Announcements, Reunions
(Click here to go directly to news of Classmates and Friends.
For news over a year old, click for Archives.)
1989 – NIGHTLINE ’09: The Class of 1989’s 20-Year Reunio takes place Saturday, October 3, 6:00pm. Come reconnect with old friends and classmates at the Class of ’89’s 20-year reunion held at the Westin Hotel in Waltham. We welcome ALL former members of the class–even if you did not graduate with us, we would love to see you!! Discounted advanced tickets are $45 per person until Sept. 25th ($55 after the 25th and at the door). RSVP and purchase tickets via our Evite site:
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/FCIXJPVREXANQKGJPDMR/whs89reunion.
Free informal family event on Sunday, October 4th, on the Town Green from 12-2. We hope to see you there!!–Mike Chin, Patty Birgeneau Prince, Sue Ohler (Delduchetto) and John Harmon. (6-20-09)
1984 - Sent in by Laura Westman Canavan: The Class of 1984 will be having their 25th reunion on Saturday, July 18, 2009 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Rock Bottom Brewery (www.rockbottom.com) located at 115 Stuart Street in Boston. The cost is $30.00 per person (payable by cash or check at the door) and this includes appetizers, buffet and dessert. (Alcohol may be purchased separately.) Please RSVP by July 3, 2009, to Laura Westman Canavan at lauragcanavan@gmail.com or (707) 782-0321. Hope to see all of you there! (6-2-09)
1979 - Hello Class of '79! E-mail invitations for our 30th Reunion on June 27, 2009, will be going out very soon—if you have not been receiving regular updates, send your e-mail address to Jennifer (Bell) Knapp at JenniferBKnapp@aol.com as soon as possible! The main event will be at the Weston Golf Club Saturday night, and we will meet at a local bar Friday night (the 26th)...location to be announced shortly. Hope to see everyone there! Christy (Sutherland) Edwards (christy.edwards2@gmail.com). (5-24-09)
All classes – Third Annual WHS Baseball Alumni Game. This invitation is sent in by Jim Crouch ’76: On Monday, May 25, 2009, the Weston High School Varsity Baseball team will host a seven-inning exhibition game where the baseball alumni of even graduation years, will play their odd year counterparts. The third annual event will bring together players from four decades, and it promises to be a fun afternoon for all. There will be free refreshments and plenty of seating for families to watch and enjoy the game. The day promises to be action-packed, as past and present players play ball. Current varsity and junior varsity players will be in attendance. At the high school baseball field, batting practice starts at noon, with the game getting underway at 3:00. For further information or if you’d like to participate, please call 617-755-8692 or email at: tkskenderian@gmail.com. (5-5-09)
Warning - We have received another complaint about a notice being sent around for a “New Weston High School Alumni Archive” site. Past recipients of this solicitation have recommended ignoring it as spam. In any case, it has no connection to the WHS Alumni site you are now on. Also, a couple of alumni have notified us about receiving emails linking to political comedy videos at the web site politrick.com. We have no idea why Weston alumni would be connected in some way to that site. (updated 5-13-09)
All classes - Ms. Johanna Sweet, Weston Middle School teacher for many years, is retiring at the end of this year. Former colleague and French and Spanish teacher Glenn Perrin is assembling a tribute and memory book in her honor to commemorate her career. He asks that former students and colleagues send tributes, recollections, photos, or other memorabilia to him as soon as possible. Please send to:
monsieurgp@comcast.net. (4-29-09)
1960 - Peter Manson writes: Since our class’ 50th reunion is coming up, Brendan Morrison has asked us all to update our info. Go Brendan!! (1-31-09)
Sad news (updated from day to day) - Miss Claire McDonough, 85, a favorite and caring English teacher of many students, as well as English Department Head, over a long Weston High School career from 1951 to 1983, died December 6, 2008, in her home in Lexington. Miss McDonough graduated from Radcliffe in 1947, and earned her master’s degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Visiting hours Wednesday, December 10, 5pm-8pm, at the Douglas Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA 02421, (781) 862-1800. On Thursday, December 11, there will be a funeral Mass at 10am at Sacred Heart Church in Lexington, where Miss McDonough was an active participant and sang in the choir and solo soprano for decades. Donations in Miss McDonough’s memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 21 Follen Rd., Lexington MA 02421; or to VNA Hospice Care, 100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn MA 01801. We will have more information as it becomes available. (updated 12-11-08)
Tributes and memories of Miss McDonough (please continue to submit) —
- Miss McDonough was a wonderful teacher and will be missed by all she touched in her classes.Not sure if she ever knew, I married a former classmate who sat in front of me in her class over 28 years ago. Thanks, Miss McDonough, for the arranged seating in your class. Barbara D’Antonio Bowhers ’76
