Class of 1965 Memory Book for Web

Transcription

CLASS OF
1965
Memory
Book
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Karen R. Aune
What has happened since graduating Mercy?
St. Bonaventure University – School Psychology/ Program; School Psychologist – Kingston City
Schools - 33 years; Adoption of my son Kenny in 1985; Retired in 2000;
Coached tennis at Coleman Catholic High School for 2 years
What is your favorite Mercy memory?
There are too many good memories to select just one. However, I do recall that very first day, having a
luncheon on the hill of The Mercy Motherhouse in North Tarrytown.
Activities I now enjoy are:
Tennis – Member of the Rhinebeck Tennis Club – Woodturning – member of the Kastskill Woodturners,
Northeaster Woodworkers Association & American Association of Woodturners. In March 2015, I was
awarded a Blue Ribbon for my “Acorn Surprise” at the Northeastern Woodworkers
showcased in Saratoga Springs, NY.
What else would you like to share:
Thank You to the Class Reunion Committee for organizing this 50th get-together.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Alice McAuliffe Callahan
Taught first grade for 40 years; still subbing at same school and often in my old classroom – 2 to 3x week
Volunteer and Board of Trustee member at Cape Library
Getting to travel a lot!
What is your Mercy memory?
We had read “ A Death in the Family” by James Agee and some of us were late to Eng. Lit- our excuse was the
car had “cotter pin” issues – taken directly from the novel!! Also going to the beach on sunny afternoons and
watching the bridges– Tappan Zee & George Washington.
Having entire class head to the library for an assigned reading + found that Louise Squitieri had posted a sign on the
library door – “ Don’t bother – the book is out!!”
Traveling, tennis, reading, and walking
Widowed for 5 years, but we had a great run!!
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Marion King Dale
Worked in New York City Schools for 10 years (P.S. 106), worked at St. Augustine School, New City for 22
years, Worked at town of Ramapo Parks and Rec as Rec. Supervisor for 10 years; Currently Rockland
Community College adjunct English Instructor for five years; Interim Director of Title III for three years
What is your favorite Mercy Memory?
There are so many fond memories of my four years at Mercy College. The close friendship made and the growth
of the College through those four years is probably the most outstanding. It was a true adventure and now as I
reflect on those days fifty years ago I can hardly believe that we all were part of such a rich legacy. Some of the
most vivid memories of my years at Mercy are probably the same as my classmates but here are a few of my
highlights: The Liberty Bus, Cross County Center, Our Lady of Victory Academy, Academic Dress, Mercy College
library, the student lounge, the chapel, Sisters of Mercy, our professors, the diner, the cafeteria, the assassination
of President Kennedy, driving to Mercy, our carpools, Maypole and Graduation.
Working/ teaching
Spending time with grandchildren
Spending time with our dogs Champ and Beau
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Joanne Tonietti De Cecchis
Since graduating Mercy College, I married Elio De Cecchis, and together we have three children and seven
grandchildren. We started our own real estate company in Tarrytown and are now retired living six months in The
Villages in Florida and six months in our dream condo by the Hudson River in Tarrytown.
My favorite memory of Mercy is being the first applicant to be accepted and the first to be expelled in senior year because I did
not attend Sister Maureen’s Dean’s meeting. I had to work. I opened the way for other students and attendance for Dean’s meetings was no longer required. Other memories included Metaphysics in Freshman year; Sister Johannes
giving me an A+ since my essay was so succinct (at the time I did not know what the word meant); Mr. Espinosa who taught
Spanish, his being “let go” perhaps because he gave us all an A.
Activities I enjoy now are:
To keep my mind active, I am still involved in the real estate business but no longer 24/7. Upon coming to The Villages, I joined
the VGS (Villages Genealogical Society) which now boasts over 1,000 members. I raised my hand to ask if there was an Italian SIG
(Special Interest Group) since there was a French, German, British, and Irish SIG. Of course the answer was ,”No. But you can
start it.” So as coordinator of the Italian SIG, I am quite involved with monthly meetings, thus really keeping the mind active.
What else would you like to share?
