Marjorie Blakeney Filmyer
215-925-2348
mbfilmyer@comcast.net

Dear classmates: Thank you for the many replies via mail and phone which I received in response to my plea for news. As you can imagine, several of us have been attending funeral services. Shirley Benson Rice received word of the passing of Ginny Bare Francis, P’72 from Ginny’s daughter after she had attended the service for Doris Reininger DeHart in October 2014. Ginny mentioned that Doris had received the Distinguished Graduate Award in recognition of “her decade of contribution to society.” In addition, she was a “dedicated public servant who served on over a dozen state boards.” Bette Blome Winyall reported that Milt has suffered some traumatic injuries, but they push on helped by “four wonderful and exceptional grandsons.” Bette is chairman of the Little Theater Company and is slated to direct the April production. Janet Beck Agnew is now living with her daughter and can be reached at 1390 Southern Hills Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45013.  She comments that, in time, she’ll get use to the colder weather as compared to living in North Carolina. M.F. Six Copenhaver is happy to report the last family wedding of her grandchildren and the arrival of the third great-grandchild. M.F. got together with Joan Lowry Taylor and Jean Oliver Reymer and her husband Bob. What did they do? Talked and talked! Ever faithful to my reporting requests, Corinne “Corky” Edwards Shulman reported time spent in NYC for the engagement party of her granddaughter Maile. Corky grew up in the “big apple” and enjoys returning. Louise Ford Ralph enjoyed the lovely wedding of a grandchild in Savannah–she even had fun dancing the night away. Louise mentioned that Terry Montrastell Meier is managing with a positive attitude regarding the stroke that has impaired one side of her body. Jayne Gillis deConstant called to tell me that she had five feet of snow against her back door. She’s grateful for having a son with a snow blower to shovel her out. Luckily, she hasn’t experienced a power outage as so many have. Barbara Heiss Jackson is feeling the loss of another dear friend – Ginny Bare Francis, P’72 leaving only four of the Round Robin Contacts remaining. Elaine Henderson Cortelyou enjoyed the Christmas season with a visit from her family and returned with them to Raleigh, N.C. Elaine attended her 70th high school reunion last June. Her “lunch bunch” members are slowly dwindling in numbers. Katherine “Katsy” Maguire Rafferty no longer has her mountain condo, but continues to enjoy driving trips from Colorado to California. She topped off this year’s travels with a two-week river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Mary McClain O’Connell has given up her frequent tennis matches but enjoys spending time with her many good friends where she lives. She loves catching up with you all by reading the Hood class notes. The good news is that Louise “Tootie” Renninger Rittenhouse, P’74, G’07 has recovered from her 4th melanoma surgery. Unfortunately, her home suffered roof damage from one of the recent winter storms. I, Marjorie Blakeney Filmyer, am growing weary of the snow and cold weather that has limited my activity this winter.  Despite the winter weather, I was able to make a trip to the Midwest to visit my dear brother. I remain living in my home in Philadelphia and enjoy the company of my friends, children and grandchildren that live near-by. News from our class always brightens my day.  In addition to those specifically mentioned, I heard from Anne Chaney Mesmer and Elizabeth “Betty” Paterson Reims that all is well with them and they look forward to reading your news. Thanks for staying in touch and best wishes for a healthy 2015.