- I believe that I had Ms. McDonough as a freshman. I remember reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. It was easily the longest book that I have ever read. Ms. McDonough made me sit in the front row and it really bothered me. Years later, it was probably the best thing that she could have done for me. Instead of me sitting in the back trying to stay awake, I sat in the front and actually paid attention and learned. Whenever I see any Dickens work, I always think of Ms. McDonough. Darryl Baynes ’80
- My image of Miss McDonough in school is of her sitting at a student desk in her classroom long after the closing bell, one or another student fully engaged at her side, as they figured out how that student could succeed in her class and in school. She was truly the Yes You Can teacher in Weston High. Bob Frank
- Claire and I started teaching at Weston in the same year, and we have been close friends ever since. She sang at my wedding in 1957, and she sang again at our 20th anniversary party. Every year on my birthday (except this year) Claire would call me on the phone and sing Happy Birthday to me. We shared many good times and sad times. At her retirement party, I remember using Adlai Stevenson’s remark about Eleanor Roosevelt in my remarks about Claire: “She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness.” That described her perfectly. Claire was unfailingly constructive. She always looked for a way to solve problems and did not simply lament them. She had a kind word for every student she ever taught. Thelma Hoyle, High School Business Teacher, retired
- Miss McDonough was one of my favorite teachers at Weston High School. I never had her as an English teacher. But, because of her disability, she made me know I had a hope in life. Even when I was down on myself I could talk to her. I did make a difference in the world with my disability. Thank you, Miss McDonough, for your example. David Richardson ’71
- The strongest memory I have of Miss McDonough’s junior year English was poetry—being the mid 70s, she didn’t try to stick with only classics, and assigned us memorizing a poem that could be music lyrics. I remember thinking this would be a breeze, and chose Sitting in Limbo by Jimmy Cliff. Much to my surprise (and dismay), I remember her asking me what limbo was. As a non-Catholic, I had no idea! But the lesson I took away is that poetry was more than a series of words, which at the time was a revelation. It also made me much more prepared for the “dreaded” Mr. Walker the following year, for which I was forever grateful! Ellen Sturgis ’77
1983 - Class of 1983 Presents Channel 83—25th Reunion Show!! The Class of 1983 invites you and your family to attend a pre-Thanksgiving Game Coffee in the foyer between the WHS gym and auditorium. Come together on Thanksgiving morning between 9:00 and 10:00 AM with your classmates, relive your WHS days and then cheer the Wildcats onto victory over the Wayland Warriors. For those of you interested in spending more time together reliving those bygone days 25 years past, we’ll reassemble on Friday nnight November 28th at John Harvard’s Brew Pub in Framingham’s Shopper’s World from 7:30 PM to???? Read and print out the full printable invitation here. Those of you planning to attend the Thanksgiving morning Coffee and Donuts please RSVP by Monday, November 24th, 2008 to Ned Sennott on-line at NSennott@yahoo.com or by phone at 508-376-0199. Help with setting up and cleaning up would be greatly appreciated. If interested please contact Ned ASAP. Hoping to see a large turn out both on Thanksgiving morning and on Friday night. Remember— families are welcome.(11-16-08)
1979 - Hello Class of ’79! Plans for our 30th Reunion have begun! Save this date now! June 27, 2009, at the Weston Golf Club. The 25th was such a blast—hope to see you all again next summer. And if you missed the last one, you just can’t miss this one! We will tirelessly gather updated e-mail addresses for everyone, so please send me yours if you don't receive an e-mail announcement about the reunion in the next few days. Contact me at christy.edwards2@gmail.com. Thanks and we’ll be in touch with details as we figure them out! —Christy Sutherland Edwards (11-8-08)
All years - Weston High School Ice Hockey Team 2008 Alumni Game 11am - 1 pm, December 24, 2008, in Weston at the Rivers School Rink, 333 Winter Street. Varsity Ice Hockey is back at WHS! Coach Linc Cornell invites all past WHS ice hockey team players to meet the varsity team and skate on their HOME ice for the 4th annual Weston High School Ice Hockey Team Alumni Game. Come play and wear Weston colors once again! Please RSVP Coach Linc Cornell at Linccornell@mac.com. (11-8-08)
1988 - Wendy Paltrineri Fox has posted a detailed invitation for the 20th Reunion! Events are scheduled for November 28-29. Please click here for details and the printable invitation. Note that you may need to click on the invitation for it to show up full-size for easy reading. (11-2-08)
1978 - Reunion update from Nick Green: New location for the Thanksgiving evening party on the 27th! It will be at the Red Coach Grill, not at Ellen’s house. (10-7-08)
1978 - From Nicholas Green: The class of 1978 is planning our 30th reunion to be held Friday, November 28, 2008, 7-11:30pm, @ Josiah Tavern, “The Barn” @ Weston Center. RSVP to: nbagreen@aol.com. Also, Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving morning football game Tail Gate party! 9-11am @ the Weston High School Parking Lot. Home game kick-off is 10am. Also, we have a change of plans for the Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving evening party!...(This had formerly been announced as taking place at Ellen Fish Luchetti’s, but has now been finalized at the Red Coach Grill.)
