Life after college
Alfred “Al” Bright ’50 wrote in for the first time, saying “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in touch with classmates of WMC.” After graduation, Al worked as a trainee at an insurance company in New York City, but one month later, North Korea invaded South Korea, and he knew he’d be called for active duty. He had planned to enter grad school in September, but that had to be postponed. He started active duty in December and spent the next year in the U.S. as a training officer at Fort Dix. He then had advanced training at Fort Benning until February 1952, when he was stationed in Tokyo. Al arrived home in March 1953 and in April returned to the training program that had been interrupted. That summer, Al met Barbara on a blind date, and they were married in April 1954. The marriage resulted in two children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren so far. Al had a career as a financial planner, primarily working with family-owned businesses, creating pension and health insurance plans for company executives. He was also working with their attorneys and accountants to establish their clients’ estate plans for their businesses’ continuation as well as to create gifts and trusts for their families. Al turned off his business computer when he reached 90; Barbara died Jan. 6, 2021. For more than 30 years, Al has lived in White Plains, New York, during the warm months and for the past three years in Jupiter, Florida, post-Thanksgiving through April.
Paul Parlette ’83 says that his mom, Edith “Edee” Sanner Parlette, is hanging in there and celebrates her 98th birthday in September. She is pleased that her descendants include three sons, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. It is always nice to see her smile, says Paul.
Russell Morris and Carol Lowe Morris still reside on their family farm, Moracre Farm, in Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania. After retiring many years ago, they continue to enjoy time with their family, including two children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Ruth Holland Isear has been living in Wilmington, North Carolina, for 17 years since leaving Maryland to be near her son, Jai, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons, who are only 10 minutes away! Ruth maintains her home, drives, and walks Jenni, her black Lab, a quarter mile in the morning and half mile in the afternoon. At her church, she trains fourth graders to be acolytes, and attends church every Sunday to “robe and review their duties” for three services. A teacher all her life, God’s choice, she continues to serve Him, to love these young people as she did in Maryland, for more than 20 years.
Hello to all you Class of 1950 grads! I’m still functioning, just a little slower. I stay busy with the help of some caregivers and my three daughters, two of whom are retiring from their jobs this spring. Unbelievable! I turned 94 last November and am still feeling good.
Marion Auld Geyer1950 Class Reporteralumni@mcdaniel.edu