Class Notes

Patricia Huy Long ’47

I am enjoying life here at Kendal at Hanover in New Hampshire.

Mary Louise Reist Gaston ‘48

My husband died in October. I’m spending the winter in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Joanne Howard Kouris ’44

Living in a Senior Center in Lakewood (Denver). Very comfortable. I have a balcony with a view of the pond (small lake).

Ruth Roblin Winnick ’45

Doing well. Have two great grandsons, ages eight and 10. I talk with Daney Saperston Klingenstein from time to time.

Martha Carr Stisser ’46

I hope you are recovering from the horrible storms and floods! At my “mature” age I don’t travel anymore. I’m on the second floor of a two story condo overlooking the ocean and have daytime caretakers. I get around with a walker and can go up and down the stairs to get out for shopping, appointments, and dinner with friends. Love to all at SEM, Marti

Mary L Reist Gaston ’48

When I see Red Tailed Hawks circling my house I think of you.

Jan Roberts Fretz ’49

My granddaughter, Emily Fretz ’19, is a member of the Carolina Ballet Company in Raleigh, NC. I have seen two of her performances.

Adele Petrillo Smart ’53

I moved to The Blake in Lafayette, LA, an assisted living facility in June 2022. I am fully independent and enjoying the many activities offered, especially yoga, exercise, and dancing. I still own my house and get mail there. Currently, I’m visiting my daughter Kay and her husband Kevin at their condo in Destin, FL for a week. My son Mike and his wife Ellen, who live in San Diego and Glenbrook, NV at Lake Tahoe, also are visiting here at our beach home.

Oct 12, 2023

Carole Jordon Brown ’55

My husband Robert Brown (Nichols Class of ’53) died April 11, 2023.

Kate Truslow Montgomery ’57

I continue to be impressed by SEM’s remarkable program! Proud to be a graduate!

Joanne Mooney Schuetz ‘59

Al and I are moving to Rochester, MN to be closer to our daughters and their families. We will live in a condo downtown where we can walk to restaurants, the symphony, theater, etc.

Joan Dickey Taggart ‘54

Traveling is still an interest and great grandchildren are a joy! My SEM friends are wonderful.

Ethel Roblin Melzer ‘50

I am sad to report that my dear husband, Dick Melzer, passed away on March 1, 2023. He was 96 and we had a wonderful life together for 72 years. While I miss his daily presence, I am grateful for the many years we had together, and for our two children, 4 granddaughters, and 2 great grandchildren. Our son Richard moved back to Buffalo last year and our daughter Marci is still close by in Philadelphia. I keep busy with exercise and online classes, and I recently returned to piano lessons. I hope to see you all again at our next SEM reunion.

Katharine Hamilton Steinwedell ‘53

I plan to come to our reunion Class of 1953. Who else will be there? I had Covid the first week of March. Had been previously vaccinated so came through it fine.

Ethel Roblin Melzer ’50

The “SEM Today” is very impressive! Grateful to SEM for all it is - and for all it helped me to be! Dick and I celebrated our 71st anniversary in March and are planning a Family Reunion in June to celebrate my big birthday (all my classmates know how old I will be)! We have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren and look forward to seeing them all. So far we have dodged COVID and are very grateful for Zoom. We feel very blessed. Stay well and I hope to see you all again someday!

Lucia Long Schwarz ’52

My son, Lt. Col. Peter H. Schwarz died May 31, 2021. Sixth great grandchild born September 2022.

Kathy Hamilton Steinwedell ’53

Luckily, all goes well. I’m in independent housing at Seabury, a continuing care facility. My son David and his wife live in Austin, TX, and daughter Annie & husband live in Denver, CO. Five grandchildren are spread around the country/world. I play pickleball.

Helen C. Jones ’53

Always grateful that my two daughters were also able to attend SEM!