I have met and kept longtime friends’ relationships trying to see them at least once a year: Carol Skrobola Pace, the only other
public school applicant to Mercy College in 1965 besides myself and Mary Gallucci Blas.
We especially miss the presence of Elizabeth Ng Lee.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Ethel (Dee) Palmer De Mario
After graduating from Mercy, I became a Sister of Divine Compassion for 16 years. I had many rewarding years
teaching as a religious and making many special friendships. In 1986, I married Bob De Mario. We have been
happily married for almost 29 years. In 1994 I moved to NH with my husband and mom. My mom was a joy to
have with us until she passed away in 2007. Here in NH, I was a Director of a Preschool for 14 years.
Since then I have been working at Cornerstone Christian Academy.
My favorite memory is going with my Mercy friends to the Shamrock and enjoying conversations while
consuming pizza and beer! I also enjoyed being in the plays we put on at Mercy.
I enjoy golf when it warms up in NH! I also have become involved with a group that plays “ping pong”.
It is quite a competitive sport.
I am still working part – time at Cornerstone Christian Academy. This year I am working with the
toddlers. You certainly need a lot of energy!! I am grateful to Mercy College for instilling in
me a love of educating children.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Una F. Dockery
1965 – 1967 Extension Volunteer in Chicago, Il; l taught 2nd grade
1967 - 1968 moved to San Francisco – Flight attendant during Vietnam War,
flew troops to and from Saigon
1969 – 1971 Taught Nursery School at Presidio Army Base, San Francisco
1972 – Grad School at San Francisco State, M.A.
1973 – 2008 Resource specialist with Novato, CA school district
2009 – 2015 Part-time Resource Specialist at St. Francis Solano School, Sonoma, CA
Fr. Anselm Burke’s Class in Metaphysics! He reminded us NOT to engage in Logaria.
Hiking, birding, traveling, yoga
I am the quintessential ”auntie” with 47 (last count) nieces and nephews. Am happily ensconced
mid the vineyards in Sonoma, CA. Call if you’re headed this way!
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Ann Terese Loscalzo Edwards
Married, two children, three grandchildren, worked for 47 years at the same place,
Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, NY and the same job,
as the supervisor of Nuclear Medicine! Retired about 2 years ago.
Cooking, baking, reading, working on the computer, entertaining, traveling, more time
to spend with family and friends
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Kathleen Porter Fuller
What has happened since graduation Mercy?
Life! Mostly good—Found that an English major could make a living in corporate American. Worked for
a number of large corporations and not surprisingly, usually got to do the company newsletter!
Too many to pick out just one…
How about the anatomy chart in Health Class?
No one wanted to see the reproductive system… We voted against unrolling it!
Our graduation speaker who told us that from this day forward, our lives would change. Our definition
of self would now include “I am a college graduate.”
We retired in 2004 to New Beck,. NC., and are enjoying the slower pace – and milder winter.
Have become a Master Gardener, play golf as much as I can; and volunteer at our civic theater.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion and hope to rekindle some old friendships.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Eileen Coleman Golden
I taught at P.S 14 in the Throggs Neck Section of the Bronx for 37 years. Wow!!!
From the day I boarded the Liberty Bus, to the celebration of 101 days before graduation, I am
filled with wonderful memories of good times spent with lifelong friends.