By the way: Can anyone help us locate these missing classmates? Meredith Becker, Susan Belsky, Ali Best, Jose Brustoloni, Sarah R20Cain, Malcolm Cook, Kelly Dawson, Elizabeth Douglas, Chris Foran, Susan Frank, Duncan Frazer, Nina Garfield, Peter Goldstein, Chad Hale, Cynthia Johnston, Jennifer Keneally, Kim Kennedy, Birgithe Kragh, Bruce Krakauer, Diane Joy Martin, Ronald Quan, Joanne Reilly, Chris Ryan, Jack Schwartzkopf, Laura Smith, JeffSpencer, Henri Nash. Please continue to forward updated contact information! Send to: nbagreen@aol.com. (9-22-08)
Upcoming event: A Salute to METCO - 5th annual gathering, Saturday, September 27, 2008, at the Franklin Park Zoo. For additional information on this and other METCO events, visit the METCO website:
http://www.metcoalumni.org (9-4-08)
1983 - Ned Sennott asks, has anyone heard anything, or started to work on our 25th Reunion? I am available to help and have been getting questions about it from other class members. I can be reached by email at NSennott@yahoo.com. (8-31-08)
Classmates and Friends
(latest 12 months of personal news and
reflections)
1982 - From the Metro West Daily News of 2/15/09 : MetroWest Daily News staff photographer Ken McGagh garnered five awards in the Boston Press Photographers Association announced last week, including a first place in the Sports Feature category. While photographing last December’s rescue of two teenagers from Pickerel Pond in Natick, which placed second in the Boston contest in two categories - spot news, and fire/ems - McGagh himself fell through the ice and had to be rescued by firefighters. He managed to hold his two cameras safely out of the water during the ordeal. McGagh also finished among the top ten photographers in New England in the National Press Photographers Association's monthly clip contest for 2008. McGagh, who lives in Natick, joined the staff in 1986. For a look at the award-winning work click on the slideshow below.