Barbara Jerauld Coffin ’53

Living in Peterborough, NH at Rivermead Community (we moved to NH in 1997). Now a widow with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Margaret Orr MacKenzie ’53

Marla is living in Alstead, NH near her daughter Kinter. She still has her sense of humor and gratitude, and remembers her days at SEM fondly.

Patricia Hoffman Griffen ’54

Living in Northern California. Both myself and my husband are retired. Have three adult “kids,” two married. Traveled the US in our motorhome, and visited Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, etc. Life has been good!

Mary Ellen Daniels McCormick ’56

Moving to California in 2021 was good for us. Would wonder if there are other alums that have migrated to the West. Certainly sorry for the news of the “historic” Christmas blizzard in Buffalo.

Iris Farrow Skoog ’57

Our Class Agents began a weekly Zoom session early last year. Every Thursday eight to 14 of us, anyone available, share information and perspectives. Always such an interesting interlude. Any and every of you 57’ers are so welcome to join us. Contact Ellie Johnson, Mary Berlow, or me for the Zoom number.

Starr Lanctot Ramsey ’57

Sadly, I went to Wendy Hutton Eaton’s funeral on June 8th. Had fun at our 65th reunion with Iris Skoog, Mary Berlow & Ellie Johnson!

Anne Campbell Birkett ’59

We have been living in Shelburne, VT for over 10 years, enjoying our summer garden and friends - and then we spend five months in Tybee Island, GA to escape the snow and ice. A perfect combination!

Judy Becker-Cavallon ’60

In May I took a two week trip to Croatia and the Dalmation Coast (cruised there) including Dubrovnik. Likely my last visit to Europe.

The dry triple digit weather here in Tucson this summer was tough, though it began later than usual (mid-June).

Oct 12, 2023

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Sarah Palmer ’60

While I only attended 2 years at Sem, it was fundamental to the development of my confidence as a woman. I just finished my Presidency of the Board of Directors at Zone 7 Water Agency, continue as President of the Board of the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority, am Vice-chair of Region 5 of the Association of California Water Agencies, and am active in Rotary. My wonderful daughter Kate and her husband Vincent continue to bring me joy!

Oct 12, 2023

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Jean Boer Cleverly ’62

I love Buffalo and San Francisco!

Oct 12, 2023

Josephine Townsend Kaestner ’64

Ann Hengerer Masotti, Amy Hamlin, and I met for dinner. Ann was in town for her Middlebury College reunion!

Barbara Feuchter ‘63

I am now taking a course in Improv given on Zoom- fun! On May 20th I walked for National Alliance for Mental Health to raise money to help people suffering from mental issues.

Elizabeth Peo Armstrong ‘62

After 49 wonderful years in the Pacific Northwest we are moving to our summer home in Woods Hole, MA.

My memoir, BEING MYSELF, has just been published. A collection of 100+ vignettes including several from my Buffalo years. From my kilt and circle pin days to my more recent almost tattoo days, all about learning from others but always being myself.

 

Judith Becker-Cavallon ’60

Had a wonderful visit to Buffalo last June. Saw the Magavern-Sutton Courtyard for the first time. Still traveling! Recently returned from a Viking River cruise on the Elbe (Munich to Prague). Plan to escape the desert heat in July ’22 with a tour in Eastern Canada (Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island).

Linda Albee Fallon ’60

Re-elected as Chair, Board of Directors, Floyd Center for the Arts. Enjoyed a two-week respite in Panama, visiting my son and his family. He is with the State Department living in Panama, soon to return to the US and Washington. 

Gail Donaldson ’61

Enjoying Buffalo’s music, arts, theater, and women’s sports. I love Buffalo!

Elizabeth Peo Armstrong ’62

Officially retired as a photographer. Still living happily in the Pacific NW with more opportunities to see our four children and four grandchildren at our summer home in Woods Hole, MA. Always delighted to read about the Class of ’62. With best wishes to all!

