Audra Acker Erway
Troupsburg, N.Y.
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
I worked at Marion Rohr in Hornell, Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post, and Morrison Knudsen in Hornell (working on subway cars). My last and present job is at the Troupsburg General Store four hours a day. This one is my favorite. Bill is retired from the Steuben County Highway Dept.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
No
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I
married Bill Erway in 1962. We just celebrated our 50th wedding
anniversary on
July 19, 2012.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
We have two children, Dick and Penni. We lost Dick, 23, in 1986 in an unfortunate accident. Penni, 49, is married to Chris Harrington. They live in South Canisteo.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Penni has one daughter, our only grandchild, Laura, 24, who is getting married in May this year. We are excited about this!
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
We have lived in Troupsburg our whole married life.
.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
I enjoy reading, walking and (usually) going to Florida in March for two weeks.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
The biggest positive highlight of my life was when I got my new hips and was no longer in pain. I had one hip replacement in 2010 and the other in 2012. Old “arthur-itis†had really gotten hold of me.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
I have no regrets and have enjoyed my life in Troupsburg.
Beverly Hall Pierce
R.I.P
Canisteo, New York
After school I worked at Marion Rohr for 30 years, the Gunlocke Co. for one year and back to Marion Rohr for about five more years. I worked at A7M in Canisteo until I retired.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
No.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married Geral Pierce in 1965 and remained married for more than 27 years until his passing from cancer in 1993. One year later I met my next love, Joe LoCoco (see photo). We remained together until his passing in 2010. Now I live alone.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
I have one child, a daughter, Deborah Eason, born June 21, 1966. Having a child slowed me down and set me up to be a good mom while staying home.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
I have two grandchildren, a boy, Colin, 17, and a girl, Tracy, 26. I also have a great grandson, Kaden Paul, who will be four on Aug. 28, one day before my birthday.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
After marrying, I lived in Hornell for two years, then to Canisteo, where I still live.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
My leisure time is spent doing puzzles, visiting my daughter and family, and playing with my great grandson. I don’t go too far as I am semi-handicapped, so my daughter takes me places. I also write poetry.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
A positive highlight was having one of my poems published and another acknowledged in New York City about the 9/11 attacks.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
The greatest challenge was watching my first husband fight cancer for four years and not being able to help him. It was the same for my second companion. I loved them both but could not save them. I had a heart attack one and one-half years ago.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
Since 1963, I have learned not to look through rose-colored glasses. The color eventually wears off and all that is left is reality.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
There are always regrets and things we think we would have changed. But, in reality, we probably would have made the same choices and ended up exactly right where we are now.
Beverly L. Pierce
CANISTEO: Beverly L. Pierce, 75, of Fifth St. passed away suddenly
Monday afternoon, July 19, 2021, shortly after arriving at St. James
Hospital in Hornell.
Beverly was born August 29, 1945 in Corning to the late Calvin and
Arloween (Aldrich) Hall. On September 25, 1965 in Canisteo, she
married Gerald “Jerry” Pierce who predeceased her in March of 1993.
Beverly had worked and retired as an assembler of electronic panel
boards at the ATM manufacturing Co. in Hornell. She was a life member of the Canisteo American Legion Auxiliary, a former member of the Hornell Association and Hornell VFW. She loved to crotchet, sew and tend to her flower garden. Her greatest
enjoyment was spending time with her grandchildren and great, grandchildren.
Beverly is survived by a daughter, Deborah (Paul) Eason of Canisteo, grandchildren, Tracy (Matthew) Flett and Colin (Becky) Eason, great grandchildren, Kaden Caleb, and Sophia. She is also survived by a brother, Phillip (Mary) Hall of Cameron, Sisters-in-law, Sharon Hall of Cameron, Sharlene Thompson, Deanne Edell and Denise (Michael) Schaumberg all of Canisteo, Brothers-in-law Duane “Coz” Pierce of TN. and Clem (Allison) Pierce of Canisteo.
She was predeceased by a brother David Hall, an infant sister Jane Hall and friend and fiancée, Joseph LoCoco.
A special thank you to her friend and aide Kate Hurd for taking such good care of Beverly.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Thursday, July 22nd at the H.P. Smith &
Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo where funeral and committal
services will take place immediately following calling hours at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.
Memorial contributions in Beverly’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Boystown, PO Box 8000, Boys
Town, NE 68010.