 SLIDESHOW: MWDN photographer wins awards (5-24-09)
1934 - It's 75th Reunion time, and David Earle MacLeod
of Syracuse NY writes, “I’m an alumnus of Weston High School class of 1934. This year will mark 75 years since our graduation. Are there others from that graduation year with whom you maintain contact? If so, I am interested in learning who they are and where they are now.” The Alumni News is also interested! (5-24-09)
1989 - Alex Sayegh fondly recalls being “one of the key basketball players for the Wildcats. I haven’t been to any reunions as of yet, however have seen and spoken with a couple of people from my class over the years. It’s been 20 years since graduation and a lot has happened since then. Sorry to hear my Principal Bruce MacDonald has passed on. He was a great person and very dedicated individual. After leaving Weston High I attended Northeastern University for 1 year to later transfer to Framingham State College for 2 1/2 years. I completed my BA in business on a part time basis from Glendale University’s online adult program. I have worked in the finance field for over 15 years now as an Independent Insurance Broker. I got married in May 1997 and my anniversary is coming up this month on the 18th. My wife Cheryl and I have a son, David, 5 years old, and live in Framingham MA. I have been involved in Civil Defense through the Department of Emergency Management for several years now in cities like Worcester, Shrewsbury and most recently Framingham as the town emergency coordinator liason to the PD Chief of Emergency Management. My hobbies are amateur radio (ham radio), weather reporting through the National Weather Services Skywarn program. Other things I enjoy aside from family life is writing. I have been a minister and spiritual writer for several years now and have recently completed my 400 + page book “Your Greatest Purpose” which I am aiming to have published this fall.” (5-13-09)
1987 - “I am trying to locate a friend from the class of 1987. Her name is Pam Upshaw. I checked with the school a couple of years ago and I know they were also trying to find her for a reunion.” Signed Terrance Bacchus. If you know how to reach Pam, have her get in touch with the Alumni page (Bob Frank). (It is our policy not to give out information that’s not posted, nor to facilitate anyone’s providing contact information that may not be wanted.) (4-26-09)
1977 - A Facebook invitation! Ellen Sturgis writes: Not sure other classes are finding this, but the Class of 77 has had a great time reconnecting via Facebook! I estimate between ¼ and 1/3 of our class is now connected, which is amazing. If you want to join us, either enter Weston High in your high school and search for others, or just look for me, and look at my friends list! It’s helping us reconnect in a way our reunions (until the 30th) weren’t.
(4-7-09)
1967 - Cathleen Wischmeyer Newman has just discovered the Alumni web site and says: Although, I did not get to graduate with my friends in 1967 because of our move back to Texas, I have always considered Weston as my high school. Please put in my email so others can locate me. I have lived in Atlanta GA for the past 10 years and work as a reading specialist in the public schools. Through the years I have visited my brother and sister that live in Norwell, but have never made it back to Weston, much to my regret. I have two lovely, married daughters and 5 grankids. They still live in Texas, so I go back to visit often.
(3-23-09)
1967 - Sad News: Long time Weston resident, Peter S. Whittenberger passed away on January 24, 2009, after a courageous battle with sarcoma. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Francine (Messina) ’74, sons Dan ’99 and Scott 2007 and daughter Hannah 2010. He was also the father of the late Peter Michael Whittenberger. Services were held at St. Julia Church with burial at Linwood Cemetery. (3-6-09)
1970 - Caleb Shaw is alive and well and living in southern New Hampshire. Brief history: 1) 1970-1990 Interesting times as Bohemian, wandering, starving poet. Succeeded with the starving part. Also developed the high art of sleeping in my car. Proved I was very downwardly mobile. 2) 1990-2009 Surprised the heck out of everyone by marrying a beautiful woman with three children. Soon we had two more. This has kept me pretty busy. Currently running a child-care center based around a small farm. Email is Gracecaleb@comcast.net. I’d be glad to hear from any who remember me. (2-20-09)
1960 - We are belated in reporting the death in 2003 of Charles Janeway, described by medical colleagues as the “father of innate immunity,” a science he helped found. The news was sent to us by his “lifelong friend and classmate” Peter Manson, who was updating his own listing on the Alumni Pages when he noticed Dr. Janeway was still listed. Read the In Memoriam from Yale University, where he was a faculty member. (2-1-09)
1984 - Annie McQuilken is living in Lexington with husband Gregory North, enjoying basketball, piano, drama, and all the other activities of my two daughters and three stepdaughters. I run a financial planning firm— www.kintyrefinancial.com. I really enjoyed working on the Obama campaign!! Anyone starting on plans for our 25th reunion in the fall? If you are on Facebook, look me up — I’ve found a few others, and have created a “Weston High School Class of 1984” group. (1-27-09)
