Mary Holt Hastings ’37 died on April 26 of COVID-19.

Coming from a small town in Wyoming, Wellesley was a significant change for Mary, but she flourished and made many lifelong friends. Wellesley remained close to her heart, and at age 102, she proudly led the alumnae parade at her 80th reunion. She and her husband, Russ, shared many adventures in the out-of-doors in this country and elsewhere. She loved music, had an adventurous spirit, and read widely. Always gracious, kind, and positive, Mary was a true friend to many and dearly loved by her family.

Nancy Hastings Miles ’63, daughter

Dorris Forsbrey Sturges ’43 passed on Feb. 9, 2019.

Her husband, Robert Edward Sturges, predeceased her. Her three sons, Jeffrey, Scott, and Christopher, survive her, as well as three daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dorris was born in New York City and grew up in Pelham Manor, N.Y. For more than 65 years Dorris resided in Oberlin, Ohio. She first taught in local public schools, and then became a sports reporter and editor for local newspapers before retirement. Before and after her retirement, Dorris continued her love for sports through ice skating, sailing, and tennis.

Scott Sturges, son

Charlotte Day Hudson ’45 died on April 12.

A talented singer, Charlotte entered Wellesley planning to major in music. However, after a course in geology, she changed her major to that subject and added a geography minor. Upon graduation, she worked as a geologist and cartographer. In 1948, she married Paul Hudson, and they had three children. After they divorced, she worked as a librarian until 2001. She was an adventurous traveler who never lost her passion for maps. Her love of choral singing also continued until the end of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Anne, Russell, and Ellen, and grandsons Evan, Julian, and Dylan.

Anne M. Hudson, daughter

Jane Miller Bartlett ’47 died on Feb. 7.

The widow of Harry Bartlett since 2009, she had been his “Wellesley Special” for 61 years, while he was the “wind beneath my sails” for her. Jane was a music major, college soloist, and composed music for the Junior Show. After graduation, Janie and Harry married, eventually moving to West Hartford. Jane was a popular member of the Wellesley Club of Hartford and, at one point, served as its president. She taught piano for 30 years in her home studio and made major contributions to the Musical Club of Hartford. Her smile, optimism, sense of humor, and beautiful music will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

Rich Bartlett and Doug Bartlett, sons

Doris “Dreese” Pinanski Scheff ’49 died on April 21.

In 1982, Doris established the Pinanski Teaching Prize, a highlight of Wellesley commencement ceremonies, in memory of her parents, Samuel and Anna Pinanski. Sam Pinanski was a prolific painter, and Doris caught the “bug” from him, winning painting prizes over the years. Doris’ creativity extended to Looking at Things, a poetry book for children about everything from peanut butter to birthdays. Doris was a teacher, researcher in education, and eventually assistant superintendent of the Weston, Mass., schools. Married to the late Simon Scheff, Doris was the mother of two and grandmother of three.

Judith Dietz Lurie ’67, cousin

Ann Hutchinson Sanderlin ’51 passed away at her Louisville, Ky., home on Jan. 6.

Ann was a homemaker who was actively involved in her community. She was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, the Pendennis Club, the Louisville Country Club, the Colonial Dames, and the Mayflower Society. She was a former president of the Louisville Chapter of Historic Homes and a regent at Farmington. She was very active in supporting local historical sites such as Farmington and Locust Grove. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, who died in 2013. She is survived by two son, two nieces, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

George Sanderlin, son

Joan Alder Mark ’52 died on April 20.

Joan was my special friend. Not only was she brilliant, honest, outspoken, brave, and reliable, she also had a rich sense of humor that added warmth to every encounter. Her dedication to helping others, especially children, left an indelible mark on their lives and is a lasting tribute to her. Joan loved her family, her friends, her work, and above all, she loved life.

I will miss Joan and her beautiful smile and, most of all, the warm and precious friendship that we had. I will cherish that forever.

Suzanne Davis Lubell ’52

Ann D’Esopo Phillips ’55 passed away on Feb. 28 after a long illness.

A longtime resident of Tarrytown, N.Y., she was a tireless volunteer, contributing her time and energy to many organizations. Most recently, she was a founder and leader of It Takes a Village 10591, helping seniors age in place.

She handled our class finances for most of our post-college years, both as class treasurer and reunion treasurer. We were part of a group of local ’55 alums that planned mini-reunions and regular reunions, and just got together for fun.

Whether singing in the choir, knitting for needy children, researching genealogy, or learning to fly (at age 50!), Ann enjoyed challenges.

She will be sorely missed by her three children, eight grandchildren, and many Wellesley friends.

Marilyn Horlick Fishel ’55

Hildegard Hemmerich Wilson ’55 of Peabody, Mass., died on Feb. 10.