Carol Ann Leach Carpenter
Denver, Colorado
My first job was clerking at a small clothing store in Caledonia, N.Y., where I made $1 per hour. Then I joined the Air Force, where my pay almost doubled. Other jobs in my life included domestic engineer (aka housewife), bowling alley waitress, wedding cake maker, bank teller, secretary, telemarketer, PBX telephone operator, teletype operator, newspaper reporter, magazine editor, college-level teacher of English and journalism, and public affairs specialist for the federal government. There were others, but I can’t remember them without more thought, and, frankly, I get tired just contemplating this partial list. My best job ever was news reporter (a rarely boring “watchdog” and writing job); the worst was a brief stint as a telemarketer (rude hang-ups and expletives!).
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
SUNY New York at Geneseo. Graduated 1978, BA in English (journalism minor)
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married John Popp in 1969 in Covina, Calif. I was dating his brother when we met (interesting story there). We divorced in Dothan, Ala., in 1982. I changed my last name to Carpenter in 1983. No man involved; I just wanted to choose my own name. So I named myself after Karen Carpenter who was my favorite singer and who died that year. I’ve had a few other not-so-serious relationships with men and one that really was very serious (long story). There has always been at least one sweet kitty sharing (and shredding) my home. My cutie Cuddles is in the photo above.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
I have one daughter (and good friend), Shannon, born April 5, 1971, who is married and lives in Denver (see her, center, in 2008 photo below with my grandkids). I learned that that being a mother/parent can be a tough but rewarding job that really never ends. Being a mother helped me understand my own mother and father a little better. I only did it with one; I don’t know how they managed so well with seven! They are both deceased and I miss them, as I do my brother, Dick, who died from cancer way too soon at age 52.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
I have a granddaughter, Annabel, 17, and a grandson, Jerry, 15. When they were little, I called them “Grandma’s Little Petunia” and “Grandma’s Little Peanut.” Today, they roll their eyes if I say that.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I have roller-skated all over the country (imagine, before cell phones), living in nine states: New York (Jasper, Caledonia, Avon), Texas (San Antonio, Wichita Falls), Louisiana (Shreveport), California (Los Angeles), Oregon (Portland), Alabama (Dothan, Mobile and Montgomery), Florida (Panama City), Georgia (Columbus), and Colorado (Denver). I left N.Y. in 1964 to join the Air Force. Life has seldom been boring, although sometimes stressful. People have continually asked me when I was going to “settle down.” I told them that “settled down” is over-rated. Am I already plotting my next move? Maybe…
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Now that I am retired from paid work (in 2011), I volunteer for the Sierra Club (an environmental organization) and my church (Unitarian Universalist). My leisure pursuits are tennis (I play in USTA leagues), walking, yoga, photography (see photo, right, of gorgeous Colorado mountains/aspen trees I took last October), reading (I am currently reading “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver), cooking/baking (tofu is really quite delicious), movies (my favorite ever was “Annie Hall”), and politics (don’t get me started…). I spend too much time on Facebook (addictive!).
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
I mastered the yoga headstand in 1978, and it is still part of my routine. The most exciting travel of my life took me to Norway and Denmark (as a member of the Alabama Air National Guard). The least exciting was Gulfport, Miss. (also with the Guard). Psssst, please don’t let the Mississippi Chamber of Commerce get wind of this.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
My hair may have not been my life’s biggest challenge, but it’s certainly been my longest running. (Ladies, I know you know what I mean...) Seriously, since I don’t particularly like being told what, where, when, and how to do things, trying to get along with my many work supervisors and military authority figures was a huge challenge. Being a single mother had its serious ups and downs, too.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I’m more liberal politically, less religious, a vegetarian, and increasingly concerned about the environment, especially climate change and global population. I’m also a longtime feminist who has worked for and written about women’s rights. (Go for it, Hillary, in 2016!)
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
Most of my regrets are from the ‘70s: driving an ugly, brown AMC Gremlin and buying my then-husband a powder blue leisure suit. And then there were those trendy ‘70s haircuts (the Jane Fonda shag, the Toni Tennille bowl cut and the Dorothy Hamill wedge). I tried ‘em all. Dorothy’s was the best. I don’t, however, regret learning the New York and Latin hustles because disco─think Donna Summer and the Bee Gees─WAS kinda fun! On a more serious note, let’s just say there were many times in the last 50 years that I should have been─among other things─more kind, more tolerant, less controlling, and less judgmental. But I am not dead yet, so I can keep working on these and other human imperfections.
Carol Marie VanOrsdale
Jasper, N.Y.
