Died on June 21, 2017From the Concord Consortium Website
Not many people can say they’ve worked with a legend. But anyone who knew the respected and beloved founder of the Concord Consortium, Robert (Bob) Tinker '59, recognized that they were in the presence of one. Bob’s brilliant mind and genuine compassion were remarkable qualities that rarely come in the same person. Bob combined them in singular and inspiring fashion. Bob’s passing on June 21, 2017, is a source of sadness for us all, but it’s also a reason to remember his legacy and his unique personal qualities.
Bob Tinker founded the Concord Consortium in 1994 and served as its dynamic and passionate president until 2009. He saw in technology the power to revolutionize how people learn and teach. And he continually pushed the limits of educational technology and pedagogies, pursuing ever more innovative ideas with new collaborators and partners.
He once described his early educational awakening, in the 1960s: “I became inspired to teach by tutoring for two years in a black college in the South. It was the best education (for me!) anyone could design because it showed me exactly how science education could reach far more learners.”
After receiving a Ph.D. in physics from MIT he taught at Amherst College and then became Director of the Technology Center for the Technical Education Research Centers (TERC) in Cambridge, where he ignited the field of educational probeware by developing Microcomputer-Based Labs (kits using probes and motion detectors).
Bob recognized the future of education before anyone else even caught a glimpse. When the Web was still young, he pioneered inquiry-based professional development and teaching, and founded one of the first and largest virtual schools for pre-college education. The Concord Consortium was the result of a Saturday morning coffee and discussion klatsch that grew from desks made of Mac boxes and old doors to an internationally recognized nonprofit with scores of employees.
Despite his renown, Bob remained deeply interested in the ideas of colleagues and friends, and trusted Concord Consortium staff to do their best work unhindered. He continued to serve on our board of directors until his death, sharing his vision for an educational revolution that would make science accessible to all students. He dedicated his life to realizing that dream.
Bob leaves his wife Barbara, sons Aaron and Dylan, five grandchildren, and many adoring colleagues, friends, mentees, and fans of his inspiring work and legacy.
We invite you to share your stories and memories of how Bob inspired you.
To view Online Obituary, Click here.
Students who attended, but did not matriculate, from Friends (Grad year + ex.). Entries are sorted by Grad Year and Name used while at WFS.
(1951 ex.) Edward B. Morrow, Jr., Sp (Julia Mayfield Morrow '51 *dec.); Sib (Richard Morrow '44 *dec. & Peter Morrow '59 *dec.). Passed away on 4/7/25. Click here for online obituary.
(1953 ex.) Joseph Rhoads, Jr. - Passed away on 4/6/25. Click here for online obituary.
(1954 ex.) Richard "Dick" Ansel Dobbs, P (Renee Dobbs Biery '88). Passed away on 2/22/21. Click here for online obituary.
(1954 ex.) S. Hallock "Hal" du Pont, Jr., Sib. (Richard duPont ex.'60). Passed away on 2/23/21. Click here for online obituary.
(1955 ex.) Patricia [Bringhurst] Reed. Passed away on 6/7/23. Click here for online obituary.
(1956 ex.) James F. Bowdle. Date of death unknown. Sister, Pricilla Bowdle Lamont '53's obituary in 2024 mentions that her brother, Jim, predeceased her.
(1956 ex.) John A. Speakman Jr. Passed away on May 5, 2022. Click here for online obituary.
(1959 ex.) Jefferson Hill. Passed away on September 29, 2020. Click here for online obituary.
Relationship to WFS School/Alumni: Parents (P), Siblings (Sib), and/or Spouses/Partners (Sp) of our Alumni / Current students / Faculty or Staff Members, as well as Former Students (Ex + Grad year) and Friends of the School (F).
Barbara Jo (Willis) Bailey, Sp (Peter Bailey '51). Passed away on 9/26/22. Click here for online obituary.
Harriett 'Cricket' Janney Ball, Sp (R. Markham 'Mark' Ball '52). Passed away on December 2, 2024.
Betsy [Waddell] Benzel, Sp (John Benzel '51*dec), Passed away on 2/26/23. Click here for online obituary.
David Broadbent, Sp (Sally [Tippets] Broadbent '57). Passed away on 9/6/21. Click here for online obituary.
Jean Ann Buckley-Autman, Sp (David Autman '53). Passed away on 10/4/20. Click here for online obituary.
John C. Burr, P (Elizabeth Burr Keefe '75, Barbara Burr Leonard '76); Sib (Elizabeth Burr Papastavros '49, Helen Burr Nulse '51). Passed away on May 25, 2022. Click here for online obituary.
Nina Cantrell Clark, Sp (Charles B. Clark '54). Passed away on 1/3/19. Click here for online obituary.
Joan McDowell Connolly, SP (Arthur G. Connolly Jr. '55); P (Chip Connolly III '79, Amy Connolly Doherty '80 & Michael Connolly '84) and GP (Elizabeth '09, Caroline '12 & Gil '14 Connolly). Passed away on September 15, 2024. Click here for online obituary.
Masayo Duus, Sp (Peter Duus '51*dec). Passed away on 11/18/22. Click here for husband's obituary which mentions her passing.
John Hartwell Fassnacht, Sp/1748 Society (Abigail Greene Fassnacht '57). Passed away on July 24, 2020. Click here for online obituary.
Helen Klenner Griffith, Sp (John Griffith '51). Passed away on 8/18/2014. Click here for online obituary.
Harold Edson Hertzfeld, Jr., Sp (Dianne Furst Hertzfeld '55). Passed away on 6/15/24. Click here for online obituary.
Robert S. Hillers, Sp (Eleanor Marsh Hillers '50 (dec.)). Passed away on 10/6/16. Click here for online obituary.
Janet Johnson, Sp (John Paul Salzburg '54). Date of passing is not known.
Gail P. White Landon, Sp. (Robert Landon '51). Passed away on 6/4/22. Click here for online obituary.
Shirley Dean Loomis, Sp. (Herschel Loomis, Jr. '52). Passed away on 1/2/23. Click here for online obituary.
Sandy Mooney, Sp. (Mike Mooney '57). Passed away on 12/26/21. Click here for online obituary.
Joel Poorman, Sp. (Ellie [Alexander] Poorman ‘53) Passed away on 7/27/2025. Click here for online obituary.
Priscilla Herget Roberts, Sp. (Richard "Dick" Roberts Jr. '53*dec). Passed away on 5/14/24. Click here for online obituary.
Barbara Woolley, Sp. (Clark Woolley '57). Passed away on 9/22/23. Click here for online obituary.
