Class of 1951

Terry Shea Pitt, our faithful leader and my reliable informant just called with the sad news of Catherine “Lynn” Spath Heider’s death. Not knowing her well, I can only remember a huge smile, a hearty laugh, and incredulous delight in her marriage.  We are diminished; such painful losses, family and friends. Terry’s life remains peaceful, but quieter than previously. She sees one neighbor daughter very often and other family members more sporadically as they take turns visiting and helping out. Recently, her son from LA spent a week with her while his late-night TV job was dark. Terry remains in her home in CT (no more gardening, though) and gets out when she can get a ride. She still misses Bud terribly after ten years.

Mary Ann Schrider Babendrier made it easy for me, classifying her news as “good” and “sad.” Her sad news is the loss of her husband last year, bittersweet because he was miserable with diabetes. Her son Bernie in Valatie, NY, is suffering from brain cancer. Considering her sad news, Mary Ann’s upbeat “I still like to cook” touched my heart. To that end, with four children living in her area, she always has company for dinner!  The other “good” news is her oldest son, Joe, a priest for 26 years in Nairobe, Kenya, visited her in February, and her fifteenth great-grandchild was born in March.

Lola Blank Sullivan’s hopeful and philosophical letter voiced similar life circumstances. Her husband died in January and 25 of their 26 grandchildren attended his funeral, one all the way from Japan. Her retirement community has been isolated since then, although irrepressible Lola managed to burn palms and anoint her Rosary group with ashes on Ash Wednesday. “How fortunate we are that TC taught us to stand tall and strong, trusting always in the Blessed Trinity. Little by little, life will come back to something recognizable but, meanwhile, our faith and memories keep us going.”

Another classmate from NJ, Adwina Honchar Arends, checked in with the news that she is still active in her parish yearly musicale, dreading the day she won’t be able to participate in activities she loves. She is phasing out of her long- time position in public relations for Aruba tourism (why didn’t we ever go there when she invited us, and we could walk?!) but enjoys many activities including church and theater work. She finds comfort in family and regrets that her children aren’t nearer.

So many classmates sent news of a subdued lifestyle because of Covid. Elizabeth Scileppi Yanity gave me a good word, ”prisoners” is what we are! BettyAnn remains in an apartment in her home town of Ridgefield, CT, although most of her children are scattered except Janet and Kathleen who visit and help with chauffer duties. She finds lack of such control is a nuisance because she still is gifted with lots of energy and would play golf every day if she could.

Ann Jean Carey O’Neill is back in Marco Island from Indiana. “Going Covid crazy like everyone else even though we’re fairly open compared too many places. I can’t get Barbara “Barb” Pahls Thompson to play yet, until her shot. Ann Jean talks to Lorraine Wolfe, Nancy Dolle  Busch and Marilyn “Lynn” Heider before she passed. She misses Mary Alice Coogan Neylan and now that missing friends a reality for all of us, she will miss Lynn too.

Dear Goldens,

Your letters and calls are awesome, and such a welcome consolation to this old soul!  We seem indeed to be a communion of (I hope) saints.

Ann Finucane McDade writes that she has come full circle. She lives in a Carmelite Residence in FL that feels a lot like Trinity, with two chapels available (no bars?) and a lovely view of the intercoastal waterway leading out to the ocean. Ann is thankful that she can still see the view and also enjoy contacts with her family and friends. She wishes you all good health and thanks you for the happy memories. Change a few details (the place, and the view) and that is the story for many of us. Faith, acceptance, peace, joy, family and friends; it’s a recurring theme.  For instance, I wish I had space to quote all of Lola Blank Sullivan’s poignant but cheerful letter.  Two falls and other health problems have forced her and her husband of 65 years into an assisted living facility near some of their nine children, leaving and selling everything in their beloved beach home of 56 years.  Seeing her children’s’ children’s children is her “mark of true happiness.”  Lola has 26 grandchildren and four greats.

“Although age is nibbling around the edges,” Doris Michaels Kerala lives alone, drives, makes costumes, plays bridge, and belongs to two book clubs.  She (obviously) enjoys good health and is aware of the privileges of “good family, health, education, and opportunity for travel, adventures, joy, and love; family and friends to share conversation, good food and wine, and the sun shining in her windows makes her happy”.