- I worked at Marion Rohr, Eastman Kodak and other local businesses. My favorite was Eastman Kodak, which was an excellent company to work for.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
No
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married Bernard (Bernie) Lubberts in 1978. We met at Eastman Kodak in 1974.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
We
have two sons, who also live in Woodhull. The oldest, Mike, is a
department supervisor at Kraft Foods in Campbell, N.Y. Bob is an
engineering supervisor at
Corning
Inc.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Mike
had two boys and a stepdaughter. His oldest son died in 2007 in a car
accident with three other Jasper-Troupsburg students. They all
perished. Bob has two boys
and one
girl, all of whom attend J-T School.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
We moved from Webster, N.Y., to Woodhull. Bernie worked for Corning Glass Works.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
My
hobbies are gardening, travelling, fishing, and many other outdoor
activities. We
have spent the last
17 years fishing in the Canada boonies for two weeks every year
on a houseboat.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
One
of many highlights in my life was in 2006 when we went with Bernie's
brothers
and sisters to the
Netherlands (Holland) for two weeks; it was a trip I will never
forget.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
My greatest challenge has been getting over the loss of our grandson and also my brother and sister-in-law.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I got 50 years older.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
No.
Donald Philip Cornell
Dallas, Texas
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
New York Employment Service, coordinated migrant crews as they moved from Florida to New York harvesting seasonal crops,1966-1968
U.S. Army Honolulu, Hawaii, data processing, 1968-1970
Baptist Medical Ctr., Oklahoma. City, Human Resources, 1972-1975
Baptist Medical Ctr., Little Rock Ark., Human Resources, 1975-1976
Fife Corporation, Oklahoma City, director of HR, 1976-1985
Fred Jones Automotive Industries, Oklahoma City, VP of HR, 1985-1992
Ford Motor Co., VP HR, Tulsa, Okla., 1992-2005, Retired
D.A. Weibring Golf Learning Ctr., Dallas, Texas, managing partner, 2005-2008, Retired
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
Alfred Tech, Business, graduated 1966; Alfred University, Business, graduated 1972
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
Kathy Cole, 1965-1968; Barbara Starr, 1971-1986; Tanis Lugar, 1988- present
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Jennifer, Jay (with Barbara) and Christopher (with Tanis) Having children activated my role as a teacher and made me a little more flexible
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
No, but still hopeful as Christopher married just six months ago.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I left New York to join the U.S. Army and then life just unfolded.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
We travel a lot. I like to golf, fish, read, exercise and help others.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
Several, however one does not stand out over another. Some are just personal.
9. One big life challenge?
I was the primary care giver for nine months for Tanis during her cancer battle. She won.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
My body does not respond as well as I would like.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
I tend not to look backwards. So no regrets.
Gary Lee Plumley
R.I.P.
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
1964,
Started working at Ingersoll-Rand as a Machine Operator
1980,
Promoted to Manufacturing Supervisor Reciprocating Products
Assembly.
1986, moved to North Carolina with I-R as Manager of
Manufacturing, Reciprocating Products.
1999, Promoted to
Customer Service Manager, world wide.
2003, Early retirement due
to downsizing at I-R.
2004, Contracted with I-R to Liaison with
customers in the field.
2005, Joined City Compressor as
Assembler of Air Conditioning Compressors.
2008, Full
retirement, making furniture as a hobby!
My most favorite job was customer service manager, world-wide. I have traveled the world while employed with a great company. I met many fantastic people all over the world and also was able to view the lack of freedom that we enjoy here.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
In 1967, I married Dolores Brown, from Buffalo, N.Y., in Woodhull, N.Y.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Sep.
28, 1970, daughter, Cynthia (Plumley) Kinley
Feb. 9, 1977,
daughter, Andrea (Plumley) Rumple
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Aug.
29, 1989, granddaughter, Chelsea Leatherman
Aug. 24, 2003,
granddaughter, Allyson Rumple
March 2009, great-granddaughter,
Lily Anna Hernandez
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
Woodhull, N.Y., 1946 to 1986; moved to Mooresville, N.C. with Ingersoll-Rand (Davidson N.C.) product transfer from Painted Post, N.Y.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Woodworking, motorcycle riding
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
I was diagnosed with colon and kidney cancer in 2008. It took years to rebound from the physical trauma of the surgery and resultant effect.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
I lost contact with many friends but also made new friends. I wish I had kept in contact.
