class notes

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1940s

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1945

Olga Massimiano Gigante

Jan Sharp Adkins has had a busy year, including a move to Williamstown, MA. In March she and her daughter went to Switzerland to visit Jan’s son, Leonard, and had a wonderful time.

In May Martha Reid Cucci decided she’d had enough of being a homeowner and moved to a senior community in Rochester, NY. Active in AARP and church and community activities, she is glad to be free of time-consuming home maintenance.

Barbara Foster Mars and husband Bud will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this fall.

Joan Hamilton Damon wasn’t able to make it to Reunion due to leg problems, but sends her love to classmates. The class wishes her a speedy recovery.

Patricia O’Connell Reach planned to attend Reunion with daughter Melinda ’69, who is enrolled in Skidmore’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program.

Jane Wingate Quayle splits her year between a home in New Hampshire and a condo in Naples, FL.

Ruth Reid Gjessing lives in Westmore, VT. She attributed her plans to attend Reunion—for the first time ever—to old-time nostalgia.

I always look forward to cards from Jeanne Kimball Carrazzone, who signed up for Reunion with husband Peter. Jeanne’s family held their annual maple-syrup collection and boiled 75 bottles’ worth. She and Peter hosted their annual family reunion in July.

Pat Casey Martus was unable to attend Reunion because she was in Ireland with husband Charlie. The pair drank a bit of Irish whiskey and saluted Skidmore.

Fond memories of our 50th reunion in 2000 motivated Mary MacGregor Bolton and husband John to sign up for our 60th.

Rita Gagnier Buffinton spends her days reading four newspapers, watching US Congressional proceedings on TV, playing tennis and golf, and rooting for the Red Sox. One of her scholarship recipients, Edward Giza ’04, spoke at Skidmore’s Annual Scholarship Dinner in February, and she was very impressed.

We extend condolences to the family of Ann O’Brien Blanco, who died in January. Her husband “treasures their 56 years of uninterrupted happiness” and notes that Ann had the fondest memories of Skidmore. The Class of 1945 has fond memories of Ann also.

We also mourn the loss of Miriam Hinckley Taylor, who died in January; one of our accomplished nursing majors, she is remembered for her beauty and lovely disposition.

As for the Gigantes: Jim has been recuperating from heart surgery, and getting lots of attention from me, five daughters, and nine grandchildren. He is doing well.