Barbara Feuchter ’63

I am retired. I moved to a larger apartment in 2021. I am still actively writing comedy sketches. In addition, I am in a church workshop helping members with mental health issues.

Anne Herrick Lacy ’64

Still running straight out here in northern Wisconsin.

Noel Symons ’67

Helping care for my two adorable young grandchildren keeps me busy!

Gayle Girard Woikey ’70

1966 to 1967 Freshman year English. Mac Mahoney. We studied The Book of Ecclesiastes as Literature. Foundational.

Oct 12, 2023

A Carla Walter Clark ’73

We had a fantastic 50th reunion. I am so thankful for SEM and all the wonderful friends and memories I made there!

Pamela Pozarny ’78

Pam is here visiting from Rome, Italy on the occasion of first granddaughter’s wedding. Nice to have family together after 2 ½ years. She is still working quite a bit in Africa and enjoying her work. (submitted by Pam’s mother)

Alice Strachan Barr ‘74

Thank you to Helen for her amazing leadership over the years. Best wishes to her on her retirement! So well deserved!

Barbara Feuchter ‘63

I am now taking a course in Improv given on Zoom- fun! On May 20th I walked for National Alliance for Mental Health to raise money to help people suffering from mental issues.

Wendy Katz ‘73

I’m writing a note to say that I’m unable to attend the 50th class reunion at SEM. It just won’t work out with our June schedule. I’m disappointed and will miss catching up and seeing everyone attending the event. Looking over the schedule it sounds like it’s going to be fabulous, so y’all enjoy the camaraderie and fun, creating lasting memories throughout the weekend. Please post lots of pictures, videos, etc. so I can giggle and smile. Sending greetings and love to my not forgotten, extraordinary classmates of ‘73. Fondly, Wendy

Gayle Girard Woikey '70

Gayle just returned from the English Channel island of Guernsey. My ancestral home. Amazing trip. Many wonderful people. Anglican Church is alive! Still have relatives there. Many kind people.
Nazi Occupation Museum was enlightening! Many citizens suffered- some were sent to interment camps in Germany. Starvation. Forced out of their homes. No fuel or wood for heating. Both Jews and Christians were silenced. Current people there seem to have good attitudes and values.

Katrina VanArsdale Drouhard ’72

So much fun at our 50th reunion. Thank you all!

Kelly Swanson '72

Moving back to Buffalo two years ago has given me the opportunity to reengage in the SEM community and see firsthand the fantastic work being done to provide these young women with academic, athletic, and community engagement excellence. Also a deep note of gratitude to Head of School Helen Marlette and all she has done for SEM during her tenure. Her ongoing and relentless efforts to make everything better are remarkable. She will be missed when she retires but never will her efforts be forgotten. Happy to support the Buffalo Seminary! Go Jackets!

Pia Doro ’76

I have three beautiful grandkids in Southern California.

Molly Dellinger-Wray '77

 

Elizabeth Dutton Bourne ’77

Hello Semmies! Life goes on here outside of NYC. We had been able to spend more time in Bay Beach this past summer. Hope to get to see more of you this summer. Connected with Elena Cacavas ’77. Fun to have other SEM folks around…even if she was a Jacket. ;) Go Hornets!

Isabella Bannerman ’78

Hello SEM friends. I keep up with classmates via Facebook, and also enjoy posting my cartoons for "Six Chix" there. Have been to San Francisco from time to time to visit my mom and sister Francesca (Class of 1976). In addition to producing work for King Features' "Six Chix", I have been contributing short editorial stories to a publication called "World War 3 Illustrated.” Our 52nd issue titled "My Body, Our Choice" will be filled with stories about women's health, and will be out in June 2023 - published by AKPress. I am also working part time at Apple Grand Central, selling iPhones. My schedule varies, but I have been able to greet Buffalo friends here and there when they are passing through the terminal.