Gary Lee Plumley, 69, of Mooresville, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 30, 1946, in Troy, Pa., to Laura Marie Everts Plumley Krise and the late Leroy William Plumley. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Smith. Gary lived in Woodhull, N.Y., before moving to Mooresville in 1986. He enjoyed woodworking and was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association, Chapter M, Salisbury, serving as Chapter Educator. He was a member of Coburn Memorial United Methodist Church, Salisbury where he sang in the choir, was a member of the United Methodist Men's Group and served as a Trustee. Gary worked at Ingersol-Rand for 39 years before his retirement. In addition to his mother, Gary is survived by his wife, Dolores Brown Plumley; daughters Cynthia Kinley (Earl) of Woodleaf and Andrea Hendrix (James Hendrix, Jr.) of Cleveland; granddaughters Chelsea Holloman (Austin) and Allyson Rumple; great-granddaughter Lily Hernandez; and his faithful companion, his cat Buddy. Arrangements: Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 2:30-4 p.m. at Coburn Memorial United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will be at 4 p.m. with Rev. Perry Bradshaw officiating. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coburn Memorial United Methodist Church, Budget Fund, 901 S. Church St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Plumley family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com
John Mayo
Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
The
summer after our graduation I worked as a camp counselor at Camp
Oswegatchie
in the Adirondacks. What a great summer doing camp
activities and getting paid for it.
It’s probably then that I
realized that I would not live in Jasper after college.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
I graduated from Alfred State in 1966 and then went to work for IBM in Rochester. At the time I was looking for a job and probably did not give much thought to a career. In July I will have had a 47-year career with IBM, where I have had incredible experiences. I do not know when I will retire.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married Sharon Bertch from Troupsburg in 1966. We divorced in 1983. I remarried in 1984 to Marilyn Green, who is from the Washington D.C. area. We met at IBM. We will celebrate our 30th anniversary next year. Marilyn is a career IBMer who retired three years ago, although she has since returned as a retiree supplemental employee.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
I have a son, Todd, born in 1968 and who lives in Tampa, Fla., with his wife, Sheri. My daughter, Tricia, was born in 1970. Tricia was killed in a car accident in 1999.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
I have a grandson, Alex, 17. His mother divorced his father and remarried. When Tricia was killed, Alex was forced to leave his stepfather and live with his biological father. It's a long complicated story, but we have not seen Alex since he was three. Needless to say I'm not very fond of his father. Once Alex is 18, we hope to be reunited.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I lived in Rochester from 1966 to 1975. In 1975 IBM relocated me to Miami, Fla. In 1978 IBM relocated me from Miami to Raleigh N.C. In 1981 IBM relocated me from Raleigh to Washington D.C. In 1988 IBM relocated me from Washington back to Raleigh. These were all career-growth-related opportunities. While in Raleigh, IBM allowed me to start working out of my home. In 2006 I moved temporarily to Asheville, N.C., while building a home in the North Carolina mountains. In 2007 I moved into my mountain home where I reside today and work out of my home, as does Marilyn. We live near the Smoky Mountain National Park.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
I can't say that I have a hobby per se, but am an avid reader. My favorite authors are Vince Flynn, John Sandford, Lee Child and Michael Connelly. I also enjoy all kinds of music with Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Pink Martini, Asleep at the Wheel and George Strait being among my favorites. During the ‘70s and ‘80s I did a lot of running─mostly 10K races. I also did a lot of snow skiing. My knees are now paying the price for all the running. I also travel and have been to 43 of the 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. I have also visited the East and West coasts of Canada and Mexico, Central America, most of the Caribbean Islands, the Panama Canal, the Canary Islands, and some of Europe, including Oslo, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. Later this year I will be going back to Spain and then to Italy, Greece, Turkey and Malta. My career with IBM gave me the opportunity to travel in the US. Marilyn’s IBM career also included travel and I've been able to "piggy back" on many of her trips. Having the capability to work remotely has opened up numerous travel opportunities for us both. My favorite place is Yellowstone National Park.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
The highlight of my life has to be my IBM career. I still find it hard to believe that a person from a small town and school like Jasper has had the career opportunities I have had. I have had several professional staff, line management, and financial analyst positions. I even had an administrative assistant position for an IBM executive. I still find my work challenging and rewarding and love what I do.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
My life’s greatest challenge has been and will always be dealing with the loss of a child and, for all intents, the additional loss of a grandson.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
The biggest change has been my self confidence. I was only 16 when we graduated and just 17 when I started college at Alfred. I did a lot of things when I was too young and probably didn't even realize it at the time.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
I don't dwell much on regrets. However, I do regret that I did not serve my county in any military capacity.
Kathleen Walker
Atlanta, Georga
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
After high school I spent two years at Houghton College. I was ready to transfer to Cornell School of Nursing in New York City when I had knee surgery and was not able to be admitted. I then spent a year working as a chemistry laboratory technician at Genesee Hospital in Rochester. The next year I spent in New Mexico working with Spanish Americans as the chemistry, hematology, and bacteriology lab tech, also doing x-rays and taking call. It was great fun. Later I taught math for two years at Mt. Morris and hated every minute of it. I spent three and a half years working at Buffalo Children’s Hospital before moving to Appalachia to work in Whitesburg, Kentucky, as a pediatric nurse manager. I then worked in cardiac care while raising a two-year-old. After finishing my master’s, I moved to North Carolina and taught nursing at Gardner-Webb College for six years. Then I worked three years in Jamaica as a community health nurse, establishing and running three clinics in the mountains where no health care was available and doing health teaching. I spent the next 20 years teaching nursing at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. I am presently finishing my last online class there and will completely retire in mid-August this year (2013).
