Patricia Mathewson Spring
160 Butternut Lane
Kensington, CT 06037
springfrnk@aol.com
Thanks, dear classmates, for all your lovely messages. The next big event for us will be our 60th reunion in June. Hope to see all of you there.
In the meantime, news from Janice Worsley Mayberry told of a mini-reunion at Elizabeth Sullivan Vaughan’s new apartment in Blackstone, Va. Vivian Wilkerson, Nora Russell Dickens, Mickey Dixon Sullivan, Mim Riggs Gay and Janice all got together to catch up. Janice had a hip replacement last January, but has undergone therapy and is doing fine now. Her son, who works at the Pentagon, took a two-week trip last April to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Africa. Janice said she did a lot of praying those two weeks and expressed her concern for all mothers who have sons in war zones.
Ruth Myrick Shuman reported that she still is in Hilton Head, but in a different location. After 30 years in Philadelphia, she said she loves the South’s mild winters. It isn’t all paradise, though – hurricanes are always a worry, but Ruth said she tries to be on the West Coast during hurricane season.
Ora Elena Robinson Bonham lost Jimmy, her husband of 57 years, last year. We send our sympathy to Ora and her family. She has three children and three grandchildren, all of whom take good care of her.
Ann Briesmaster Robertson has talked by phone with Sue Vick Warren, Elizabeth Stallings Sharpe, Kate James Duval and Mim Gay. Last summer, she visited with Marjorie Hatch Ritter and Louise Burroughs Ruddick.
Anne Wood Hilldrup and husband Gordon recently celebrated their 59th year of marriage. Anne also is enjoying visits from her great-granddaughter.
Elizabeth Vaughan Pritchett and her husband still live on a beautiful tree-lined street in the Dallas area where they moved in 1963. They go to a local fitness center several days a week for yoga, stretching and weight-bearing exercises and spend nearly an hour in the pool for movement. Elizabeth also plays croquet, enjoys lunches and brunches and frequently visits with family and friends. Wow! Is that the good life or what?
Also living the good life is Elaine “Sally” Heritage Jordan whose latest adventures include cruises on the Hudson River and to Cape Cod, Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia. In addition to taking trips, she said she enjoys going to concerts and to the theater. Sally plans to attend our reunion and looks forward to seeing everyone.
Beverly Beadles Jackson of Richmond sends greetings and best wishes to her classmates. She considers herself blessed to have reached the age of 80 and remain in reasonably good health. Her husband, Barnett, has had a few health problems, but they both are still active. They vacationed in August with their children and grandchildren in Nags Head, N.C. Their oldest son, Jay, who works for the FCC, is talking about retiring in a few years, and that really reminds them of their age!
Kate Parker Hughes reported that she is still moving and feeling good at 80. George Jr. is a doctor, Kathy manages three stores, and Susan is an occupational therapist. Kate pursues longtime interests like swimming and art. She has sold some of her paintings and some are displayed at the Ocean View Museum in Norfolk, Va. Kate and husband George will publish a book about the adventures of East Ocean View residents. Kate talks to the following Mary Washington girls: cousin Stella Vincent Bartron, Jane Everett Tucker, Effie Sanderlin Robertson ’45, Aileen Heflin ’47, Anne Carvil ’47, Rose Morrisette ’39 and Mary Hunninghake ’42.
I received a card from Carolyn Rohr Huebner with pictures of a recent dinner party she enjoyed with her former kinesiology teachers and their husbands. There was also a great picture of Carolyn in a big red hat, since she is now a member of the “Red Hat Society.” Also, I had a nice chat with Elizabeth Stallings Sharpe, who has had some surgery but is doing well now. She has been in touch with Sue Vick Warren and her husband.
As for yours truly, I am still moving despite some arthritic problems. I manage to enjoy helping with my twin 18-month-old grandchildren. I’m getting my skis ready, too!
I certainly hope to see everyone in June.