Remembrances of alumnae by friends and family members and the In Memoriam list of alumnae who have died in the past quarter.
Mildred Burnes Chase Hayward ’36 died on April 28.
At her 75th reunion in 2011, Mildred was thrilled to be able to celebrate all three days. She returned to Wellesley for her 100th birthday party at the Wellesley College Club, and again for the dedication of the new Butler Boathouse in 2015—Mildred was on the crew at Wellesley for four years. Her other great passion at Wellesley was for her major, astronomy, the Whitin Observatory, and the faculty. Mildred was recognized as the oldest living astronomy major when she attended the Whitin Observatory rededication in 2011.
I believe Wellesley gives each of us much to share with others. Her love for Wellesley was enduring.
Barbara Ann Chase ’68, daughter
Constance “Connie” Judkins Bowman ’44 died on July 29.
Daughter and mother of alums, Mother made Wellesley blue our family color. True to the College motto, she was always doing for others, even after she was slowed in 2003 by failing vision. She used the telephone like a general: governing, fund-raising, and volunteering for an astonishing list of charitable and arts organizations in Milwaukee, especially the theater. Indefatigable, she gave of her energy, superb organizational skills, and warm personal touch. She was admired for her quiet courage facing physical challenges, but beloved most for her generous spirit. I handed her a cookie our last time together; she insisted we share it.
Betsy Bowman ’71, daughter
Phyllis Ann Fox Sternlieb ’44 died on May 23.
Phyllis received a doctorate in mathematics from MIT. She delighted in computers, working on the earliest machines. Her career took her to NYU’s Courant Institute, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Bell Labs.
Phyllis married George Sternlieb. They moved to Short Hills, N.J., in 1963, their home for the duration.
Phyllis delighted in sports and playing her harpsichord. In retirement, she also volunteered, studied languages and science, traveled widely, and enjoyed her two children and their families. They and George all survive her.
David and Ben Sternlieb, sons
Jeanne Roquemore Heymann ’51 died on May 19.
Jeanne made lifelong friends at Wellesley and loved reunion. She studied botany and met her husband, Hans Heymann, while he was teaching organic chemistry at Harvard. Her love for plants continued on her 11-acre farm in New Jersey in her organic vegetable garden. Throughout the years on her farm, Jeanne raised dairy goats, chickens, pigs, and bees, and even the sugar maple trees were tapped. Jeanne’s most prized produce from her farm were her six children, whom she fed organically raised food, long before it was a trend. Jeanne’s Wellesley connections were deep and included her mother, her daughter, and her two nieces.
Maia Heymann ’89
Mary Ellen Harper Chamberlin ’52 died on June 18.
My roommate and dear friend started life as a child actress and continued her lifelong theatrical career as playwright. Multitalented, Ellen, in Topeka, Kan., on the State Board League of Women Voters, also ran the camera on a PBS show and produced two series, eight specials, and five shows a week. Writing was food for her life. She was always impressive in her endeavors, her battles, and her victories. She fought illness with determination and good humor.
She logged 43 successful years in Alcoholics Anonymous and stayed a passionate, prolific, dedicated playwright, and remained a feminist, always. A beautiful, charming, fun, tough-as-hell, brilliant woman.
Blossom Appel Sanger ’52
Janet Dorsch Zagoria ’55 died of leukemia on Aug. 8.
The memorial service in Crugers, N.Y., was conducted by husband Donald and son Adam. Many spoke of Janet’s achievements: a Ph.D. in political science from Columbia, teaching, publications, international trips, local offices, visitors, and her choice, in her 80s, to restore, by herself, their Crugers house after a fire had burned it down.
At Wellesley, we were 16 freshmen in Joslin in the Vil. Janet, a scholarship student from New Jersey, was purposeful, hardworking, and made friends with all of us with her kindness, loyalty, and ability to talk with everyone. Her analytical ability came as a surprise, but not her goal of making the world a better place.