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
Houghton
College, liberal arts required for a BS in nursing,
Houghton
College, degree in math and education
Alfred University, nursing
degree
Indiana, community health nursing, master’s degree
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
No, did not marry
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
In 1980, when most of you were thinking about grandchildren, as a single parent, I adopted a 6-month-old bi-racial daughter from Kentucky, Meghan. In 1993, I adopted my newborn Jamaican daughter, Kristen. Life as a single parent looks great on paper, but is no picnic in reality, especially with no family nearby, but it has been worth it.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
I have a 12-year-old granddaughter, Ari, and a 3-month-old, Zoey, both in Atlanta. I moved to Atlanta in May 2013 to babysit them while my older daughter works full-time finishing her paramedic degree.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
It’s a long list, if you only count six months in one place or more. After leaving the Jasper area, first in Rochester, N.Y.; Cleveland , N.M.; Mt. Morris, N.Y.; Edmonton, Canada; Glenwood, N.Y.; near Buffalo; Whitesburg, Kentucky; near San Juan, Puerto Rico; Marion, Indiana; Morrisville, N.C.; Bangalore, India; Jamaica, Wisconsin; North Chili, N.Y.; Churchville, N.Y.; Bossaso, Somalia; Hedgesville, N.Y.; and Atlanta. I may have missed a couple.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
My leisure time is spent travelling – I have visited all 48 continental states, most of Canada, Europe and Great Britain, Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia), India, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica. I also like to read, sew, refinish furniture and floors, and spend time with family.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
The mission trips I have taken and the trips (15 or so) I have taken nursing students on. It is wonderful to see their horizons expand and have them realize how blessed they are compared to the rest of the world. Some have later gone out to make a difference in the world using their nursing skills.
9. One big life challenge?
There are two so far I can think of. The first was spending eight months in Somalia just after the beginning of the second Gulf war, being the only white English-speaking woman in the city of 300,000, not being able to go anywhere except with a machine gun armed guard, and learning to cope with all this alone after I sent Kristen to Kenya for boarding school. The second was the five-year period that I spent dealing with major mental health problems with my then teenage daughter. She is doing great now, but it was a long five years!!!! My present challenge is learning to live with adult children again, presently with six people: a 3-month-old, two dogs (one a Newfoundland), and two cats in a small two bedroom apartment; we are all learning tolerance and flexibility. Hopefully we will get moved to a house soon.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I think I have become more confident, more compassionate and better able to take things as they are. I depend on God to deal with the results. My job is to do what He wants; His is to deal with the outcomes.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
Not really. I do wish I had not just driven to Atlanta because I will miss the reunion. But there is no way I am driving for 18 hours with an infant to see all of you.
Kay Lucielle Lewis Murray
Alpine, New York
1.What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
My first job was working for five years at Marion Rohrs, a textile factory in Hornell. After that I worked in the Horseheads School District as a school crossing guard and in the school cafeteria. In 1983 I began working for Borg Warner Automotive, an HY-VO timing chain manufacturing company in Ithaca. This was my favorite job; they took care of their employees. I retired in 2010 after 27 years of service.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
Office Clerical Course, Elmira Business Institute, 1978-79
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
Married Bill Atherton, Oct. 26, 1963; divorced in 1990. Married Phil Murray on Sept. 16, 1996 at a “candlelight wedding chapel” in Las Vegas, Nev.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Bill and I have three children: Gary, born Sept. 16, 1983; Michelle, born Oct. 17, 1965; and Jackie, born April 27, 1974
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
I have five grandchildren: Jimmy, 28; Jessica, 18; Julia, 14; Candice, 12; and Jenna, 11. I also have two great grandchildren: Mary and Emma.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I have lived in Jasper, Breesport, Horseheads and Alpine N.Y.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
I read and travel (enjoy bus trips), boating (spend summers at Keuka Lake), attending my grandchildren’s activities and spending time with them. I also enjoy having lunch or coffee with family and friends, working in my yard and flowers, and attending church.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
Attending the Presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2005. It was inspiring to stand on the lawn of the Capitol building and partake in the moment.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
My biggest challenge came after my divorce: trying to keep my head on straight and moving on with my life in a positive way.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
No regrets
Kenneth Allen
West Union, South Carolina
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
Dresser Rand, first and only job
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
No
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
