Tag Archives: Class of 1955

Sylvia Mason Chisholm Evans ’55

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Sylvia Mason Chisholm Evans died Wednesday, September 8, 2021. She was raised at Mass Audubon, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary by her late parents Ed Mason, founding director and Mina Mason, founding mother. Along with her sister Patsy Mason, who died just 5 days earlier, here they formed the foundation for the rest of their lives. Sylvia was at all times at her best as a wife, mother, landscape architect, and a world traveler. She leaves behind her husband Dennis Evans, daughter COL. Lisa Chisholm US Army ret., son Chris Chisholm and his wife Kristin Chisholm, and grandchildren, Nick, Jason and Matt Chisholm. She was predeceased by her first husband Lee Chisholm, former town planner for Farmington. In lieu of flowers or gifts, hold on to somebody you love, they may not always be with you. Goodbye Sylvia, my love Dennis. Our thanks to all our new friends at Avon Health Center.

Posted in: 1950s

Janet Babcock Carlson ’55

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Janet Alta Carlson, age 81 years, of Holland Township, NJ, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Born in Boston, Mass., on June 13, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Wilmot and Eula Lyman Babcock. She had resided in Hunterdon County, N.J., since 1974.
A graduate of Hood College, Janet was a retired nurse.
Mrs. Carlson was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church, Flemington, N.J., where she loved singing in the choir. Her beautiful voice and love of music led her to participate in many choral groups over her lifetime.
Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Raymond Johns of Watchung, N.J.; Karen and Scott Holmes of Ringoes, N.J., and Debra and Darren Dalley of Milford, N.J.; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Amy Carlson of Malvern, Pa.; her sister, Patricia Babcock ’58, of Storrs, Conn.; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services and interment in Calvary Episcopal Church Memorial Garden will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10 a.m. under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Flemington, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, 9100 Wescott Drive, Suite 202, Flemington, N.J., 08822 to benefit Briteside Adult Day Center.

Posted in: 1950s

Sloane Barker, Jr. ’55

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Sloane Barker, Jr., age 80, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Casa Hospice at the Hacienda in Tucson, AZ. Born on March 20, 1937 in New York City, Sloane lived a life that was defined by love and dedication to family. As an only child, Sloane grew up in Bronxville, New York and attended Allegheny College with his high school sweetheart, Donna Larrimore Stevens. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity while at Allegheny and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Sloane and Donna were married on September 13, 1959 in Ford Memorial Chapel on the Allegheny College campus before moving to Pittsburgh where he attended the University of Pittsburgh, earning a master’s degree in Retail Management. Spending most of his career with companies like Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, Sloane managed retail clothing stores in Palm Beach and Miami Beach, FL, Stamford, CT, New York City, and Palo Alto, CA. Sloane and Donna were married for 58 years and raised three sons, Chip, Scott, and Glenn. Sloane was an avid sports enthusiast, and lifelong Dodgers fan. He loved golf and served on the Board of Directors at Alta Sierra Golf & Country Club in Grass Valley, CA and was a Legacy Donor at Oro Valley Country Club in Oro Valley, AZ. Sloane is survived by his wife, Donna; their three sons, Chip, Scott, and Glenn; and their four grandchildren, Camille Linda Barker, Dustin Glenn Barker, Rachel Lee Barker, and Adam Joseph Larrimore.

Posted in: 1950s

Joan (Taylor) Wilson Turner ’55

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Joan Wilson Turner, of Modesto, CA, was born on June 27, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte Taylor and Dr. St. Elmo Taylor. A graduate of the Northampton School for Girls, Smith College and Boston University, Joan was trained as a teacher of the deaf and blind and later went on to work in the public school system in Washington, DC. Embarking upon a second career as an entrepreneur in the 1970s, Joan owned clothing stores in Brooklyn, NY and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL. She also sold many health and wellness products in her later years and most recently was a representative for ViSalus. Joan passed away on August 31, 2019.  Her memory will be cherished by her husband Lewis Turner, daughter Jan Abernathy, son-in-law Jerome Abernathy, stepchildren Louis Turner and Lorraine Little, grandchildren Alyce and Sam Abernathy, niece Lee Nelms, nephew Michael Taylor, and many friends throughout the world. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Eugene Taylor. She was a faithful member of the Wellspring Anglican Church in Modesto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation in Modesto.