Deborah Taintor Toll ’55
Nancy Stevens Harrison ’55 died on April 21.
Nancy was private, reserved, gracious, and always had a smile. She majored in botany, worked for the department for a year, then married and had three sons with Allan Dowds. They moved to Vermont, but soon separated. Nancy stayed in Vermont, raised the children, studied nursing at Dartmouth, and worked as an R.N. Shirley Petersen Andersen ’55 introduced her to Charles “Duke” Harrison. They married, had homes in Chapel Hill, N.C., and Florida, visited their families, and traveled extensively. Nancy had health issues in later life, but that did not stop them from enjoying life together. Duke’s daughter let me know that her father passed away on May 13, just three weeks after his beloved Nancy.
Marian Weary Hopkins ’55
Cathryn “Kaki” Towley Olson ’56 died on June 19 in hospice care near her home in Minneapolis.
A wise, loving, clear-thinking, and generous friend, Kaki had a wicked sense of humor, a lively wit, and a passionate devotion to most genres of well-written books.
After teaching English in Minneapolis for years, she practiced law, having attended law school at night while teaching and caring for her three children. Kaki was deeply involved in her church, community, her large, loving family, and her many friends. We will all miss her. Learning she had incurable cancer, Kaki asked that her Wellesley memoriam end with Sojourner Truth’s words: “I’m not going to die, I’m going home like a shooting star.”
Virginia Miller ’56
Janice Reddig Coggeshall ’57 died on June 19.
Jan lived the Wellesley motto to the fullest. In Galveston, Texas, her public service culminated in election as the first woman mayor in 150 years. With humor, grace, and skill, she dealt with oil spills, thousands of beach-bound students during spring break, rebuilding her hurricane-ravaged city, and all the other challenges of city government. Later, Jan bought and rehabbed dilapidated cottages into quaint pastel homes for low-income residents. But family always came first; she gathered all generations every summer at the family compound at Elk Lake in Michigan. Jan’s warmth, humor, creativity, and leadership will be missed by all.
Jane Moore ’57
Jill Richardson Britton ’58 died on May 12.
While at Wellesley, Jill was swept off her feet by a Williams College chemist whom she married and followed to Asheville, N.C. She had four boys, who filled her life with joy, but the marriage did not last. Alone and head of the household, she earned a B.S. from UNC Asheville and provided for her family with careers in health care and education. She was an accomplished gardener, created beautiful scrapbooks, loved to sew, and made awesome lasagna. Immensely proud of her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, she cherished her family second only to her Christian faith. She walked it like she talked it, and will be forever missed by those who knew her.
Eugene Britton, son
Helen Schwin Foster ’58 died on May 25 of ovarian cancer. My roommate for three years, Helen remained a lifelong friend. At Wellesley, she enthusiastically engaged in a variety of activities, from being in a Greek play to rowing in crew. Helen was devoted to her son, Marc. As a banking executive, she was deeply engaged in mentoring younger colleagues for leadership positions. She was also very supportive of arts organizations. Helen was adventurous and loved traveling. She was remarkably upbeat, despite facing several serious health problems. Her appreciation of life, despite many personal challenges, was admirable.
Anne-Marie Allerand Bloch ’58
Lynnette Buchanan Bennett ’61 died on May 14, Mother’s Day, from cancer.
Nettie attended our 50th and 55th reunions while fighting the disease. I first knew Nettie by her singing voice—in the Widows at Wellesley and Blue Hill Troupe in New York City. Finally meeting five years after graduation, we shared decades of the vibrant work and cultural life of Manhattan, plus fun adventures like visiting vineyards in Portugal, attending tennis camps in Florida, and downhill skiing in Vermont. What I most treasure and want to pay tribute to is the ever-joyous spirit and optimism of my good friend and this loyal alumna.
Alex Roll Kenney ’61
Carol Christie Medinger ’62 died on Aug. 24.