Married Sandy Thomas, May 1964, divorced 1977; Married Carol Eldridge Hastings, Oct. 1978
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Robert Allen, born Jan. 14, 1966; Michele Allen, born Oct. 25, 1967
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Siobhan Allen, Ryon Williams, Tori Allen, Sean Allen, Renisha Allen, Dreon Harris, Great grandson, Ayden Allen
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
Woodhull and Bath N.Y., and West Union, S.C. I left N.Y. to get away from snow and taxes.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Boating, enjoying retirement, family and some travel.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
Retirement after 43 years at Dresser Rand
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
Getting through the next day.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
Got a hell of a lot older.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
No regrets
Larry Earl Walrath
Centerville, Texas
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
After high school I went to RIT to study electrical engineering. There were lots of part time jobs while working my way through school; SKF bearing plant in Hornell, NY, house painting (lead paint) in Rochester, NY, Craig Audio Lab. HI-FI shop in Rochester, NY, RG&E, instructional resources at RIT are a few that stand out in my memory.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
After graduation from RIT with a BS in engineering I started work for IBM in 1968 and moved to Texas with IBM in 1976 (centennial year). IBM tossed me out in 1991 and I knocked about for a few years doing odd jobs including repossession services all across Texas and bank security for First State Bank. There were two robberies on my watch, but I didn't have to shoot anybody and all the money was recovered. While playing dominoes one Saturday in 1994 in an old friend stopped by and offered me a job doing forensic engineering. I have been surveying structures every since, no plans to retire yet.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
Donna Dean and I were married on August 25, 1966 while I was still in college. Donna was working to help support me while taking classes. We met at the Fliers Club on Scottsville RD in Rochester. We will celebrate our 47th anniversary this year. I think I will keep her!
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Two children, both adopted. Daniel, born 11/10/1969 (before Roe v. Wade) joined us in December 1969 during a snow storm when we lived in Hawleyton New York. Brett born November 18, 1973, added to our family in 1975 while we were living in Owego NY. Brett was hit by a drunk driver in Lubbock, TX on August 27, 2003 and died in January 2004 after 5 months in a coma. Yes, raising kids has been a real trip.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Two grand sons Tavien born 09/19/1999 Christien born 12/15/2003.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
From Jasper, I traveled north to Rochester, NY for college, then to a small two bedroom in Hawleyton NY working at IBM. We upgraded in 1973 to a 3 bedroom in Owego, NY. Then IBM offered me a better job and promotion if we would move to Texas 1976. We bought a brand new 4 bedroom on 2 acres and have lived there every since.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Volunteer
Fire Fighter activities were a large part of my life for 25 years.
Active in startup company ot Owego, NY South Side, and helped organized a
new fire company in urban Round Rock, Texas. I served as chief for 5 years at
this Sam Bass Fire company. Active in Boy Scouts of America while the
boys were young. The new troop was sponsored by the fire company.
Joined Masonic Lodge and was active while in Owego NY. I have been
singing in church choirs since moving to Texas.
Shortly
after the turn of the century I picked up a used trumpet and joined a
"big band". This brass and woodwind and percussion band has
about 80 members. We rehearse Thursday evenings and do a half dozen
or concerts during the season. Wood turning has been a hobby for many
years, and now have full service wood shop and sawmill operation in
my back yard. I have been active in two wood turning clubs affiliated
with the American Association of Wood turners. Oh yes, I was an avid
motorcycle rider for 30 years. Went as crew with Tom Elrod (holds
multiple land speed records) to Lake Bonneville speed week in 1992.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
I have been teaching wood turning to a few of autistic boys. One of the boys has learned enough to be able to get up in the morning and "be a wood turner" I am proud to have been a part of his life.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
There have been many challenges, most have been easy to overcome, the most difficult was getting over the loss of our son. We drove from Round Rock to Lubbock nearly every weekend for 5 months while he was in a comma, then after he died we watched the gyrations of the justice system as it proceeded to allow the drunk that killed him to go free without spending even one night in jail.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
Since 1963 I have had a bit of shifting of my body mass but still stay plenty active. I hope I have matured a little, although in my head I am still a teenager sometimes.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
Regrets? Nope! I wouldn't change a thing. All is well. to quote Eckhart Tolle: "It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living." I believe we started living long ago, and have reached our peak, and are on the down hill side.
Live
well, Do good.
Larry Walrath
2301
Walsh Drive
Round Rock, TX
78681
[email protected]
http://www.larrywalrath.com
Come visit, you can park your RV out back.