Several daughters were kind enough to keep their Moms in the loop.  Lily Toomey (class of ‘83) writes that Helen Chambers Toomey is “holding court” in Richmond, VA, where she receives many visits from children, grandchildren, greats, nieces and nephews…when she is not watching classic movies and westerns!  Mary Susan Maisel, Martha (Petey) Barret Maisel’s eldest daughter, writes on behalf of her ‘lovely’ Mom that Petey and her ‘true love’ and husband of 67 years enjoy an active social life at an assisted living facility in MD.  Sharing this with her Bob makes her happy; she also cherishes her time with Mary Susan and her sisters and their families when they can visit from out of state.

In a hilarious account of her “four mothers,” Mary Louise ”Muffi” Ford Bowler reports that she lives with her son Ted (or he with her?); her three daughters and their families live nearby in VA, and according to her they all gang up in their efforts to manage her life. So, of course, she has to lie about her whereabouts and her health whenever necessary to keep her independence. Muffi prayerfully keeps up with world events and the antics in nearby DC.  She not only enjoys happy memories of her years at TC and dear departed friends like Frayne McCauley McGuinn, but appreciates the “great gift of trust taught to us at that age by the honor pledge”.

 

     Terry Shea Pitt says creative work makes her happy; she even created a new knee last October that is working great. One of her six children lives nearby and a son-in-law helps her ‘create’ in her garden. “Tula (dog) and I enjoy my small cape house and garden”. She’s happiest to be with her children, 17 grands and eight greats.  Last 4th of July Terry’s family had a 45th reunion on Orr’s Island in Maine where her daughter now owns a house.  Terry had a ‘small world’ meeting with a young physical therapist who is attending TC.  She has health issues (what doesn’t hurt? Is my question) but is happy to be upright. “It’s all good.”  Good news, too, comes from Edwina (Eddie) Honchar Rends, who is still working full time with the Aruba Tourism Authority and doing partnership marketing as well from her home in NJ.  She extends her usual welcome to us to visit Aruba (we should have gone while we could walk!)  Eddie’s happiness is in her “good health and a close relationship with her children, grands, and greats”, who are regrettably scattered in LA, AZ, and NJ. She sings in the church choir and sings and dances in a yearly musical. “I wonder what I will do when I retire and slow down, probably have a total meltdown.” Doris Michaels Kerala has a similar story. She lives alone, drives, makes costumes, plays bridge, and belongs to two book clubs, “although age is nibbling around her edges”. She (obviously) enjoys good health and is aware of the privileges of “good family, health, education, and opportunity for travel, adventure, joy, and love.” Family and friends to share conversation, good food and wine, and the sun shining in her windows, makes her happy.

Margie Marran Doan is blessed to live in the heart of the White Mountains, where she can enjoy nature and the great spruce trees, although she regrets that her hiking days are limited by her almost 90 year-old body.  Margie can’t quite adapt to new technology; she would prefer knitting and needlepoint and quiet pleasures with friends (like the red squirrels who eat her car wires). She sends loving happy thoughts to all the ladies of 90.

Nancy Dolle Busch may be the most productive of us, (giving Mary Anne Babendrier, Lorraine Rosedale Wolfe, and Helen Toomey a run for their money). With seven children, 20 grands, and eight great grands, along with four more expected soon. She has children in Wisconsin, St. Louis, Seattle, Indiana, and VA and enjoys visiting them. Her family gathers at their lake cottage in N. Michigan in the summer, and she spends winters in Marco Island, FL. She and Barbara Pahls Thompson, Ann Jean Carey O’Neill, and Lorraine Rosedale Wolfe spent a nice afternoon at lunch recently, catching up. Lorraine Wolfe is sustained by her large family, 24 grands and 13 greats (she wins- it must be the Chicago air) and the sweet 30 year-old memory of her deceased husband, Jim. “There is no limit to family events, trips, etc.- how could I not be happy?”

Jean Carey O’Neill and Barbara Pahls Thompson attended the Trinity Luncheon in Naples this year. Jean definitely enters the productive race with 14 grands and 10 greats, “who call me ‘Grandma Great’ so I don’t seem so OLD.  Needless to say, so proud of them all.”  Jean sadly reported the loss of one of their ‘Chicago’ group, Mary Alice Coogan Neylan.  Lyn Spath Heider missed the Naples luncheon because of a bad back, but she is “feeling better and looking forward to my nineties, thankful for a ton of prayers.”