Posted in: 1950s

Jack D. Hathaway ’55

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With sad but peaceful hearts we announce the death of Jack Dalton Hathaway. Jack passed away peacefully at home in Woodstown, New Jersey, early Tuesday morning, May 14, 2019 at age 83. Born January 11, 1936 to Harry and Edith Clark Dalton in Ware, Massachusetts, Jack’s biological father died at an early age and Jack was subsequently adopted by his stepfather Holland Marsh Hathaway, whom he always considered his father. Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gertrude “Trudi” Huber Hathaway and their two sons, John Clark Hathaway (Judy) and Douglas Huber Hathaway (Nan) and their five grandchildren, Evan, Clark, Caroline, Elizabeth and Hillary. He is also survived by his brother Clark P. Hathaway (Linda). Jack grew up in Nahant, Massachusetts and Barrington, Rhode Island. He attended Barrington High School and Williston Academy, a boarding preparatory school in Easthampton, Massachusetts, where he lettered in soccer and basketball. In 1959 he graduated from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and History. He earned a Master’s in Education from Shippensburg University in 1968. His athletic career in soccer and basketball followed him to Gettysburg College and in 2008, Jack was inducted into the Gettysburg College Hall of Athletic Honor. At Gettysburg Jack was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. After college, Jack served in the Army and married his college sweetheart. He began his teaching and coaching careers in 1962 at Waynesboro High School in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. In 1968 his family moved to South Jersey where he accepted a position as teacher and head basketball coach at Pennsville Memorial High School. In 1980 Jack established the boys’ varsity soccer program at Pennsville High School and coached for many years. Jack truly loved teaching and coaching and made a difference in the lives of many of his students as evidenced by letters he often received years after they graduated. In 1984 he was named New Jersey Social Studies Teacher of the Year and in 1990 he was an exchange teacher to Russia with a program called “Hands Across the Water”. Community volunteerism was always a significant part of Jack’s life. When he moved to South Jersey, he became involved immediately with the Salem County YMCA, which allowed him to work with the youth in the Woodstown area. After his retirement in 1993 from public education he took on numerous volunteer positions. He was a board member of the American Red Cross for NJ – PA and for 18 years he coordinated the Woodstown Red Cross Blood Drive. He was a Salem County Habitat Board member and was President from 1999 – 2002; past chairperson of the Woodstown Historic Preservation Commission; a founding member of the Woodstown Beautification Committee and worked endlessly to secure funding for lampposts and flags in the Borough of Woodstown. Jack was a valued mentor in the Interfaith Council Tutoring Program for 18 years and was a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels. In 2017 he was recognized for his decades of volunteer leadership by receiving the Woodstown Outstanding Citizen Award. Although he served on several boards and committees within the Woodstown Presbyterian Church, he always felt that his time as a Deacon was the most important. He went on three Mission Trips to Romania to help build a Christian Orphanage and numerous mission trips within the U.S. Jack loved spending time in Cape May with his family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was gathering twice a month with his Hearts group always with a goal of “shooting the moon”. An extra special pastime of Jack’s was playing team sports with the Salem County Civic Softball League and the Pennsville Basketball Rec League. Jack and Trudi along with friends loved exploring far away destinations, the Scandinavian countries were Jack’s favorites. But his greatest joy was sitting and talking with his children and five grandchildren. A Memorial Service will take place at the Woodstown Presbyterian Church, 46 Auburn Street, Woodstown, NJ on May 31, 2019 at 11:00 am with a light lunch and visitation time following the service. Burial will take place in the church Memorial Garden at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Woodstown Beautification Committee c/o Lester Robeson, 160 East Avenue, Woodstown, NJ 08098 or the Woodstown Presbyterian Church, 46 Auburn Street, Woodstown, NJ 08098.