Hilde’s husband, Charles Wilson, was stationed with my husband, Ed, in Germany in 1956. Hilde was my matron of honor at our April wedding. She thoughtfully brought a bouquet of yellow roses (our class flower) for me to carry. We explored Central Europe together. Hilde became the head librarian in the Marblehead, Mass., public elementary school system, and she was a great support to Charles in his path as a Unitarian Universalist minister. Charles and her eldest son, Paul, are deceased, but she leaves Charles, Jr., and Elizabeth Dobbins. The family can be reached at 20 Massachusetts Ave., Danvers, MA 01923-2310.

Joan Sherwood Schaeffer ’55

Shirley Schneider Henderson ’56 died on March 25.

I’ll always be grateful to my aunt for introducing me to Wellesley. Our happy bond was strengthened at each reunion, fortuitously on the same five-year cycle!

Shirley majored in English and played the carillon. She earned her master’s degree in library science at Western Reserve University, leading to a long career at the Lakewood (Ohio) Public Library. Shirley kept in close touch with many friends from Bates, Freeman, and Beebe, for a time serving as her class secretary. In her later years, she found a zeal for genealogy and compiled several extensive family memoirs, and enjoyed playing in a recorder ensemble. Shirley is survived by her husband, Peter, and their children and grandchildren.

Laura Macbeth ’91, niece

Carla Shapiro Gelband ’56 died on April 29.

Carla was many things to many people: class leader, Durant Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa—but also empathetic, irreverent, irrepressible, whimsical, and, most of all, kind. She taught history and political science at Sidwell Friends for many years. She melded her Jewish heritage with Sidwell’s Quaker philosophy and created its community involvement programs. Later, she tutored adults in literacy. Carla loved her students, making individual connections and sparking joy in learning. She played the flute and piano and sang in many different ensembles. When she developed Alzheimer’s and could no longer speak, she hummed for as long as she could, loudly and beautifully.

Joanna Gelband, daughter
Lia Gelin Poorvu ’56, roommate 1952–53

Doris “Toby” Vanderblue Kerans ’57 died on Feb. 16.

Toby and I became lifelong friends after meeting our first day at Wellesley. Toby was named a Vil Junior. After commencement, Toby and Jim Kerans married and moved to California, where Toby was one of the earliest women hired by IBM in a non-secretarial capacity. Jim died in his early 50s. They had two children, Susan and David Kerans, who survive her. Toby was married for many years to Bill Russell, whom she met while working as a systems analyst at UCLA School of Medicine. Bill survives her.

Francine Berth Myles ’57

Susann Hayes Hoke ’61 passed away peacefully on April 1 after a courageous five-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Susann was always interested in community involvement, the nuclear family unit, and the nurturing and support of children, which led her to volunteer at hospitals, libraries, elementary schools, and children and youth organizations. As her two boys grew and became more independent, she became a case worker at the Berks County Children and Youth Services in 1981, where she worked until retirement in 2004.

Susann will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, her kindness and compassion for others, her generous spirit, her quick mind, the strength of her convictions, and her tireless work ethic.

J. Russell Hoke II, husband

Victoria B.M. Sanborn ’61 died on Easter Sunday, April 12, in NYC.

After graduating with honors in history from Wellesley, she earned First Class Honors in English language and in literature from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She was ordained in 1979 among the early wave of female Episcopal clergy. She was chaplain at Seamen’s Church Institute in NYC and then canon to the bishop and vicar, Church of the Nativity in Cincinnati. In her late 50s, she earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati, but returned to NYC in 1999, where she served as an administrative law judge in Brooklyn and the Bronx. During 9/11, she ministered to victims in lower Manhattan. She is survived by her brother, Frederic R.G. Sanborn, and his family.

Cyra Duff Sanborn ’48 and Noel Sanborn

Margaret Gaskins Gill ’62 died on April 17 at home in Atherton, Calif., with her family around her, after suffering complications from a fall.

Margaret’s husband, Stephen, wrote in a loving tribute, “Margaret is the most remarkable woman I have ever met.” A beloved wife, mother, and friend, a legendary and ground-breaking business and corporate lawyer in San Francisco, and a generous philanthropist who guided organizations close to her heart, Margaret also contributed to the beauty of the Earth with her gifts to Wellesley’s landscape, and to many Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., parks through the family foundation. She traveled the world with her family and shared her love of music with them. A variety of camellia named after her, the Margaret G. Gill camellia, will continue to bring beauty to the world.

Martha Reardon Bewick ’62

Margaret Mitchell Hunt Arnold ’62 died on Sept. 9, 2019, in Asheville, N.C.

Margaret, Barbara Spaulding Gildersleeve, and I were suitemates in Cazenove for three years. The essence of Southern graciousness, Margaret arrived an expert pianist and graduated an accomplished organist and student director of Wellesley’s choir. After Wellesley, she married C.B. Hunt, a musician and professor at Southern Illinois University. There, she earned her M.S. in 1982. At our 30th reunion, Margaret directed a reprise of our Junior Show, Orchids by Wire. She had helped write both script and music in 1960. For decades, Margaret programed and presented classical music on National Public Radio affiliates licensed to universities in Illinois and Kentucky.