Activities I now enjoy:
Gardening, reading, going out to eat with friends and of course cleaning.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Eileen Santucci Hawe
I currently live in Pleasantville, NY and work as a Money Coach and personal Financial Advisor in my own business, Money In$ight, LLC. None of
my three children live nearby so I must travel to visit them and my eight grandchildren – Southern, NJ (near Philly), Walnut Creek, CA and
Bethesda, MD (near Georgetown), nice places to visit. My teaching career began in Manhattan at P.S 158. After graduating from Mercy and
Hunter College for my M.S in Ed., I specialized in teaching the deaf and hard of hearing. After that I spent a few years with BOCES before we
started moving. Tied to my husband’s corporate career, I lived in five different states and moved 11 times in the span of 20 years landing in
Burlington, VT with never-ending winters, where I stayed for 15 years! In some ways, I envy those of you who have taught in the same school
district or held a job for 25 or 30 years. Moving has some benefits but takes a serious toll emotionally and physically. In 1997, I returned to NY
where my parents and five siblings lived at that time. It felt good to come home. In 1985, I began my career as a Financial Advisor which has
served me well as a teaching outlet. In 1993, seeing the need for basic investment information, I stated my own business to provide financial
education and advice, Money In$ight, Inc. I acquired many major firms as clients where I provided 401K education and financial planning for
their employees. I have devoted much of my career to helping women, many of them widows and divorcees, achieve financial independence. I sail
on Long Island Sound out of Mamaroneck, play golf and tennis, and enjoy the theater. Recently, I returned to sewing and finished a quilt my
daughter started. Another love is travel where I’ve been able to take one serious trip a year since my husband’s death in 1989, recently
accomplishing a lifetime dream of touring Machu Pichu, the Galapagos Islands, and of an extended stay in Siena, Italy. China provided a real
treat with my son and his family. I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, even headed the local chapter for a few years in VT. I am now focused
on being a Money Coach and networking for my business. Thank God I am healthy and am very grateful for my beautiful children,
grandchildren and the life I have been fortunate to live over these many years. God Bless!
My favorite memory is graduation. My father brought his parents, both Italian immigrants, to graduation as I was the first to graduate from
college, setting a standard for the rest of the family. It was truly a proud moment for us all.
Travel, sailing, tennis, golf, reading, theater, and snowshoeing
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Carole Kakos
After Mercy I earned two Master's Degrees-the first from CCNY and the second from The College of New Rochelle. Retired as a school
administrator from the NYC School System in 1996 after 31 years of service. After retiring, I purchased a home in Sarasota/ Bradenton,
FL and began living there for six to seven months a year. The remainder of the year I live in Westchester County, NY. Both of my
parents are deceased. My mother died in 1981 and my father in 2000. I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to attend
Mercy College. I have been blessed with good health and have been able to travel extensively throughout the world. In fact, I've visited
all seven continents. Adventure travel is my favorite, I've certainly experienced a good number of "hair raising"
activities while traveling.
The memory has certainly faded a bit but I do recall being thrilled when I received an "A" grade in Logic.. I hate to say it but that's
because it was one of the very few A's I received @ Mercy. Commuting by Liberty Bus, New York Central and Kathy Walsh's red
convertible made day hopping to Dobbs Ferry from the Bronx easy and fun. Otero's Diner and The Shamrock were favorite places to
join with classmates for a good hamburger and sometimes a pitcher of beer. When President Kennedy was shot it was announced over
the school public address system. I clearly recall most of the student body and teachers pausing and walking quietly to chapel to pray
for the President and our country.
Enjoy family gatherings, golf, opera, theater, travel, gardening, charity fundraising as well as church and community volunteer work.
I look forward to sharing so much more personal information and "Mercy Memories" with fellow classmates at our 50th Reunion.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Janice Curran Kelly
I have led a full life. Bob and I married in Dec. 1965 and will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary as well as my 50th college reunion this year. We were blessed
with three handsome sons all living in CO and 40 min. away from one another. Our only grandchild so far is Reece William Kelly, 5 yrs. old.. a bundle of energy,
inquisitiveness, and socially adept at getting all to fall in love with him. My elementary school teaching career spanned 30 years. The first five years I was a 2nd grade
teacher and a Title I teacher, and the rest in 4th and 5th grades, the majority in an inner city. I received a Masters in Reading from St. Rose College in Albany NY and
during a sabbatical leave in the 80's completed my coursework and internships which led to principal and superintendent level certification. But my heart was in
teaching and I took the administrative skills learned and was President of our Teachers Association, NYSUT affiliate, and was elected to serve on the negotiating team as
well. My propensity for writing led to a revamp of our Union newsletter and with the help of likeminded teachers our RTA Talk won the General Excellence award, 5 yrs.