Linda Lou Wade McMindes Weaver
Piffard, New York
My
first job after high school was Marion Rohr (we called it the “panty
shanty”) on the assembly line cutting elastic on ladies underwear
for 75 cents per hour. I worked there until September 1964 when
Larry, my first child, was born. I was a stay-at-home mom until 1974
when my youngest child was in school.
In 1974, I began working
at Craig Developmental Center at Sonyea, as a therapy aid.
In
1979 I joined the United States Army Reserves (USAR), enlisted C-3
civilian acquired skills. Started as specialist first class (SFC)
then became commissioned officer after obtaining my associates
degree.
In 1983, I began working as a registered nurse (RN) at
Rochester Psychiatric Center in Rochester, advancing to psychiatric
nurse administrator.
In 2002 I retired from Rochester
Psychiatric Center. I continue to teach and work per diem at the
center.
In 2004 I founded Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, Inc.,
at the Geneseo United Methodist Church in Geneseo. I am the executive
director of this 501C3 free health care center, which provides care
to uninsured and under-served children, women, and men. With no
geographical boundaries, we serve 11 counties currently. We are
staffed with more than 50 volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and
para professionals. I have assisted over 1000 clients. Our current
budget is $99,000. Nursing is what I love to do, as I want to give
back to those in need. God has blessed me with good health and good
fortune. It is rewarding to be able to help those in need with
holistic care during this economic downturn.
In 2006 I retired
from the USAR as a lieutenant colonel. I was attached to the 865th
Combat Support Hospital in Niagara Falls. Throughout my military
career I counseled soldiers at Fort Drum who were ready for
deployment and some who had returned from deployment with
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was never deployed to active
duty in my 27 years of service.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
Associates
Degree in Nursing from Genesee Community College in Batavia, N.Y.,
1983
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Alfred University at St.
John Fisher University in Rochester, 1988
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married Harlow McMindes Jan. 18, 1964; we divorced in 1982. We met in high school. I married my current husband, Jerry Weaver, June 18, 1994. We met line dancing.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Larry Charles McMindes, Sep. 24, 1964, deceased Feb. 16, 1998 at age 33 from a brain tumor; Laura Ann McMindes Sider Page, Jan.14, 1966; Michael David McMindes, May 2 1967.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Brandon
Howard McMindes, June 25, 1993; Melissa Adel McMindes, Sep. 11, 1994;
Tricia Ann Sider Gallo, March 11, 1986; Sarah Elizabeth Page, July
11, 1998; Christopher Michael Page, Aug. 26, 2000; Alexander James
McMindes, Dec. 7, 1995; Elizabeth Jane McMindes, Sep. 23, 2001; Tomas
Jonathan McMindes, Feb. 11, 2004; one great-grandchild (born to
Tricia and Matt Gallo), Jan. 31, 2013
Jerry my current husband
has three children with five grandchildren, we have 13 grandchildren
and one great-grandchild between us. Having been blessed with
children made me realize the important responsibility of caring for
others and cherishing each day in appreciation of God’s gifts to
me.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I
lived in Jasper until 1966 then moved to Piffard NY that same year.
My current address
is 3781 River Road, Piffard, NY 14533.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Traveling: I took at medical mission trip to Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2008. I taught in their school of nursing, assisted in medical clinics, and brought medicine and medical supplies. I volunteered with the Red Cross for Hurricane Gustov in Louisiana for three weeks in September 2008, providing nursing coverage in shelters. I visited London in 1984, Hawaii in 1988, Wales in 1996, Alaska Cruise in 2005, Puerto Rico in 2011, Spain in 2011, and the Dominican Republic in 2012. I spend time with grandchildren and go to Disney World with my family. I enjoy crocheting, sewing, puzzles, hiking, Curves, Zumba, and gardening.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
Serving as the executive director for the Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, Inc. I’m rewarded with the smiles and looks of relief on our clients’ faces when helping them get medical and dental care or medications they otherwise could not afford.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
Dealing with loss of a child is heartbreaking. Never a day goes by that I don’t think about Larry and how much I miss him.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I am not as shy and quiet today. I speak up for others in need and am ready to help when needed.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
No
regrets. I had no idea where my life was going, but God had a plan
and has put me in the right places at the
right time. I thank
him for that!
