Life after college
Since my last column in 2022, I have been notified of the passing of these classmates: Lee Bowen (Aug. 13, 2021), Mary “Pat” Doub Thompson (June 20, 2022), Richard “Dick” Kline (Feb. 9, 2023), Doris Burkert Galvin (Feb. 11, 2023), Bob Truitt (May 10, 2023), Arthur McKinstry (June 8, 2023), Beverly Parsons Carter (June 8, 2023), Charles “Chuck” Smith (Dec. 1, 2023), Carol Bingham Prendergast (July 22, 2023), Herb Sell (Jan. 26, 2024), and David Bailey (Feb. 8, 2024). My saddest note is the passing of John “Jack” Goettee, my beloved husband of 66 years, on July 20, 2024. That nasty COVID-19 virus came out of the blue with no symptoms and after five vaccinations that began a downward spiral in his condition over the course of 18 months. I cared for him at home, with assistance. Three unfortunate hospital experiences also occurred during that time. My supportive family of three children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren were wonderful, even though most of them live far away from New Windsor, Maryland. They were here with me when needed and on the phone daily. One granddaughter and great-grandson live close to me. My 24-year-old grandson from New Mexico has been living with us for three years and continues to be a tremendous help to me. My life is definitely different now, but I am slowly adapting to it and returning to several of my favorite activities, like reading, knitting, church activities, and re-establishment of my 20-year-old book club!
Mike Savarese continues to send me updates about his life. He is still enjoying life as always, golfing at his community course in Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida, as well as at a fine selection of nearby venues. The pool, spa, and gym time continue as well. This is all enjoyed with Daleann as they continue into the seventh year of their loving relationship. Although he has not returned to the McDaniel campus for many years, Daleann and Mike had the pleasure and honor to enjoy an evening with our wonderful President Julia Jasken and Martin Hill, a noteworthy trustee, and several alumni at a gathering at Martin’s home in Sarasota, Florida.
Karin Shade James says she has been living alone in her own home for the past 10 years, staying socially active and even being able to drive at night. She feels very fortunate for that. Andy, her only surviving child, and Karin spent a weekend together in Hanover, Pennsylvania, visiting some of her old high school friends. Karin says that she keeps in touch with Jean Goode Stahl, and she also had a long phone conversation with Marge Pott Ensinger, who lives just 10 minutes away from her. Occasionally they meet for lunch.
Bob Butler and Barbara Willis Butler ’60 are busily trying to keep up with their 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They still live in and maintain their home, but they joke that Walgreens Pharmacy has contacted them to open a branch in their basement! They are fortunate to be able to do most of the things they like to do and are blessed by a large, diverse, and wonderful family who care for them and bring them great happiness.
Anna Jarrell is now living at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and she says that she is very happy there with lots of activities. Anna recently had knee replacement surgery but is progressing very well with therapy and lots of exercise.
Del Kohl, M.Ed. ’70 wants all to know that he and Barbara Moreau Kohl ’60 are still in their cottage at the Acts Manor House in Seaford, Delaware, where they have lived for the past 10 years. Del stays in touch with Denny Harmon, M.Ed. ’61.
Joan Durno Claybrooke says she and John have become homebodies, but thank God for everything they did when they first met. Joan uses a walker now, and they recently celebrated John’s 95th birthday.
Marjorie Pott Ensinger and her husband, Stuart, stay busy with their Bible studies, which is truly their lifeblood. Stuart does a wonderful job of managing household needs and activities and cooks many of their delicious meals. Marge has been organizing their family genealogy for future generations. This has brought her much satisfaction, although it will always be an uncompleted task. They are truly blessed to have a good, happy, and loving relationship with both of their children. Just one year ago, their daughter-in-law Becky was diagnosed with cancer. She received 12 low doses of chemotherapy combined with a targeted drug, many radiation treatments, and much prayer. She also received a number of non-traditional/alternative treatments. Scans in October 2024 showed the areas of concern were now mostly normal. They thank God for the good report!
Bob Radcliffe and Helen Boardman Radcliffe are still on the North Carolina coast. Bob still goes crabbing and Helen continues her artwork. They keep in touch with Denny Harmon, M.Ed. ’61; Charlie Phipps ’55; and Ginnie Tull Phipps.
Bruce Taylor spends a lot of time looking back on memories of a lifetime. Graduation day, 68 years ago, was such a proud moment for him. On the way over to get in line, he ran into Dr. H. P. Sturdivant. Bruce was a Biology major in his department, but his interest in biology quickly dimmed after his freshman year and hit rock bottom when he was persuaded to take botany! He wishes for that time back. Anyway, after they said their goodbyes, Dr. Sturdivant’s last words to Bruce were: “Don’t let them work you too hard.” Did he really know? In November 2023, Bruce’s wife of over 60 years passed away after an eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, and a lot of his joy of life went with her. So many of the people who touched his life are no longer alive except in memories. He lives alone in the house that his wife chose 48 years ago, but he has a cat that “keeps me on my toes.”
Paul Ensor has spent considerable time going through memorabilia that his wife Mary-West Pitts Ensor, who passed away in January 2019, had saved. He recently found an article titled “Growing Old” that was written by one of Mary-West’s favorite professors, Esther Smith. When Paul read the most recent copy of The Hill, he realized how appropriate her words were. The first paragraph of the article began, “Old age took me by surprise. It was not wanted, it was not expected, I was not prepared for, it was just suddenly here, an unwelcomed piece of inevitability.” Smith ended her piece with, “The miracle of life. The power of love. The acceptance of death. The life everlasting of the spirit, and the mystery of memory … the sweet mystery of memory.” Paul went on to say, “It is those last words that enabled my thoughts to share the memories related to classmates and experiences in our graduating Class of 1957 at WMC! Aside from my memorable wife of 62 years, another memorable event occurred this past July 20 when Dr. John ‘Jack’ Goettee passed away after an extended illness. Jack was not only our family dentist, but he was like a brother. Our families grew up together and the kids were like brothers and sisters. Family camping trips, square dancing, dinner theatres, etc. Both wives volunteered at The Strawbridge Shrine in New Windsor. Several of our kids are also graduates of WMC/McDaniel. It was an honor for me to participate in the Celebration of Life service for Jack. I had actually met Marian Scheder Goettee in the eighth grade, but it was WMC that initiated our lifetime of friendship and memories. At almost 90 years of age, life would not have been the same with any success or happiness without the contacts and recommendations inspired by the professors, friends, and classmates of WMC/McDaniel.”
Marian Scheder Goettee1957 Class Reporter