in a row in the NYSUT Journalism Competition statewide for a union of our size. We also won many awards for Editorials championing the causes and needs of teachers
and students alike, that would effectively change the working environment for both, Community ReachOut, Best Front Page and many others. Teacher Centers were a
new resource coming of age in the 80's, I was honored to be selected to the first Board of Directors which covered 3 counties and served for many years. After retiring in
1998, was accepted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and acquired the necessary skills and training to become a Master Gardener. I opened my own landscape
business with the help of Bob, whose emphasis was restoring and creating more interesting garden sites. When we retired to Sun City, Hilton Head in 2003 I continued
in the landscape business, but the direction this time was creating new gardens. After two yrs. the projects became too time consuming and I closed the business but
teaching was in my blood and I volunteered for many projects with our Avant-Gardeners Club; guest speaker for the Low Country Garden Group, restoration of an
elementary school garden by training interested students from all grade levels, covering the annual garden tour and doing the photos, interviews and critiques focusing
on the imaginations of all the participants. For 6 1/2 years, I wrote a monthly two page Garden Tips article for our award winning community magazine Sunsations,
covering monthly to do's in the garden, lawn care, newest hybrids to consider, disease and insect problem avoidance and promoting the joy of gardening. Our gardens
were also selected to be on a garden tour as was the case in NY. Wishing to continue my writing, I then wrote
feature stories about the inspiring pursuits of residents in our community.
Being an extrovert all the fun mixers in the lounge, several close relationships with Mercy women that endured for many years after graduation. My student teaching
experience in Greenburgh District 8 with Lovely Billups which enabled me to be on the Deans' List for the first time AND a great college experience with many
Professors and instructors who really cared about the direction our lives could take.
Bob and I still love to dance. Now it is a dedication to ballroom dancing since 2003 in the Bluffton, Hilton Head and Savannah areas primarily, but we venture much
further, and in every city we visit we always check if there is a local USA Dance Chapter to attend. On average we spend three days a week either going to dance events or
practicing new steps with friends. We have become proficient in over a dozen dance styles and volunteer our time teaching beginners the steps to enjoy it as much as we
do. We have participated in many amateur dance shows but avoid competitions to keep our marriage intact. I am a past-president of our Sun City Ballroom Club. Now
that I have the time I'm an avid movie fan, love reading historical biographies and any other type of bio, biking, continually improving the landscape on my property
and being a good grandma.
Many of my classmates were acquainted with my mom Helen. She is now 99 and still sharp as ever. She has lived with us for the past 11 1/2 years in SC. Betsy Warthol
Westrell has remained close friends with my mother through the years and updates her regularly with newspaper clippings she mails pertaining to Yonkers. They're
real buddies on the phone too.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Karen Krug
After graduation, I got a position as a Biology teacher at School of the Holy Child in Harrison, NY. After working there for 2 years, I moved to Delray Beach,
Florida and taught 3rd grade in a migrant school for just over a year. I returned to NY and taught in the Graham Home for Children in Hastings-on-theHudson for 4 years. I received a fellowship to get my masters in Special Education at SUNY Albany and then taught middle school students (in a special
education- educational disabilities & learning disabilities) for another 4 years. In 1975, I was selected to start special vocational programs for
special needs for high school students at the Albany BOCES programs. After a year I was able to integrate many of my students into regular vocational
programs. In 1979, I became supervisor/manager for a variety of special programs operated by BOCES. I assisted with the program design for a
specialized school for 'delinquent' teens- initially for only high school students and shortly after added middle school students into the program. This program
is still operating today and has been successful in graduating students with Regents diplomas and training others to become part of the workforce. I really
enjoyed working with the teachers, social workers and students in this program. At the same time I was supervising over 100 occupational and physical
therapists within the district to coordinate necessary services for students within a 3 county region. In 1998, I retired and moved to Florida to care for my mother
due to her failing health. Then in 2000, I went to Guangdong, China to teach English as a second language at Foshan University. This was one of the most
humbling experiences of my life, yet it was among the very best. My Mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and
although ill, she came to China and we travelled all around. She was able to visit the Great Wall, the Terracotta Soldiers and see many non-tourist aspects of
South China. After returning to the States, I cared for my Mom for three years until she passed away. Intermittently I travelled to my home in Upstate New York
to spend time with my partner. A highlight of my professional career was reflected in the 2002 honor of being awarded the Alumni Association University at
Albany Excellence in Education award for being considered a distinguished alumni. Eventually we sold our home in Clifton Park and bought a home in Florida
to be closer to the many family members who lived in the West Palm Beach area. I really enjoy playing competitive team golf and have re-established my life
since retiring. I married my long term partner, in 2013 and we enjoy traveling, attending theatre and concerts, cooking international cuisine, and spending time
with friends and family.