Paula Hanrahan Connolly reports that she is slowing down but otherwise doing fine. She spends a lot of happy time visiting with her doctor daughter and four grands, two of whom are in college. One grand is studying marine biology (maybe because they spend summers with grandma on the Cape). Paula is happy to stay in place in her home; she plays bridge occasionally, and always sees lots of old friends there. Our gifted thespian, Alice Boyle Duffy, met her new great-grandson from Australia this past Christmas, but keeps up on Facetime. She says her life is quiet in MA, but very satisfying. “Loss and memory are a big part, but the memories are life enhancing. Having a wonderful loving family and friends, including those from TC, make me happy.” Adele McGreevey Fialcowitz is happy to be taken care of at the Amsterdam in Port Washington, N.Y. and to be rid of house care. In June, she is planning a trip to Montana to visit her daughter and three grands. She says, “Life is good”. Joan (Candy) Kane Aufiero (I still think of Adele and her together) lives in a similar facility and enjoys many activities and trips, “I am lucky to have three kids nearby and one that takes me to dinner every Thursday night. We are planning our usual family week at the shore in late August. What makes me happy? Family and friends!”

     Joan Lauck Conroy’s message to us is a paean of gratitude and joy.  Her message is so beautiful that I wish we had room for every word. “I am grateful for my college, education, and friends, especially Judy Schweinler Moses”. Joan is grateful for her good marriage, her six children, seven grands, and two greats. Next, her “attitude of gratitude” makes her happy about many things in spite of physical challenges and other setbacks. Joan mentions the birds, the dolphins, the beauty of her garden, as well as her wonderful book store, and clubs-“I pray to become a saint and hope to see all my Trinity friends in heaven.”

See you there, Ladies!

 

Nancy Anne O’Connell Giffin

nancyogiffin@gmail.com

Dear Golden Girls,

Our first response, from Lola Blank Sullivan, was a beautifully written vignette of the joys and sorrows of so many of our age, characterized by an attitude shared by many of us as well; “Last year tested our strength and resolve, but never our faith.” Last May, Lola fell in the office of her husband’s doctor (little irony there) and broke a bone; she spent more than six weeks in rehab, during which time her daughter Lola (class of ʼ77) suddenly passed away, leaving a husband, four children, and four grandchildren. Meanwhile, the family scrambled to settle Lola and her husband Jim in assisted living in Boonton, NJ, near three of their nine children. Lola and Jim are now addressing concerns about their former home. “At our age, it cannot always be what we want, but instead, what we need, right?”

Naturally, Lorraine Rosedale Wolfe ​was happy to hand the scribe pen to me (what did I drink at that luncheon anyway, to volunteer to do this?). I know the whole class would like to thank her (as I do) for doing such a great job as scribe for so many years. She reports that she is doing well and enjoying her seven children, 27 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She is happy in her smaller space, adores her home, and enjoys her family and friends. Lorraine occasionally sees other Chicago area people, like Mary Alice Coogan Neylan and Nancy Dolle Busch.

Mary Alice says that retirement in assisted living reminds her of TC – meals together, classes to take, games and lectures. Even though Mary Alice has lost one of her five children, one son lives in Chicago, and those that live in SF and Boston visit often. Nancy Busch reports that she writes bad poetry (not so!), belongs to three book clubs and, now that she is no longer a caregiver for her husband, has been able to travel to visit family. They join her summers in Harbor Springs, MI.

“When writing ’bout ladies of ’51 Gold,
Remember our ages ʼcause weʼre really old!
Our limbs may be creaky,
Our memories leaky,
But we’ve been so blessed with graces untold”

After that inspiring poem, Nancy says “I nap more than I like to admit, but I am well and God is good.”

​After a career as a dress buyer in NY, Adele McGreevey Fialcowitz, married and had Patricia and John; between them she has five grandchildren. She enjoys her retirement in Amsterdam Life Care, where she has many activities and friends. About Amsterdam, she says, “It’s the best decision I ever made.” Adele keeps in touch with Joan(Candy) Kane Aufiero​, who lives in a facility similar to her own. Zilpha Bozone reports that she has never had a headache! (Did Zilpha never marry? I could have sent her some of my headaches.​​) Seriously, her secret must be that she has done jazzercise three times a week for years, takes pottery lessons and produces saleable pottery, mows and trims her own yard, and stays active with friends. She didn’t mention her PhD or her rewarding career as a speech therapist. Since I’ve discovered that Zilpha lives near my son in VA, I may visit her for inspiration.

