Mary-Lou Springhorn Leidheiser
828-693-0630
mlouleid6@gmail.com

Evelyn Bischoff Mitchell proudly reported that her granddaughter has won the highest Girl Scout honor awarded and will be feted at the State Capitol in Massachusetts. That good news helps blunt the sad news of her son’s death from cancer. Betsy Cannen Martin and Jack will be moving to a retirement community in Williamsport, Md., this summer. Natalie Colbert Bowers and her son attended the elegant, farewell party for President Volpe. See how lovely our May Queen looked by checking the Hood website photos. Betsy Dowling Barclay reported, “I spent Easter weekend in St. Mary’s County, Md., visiting my extended family. A grandson is having a destination wedding in Florence, Italy in September. Unfortunately, I am unable to travel there as I am on oxygen 24/7. I’m awaiting the birth of my 1st great-granddaughter.”  Doris Dreller Sosin was honored with The President’s Award from the Santa Monica Conservancy.  Dee, with co-founder Tom Cleys, established the organization in 2002 to preserve the city’s architectural heritage. Dorothy Handley Ewing moved to assisted living after her 97-day stay in the health care unit last fall. “I’m thankful that I had super help from nieces, nephews, friends and stepdaughter. I love my apartment and the political discussions with tablemates at meals.” Von Hepburn Virtue still enjoys theater, concerts and opera in and around Denver, plus weekly visits with her son and his wife. “I’m busy with the daily stock market. Scrabble is a favorite game when I’m not reading. I speak with roomy Claire Enany Trimpey.” Emma Jones Hann is busy volunteering with hospice, serving as a Presbyterian church elder, quilting, caring for her rescue cats and researching Hann genealogy. Joan Kniffin Orozco wrote, “My biggest news is that I have two great-grandchildren. They are such fun; I’m always going over to see them, what a blessing!!” Ruth Matthews Alger has moved back to her eastern Maryland condo, P.O. Box H, St. Michael’s, 221663. Phone: 410-745-3886. Her four children all live nearby. Madge Merkley Ziegler reported, “Jack and I spend six months on Daufuskie Island, S.C. to get away from the snow and ice in Pennsylvania. Our four children and eight grandchildren visit often–the last three are college freshman.” Mary Murrie Hardy reported, “We don’t travel anymore, except to family affairs, and that’s just a short ride away. Bob has heart problems and tires easily. We are proud great-grandparents of three and grandparents of 17. Everyone is healthy and busy; we are blessed.” Betsy Newcomer Payette still sees Barbara Hickman Reynolds, P’80 at Red Hat functions and talks weekly to Carolyn Rusk. “I enjoyed visiting friends in Mississippi in March–a welcome change from our Pennsylvania cold temperatures.” Ann Nygren Greenberg is savoring forsythia blooms after the bleak winter. “No special news but my knees and elbows are still working.” Dody Nygren Wisnom has moved to an assisted living facility. Sam visits every morning to share breakfast with her. Mary Sihler Sauerteig joined your reporter for Easter brunch, does Pilates weekly, volunteers at the Brevard Arts Council, the Brevard Music Center and Philharmonic Orchestra. Kay Spear Feldmann is awaiting the birth of her first great- grandchild in June and another grandchild’s marriage in August. “Excitement! At 84, I feel lucky to be in good health and able to participate in life.” Jane Taggart Whittaker, P’78 has moved from her beach home built by Frank’s father in 1948, to an apartment in Brandywine Senior Living 143 Franklin Ave, Pennington, NJ. 08534. Phone: 609-730-1401. “It’s like coming home.” (Frank and Jane had lived in Princeton for 25 years). She now is near two sons and daughter Sally. Nancy von der Heyde Needham has resigned as a hospital volunteer after 29 years.  “Keeping the home fires burning. Lots of company, mostly college kids. They love the beach (Virginia Beach).  I have 17 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Favorite pastime is fishing off my dock. Talk to Jeanne Zimmerman Gearey, P’79 (my roommate along with Ginny Green McDermott).” Jackie Wakeling is recovering, now at home, from a broken pelvis. She and Jack hope to move to a retirement community in June. Heartfelt sympathy to classmates who have lost their husbands: Dee Dreller Sosin (Rolfe E. Wyer), Ruth Matthews Alger (Shirley Alger), Franne Pickle Wetmore (Orville Wetmore) and to the family of Nancy Howk Forman. I have a new right knee. I joined Natalie Colbert Bowers and Jeanne Zimmerman Gearey, P’79 at Hood for the dedication of the beautiful fountain donated in Jeanne’s honor by her children. Keep in touch!