Posted in: 1950s

Barbara Allen Roberts ’55

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Barbara Theo (Allen) Roberts, age 82, of Framingham, MA, passed away March 7, 2019, with her family by her side after a long illness. Barbara was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Allen in Springfield, MA on December 6, 1937. Barbara attended Northampton School for Girls and graduated from Classical High School in 1955. She continued her education at Boston University graduating with a degree in 1959. Born and raised in Springfield and Longmeadow, MA, she spent the bulk of her life in Framingham, MA, before moving to Dublin, OH where four of her grandchildren resided for the final years of her life. For 40 of those years she lived in a house she cherished and often described her bedroom as “living amidst nature in a glass treehouse.” Barbara married the late Sumner B. Roberts in 1962 and they are survived by two children: Emily Wick of Norfolk, MA and Andrew Roberts (Mimi Rivard) of Dublin, OH. She was predeceased by her beloved son-in-law K. Bryant Wick Jr. She is survived by five grandchildren: Grady Wick, Sumner “Chappie” Wick, Simone Rivard-Roberts, Andre Roberts and Derara Roberts. Each of them will miss the pocket money stealthily bestowed on them with each interaction with their Grammy. Barbara also leaves behind her loving sister Carol (Harvey) Gloth and their children Larry (Danielle) and Joey Ann. She truly loved keeping in touch with her aunts and uncles and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Barbara loved keeping track of her extended family and bestowing thoughtful gifts upon them as they graduated, married, and had children of their own. She also had a strong belief in the power of cards for all occasions and hand written thank you notes; a lost art in her humble opinion. Barbara was an accomplished interior designer and loved creating spaces filled with beautiful and functional things that had great meaning and fit the lifestyles of her grateful clients. Barbara loved to travel and often regaled her friends and family with stories about the places she had been and the people she had seen. Barbara was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, and was a fiercely loyal mother and grandmother. “In for a penny, in for a pound” was her view of her family and she never gave up on a soul whose corner she was in. Barbara was not the sort of person who wanted one to be confused about where she stood on any particular issue, and she was much appreciated for her sage counsel on all manner of life’s issues. Late in life, Barbara continued to show her independence, autonomy and courage when faced with challenging health news. Barbara chose to forego treatment and focus on the quality of her remaining life and lived three times past her initial prognosis on a strict diet of milkshakes and hamburgers. Her family takes great solace in knowing she lived her life exactly the way she wanted to right up until her passing. Her gratitude, humility and humor in her final year were a wonder to behold. A Celebration of Life event will be held in Barbara’s honor on April 5th, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at The Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA. Please reach out to the family if you plan to attend. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that people make donations in Barbara’s name to a cause she held dear due to the impact it had on her family: the American Diabetes Association . Please mail gifts to: 40 Speen Street Framingham, MA 01701.

Posted in: 1950s

William M. Ferguson ’55

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William MacKay Ferguson of Pembroke Parish, Bermuda, beloved husband of Marlene, passed away in his 83rd year. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at Christ Church Warwick, The Church of Scotland, Middle Road, Warwick Parish on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 3 p.m. Interment will follow the service in Wesley Methodist Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Pembroke. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Agape House, Friends of Hospice at Suite 124, 48 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11 or online to www.friendsofhospice.bm.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law: Jeanne Fothergill; nieces: Kristy Angeli, Lisa Lacey (Stuart); great-nieces: Francesca Angeli, Gemma Angeli; great-nephews: Etham and Max Lacey; first cousins: Dianne Wilkie (Bruce), Rod Ferguson (Martha), Jeanette MacDonald (Ian), Kerrylou Bell (Lee), Joan Wurst, Grant Briggs and Joe Briggs; other relatives, and many friends. Colours may be worn.

Posted in: 1950s

William H. Aydelotte ’55

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William H. “Willie” Aydelotte, 82, passed away October 3, 2017 at his home in Reno, NV. Willie was born in Schenectady, NY on August 14, 1935 to William and Margaret Aydelotte. Willie grew up in Schenectady and attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA and Bryant College in Providence, RI where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Upon graduation, Willie went to work for the Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, CT. Although he was trained in all facets of the Life, accident and Health Departments, he eventually was placed in the Employee Benefits Division. After a year of training, The Travelers transferred him to their branch office in San Francisco, CA.

After several years in the insurance industry, Willie was lured away by a client who wanted him to head a recreational facility near Heavenly Valley, CA. Willie sold his insurance agency and moved to South Lake Tahoe where he helped to develop several townhouse and recreational facilities. Eventually the real estate venture failed and Willie was forced to move to Reno where he became a real estate agent until his retirement in 1995.

One evening, a friend invited Willie to square dancing class to learn the dance and meet a lovely friend of theirs who was well versed in the dance and would be his “partner for the evening.” The “partner for the evening” turned into a partner for life and Mary Anna and Willie were married in August 1991.

Willie was very active in Free Masonry. He was Worshipful Master of his Lodge, Potentate of Kerak Shrine and president of many clubs and organizations, both in Reno and Ft. Myers, FL where he retired. He loved to play golf and was a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association. He was also an avid skier also belonged to the National Ski Patrol.

Willie is survived by his wife Mary Anna, his sister Margaret Mills of New York, his brother G. Thomas of Greenwich, CT, nieces Julie Levine and Lee Aydelotte Boffey, nephew Tommy Mills, two stepsons, Chris and John and many, many other relatives by marriage.