Another creative sister (we’re in New England now) is Mary Theresa (Terry) Shea Pitt. Terry is writing stories based on her childhood memories of ME. She helps at her library and likes to read, among many other activities. Terry is busy with her large family of children, grands, and greats, and tries to enjoy each day. However, she’s not too busy to help me gather news and make calls. (Thank you, Terry!) Paula Hanrahan Connoll​y says she has a quiet life, also enjoying each day. Paula’s daughter is a practicing physician who has four children, one of whom recently sang with a group at Carnegie Hall. Terry and Paula were at the Cape Luncheon where I acquired this, ahem, job. I saw Alice​​ Boyle Duffy at the Cape as well, and can report that she remained active in the theater into her 80s and that she lost a dear daughter (This theme is ubiquitous and egregious).

Mary Louise (Muffi) Ford Bowler ​celebrated her 88th with a family party with her four children and their families, telling stories that are often repeated and always providing many laughs (Many laughs go with Muffi, we know that). She resists her children’s efforts to overprotect her by not admitting to her failings of health; she does not want to lose her car keys to them.

Helen Chambers Toomey ​sends news via her daughter Lily, the middle child of Helen’s 11 children, with whom Helen has lived for ten years. Helen is very happy with her home and family, although experiencing our common problems of aging. Her daughter’s proud claim that her Mom was one of only eight women lawyers admitted to Georgetown Law, later receiving an honorary degree, reminds us of how dramatically times have changed, especially for women (Now they do it, but seldom with eleven children, right?). ​Mary Ann Shrider Babendrier lives within two hours of five of her 15 children, and says she and her husband of 68 years are “hanging in there.” They live in a retirement community where they enjoy their lives: “It’s good!”

Marjorie Marran Doan ​is recuperating from a recent surgery, very painful! She remains active in spite of arthritis and hip (three and one!) replacements, and is able to take care of her small home in NH and lots of plants. If either of us gets near a magnet we’ll be gone, as I also (four hips, one knee) am worth quite a bit on the scrap titanium market. Margie says she looks just the same, and I told her I did, too. On the phone, Elizabeth Anne (Betty Anne) Scileppi Yanit​y sounds just the same, bright and perky and happy. Several times a year she travels from her home in CT to SC (Hilton Head) and FL to play golf with her much younger friends. Her six girls and a boy and their families keep her busy the rest of the time. Rosemary Torrens Tagliareni​s is surrounded by girls as well, with four daughters, three of whom she visits in Boston and one in Chicago, and six grandchildren. She goes to FL in February each year and would like to catch up with any other snowbirds in the area.

Barbara Bytniewska Niesyn ​reports that she is grateful for her wonderful education, which is sifting down to two granddaughters who are teachers. She thinks of her classmates often and fondly. Sadly, Barbara recently broke her hip. Another casualty is​Lynn McCarthy Heider,​who is going through a bad patch, but supported by a caring husband Fred. Lynn has been in touch with​ Ann Jean Carey O’Neill,​ who is doing well, and Janet Robbins​ (in my fond memory so clever and funny). Your news invariably included love to all your classmates, both living and lost to us. Our most recent loss was Catherine (Timmie) Harrington Jensen.

My news is good, it’s all good. Our family earned two master’s degrees last year and will finish two more this May. An Eastern Bluebird perched outside my kitchen window this morning, beautiful! I am blessed with fantastic family and friends, good health (is this as good as it gets?) and, like all of you, the gift of an abiding faith in His mercy. What a privilege and joy it was to get your news; I hope this letter makes your heart smile. You are remembered in a bright aura of gold, with much love.

Anne (Nancy) O’Connell Giffin
nancyogiffin@gmail.com

To my class of gold,

No matter how many times I’ve started or rewritten your letters, I seem to be all over in time, sequence and geography. My own response is that correspondence has been far less than in previous years with an undertone of sadness because so many of our classmates have gone home to Heaven.  Many of you have shared how much the yearly letter means to you, and this is greatly appreciated.  Change is always good and so beginning in 2017, Nancy O’Connell Giffin (our former scribe) and I will alternate bringing you the news.

And from Nancy, “With a family trip to Italy planned, I decided my right knee wouldn’t walk too far so I had it replaced in April.  The Italy trip in June was fabulous; the new knee took the hills just fine and three of my kids and their spouses did all the planning and legwork.  Alaska and Boston are kid destinations for August. (Keep moving or rust).  A son-in-law has a serious health challenge – prayers! The grandchildren are going off to China and Idaho; the great-grandchild is starting first grade and writing me notes.  Life pushes on with mystery and majesty.  I often have to decide whether to lie down or keep moving, but always happy that there’s a leg under me for another day, and very thankful for the countless blessings.”  Nancy’s visits to Boston are always made easier because of her daughter being at the ready to drive.