What you noted first about Carol’s beautiful face were her radiant smile and twinkling blue eyes. She lit up every room she walked into. She was smart, spiritual, loving, and funny, with a hint of naughty. We met at Wellesley, and our friendship lasted forever. We played bridge for hours. She was a teacher, guidance counselor, and school psychologist. Her energy and empathy made her a great role model.
She loved her family, her dogs, golf, travel, and more. She loved music, especially singing with choral groups. She has left a big void in the world. We all loved her.
Laura van Raalte Weisse ’62
Elizabeth “Betsy” Keller Kagan ’63 died on June 7.
Betsy was playful, gentle, humorous, intelligent, warm-hearted, loving, and a caring mother. A humorous Tree Day dance she choreographed gave hints of her future career as a talented, creative choreographer and dancer who created charming and funny dances as well as beautifully crafted, flowing group dances admired by Bay Area dance critics. She was a wonderful teacher of modern dance, Laban-Bartenieff movement analysis, and movement classes for the elderly, conducted for years in an Oakland retirement facility. Friends and I enjoyed her whimsical, improvisational movement classes, her insightful comments during book group meetings, walks around Lake Merritt, and much more.
Helen “Cookie” Smiler ’63
Elizabeth “Betsy” Wood Knapp ’64 died on June 20.
Betsy did everything “all in.” If she was your friend, your life was better. When she had a cause, it thrived. At Wellesley, the College she loved, her philanthropy endures.
Betsy was a charter member of the Business Leadership Council (BLC) at Wellesley. Begun in 1989 as a small group of alumnae forging business careers, Betsy helped it grow for 27 years. She led, listened, strategized, laughed, hosted, shared wisdom and wine, and supported Wellesley women in business in countless ways.
Her generous spirit will always watch over the BLC.
Christine Miller ’66
Carol Ebert Perry ’69 passed away on Dec. 26, 2016, at her home in Duxbury, Mass., surrounded by her husband, Ed, three children, and mother, after a 12-year battle with cancer. She was a private person who carried her burdens without complaint, bitterness, or visible frustration, and spoke of them only to her closest friends. Carol was a joy to know—always objective, calm, balanced, and highly intelligent, with an ever-positive outlook. She was loyal, gracious, and courageous; deeply cared about the people and things she loved; and gave careful thought before she spoke or acted. She knew who she was.
Ann Sherwood Sentilles ’69
Carol Stewart ’71 died on Sept. 27, 2016.
Carol and I met in the fall of freshman year as residents of Tower Court West, and our friendship continued throughout her life. She was kind, generous, and thoughtful of others and had a good sense of humor. She worked for many years as a rehabilitation counselor and later as a mediation counselor. She enjoyed theater; for many years we shared season tickets to a regional theater company. She also enjoyed nature, especially bird watching. Carol was very close to her large family and is survived by three sisters, a brother, and their families.
Lula Kopper ’71
Susan Klem Jackson ’72 died peacefully on June 30 in the embrace of her family, husband Rich, and children, Nathaniel and Hannah.
Sue was a treasured roommate and friend. She had a gifted intellect but was modest and self-deprecating. A French major, Sue was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa junior year and was class valedictorian. She met the love of her life, Rich, on a blind date freshman year. Sue had a distinguished career at Boston University, serving in many positions, most recently as assistant provost. Beloved by students and colleagues, Sue was celebrated for her scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and contributions to curriculum development. Her thoughtfulness and intelligence will be greatly missed.
Cynthia Johnson ’72
Libby Harvey Yon ’72
Margaret White Ziering ’72
Sarah Kane Brown Pierce ’80 died at her Texas home on June 5 of cancer.