Posted in: 1950s

Daniel M. Doolittle ’55

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doolittleDaniel M. Doolittle, 81, of Kennebunk, Maine, originally of Darien, Connecticut, died on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice in Scarborough, Maine following complications from surgery. Mr. Doolittle was born on May 20, 1935 to Dwight N. and Dorothy M. (Smith) Doolittle in Stamford. He attended Darien High School, class of 1953, and graduated from Williston Academy, Easthampton, MA, in 1955. Mr. Doolittle attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. He married Cynthia Crider in 1971 and they lived in Darien until his retirement 2001.

Mr. Doolittle learned how to skate and played hockey on Darien ponds in his youth. He taught youth skating and hockey to local children, some of whom would later join his hockey team at Darien High School. He was Darien High School head coach for a number of years, finally winning the state championship for Darien High in 1969. Mr. Doolittle played hockey for Williston Academy and also for St. Lawrence University. He was also a member of the Home Oilers, a semi-pro team made up of players from Fairfield County.

Mr. Doolittle worked for Pitney-Bowes as a service repair technician before being drafted into the United States Army. He spent two years stationed in France using skills he learned with the U. S. Army Signal Corp and worked installing and repairing phones at his base. Mr. Doolittle was home for almost a year before being recalled into active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Mr. Doolittle returned to Pitney-Bowes as a technical service writer. He became manager of technical publications and continued employment with the copier division.  After 40 years, Mr. Doolittle retired from the company. The next day, he and Cynthia moved to Kennebunk, Maine.

In Maine, Mr. Doolittle belonged to The Church on the Cape in Cape Porpoise and to Laudholm Farm in Wells. He was an avid wood turner and loved creating things out of wood. He was always fixing or building something. Mr. Doolittle loved his family around him and enjoyed his summers on the water in Maine, often kayaking with the loons.

Mr. Doolittle is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cynthia Doolittle of Kennebunk; two daughters: Alyssa M. Doolittle of Newark, Vermont and Robin Illian and her husband Randy of Portland, Maine; six grandchildren: LunaMay Doolittle Waterman, Gordon Simpson Doolittle, Jack Simpson, Francesca C. Illian Sparrow, Leonard Daniel Illian, and Sequoia Shriver Illian; one sister, Donna E. Rajczewski of Darien, Darien’s Town Clerk; two nieces: Lee R. Richardson of Burlington, North Carolina and Dana Turton of Richmond, Virginia; and many cousins.

 

Posted in: 1950s

John H. Spencer, Jr. ’55

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spencerOn Sunday, February 19, 2017, John Haines Spencer, Jr. passed away. And the world will never be the same. Born September 15, 1936 to John Haines Spencer and Pauline Simmons Spencer, Jack was raised in Adams, Massachusetts. After graduating from Williston Prep School and Amherst College, he received a Masters in Education from Purdue University. While teaching at Williams High School in Stockbridge, he had the good fortune to meet and fall in love with Social Studies teacher Judith Leahey. On February 20, 1965, he had the good sense to marry her and continue a love affair that spanned more than fifty years. Mr. Spencer was an educator for 47 years. He taught Social Studies at Williams High School and Monument Mountain Regional High School and was Principal of Searles Middle School. He encouraged students to be conscious seekers and doers, to be disturbers of the universe. He was chair of the Monument Social Studies department from its inception in 1967. The department created the first Holocaust curriculum for high school students in the country. Jack and Roselle Chartock coedited the anthology that came out of that curriculum. Jack had a love of Stockbridge and its citizens, community activism and participation in government. He served on numerous committees and boards, including the Stockbridge Planning Board (chairman) and Zone of Appeals, The Stockbridge Library (president and member of the Board of Trustees), The Fund for Excellence and School Center, Inc. He was instrumental in writing the zoning bylaws for Stockbridge. Jack is survived by daughters Ann Marie (Scott) Miller, Kathy (Fred) Erickson, sisters Judy Burbank and Cyndie Spencer (Denny Lund), Pat and Buz Hanley, Mike and Sally Leahey, Fred Wigge an exchange student who became part of the family, grandchildren Eric, Kristen and Amanda Miller and Emily Erickson, many close cousins, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, the lucky 13 and generations of well-educated students, an astounding number of loving friends and a grateful community. He is predeceased by his parents Haines, Pauline and Louise Spencer, his wonderful wife Judy, and his step-mother Pat Swann.

Posted in: 1950s