Always one of the first to reply is Doris Michels Edwards whose interesting and colorful life is centered in the world of theatre, in the Costume Shop of the Hippodrome State Theatre.  Two sons living in Gainesville, FL, two book clubs, bridge and friends balance her life.  After many years of non-attendance, Doris was able to be at the Reunion and said none of them stopped long enough to be heard and that she never anticipated so much fun.

Paula Hanrahan Connolly, Terry Shea Pitt and Muffi Ford Bowler have been very helpful in answering my questions or concerns.  I’ve just finished a three-day boot camp for improvement in computer skills, so my own communication will hopefully be greatly improved.

Together Muffi and Terry researched and followed through in contacting you regarding fund raising efforts to develop the Residential Scholarship.  This scholarship, which is a very unique gift to Trinity from the class of ’51, will be given to a senior who meets the qualifications.

From Muffi Ford Bowler’s daughter, Katie Vitali is a note: “Life is good.  Reading is still my favorite pastime.  For morning prayer I recommend Jesus Calling; for fiction writers, Anna Quinlan and Margaret Atwood; for history, David McCullough, The Wright Brothers.  Our recent reunion was more than we expected. Our 65^th Class Reunion and, the dedication of the Academic Center helped us to create many special memories. Blessings!”

Last August, Paula did an amazing job orchestrating Campus on the Cape.  Afterwards, several of us were invited to her home including: Anne Marie McGovern ’50, her daughter Susie and my daughter Mary Wolfe Sullivan ’79. The notes I took that day add to the memories I have of Joan Horrigan and Libby Fissell Griffin who both recently passed away.

Libby came with her caretaker and was so excited over the wedding of her daughter.  Libby cherished the closeness in proximity to her daughters and the joy she received from their relationships.  I was always so envious of Libby because she was one of the first to be engaged and had so many bridal magazines.  Through the years, Jean Carey O’Neill and Libby remained very close friends.

Joan Horrigan and her brother Jack, traveled with Paula and others on several trips. His participation in alumnae gatherings, earned him an honorary membership in the Campus on the Cape group.  Joan was active in civic undertakings and was a very talented bridge player.  Alice Boyle Duffy, a cherished friend of Joan, was with her during the last few days of her life and attended her funeral.

This has been a busy summer for Jean Carey O’Neill with so many of the family coming and going including the Arizona contingent.  In total, Jean has 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  Trips to California give her time with Ed’s family.  Many of you have been very committed to golf, but Jean is the only one who mentioned playing.

In attendance for the Reunion were: Mary O’Neill Dorger, Timmie Harrington Jensen, Doris Michels Edwards, Sister Mary Paula (Cathy McCarthy), Betty Ann Scileppi Yanity, Mary Anne Bogley Corr, Mary Lou Ford Bowler, Alice Boyle Duffy and Terry Shea Pitt.  The program included class meetings, liturgy with stirring voices and dinners in the social hall.  Terry, Betty Ann, and Sister Paula attended the President’s dinner on Saturday evening. Dedication of the new Academic Building was outstanding.

Within two weeks of attending our Reunion, Mary O’Neill Dorger suddenly died.  Although she was only able to be present for a brief time, Mary called me to tell me how much she enjoyed being there and like many others was so impressed with the improvements.  Mary was in my wedding and we remained very close friends through the years.

Of great interest to me and out of my realm of knowledge is that Terry Shea Pitt is now a psychic medium meeting with a group on a weekly basis.  She is preparing a lecture to be given at the Yale Botanical Gardens, “Spirits in Our Gardens”, based on a theory concerning the watchfulness of fairies for all growing things.

For over 60 years, Joan Lauck Conroy maintained a constant friendship with Judy Schweinler Moser, speaking twice a week by phone and always furthering their study of the Summa.  It was with a heavy heart that Joan wrote me of Judy’s death and her admiration of all the qualities Judy possessed. Reflective of Joan’s loving ways was her request of all who knew her would go to their places of worship and pray for her.  Days for Joan are spent in quiet joy reading scripture, Pope Francis, St. Thomas and history.  She plays the piano in duo groups. To quote, “Our golden years are quite different from golden days at Trinity.”