1986 - ’Tis the Season. Kent High writes, “Just put the presents under the tree for my three daughters with my wife and parents for the last time in Kansas. Moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Jan 2nd. Spent the better part of the night remembering the adventures in and around foots pond and B.L. Olgilvie’s. Merry Christmas to all. (12-25-08)
1971 - Tom Keery notes that he is “living in Weston with a daughter who is class of 2010!” (12-19-08)
1996 -Brendan O’Brien or “BOB” or “O-B” (from x-country), here! We had a great 10 year reunion in 2006! I live in a bachelor pad in Arlington, Massachusetts. I graduated University of New Hampshire in 2001 with a degree in Biology. I was temping through 2004 as a lab assistant, and since then I have gone back to Northeastern University pursuing a career in biotechnology! I volunteer at Massachusetts General Hospital and bumped into the WHS chorus caroling every December at the hospital making us proud! email at brenbob@lycos.com. (12-13-08)
1992 - Nina Dixon is looking for NIkki Lawrence ’92. If any one has any contact with her please forward my email to her or send hers to me nmdixon@msn.com, I really do miss all my old friends from high school. Hope everyone is fine. Thanks in advance. (12-10-08)
1974 - Theodore O'Neill writes: We just finished building a house in Lakeville, CT. It sits on a ridge overlooking the lake and Hotchkiss in the distance. The floors of the house were made from cherry trees we harvested on the land. It’s not much to look at but the view is nice. I have a son who is 2 1/3 years old. He has a ripping sense of humor and will clearly be at least as much trouble as his father. I still work on Wall Street where I am one of 40 or so worldwide experts on alternative energy. I happen to work for an investment bank that didn’t securitize debt obligations so we are doing fine and don’t need a bailout. If any of you are passing through Manhattan and care to have lunch with me at the Penn Club, give me a call at work (212-292-8134). (12-2-08)
1971 - Sharon Sawyer Cross rediscovered this site and regretted how much she’d missed between visits. Here’s her update: am still heavily involved in the Arts in Rhode Island. Active with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Citizens for the Arts. As a founding member of RISE [Rhode Island Stage Ensemble] On Broadway as well as Chair of the Public Relations Committee I just finished directing Disney’s High School Musical with 2 casts of principals (50+teenagers!)...it really was fun but demanding and sometimes “diva” filled. While I still have my design company business is off, thanks to the terrible economy so I am looking at other avenues to augment my income so I can continue my charitable/volunteer work.
One of my favorite pieces of work this year was the Crossroads Rhode Island Fundraiser “The Journey Home.” Crossroads is the largest nonprofit organization that feeds, shelters, trains and employs the homeless in Rhode Island. I put together a program for their fundraiser which included many of the performers and entertainers who have worked with me at RISE. I brought in about 25 actors/singers and we wowed the VIPS as they were wined and dined at the Central Airport....lots of fun, all in the theme of the airport...over 600 attended and it raised over $250,000 for the homeless.
I am also, currently, Assistant Directing a production of Oliver at Mount St. Charles Academy, where our daughter, Chandler, is a freshman. Chandler is portraying The Artful Dodger. Our son, Clay, who left for California last year to pursue his music has been working as a Production Assistant. for a film company but has yet to get his music “heard.” He and his girlfriend are thinking of moving back east to Boston because they can’t stand the 75 degree , sunny everyday weather.....rough life. They also say that the people are very different there and I guess they are just real New Englanders at heart. I’m not complaining, I am happy to have them within driving distance!
As I am possibly looking at “re-inventing” myself, due to the economy, I have picked up my novel again and plan to give it another run. I had finished 3 chapters but there are so many more to go....perhaps this winter will inspire me to finish this project! Friends have been pushing me to get this done for many years....I have been studying Buddhism and continue to work with my wonderful husband on our “labor of love,” our home. Chandler and I just finished performing at the Stadium Theatre in their Christmas Spectacular...singing Stille Nacht (yes, in German...barely remembering my classes in college).
I am very active on Facebook so please look me up and “be my friend”!!! I am friends with Andy, Sean and Barbara so far from WHS and I am delighted! I got into Facebook due to my involvement with so many teens and twenty somethings in theatre that they felt I was out of it without a page....They all keep me young and that’s good, since I don’t feel nearly the “senior citizen” I have just become.....It’s just not possible.