Playing on the Basketball team- a total blast! We were good!!
Golfing, swimming, Bridge, gardening ...gatherings, parties and dinner with friends. I really enjoy getting together
periodically with friends from elementary school and high school- these are always fun events.
Traveling and spending time with my partner and family is always enjoyable.
Sadly, I am not able to attend this great reunion event (I have attended my 50th grade school and high school reunions and re-established old friendships. I hope
that Mercy friends will reconnect with me even though I will not be there in person for this celebration.)
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Gail Acken Leggat
1965-1969 Computer programmer for American Telephone & Telegraph; 1967 Married W. Scott Leggat;
1969-1975 Raised two boys, Christopher, a Cardiac Anesthesiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital NYC and
Kevin, flying as Captain with Skymark in Tokyo, Japan; 1975-1983 Part-time work in market research,
product development and testing in Chappaqua, NY; 1983-1993 Executive Assistant at a computer
software firm in Boston, Massachusetts; 1993-1994 Time off living in San Francisco, California; 1994-1999
Executive Assistant for two employee relocation firms in Warren, New Jersey; 1999-2011 Retired, living in
Charlotte, North Carolina and in 2011 my Husband retired and we moved to North Port, Florida
Nights at Scappy's with pizza, wine and beer. The fact that so many of my fellow classmates from high
school came on to Mercy (even some of my classmates from elementary school.)!
Gourmet cooking (and eating), Golf (though always not well), Bocce, any type of needlework
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Denise E. Maleska
Where do I begin? I was hired immediately after graduation by Gimbels in NYC. Three years later, I moved to Geigy Chemical Corp. with
both jobs in Human Resources. My career with Ciba-Geigy took me to Ardsley, NY, Harrison, NY, Suffern, NY, Summit, NJ, Greensbore, NC,
Raleigh, NC, Summit, NJ, Ardsley, NY and McIntosh, AL—all in Human Resources. I retired from Ciba-Geigy in 9/94 and returned to
Greensboro, NC where I joined the Greensboro Area Chamber of Commerce to become the V.P. of Leadership. When I retired in 8/03, I consulted with the National Conference of Community and Justice until 3/06 when I finally retired! I attribute all of my success to my parents
exceptional grounding and to Mercy College that gave me the space for my desire to blossom. My faith linked both of these. In 2006 and
thereafter, my life was spent caring for my mom who died in 2011 with Alzheimers and my sister Marilyn who died in 2012 with ALS. I had
the privilege to care for both. In mid-2013, I moved to Cedar Park, Texas where I am to this day so that I can be near to my sister and her
family! What a ride! What the next years of my life will bring...I don’t know!! What I do know is that my faith in Christ and my family will
get me there. My education at Mercy will sustain me even to this day!
My favorite mercy memory is both humorous and serious. On the day that JFK was shot in Dallas, I was in the student lounge.
Somewhere around 1 p.m., an announcement came over the intercom; “The President’s been shot!” To my self, I asked, “Who would ever
want to shoot Sr. Etheldreda?” It took awhile to establish for me who had been shot!
I have moved to Texas after many years in N.C. I wanted to be with family and I can say, I am where I want to be...at least for now! I am active in my parish and plan to stay active. My learning: Christ and I must travel my road together!
I would like all my classmates to know that I loved my time with them!
They made me what I am today! I think of you always and thank you!