Since George’s death in 2013, Kathleen Brennan Saffian’s horizons have been somewhat limited, with travel fitting in this category. She says to all of you to remember the Kathleen Brennan of long ago. She shares great happiness with her seven children, 22 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  I know 7 children have kept Kathleen very busy and she says, “I am prepared to slow down while still determined to keep going and doing.”

Barbara Pahls Thompson divides her time between Evanston, IL and Marco Island, FL, and will continue this arrangement of moving back and forth until it becomes too difficult.  I’ve been impressed with the ease that Barbara drives between here and FL.  Many of you said the same as Barbara – a wish to see family more often.

Mary Alice Coogan Neylan has a anew address, so please contact the Alumnae Affairs Office to get it. Within a relatively short time, Mary Alice’s life changed: no more driving, selling her home, and moving to assisted care living.  Her children were of immeasurable help. The most difficult aspect of these adjustments was disposing of “95% of the stuff.” She has always enjoyed the arts, theatre, opera and classes at Northwestern University.

Anne Libbey Meldrum has also died, but unfortunately I do not have any details.  I do remember her as always being so kind and caring to everyone.

Five minutes from my home is Nancy Dolle Busch whose friendship has been like a forever sister over the years. Her husband Bill passed away after 3 days at home in hospice care.  He was surrounded by their entire family (seven children, 20 grandchildren and spouses, and yes five great-grandchildren) who wandered in and out and sat with him holding his hand.  What a true celebration of life!

Peter Baker, husband of Carmen Albanese Baker sends a note saying that she is still an accomplished pianist and gets great pleasure from playing.  They hope to visit the US with their daughters Carmen, Rosa, Mary and Elizabeth.  Peter recalled his many visits and one in particular to Alumnae Hall with Carmen’s brother Salvador to hear her play.

From Ann Finucane McDade a quote by Andrew Marvell, “At my feet I always hear Time’s winged chariot drawing near.”

An eventful year of health problems has caused Kathleen Donoghue Woodland to need assisted care living at home with her older son.  Her daughter lives in Philadelphia.  She was very complimentary about the fundraising efforts for the residential scholarship.

In November, Mary Ann Bogley Corr fell resulting in a broken wrist and fractured bones in her back.  Everything is healed and she is able to pursue activities which are church based as well as social action courses.  Nearby family members include a grandson who is planning a Navy career and a granddaughter at St. Mary’s University.  Referring to the Reunion, “We were a remnant of ten at our reunion luncheon.  Terry updated us with information from classmates absent because of health issues or caring for spouses.  All were missed.”

The years disappeared when Rosemary Reedy Lanzisera called (during a visit with her daughter who lives here) and joined Nancy Busch and me for tea and long overdue conversation.  We’ll get together again when she is here at Thanksgiving.

Just under the time line, Lynne McCarthy Heider called in the midst of moving from her Hartford home while still maintaining their Florida and Cleveland homes: facing all the decisions involving years of collections of family treasures.  My count may be incorrect, but I think Fred and Lynne have 12 grandchildren.

As for myself, the highlight of the year is the birth last week of my newest great grandchild, a little girl. Sharing so much with my 27 grandchildren and now 11 great grandchildren is such a joy in my life. All of this because as a freshman, I met the water boy for a team at Georgetown.

Just as raising my family has given me immense pride, being one of the founders of Wellness House 25 years ago has been a constant source of gratitude and humility. This is a place – a house – a home – where cancer patients and their families can come for whatever is needed. They are never alone when dealing with a diagnosis and all services are provided at no cost.   It has been a blessing to have been touched by so many who walk the through the doors of Wellness House.  What we have is an epicenter in the Chicago area.

Never having been an outstanding athlete or even a poor one, I’ve found my area of expertise to be exercising in the pool three times a week which enables me to continue to get the most out of everything I do in light of Paula’s quote, “I may be old, I may be slow, but otherwise I’m fine.”

Even though several of our classmates are no longer with us, be grateful there are still so many of us within our golden chain.

With love always,
Lorraine Rosedale Wolfe

More than ever I’ve received phone calls from many of you, making our relationships more personal. Each year a theme weaves its way throughout many of your letters and this year it’s about moving to smaller, more convenient living spaces, often with great amenities.

My own, uneducated opinion is that at 85, all of you are very active and involved in all aspects of living, but have experienced limitations in athletic endeavors.

Still faithful to the discipline of jazzercise class three times per week is Zilpha Bosone. The pottery pieces that she makes are sold by a women’s group during the holiday season so others are able to enjoy her work.