I am so saddened when I read about all our classmates who have passed and wish I were better about keeping up with the news so that I could have attended their services. They are all such wonderful people and are truly missed. I know that I never take a single day for granted and am thankful for each moment I have here with my family and loved ones. I try to make a contribution every day and pass my blessings on to others. I hope to see many of you at the next reunion as I try not to miss a single one! May you all be blessed in 2009 and always. Best Regards, Sharon (12-2-08)
1963-1964 - Porto Alegre exchange student Léo Valter Tschiedel ’64 writes to say “I am alive” and to ask mates from the 1963-1964 classes whether they remember two former French exchange students from Rombas, France, Christianne Gombert and Geneviève Nicoleta. As I’m heading for Paris and Rome and Florence next March, I should like to know something about these two , who studied in almost the same classes I did at that time. (11-16-08)
1973 - Gillian Cowdery Orlinsky sends us this sad news about her father, Arthur Cowdery, who was the popular head of library and media services in the Weston schools in the 1970’s: “Dad passed away in 2006 of lung cancer. He was 76. The illness progressed for about 9 months, most of which time he felt ok. However, for the last 5 weeks he was in hospice care in Merrimack NH. We both remember our time at Weston with great fondness.” (10-22-08)
1985 - San Jose bicycle racer Julie Muccini Nevitt has shared this report from Steven Mielich of the San Jose Bicycle Club:
Masters Track National Championships, Hellyer Velodrome, San Jose, CA, September 2008
Womens 40-44 Points Race 10K
This was an unbelievable race to watch. Despite being out numbered, as others had teammates in the field, Julie not only managed to win this event, she won it with such command it was all too obvious that we were watching a true National Champion in the making. She rode this race to strategic perfection AND displayed such superior sprinting power it was obvious to all that title truly belonged to her. Julie laid low, let the others in the field chase down attacks and tightly rode safe wheels until it was time to pounce. After each sprint she would return to the protection of the pack and let the others do their part until the next bell-lap.
With all the tents in the in-field, it is impossible to see the entire track. On one occasion, when they rode past the ringing bell, Julie was not in an advantageous position. When the pack re-appeared on the back stretch, she not only was able to get herself out of the box, but was putting distance on the field to win yet another sprint. There were moments we were asking ourselves, is this really happening? Is it possible that she could be that superior to her competition? And with every sprint the answer came back... Yes! This is not luck! This is a true champion! Julie won that race with not only a commanding lead in points but also with total domination.
Look for more about Julie in national biking news reports. (10-21-08)
1993 - Derek Millen is back in the Boston area, living in Waltham and working for the Weston Police Dept. since 2003 in the Communications Division. (10-19-08)
1984 - Here’s a quick update from Michelle Holdsworth: I now live in Sydney, Australia, with my husband and two sons. We moved here 3 years ago to be closer to my parents and sister (Sharon ’93).
(10-9-08)
1983 - Michael Thau has been married for seven plus years with two beautiful girls. Since 1992, he has been the Executive Director of Plant-It 2020, a nonprofit, international reforestation foundation dedicated to properly planting, maintaining and protecting as many indigenous trees as possible worldwide. His undergraduate degree was in Political Science specializing in Soviet Foreign Policy and Disinformation Campaigns and he later earned an MBA. His earlier career focused on sales and marketing within the computer industry along with desktop publishing. He now lives in the Greater Denver area as a happy father and husband. (9-25-08)
1983 - Chris Reilly has this update: My wife Sue and I now live in Springfield VA with our eight children, Jonathan (11), Chris Jr. (10), Anthony (8), Nicholas (6), Kathleen (5), Timothy (3), Elizabeth (20 mos.) and Christina (1 mos.). I’m currently working as a Health Information Technology Consultant and enjoying all the time I get to spend with my wife and kids. We’ll be in MA for Thanksgiving. I’m wondering if there are any plans to celebrate our 25th reunion at that time. If possible, it would be nice to reconnect with others in the area.
(9-7-08)
1979 - John Tariot and family are now in downtown Aspen Colorado for the upcoming year, following the snow for his daughter’s ski racing career. John is still busy working in film preservation and video editing, and encourages any wandering Wildcats passing through Aspen to stop by and say hello. Hoping to see everyone at our upcoming (gasp!) 30th reunion next year. (9-6-08)
2002 - Sad news. The following note was sent to Weston staff by Superintendent Cheryl Maloney: I am saddened to inform you that Thomas Danforth, member of the Class 2002, passed away unexpectedly on August 26. Private services will be held by his family. Donations in Tom’s memory may be sent to the Garden of Peace, PO Box 8382, Boston, MA 02114.