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Camille Gentilella Manfredonia
Thank you to Louise, Terry, Emily and all the stakeholders involved in organizing our Mercy College 50th year reunion and their ongoing
dedication to our alumnae. My gratitude goes out to our dedicated Founding Sisters and their vision for Mercy College and their role in its
implementation; also, recognizing my parents, professors, donors and community members who helped to see this vision to its fruition. Our
professors were diligent and practical in preparing us for life and our careers in teaching. As I matured I became more appreciative of our
Liberal Arts education. A special note of gratitude to Dr. Ann Grow’s ongoing dedicated leadership at Mercy. There are many happy
memories of my four years at Mercy. I have made many beautiful and lasting friendships. Although I have not seen many of my classmates
in a while and will be unable to attend this event, you are close in my thoughts and in my heart. We made many bonding relationships as
we carpooled together, always willing to give a ride to anyone who, at the spur of a moment, had “no wheels” for the day. We were fortunate
that our guardian angel rested on each of our shoulders, even though inexperienced, we arrived at the campus and returned home safely
each day. I especially want to mention Betty Ng Lee who passed away a few years ago. I remember her smile and her extraordinary ongoing
kindness. After our student teaching sessions were finished, we enjoyed traveling together to the Mercy campus to participate in our
afternoon classes. Interpretive Dance class was a blessing for me! I was so lacking in sports ability and was happy the gym class became a
dance class. I always enjoyed dance and music, and the interpretive dance was another way to tell a story, express emotions and even say a
prayer. Thank you again, dear sisters! John and I will be celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary this August. Marguerite Moliterno
Pizzo was our bridesmaid, and we are Godparents to her daughter Annemarie. We are blessed with two dear married daughters Karen and
Jean-Marie, their husbands, Tom and Tony, and five precious grandchildren: Alexa, Isabella, Tommy, Anthony Joseph (AJ) and Lilliana.
Since we have moved to Florida, I am volunteering in the Pastoral Care Department at my local hospital, writing family memoirs for
posterity, keeping more in touch with loved ones, conversing with neighbors who lived in Europe during World War II, reading more and
learning Spanish. I look forward to reading our class Memory Book. I wish each of you a beautiful reunion weekend and many years ahead
of good health, joy and happiness. My kind regards, Camille Gentilella Manfredonia
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Maria Miehle
I’ve taught elementary school for 35 years, retired, traveled the world, and now volunteer as a docent at
the Hudson River Museum and a mentor at School 21 in Yonkers with The Joy WCP Smart Program.
BB is on the Beach
Sister Mary Arthur’s education classes
Hanging out in the warm sunshine outside the gym in the spring
Travel
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Kathleen Walsh Murnion
I've enjoyed a wonderful life … and continue to do so. I had a beautiful, 33-year marriage to John Murnion, who passed away in
2005. Professionally I've been blessed with careers in teaching, media, corporate marketing, and nonprofit management.
Academically I've added an MA in Literature and an MBA in Management/Marketing after my Mercy BA.
I retired in 2013 from my consulting business of 26 years, a career which was most fulfilling.
It's difficult to name just one memory as favorite. I guess it is the amalgam of all those days spent with people I liked ... learning,
starting new activities as the first class of laywomen, organizing a carpool with its unique daily route of pick-ups and drop-offs at
the top of ramps along the Major Deegan, poetry readings at the Shamrock .. and so much more.
New York City continues to be my home (greatest city in the world!!). From here, I enjoy taking off for travels around the world,
visiting NYC's superior cultural centers, and just walking in this fabulous city of constant change. Aside from those activities, it
is my pleasure to serve on Boards of Directors for institutions I feel particularly close to such as my high school, Dominican
Academy. For the last ten years, I have also become involved in a variety of ministries at my parish, St. Ignatius Loyola. Life is
very good and fulfilling and I am most grateful.
I am also grateful for the continuing friendships I have from Mercy. Even though some of us are geographically distanced, the
connection remains and is a source of great pleasure.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Marguerite Molitemo Pizzo
What happened since graduating Mercy?
I became a special education teacher and retired in 2004. I married Clement Pizzo 47 years ago, have a son Gerard
(Mercy College, 1995) and a daughter Annemarie (Manhattan College, 1996) who is married to David Aronowitz.
Their daughter is Leah.
I was not an active member of the basketball team, but filled in during a game at Manhattanville College in 1963. I was
elated to score a basket, only to realize that I scored it for the opposing team. Also while rehearsing Handel’s “Messiah”
with the chorus, I was asked to “mouth” the words because not only was I singing “off key”, but I was singing “off key”
loudly.