Like several others Zilpha is faced with the question of moving and for her it’s leaving the D.C. area to either Denver where her son lives or to Georgia where her daughter and granddaughter live.

I am always fascinated by the different positions in the world of arts that Doris Michels Edwards has held since living in Florida. “Imagine being 84 and having two jobs.” After her husband died in March, she returned to the costume shop at the Hippodrome State Theater and a sewing job at the Ballet Company. “Fortunately the ability to sew and the pleasure of being creative does not diminish with age.”

Despite an injured right hand, Kathleen Donoghue Woodland made the effort to write. She questioned me not asking for class donations. I think it’s really up to you to send any donation to the alumnae office and designated for class of ’51.

Highlights for Jean Carey O’Neill were a bonding visit to Hawaii with four daughters, a surprise visit from Libby Fissell Griffin and a grandson’s wedding on the beach in front of her home. She has 5 great grandchildren. I’m very flattered that as a highlight she mentioned coming to my home for lunch with Mary Alice Neylan, Nancy Dolle Busch and Barbara Pahls Thompson. Missing from our luncheon was Frayne McGauley McGuinn who died after an illness of a few years. Nothing stopped Frayne, even with compromised health she went to Europe. Frayne was always upbeat, saw the good, the joy in all situations. Her death is a loss to so many: those of us here and to many of you with whom she kept in close contact.

Looking forward to our 65th class reunion is Mary Anne Bogley Corr. She continues her active support with Parish groups: Vocation Club, Secular Franciscans and the Christ Child Society. Choosing a military career is her grandson David, and his sister Katie in the fall will enter Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD.

Nancy O’Connell Giffin has moved to a new condo and is completely renovating. Her description of moving is perfect. “I had to get rid of half of my worldly goods, but it was a very cleansing experience and also my family is the ship that keeps me afloat. Faith and family. What else is there?” Nancy, despite all her remodeling commitments has been in Kennebunkport, Washington, D.C., Sitka, Alaska and Boston. Through phone calls I have gotten to know her daughter Linda in the Boston area.

Anne Bell Gerras has moved to a retirement center where cleaning or cooking and many activities are available, if wanted. Her son, a graduate of West Point is a Colonel and a teacher. She has five grandchildren and I am not sure if they live nearby.

Nancy Sloan Sarkisian says even though college days are long, in the past she still benefits each day from the experience. She has three children and four wonderful grandsons. Nancy still teaches swimming three days a week to children and loves doing this. She is “happy, proud and blissfully busy with work, family and friends.”

Candy Cane’s response was my first. She has recently joined Connections, part of a nationwide movement called the Villages. It helps people stay in their homes with a way to meet new people and become involved in new activities. At the same time Candy is fortunate to have three children within walking distance. She spent two weeks in Puerto Rico last winter with her brother and his wife. No plans for this spring except for Cape Cod.

While I’m writing Mary Alice Neylan is enjoying a two week cruise through the Panama Canal. Just before leaving, her daughter Nancy ’81 came with their son Kipling from San Miguel for an extended visit. Ever continuing her education, Mary Alice will be taking two courses at Northwestern: Middle East Culture and O’Henry Short Stories. In the fall she will be on a 30 day cruise, but I can’t recall the itinerary.

Lola Blank Sullivan and her husband, having become permanent sea siders, have seen their lives slow down. Recently they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and Lola says the island sank a few feet because so many of the family were there. Even though their daughter Lola, who has been ill for so many years, is a living suffering saint and is unable to communicate, she is able to participate in celebrations by her presence. Recently one of her sons was married. Lola’s third great grandchild was born recently.

“I think we would all agree that life has been very good to us and that we have had all that is worth having in this life,” are words of wisdom from Bunny Casey Murphy. That so many of us, including Bunny, have seen our children’s children’s children is truly a blessing. Bunny’s sister Mary ’48 died six weeks ago.

Through the years Gloria Goggin has written the most picturesque, detailed letters about her travels, particularly those with her brother and his wife. No detail was too small and she really took notice of all that was around her. From Muffi Ford Bowler I learned of Gloria’s death this past summer. She will be missed by many and I especially will miss her lengthy letters.

Aruba has always been such an important part of Adwina Honchar Arends life, and she is still working for the Aruba Tourism Authority. Her middle son John is returning there to live on a permanent basis. Her daughter’s girls having gone to Aruba since baby days said they wanted to be married there. On January tenth a wish was granted for one. Eddie’s elder son and family live in Louisiana and her daughter is in New Jersey. Seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren are in her family. Unfortunately Eddie experienced two bad falls in ’14. Both involved broken cement, pointed shoes, and being in a hurry.