(9-4-08)
1972 - Sad news sent in by a reader: Patricia Franchi Flaherty, 53, died Monday, August 18, 2008, at her home in Natick, MA after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was the wife of Paul Flaherty. Mr. and Mrs. Flaherty have resided in Natick since their marriage 16 years ago. Originally from Weston, Patty was the daughter of Pasquale Franchi and the late Madeline (Corsi) Franchi. She was preceded in death by sisters Susanne and Deborah. Educated in Weston Schools, she was a 1972 graduate of Weston High School and received her Business and Accounting Degrees from Bentley College in 1976. Mrs. Franchi Flaherty was the General Manager at Franchi Management Company, Inc., where she worked for over 30 years, and the founder of Ovations for the Cure, a non-profit organization she created in 2006 to raise awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research. A trustee at Bostons Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 1992, Mrs. Franchi Flaherty was instrumental in the formation of numerous research funds, both at DFCI and in renowned medical facilities across the country aimed at developing early detection testing and better treatments for women with ovarian cancer nationwide. In addition to her husband and father, she is survived by her sister, Linda Kacewicz and husband Jack of Warwick, RI; brother Louis and wife Deirdre of Newton; brother Michael of Sherborn; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16), WELLESLEY, Friday at 8 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Paul's Church, Wellesley at 9 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Thursday, 1-4 & 6-9 PM. Interment will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ovations for the Cure, 251 West Central St., Suite 32, Natick, MA 01760. Online guestbook and directions: www.gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley, 781-235-4100. Published in the Boston Globe from 8/19/2008 - 8/20/2008. (8-20-08)
1974 - Sad news regarding Sandra Keery Russell of Wellesley Hills and Sagamore Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Born on May 5, 1956, Sandra grew up in Weston. She graduated from the Katherine Gibbs School in 1975 and had a successful career as a legal secretary at the firm of Palmer and Dodge in Boston. In 1984 she married Gordon C. Russell and moved to Wellesley Hills where she and her husband raised their two children. Sandra was an active member of the Wellesley community and specifically of the St. John's School where she spearheaded fundraising events and was most proud of being a dedicated pizza mom. Sandra and her family summered on Nantucket where in 1997 Sandra and her husband founded in the pink, the first Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. Sandra embodied the spirit of the happy, fun and carefree lifestyle this brand represents. Her efforts led to the expansion from the original Nantucket location to the current eight stores in Massachusetts. Sandra is survived by her loving husband Gordon C. Russell of Wellesley Hills, their beloved children Gordon B. Buck Russell and Jonathan M. Russell, her mother Constance F. Keery of Plymouth and St. Croix, her siblings Lynne K. Ellis and her husband Keith of Sagamore Beach, Thomas R. Keery, II and his wife Laura of Weston, David G. Keery and his wife Nina of Newburyport and Scott E. Keery of Kingston, her brothers in-law Benjamin W. Russell of Newburyport and Winfield P. Russell and his wife Elizabeth of Rowayton, CT. Sandra is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Sandra was predeceased by her father Thomas D. Keery. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley Hills, at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 PM. Private interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. Donations in Sandra's memory may be made to MitoAction, 14 Pembroke Street, Medford, MA 02155-4827 or online at www.mitoaction.org. Online guestbook & directions at www.gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100. Thanks to Karen Woodsum for sending in this notice. (8-9-08)
1984 - Sad news, in this notice from today’s Boston Globe:
Bumpus, John F., Of Marlboro, formerly of Weston, passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Sunday, August 3, 2008 after a brief illness. A joyful person and proud father, he was born May 6, 1966. He is survived by his loving children Ryan and Ashley Bumpus of Marlboro. He was the devoted son of Mona (Carson) Bumpus and the late Frederick J. Bumpus. Brother of Ann Bumpus ’79, Kathryn Bumpus ’80 and David ’82 and Kristine Bumpus. He is survived by his nieces Lisa and Zia and nephews Brian, Christopher and Austin. A graduate of Springfield College and Weston High School, John enjoyed golfing and spending time with his friends, family and loved ones. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Thursday at 10 AM. Funeral mass in St. Julia's Church, Weston, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 PM. Interment Linwood Cemetery, Weston. Friends and family are invited to attend a gathering at St. Julia's Parish Center immediately following the committal services. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. Online guestbook and directions at www.gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100
(8-5-08)
1979 - Sad news. Anne Wilbur VanDusen of Reston, Virginia, died unexpectedly on Wednesday June 25, 2008, in Ottawa, Canada. An obituary in the Weston Town Crier recalls , “Ms. VanDusen was an accomplished flutist, writer, and singer. Best known for her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and heart of gold, Anne touched the lives of everyone with whom she came into contact.” Thanks to Paul Barlett for alerting the Alumni News. Read the full obituary here. (7-2-08)
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