1954

Jean Baker Leister Weikert
717-624-3960

A surprise phone call and conversation from Jean Bannerman in Belleville, Ontario, disclosed she has had shingles, which affected her vision. She reminisced about growing up in Canada and participated in a geologic survey following “Agnes.” She’s had both hips done surgically several years ago. After graduating from Hood, she lived in Canada and Virginia. She nearly married. She has endured Guillain-Barré syndrome, resulting in her being in George Washington U. Hospital four and a half months; she had to learn to re-use every muscle in her body. She taught history, political science, ancient and English history at U. of Colorado; was involved with social studies. She obtained a master’s degree in sociology as well as in history while at Oxford. Our classmate retired in 1988 and learned her mother became blind. Her address includes living in her grandparents’ home consisting of two cottages that are constructed in a horseshoe formation. Having the opportunity to scan The “Williamsonian,” a newsletter of Williamson College of the Trades in Media, PA, I noticed an article of the passing of a classmate’s husband. My husband Mark attended Williamson from 1950 to 1953. As we are downsizing and clearing files, the spring 2001 edition showed a picture and article concerning Anne Funk Maxwell’s husband Howard Maxwell. Max passed away peacefully at home in March 2001 after a long illness. Anne preceded Max in death in 1988. Max was described as a committed educator and had served as president of Williamson College from 1985 to 1987. A good friend of Williamson all his life, they appreciated his loyalty and efforts as their President. A graduate of Gettysburg College in 1952, he served as a Navy officer during the Korean War. After receiving his MAT from Harvard U., he taught in Newtown, MA, Public Schools and then became director of alumni relations of Gettysburg College (concurrent with our classmate Anne Funk’s serving as Hood’s alumni officer—that mutual opportunity enabled their meeting). Max continued his educational career at U. of Michigan; earned his doctorate from SUNY Albany; was dean of students at Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY; VP of Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities for State of NY. Then Williamson president before serving as president of Girard College, Philadelphia, a school he attended from age 7. Charlotte Rees Miura passed away unexpectedly Sept. 2, 2016 in Madison, WI. Married to Dr. Akira Miura, a professor of Japanese at the University of Wisconsin. Their family consists of son Asa and daughter Hana. Asa and his wife have two children—Kin, 11, and Risa, 7. Our deepest sympathy to the Miura family. It was so thoughtfully kind of daughter Hana to call me to inform me of her mother’s passing. Charlotte earned a bachelor’s degree from Hood as a history major and a master’s in education from Columbia University. Joan Wagner Tolbert endured several years of experiencing multiple myeloma. Mark and I were able to attend her funeral Oct. 8, 2016 at Middle Springs Presbyterian Church, Shippensburg, PA. We had the privilege of sharing sorrow with that family. Joan and her deceased husband’s granddaughter, Hannah, attends Hood College as a sophomore and gratefully wears her grandmother’s Hood Ring, which Joan was able to give to her. Rod was influential at Shippensburg University where he taught and later was invited to help establish Shippensburg’s graduate program in education after serving as school superintendent in a nearby school district. Rod preceded Joan in death by several years. Having endured bone cancer, Mark and I felt blessed in having Joan and Rod’s presence at our wedding Sept. 29, 2012. Betty Remsberg DeColigny faithfully keeps in touch while continuing to care for husband Warren. Their daughters and granddaughters keep them inspired. Granddaughter Erin Thomas graduated from Frostburg University with a degree in psychology, is an honor student and is now studying for a master’s degree in sociology from Salisbury University. The second granddaughter of Warren and Betty’s triplets, Kelli Thomas was married Sept. 17. Completing the triad, Cindy Armentrout and Christopher Ray married July 11, 2015. Warren and Betty are lighthouse fans and have toured extensively in the U.S. to continue their travel focus on them. Recent cruises they have celebrated included one from Baltimore Harbor to the Caribbean plus a bus trip to New England; Mystic Harbor, CT; Boston, MA; and Southern Maine. Dr. Betsy D. Oehrle reported, “Audley Gardens had a wonderful month of November in the U.S. seeing old friends—first Mary-Lou Springhorn Leidheiser ’52 flew from Chicago to Pittsburgh. We had three very special days together. Then I went to see dear Jane Taggart Whittaker ’52, P’78 in New Jersey on my way back to South Africa. We had a joyous time in Princeton, NJ, with Sally, her youngest. Even drove down the street where I saw Albert Einstein in 1955. It was so good to be home, but for the results of the election. I pray that all will be better than we expect, and if not, that we can make it better. Greetings to all with love and joy. Betsy.” Your class correspondent is moving from 2220 Ritner Highway Carlisle, PA, to 13 Fulton Dr., Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford, PA, 17350-9382. New telephone is 717-624-3960. Mark and I feel blessed to fully experience the rest of our lives in this peaceful retirement community.