Libby Fissell Griffin’s granddaughter, Emily Skaggs, has made her Broadway debut in the musical, “Funtime.” The saying “may you live in interesting times” is certainly true today, Timmie Harrington Jensen says. She attended a luncheon at Trinity and heard Sr. Mary Johnson SND speak about her book concerning Catholic sisters in current times, and it was intellectually stimulating. Timmie drives back and forth from her apartment on Capitol Hill to her house at Cobb Island on the Potomac.

From Kathy Brennan Saffian comes word that her husband George died in September. I had a long visit with him at the Cape. He was so friendly and made me feel as if we’d been friends for a long time. After reading his eulogy I felt one of his many gifts was just knowing you. Kathy has many grandchildren and her first great grandchild. She and George developed a fledgling campground and transformed over 13 acres of grass into a forest of pine trees. She and George were very active in serving the church especially on the weekends, visiting nursing homes, bringing the blessed sacrament and rosaries. She uses a beautiful term: “joyfully sad.”

Nancy Dolle Busch and I live a few minutes from each other and it has been such a gift of friendship all these years. Her husband Bill is wheelchair-bound and she with help is his primary care giver. She still manages to juggle many activities: three book clubs, bible study group, duplicate bridge, Art Institute of Chicago lectures including trips to Montreal and Quebec and still finding time for painting and poetry writing; 20 grandchildren and five great grandchildren enrich their lives. Like so many, Nancy is grateful for being sustained by her faith.

Grateful for having moved a number of years ago while her husband was living, Joan Lauck Conroy is very happy on an inland waterway where she enjoys an abundance of wildlife. Her life continues at a slower pace. A recent compression fracture has been very painful and has interfered with some activities. She sees Pat Carroll Dunsmore who frequently brings the blessed sacrament. She hears from Janet Baker Robbins. So dedicated to Head Start, it was difficult for Joan to give up painting and reading for them, but has continued to play duets and give recitals. Joan and Judy Schweinler Moser speak twice a week and are enjoying Thomas Aquinas’ treatise on angels in the Summa. During this past year Joan’s son who lives in Vero Beach was married to a fellow law student after they both graduated from law school.

Mary O’Neill Dorger, who has two grandsons at Miami University, gave me the opportunity to share a three-hour very special visit with her two daughters at her lovely home. It was like going home, being with Mary.
From several I received accounts of happy luncheon get-togethers at the Cape arranged by Paula Hanrahan Connolly. She refers to this season as a “stay at home winter,” and she recommends for reading Pope Francis, the Great Reformer and Monuments Men, the story of recovering the artworks hidden by Hitler.

A big Trinity event for Lyn McCarthy Heider in Saratoga was the 86th birthday celebration for Janet Baker Robbins. Janet’s daughter Nancy and Judy’s daughter came from Vermont. Contact with Jean Carey O’Neill and Ed McGrath in Florida, and visits with Terry in Connecticut. have brought Trinity in close contact. Fred is planning a reunion for all 26 of the family for Lyn’s 85th birthday in June at Nemacolin Resort, PA. With gratitude for being able to enjoy each of their three homes they feel the church is both their spiritual and social center. On a humorous note Lyn says because of their three locations they are probably the only couple with five sets of church envelopes.

Muffi reminds me of Paula’s organization for campus on the Cape. For those of you who can attend, it really is a great time to get together in an intimate way. Muffi’sfour children all live nearby and like most of our children, they are very solicitous. Because of his close proximity, one of Muffi’s sons, Ted, has been of great help and support since her
husband’s illness and death. Prayers are asked for daughter Katie’s husband Juan who is ill. Steadfast for years to her bible study groups, these have been a source of strength for Muffi. For reading she recommends Deep Dawn Dark by Hector Tobar.

So many of you have thanked me for being your scribe. I really enjoy hearing from you and this year talking to several of you was very meaningful. Send me your email addresses next year and any change of addresses so Trinity can update their records.

Like many of you, my life is rich with blessings. 27 grandchildren and soon to be 10 great-grandchildren are at the top of the list, followed by all the forever happenings in a large family. There is still time for me, and my own interests. I
have to keep in step with all the many younger ones in the family – so I guess I’m forever young.

To each of you,
My love
Lorraine Rosedale Wolfe