An economics major, Kane sang with the Widows and relaxed at TZE. Peddling Rte. 9 Dunkin’ Donuts kept her Mustang giddying-up. IBM launched her business career. Marrying colleague Glenn Pierce, they eventually settled in Austin. After multiple moves, Kane capitalized on her talent for re-nesting and founded three consignment stores—Furniture Brokers of Westlake, Lakeway, and Marble Falls. Sed Ministrare, Kane volunteered at daughter Remington’s schools, led Austin’s Newcomers, captained Lakeway’s Ladies’ Tennis Team, and became Women’s Tennis Association president. Kane’s gifted soprano continually graced area choirs and productions; recently she soloed in “Lakeway Singalongs.” In essence, a beloved dynamo.
Allison Faircloth Brown ’73, sister
Virginia Brown Baerst Colamarino ’06, niece
Ann Manubay ’94 passed away on June 7 from a sudden illness.
She was—among many other things—a bon vivant, total ham, early adopter, golf addict, food enthusiast, music lover, muumuu wearer, and the captain of her own ship. Her hugs and pats were second to none, and her personality could fill a room. She made you feel like an old friend from the first moment you met her.
She is loved and missed by her wife, Dabney Frake, her family, and many friends who are honored to have known her. We raise our glasses to our Ann.
Michelle Park ’94
Jennifer Brown ’94
Christina Reed ’06 died on April 21.
A renegade in all areas of life, Christina also had the kindest heart. She loved politics, the environment, justice-seeking, road trips, skiing in her home state of Colorado, and the Talking Heads.
Christina was relied on by many, including the Federal Bureau of Land Management where she worked as an attorney, and always did her best to show up and deliver for everyone. She leaves behind a huge circle of loving relatives, friends, and colleagues, who miss her dearly. Christina joins her beloved mom, Linda, in heaven. Forever Reed, she is with us always.
Ashley Riegle ’07
Cleo Stoughton ’11 died on Sept. 4 after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. Wellesley figured largely in Cleo’s life. Her grandmother and great-aunt attended Wellesley; Cleo met her soulmate, Emma, when they were sophomores in Beebe; and with her marriage to Emma came two more connections, her mother-in-law and her “aunt-in-law.” At Wellesley, Cleo studied neuroscience and computer science (she subsequently earned a master’s in transportation and urban planning), captained the equestrian team, tutored many students, and ate an incredible amount of Truly’s. Cleo lived her life with indelible grace, steadfast purpose, and deep kindness. We will miss her.
Emma Wright ’11
Faculty
Joan Barker Melvin ’47 died on Dec. 29, 2016.
Joan loved Wellesley and was devoted to it throughout her life. After her graduation, she became a graduate assistant in the biology department and earned an M.A. in zoology in 1949. Joan and her husband, Hal, were missionaries in Brazil for three years and, on her return, Joan entered the Ph.D. program at Brown University. She specialized in cell biology, and received her degree in 1965. The following year, Joan returned to the College as an assistant professor, and then became a class dean and, ultimately, dean of students. For the next 10 years, she devoted herself to the well-being of her students and advisees. She was noted among students and faculty for her compassion and sound judgment during the turbulent years of the late ’60s and early ’70s, and I know that Joan shaped the lives of many students. Joan was vitally engaged in the social and political issues of the country and the College throughout her life, and hoped to see the election of a woman president during her lifetime. Sadly, it was not to be. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Joan remember her fondly.
Alan Schechter, Professor of Political Science Emeritus
Howard Eichenbaum, professor of biological sciences at Wellesley from 1977–91, died on July 21 at the age of 69.
At the time of his death, he was distinguished professor in the department of psychological and brain sciences and director of the Center for Memory and Brain at Boston University. While at Wellesley, Howard was co-founder of the psychobiology program, and was instrumental in introducing computerized analysis into the teaching labs. He always expressed a love of teaching, which he successfully combined with an intense and dedicated research career. He was internationally recognized for his contributions to our understanding of brain mechanisms of memory, work that began during his Wellesley years and that involved many undergraduate researchers.
Barbara Beltz, Allene Lummis Russell Professor of Neuroscience
Mary Downey Coyne ’61, professor of biological sciences emerita
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