Ann Baumler Harrington ’79

I started a part-time job at the RVNA Health Association in their outpatient rehabilitation clinic last March. I am enjoying helping people stay and move well. My husband Steve and I, and our son, Dan, just came back from a trip to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Gorgeous views and high temperatures. Looking forward to a Buffalo trip next year.

Tara Cox Matise ’82

I'm still enjoying my job as Chair of the Department of Genetics at Rutgers University. Forever grateful to Mrs. O'Day! I really enjoyed Reunion last year, and wish I could have seen more from '82!

Oct 12, 2023

Dorothea Reed Martel ‘82

I’m a Grandma (to Hudson Reed Martel)!

Sarah Larkin ’84

Can’t believe my youngest daughter just graduated from high school. Still working as a family physician in Pittsburgh. Can’t wait to see what empty nest years bring.

Ann Hayes Atkinson ’84

Amy Hayes Atkinson took a position as Attorney Recruiting Manager with Hodgson Russ LLP.

Kate Holloway Gagne ’86

I remarried last year to Michael Gagne and we recently moved toward the coast of Maine to Harpswell. We are retired (Michael after 38 years with UPS - not having to deal with Christmas packages anymore!) and have six kids between us (ages 14 to 26). All live nearby on the East coast and are frequent visitors. No marriages or babies yet but a couple of long-term romances that could be something soon. We’ll see! The older kids are all working and in various stages of college, while Noah is a junior in high school and Sasha, a freshman. It’s always nice to see news of friends and goings on. SEM has certainly grown. Great years fondly remembered. Go Jackets!

Melissa Peer Wyrick ’91

Melissa is working in the Rome, NY city school district in the Special Education Department. She is also a ski school director for Woods Valley Ski Area.

Julianne Piotrowski Nery ’91

I am still in Chicago, and I started my own law firm this year which is Nonprofit Legal Services LLC. I offer legal and governance services to small and mid-sized Illinois nonprofits.  I'm super excited to start this new professional path.

Jessie Schnell Fisher ’92

Jessie was named the Executive Director of the Martin House in Buffalo, NY.

Dr. Victoria Brooks ’94

The Mental Health Advocates of WNY awarded Dr. Victoria Brooks of the Erie County Medical Center with the Professional of the Year Award at their 60th Anniversary Gala March 2022.

Darcy Hirsh ’98

Congratulations to Darcy who is now serving as Associate Vice President, Public Affairs and Government Relations at The Jewish Federations of North America. 

Katie Dorn ’02

Katie, and her husband Jesse, had a baby boy on January 19, 2023, Fritz Dorn-Anders.

Casey Perley ’04

Casey and her husband Neil Hollenbeck welcomed daughter Clara in March of 2022. Go Jackets!

Moira Giammaresi Lewis ’05

Moira Lewis and her husband Patrick welcomed daughter Phoebe Kathleen Lewis on July 21, 2022.

Natalie Hofert-Wettlaufer ’05

I am enjoying life in Buffalo as a photographer with my two kids, husband, and puppy.

Rebecca Ott Mueller ’07

Rebecca Ott married Paul Mueller October 10, 2022.

Yasmeen Collins ’18

Yasmeen was awarded a Master of Science degree from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. So proud of her! (submitted by Yasmeen’s grandparents)

Tracy Kreppel Wiley ’11

Tracy and her husband, Jason, welcomed a son, Bennett Michael, on August 27, 2022.

Grace Clauss Wannemacher ’12

Grace Clauss married Patrick Wannemacher on September 17, 2022 and her “something borrowed” was the SEM bus!

Sydney Mecca ’15

Sydney Mecca was promoted to full-time marketing & development coordinator at Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve.

Allana DePaz ’18

Allana DePaz and Michon A. Dudley welcomed a baby boy, Michon Amir Dudley Jr., on May 31, 2022

Nora Collins ’22

Nora is returning to Trinity College Dublin for her second year. She is working at Camp
Onyahsa as Director of the Waterfront for the summer of 2023. (submitted by Nora’s father)