I read a great deal, socialize, and entertain. Cooking is most enjoyable.
Clem and I have traveled both in Europe and throughout the USA.
I am blessed with a precious granddaughter, Leah, who was born on my 62nd birthday. I received a grandchild
and Social Security on the same day. Also, my children’s godparents are my classmates, Roseamarie Vierno and her
husband Eugene; Camille Gentilella and her husband John.
Many thanks to Emily, Louise, and Terry for all their hard work on this 50th Reunion.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Margretha “PJ” Minsenberger Reffelt
Art and I have 2 sons – both now in their mid 40s and living in Wilmington also, I have substituted all
around the eastern US as we moved. My favorite job though was the 10 years with Woods Equip. Co. the
last 5 – as the only female in their outside sales force – covering SC and eastern NC.
Meeting my husband, Art, at the Mercy –Iona Concert.
We celebrate our 50th anniversary this year.
Part-time work scoring Common Core Papers from many states.
Working at the gym, trying to keep the old body flexible. Reading.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Carol Tosi Rhoder
I'm happy to report how lucky I've been. I married the guy I've known since 4th grade. Some of you may remember him. We
have two children and two grandchildren. Most of our married lives we lived in the New York area, but in the 80s we lived in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for five years, in Beirut, Lebanon for five years starting in 2000 and now we are back in Beirut, which is why
I can't be with you at the reunion. They were all wonderful experiences that changed our lives in lots of ways. We were there for
my husband's job, but I was able to work in both cities too. Those of you who knew me as a student will be amazed to learn that I
went back to school and got a Masters and then a Ph.D in Psychology from Teachers College. So you never know! I taught at Pace
for about 20 years and retired in 2007. When we are home in the US, for much of our time we live on the beach, on a tiny island
called Longboat Key, on the west coast of Florida. I'm so sorry I've lost touch with my friends at Mercy and send warm wishes to
you all for a great time.
This is just a small thing, but one I always remember with a smile. Louise was doing a paper (Louise was always doing a paper)
and she was beyond annoyed that none of the books she needed were in the library (remember real books, on paper?). So she put
up a sign on the library door that said " The Library is closed. The book is out." I've reported this to her many times. She doesn't
remember it. She must be getting old.
Because my husband is doing some consulting work in Beirut, and I work there as well, but not full-time, I spend part of my days
roaming around the city. I walk everywhere and talk to everyone. My French is actually improving (Muffy, are you listening?) and
I've been studying Arabic for years so that's getting better too. When I'm on Longboat, I love to walk the beach. Otherwise, I'm
sure like the rest of you, my grandkids fill my time.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Carol Ann Flynn Ryan
Began teaching in Yonkers Public School, got married to William in 1969, he passed away in 2012. Taught
for one year in New Milford, Conn. Our first son was born in 1970, and our second son was born in 1973.
We lived in Brookfield, Conn for 5 years and then moved to Himrod, NY (upstate – Wine Country) Back
to teaching in Pawnyan, NY then retired from Geneva (St. Francis – St. Stephens) After 25 years. Now I
volunteer at the local hospital.
Closeness of the class and staff; Free time listening to Louise play piano; Otero’s Diner
Gardening, reading, watching my grandchild Madison’s growth and her playing sports, ceramics, visiting
long distant family, and volunteer work at our local hospital
Blessings to my former classmates. Prayers for those that are no longer with us!
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Maureen Cusack Saldarini
50 years of life with its ever evolving experiences...births, deaths, weddings, many other milestones,
leading to my current state of retirement.
Dedicated professors, wonderful friends
Grief ministry. I coordinate the funerals at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Newton and Boston College,
meet with families, do some counseling, and facilitate a bereavement group.
Some travel and welcoming new grandchildren to our ever growing family.
Hope everyone has a great time reconnecting, and sorry not to be there.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Emily Horan Saunders
After graduating, I taught for 32 years at Woodlands High School. Upon retiring from Mercy I became
Principal of Cardinal McCloskey Emergency Residential School for another seven years. Since really
retiring, I have been a regular volunteer at Caritas of Port Chester Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry.