Anne Steele Hummel ’62

Elisabeth “Elisa” Stroud Poole ’63 died on March 28.

A “grand” lady, with considerable talents and compassion for the underdog, is how Elisa is remembered. Elisa donated her energy and gifts to supporting underprivileged children, advocating for women’s rights, providing leadership for interfaith initiatives, and promoting the arts in Delaware. She was elected the first woman chair of several boards and received distinguished awards for her volunteerism. Those who admired her during her school years in Wilmington, Del., as I did, or knew her in Bates at Wellesley, appreciated her abundant energy, “can do” attitude, and her leadership and organizational skills. Yet, what I admired most about Elisa over the years was her unbridled enthusiasm for and dedication to her family, her friends, and Wellesley.

Betty Belden Iwan ’63

Kaatri Boies Grigg ’67 died peacefully at home in San Francisco on Feb. 15 from complications of frontotemporal dementia.

After receiving her J.D. from Stanford, Kaatri practiced law for six years until she chose to devote her life to the nonprofit world and to raising her two sons, one of whom predeceased her. For 40 years, her considerable talents were shared through her service and leadership on the boards of organizations in health care, education, and the arts. Her greatest legacy is San Francisco Day School, of which she was a founding trustee. Kaatri lived a full life of giving.

Patricia Fiorito Oakes ’67

Susie Skinner Clarke Hamilton ’68 died on March 8 at home in Fairview, N.C., after an eight-year struggle with dementia.

Susie devoted her life to intertwined passions for people, especially children; art; and farm life. She and husband Will had five children, enjoyed the community of Susie’s large extended family, and welcomed many visitors to their household, including classmates, children in tow. Susie majored in art history; all her life, in any quiet moment, she had a sketchbook in hand. Will organized a show last year of her sketches and paintings, many reflecting her love of children and rural life. Everyone who knew Susie will miss her enveloping smile, generous spirit, and devotion to the things she loved.

Jane Benedict Metzger ’68
Emmakate “Kit” Moore Young ’68

Sheila R. Connolly ’72 died on April 20 of cancer.

Sheila will be remembered for being a writer and an incredible teller of stories. She wrote almost 40 books—mysteries about apples, history museums in Philadelphia, and pubs in West Cork. She was also an art historian, an investment banker, a nonprofit fund-raiser, and a professional genealogist. Being her friend meant learning about cooking, history, invasive insects, old houses, and stone circles. I consider myself blessed to have shared her journey these 50 years. She died at her cottage in Ireland watching the spring lambs grow. She is survived by her husband, daughter, new granddaughter, and sister.

Marcia Armstrong ’72

Elizabeth “Libby” Cargo Marley ’74 died on March 24 at home with family in Franklin, Tenn., after a year-long battle with cancer.

Her beautiful alto voice could be heard rich and warm in choir, Madrigals, or the halls of Pomeroy. She was full of life and love: an exuberant, positive personality; friendly to all from kitchen staff to professors; sharing her confidence with classmates in a supportive way. How happy she was to meet Joe Marley, her husband of 42 years and another horse lover, with whom she raised a close-knit family. Remembrances are linked on the class Facebook page.

Neria Ryder Douglass ’74 on behalf of the Class of 1974

Julie R. Butler ’79 died on April 4.

Julie was my close friend since middle school. At Wellesley, she was my freshman-year roommate and my neighbor sophomore year. A highly respected veterinarian, Julie was past president of the NYC Veterinary Medical Association and founder of NY Save Animals in Veterinary Emergency. She also volunteered in her Harlem community. Julie was devoted to husband, Claude Howard, and adored her children, Zora and Alex. She also leaves behind her sister, Sheila Butler ’80, her brothers (Lee, Maurice, and Reginald), and many friends. Julie’s loyal friendship and mischievous humor will be deeply missed. Exceedingly well done, Julie.

Donna Edwards ’79

Mary Nicholson Sampson ’80 died on Sept. 14, 2019.

Mary was a lively, engaging freshman my senior year in Stone Hall. Summers, she loved showing Wellesley pals her hometown of Newport, R.I., where she led tours of the mansions. At Case Western Law School, she met her future husband, Craig, on the first day. They returned to Newport to practice law, and she served for many years in the chambers of U.S. Appeals Court Senior Justice Bruce M. Selya. Mary believed almost anything could be cured by a dip in the ocean and some sand between your toes. She treasured her years at Wellesley and the friendships she made there. Her death leaves an indescribable void in the lives of Craig, their two children, and the many who loved her.

Mary O’Loughlin Rafferty ’77