I think my favorite memory was graduation. For a child of immigrants to be the first college graduate in
the family was impressive. I remember thinking that day I really made it. Without the help of the Sisters
of Mercy and Mercy College I would not have achieved what I have today. It was fun and I met really great
people and made life long friendships.
I enjoy traveling and being free to do what I want.
Volunteering and just reading a book are great pass times.
I am having a wonderful life. Watched my daughter grow up, graduate from Mercy College and get her
Masters in Nursing. I will see my oldest granddaughter graduate and move on to high school and see my
two grandsons play hockey and just love it.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Louise Squitieri
I am “50” years older! Obtained my PhD. Taught in Irvington, NY, City University of NY and
became a Dean in CUNY – retired but still working at CUNY. Chaired the Mercy Alumni Association
and assumed presidency of my condo association. I worked to establish
Founders Legacy Scholarship at Mercy.
Studying in the lab until late into the night with classmates (today they think they invented it).
Sleigh riding on the hill after scheduled events
Sleeping overnight in Otero’s Diner
Lectures (mandatory) after visits to The Shamrock
The view of the Hudson (watching the dinosaurs float down to the world’s fair site)
The availability of our professors’ etiquette classes
Tennis, fine dining, culinary club, gardening, and oceanfront condo in Maine
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Eileen Yearwood Waite
Attended Catholic University on an acting fellowship. Taught HS English/Speech/Theatre in NJ until June 2012.
Married for 47 years; have three children; 10 grandchildren; teaching part-time in new Catholic high School and
living in Sun City, an over 55 community near Hilton Head.
Cutting Mr. Spivek's classes to play bridge in the commons; our Glee Club concerts with Iona, Fordham and West
Point; Sr. M. Johannes reciting Chaucer in Middle English;
driving Sr. Maureen "nuts" with requests for social activities when I was social director.
Tennis, community theatre (currently doing DRIVING MISS DAISY), church ministry, ballroom dancing (lessons
by Bob and Janice Curran Kelley), travel (just back from a river cruise in France) and playing with our two
bichons (one is actually a son of a bichon) and GRANDCHILDRENNNNNN!!!
HEAVEN IS REAL! (But, life is also "heaven"!)
God bless and keep you all until we meet again after that "great" graduation "into" His Mercy.
Class of 1965
50th Reunion
Joan Demarest Wolf
I got my Master's degree in English and Comparative Lit. from Hunter College, then taught high school English for seven years. When my
first child came along I decided to try to write a novel. I did and it was published. Since then I have written 47 novels, all of them published.
They vary in genre: historical novels, romance novels, mystery novels, a Dark Ages trilogy (from King Arthur to King Alfred the Great), a Pre
-historic trilogy and three biblical novels. I married Joe Wolf and raised two wonderful children.
As yet I have NO GRANDCHILDREN. Not happy about that!
Too many memories to pick out a favorite. Sr. Joannes turning off the lights in the middle of class and saying - "Look at that sunset, girls."
Dr. Wines telling me that one day I would be a staunch liberal (he was right). Actually getting to be part of a choir and sing the Hallelujah
Chorus. (Little children stare at me in church when I sing, and it's not because I'm good. But the choir needed voices, so there I was.) Mrs.
Ellis telling me she would pass me in French Literature if I would write the final in English. "Your literary perception is 'exquisite' (picture a
French accent here), but your French is terrible). Most of all the wonderful people I met and the life-long friends I made.
I'm still hanging on to the activities I have done almost all my adult life. I walk my dog through the woods (when it's not 12 degrees), and I
ride. I have owned two horses, and ridden almost every day, but now I ride a friend's horse twice a week. I still take a lesson, however, and
pursue my dream of being a competent dressage rider. I try not to be too discouraged when, after my lesson, I go home, take some pain pills
and fall asleep for a couple of hours. But I persevere!
You can find out all about my books on my website - joanwolf.com.
I also have a Facebook page where I've connected with friends from the past.
Get Connected, Stay Connected!
For the latest Mercy College Alumni news and events, check us out on
Facebook/MercyAlumni
Twitter @mercyalumni
LinkedIn “The Official Mercy College Alumni Group”
www.mercy.edu/alumni

Class of 1965 Memory Book for Web

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