Melody Wheaton Manley
Cameron, New York
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
I started working at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester in July 1963, earning $77 a week. I started as a transcriber, moved up to secretary, and then to computer programmer from 1975-1989. From 1990-1995 my husband and I ran “Uncle Bob’s,” a pizza and sub shop in Jasper, after remodeling the general store. We also opened the Manley Agency in 1990, selling insurance. From 1990-1996 I was a substitute teacher at Jasper-Troupsburg. In February 1995, we bought a house near Uncle Bob’s and moved the Manley Agency there. In January 1997, I worked as a computer programmer for Steuben County in Bath. I retired in September 2010 and babysat my 1-year-old granddaughter. Can’t say what my favorite job was. I did each job to the best of my ability and enjoyed what I was doing at the time. My least favorite job was a toss-up between substitute teacher and food service.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
I went to Rochester Institute of Technology night school for four years in the 1960s.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
On December 31, 1971, I married Robert Manley at the United Church of Jasper. Robert, from Nelson, Penn., also worked at Kodak. We met at a restaurant/bar in Rochester. We recently celebrated our 41st anniversary.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
In 1974, we adopted our daughter, Harmony, from Vietnam. She was 5 ½ months old when she arrived in July that year. In September 1978, our second daughter, Tara, was born. My favorite advice to young parents is based on our love for Harmony. Because we enjoyed being her parents so much, we eventually decided to add another child to our family. Two children is not twice as much work; it is at least four times as much work for working parents and especially a working mother.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Harmony has a 20-year-old son, Justin, who recently graduated from Corning Community College. Tara has a 3-year-old daughter, Megan.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I lived in Rochester from July 1963 until January 1990; from August 1972 in Chili Center a suburb of Rochester. In January 1990 we moved to Lyon Road in Cameron, N.Y., just over the Jasper line and in the Jasper-Troupsburg School District.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Reading is my favorite hobby. Mostly I read historical Christian fiction. I also have a membership in Ancestry.com and enjoy building a database of my own and my husband’s families. I have established connections to several previously unknown family members.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
Jesus Christ is the one, big positive highlight in my life. He was there before my high school graduation and He is still here.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
It was watching my mother die, taking care of my dad for eight years after that and then watching him die. Of course, there are a lot of challenges to staying married for 41 years.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I have gained 50 pounds, and I hope gotten a lot wiser.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
Yes, I have regrets. I wish I could find time to do more for others. Time management at home seems to always be my downfall. I also regret I did not do a better job of passing my values along to my children and grandchildren.
Robert Henry Paul
Campbell, New York
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
My first job was working on my family’s dairy farm. When I left home I drove a truck for 43 years as a professional driver. The last seven years of my driving career, I was also a driver trainer and recruiter. After retiring from driving in March 2011, I worked for a large construction company as a truck safety coordinator. My favorite job: everything I ever did. I love to drive.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I was married at 19 and divorced after 11 years. I have not remarried, but have lived with my significant other, Carol Struzinsky, for 33 years. She basically helped me raise my two sons from the time they were 12 and 13 and moved in with us.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
I have two sons, Alan, born June 8, 1965, and Cale, born Feb. 11, 1969. After having children, I became more responsible.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
I have some and share some. I have one grandson, Devon, 18. A step granddaughter, Anyssa Wilson, 21, and one step great granddaughter, Bella. 3. I share with Carol two children, nine grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I have lived in Hedgesville, Freeman, and Campbell, N.Y., since 1973.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
In my earlier years I worked on and drove race cars for 45 years. I have a nice garage, work on cars and restored my Farmall tractor. I spend a lot of time taking care of our property as we live in the country, so there is a lot of outside work to do. Since retiring I take care of the yard and have a garden. I enjoy hunting deer, RV-ing, and going to blue grass festivals. We get together with friends and socialize. I also enjoy riding our four-wheeler and try to go to the gym three days a week.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
I enjoyed my work and made a good living for my family and myself.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
My biggest challenge came after my divorce: trying to keep my head on straight and moving on with my live in a positive way.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I have changed in every way possible. I was very shy and bashful back in those days but am not that way anymore. I am very outgoing and also much wiser about the way life is.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
I married too young, and wish I had gotten more education.
Sharon Leach Brewer Woodhull, New York
R.I.P.
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
My first job was secretary at Ingersoll-Rand in Painted Post for 10 years. I babysat children in my home for many years when my children were young.
I substitute taught at J-T Elementary for seven years, was a nanny at Dreher Home in Troupsburg for four years, and worked at Community Bank in Woodhull for nearly 14 years. I retired in October 2011.
I’m still working as Woodhull’s Town Clerk─18 years and going strong!
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
I attended SUNY Geneseo for one semester, then attended Corning Community and graduated from there in June 1966 with a degree in Secretarial Science.
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married Jay Brewer in November1969. We met through his brother.We divorced in 2005. I have not remarried.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Gregory
Jay Brewer, Sep. 21, 1973; Kimberly Anne Brewer Turneer, Dec. 4,
1975;
Dean Arthur Brewer, April 25,
1977 (See Sharon with her children in photo.)
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Brenden
Tierney (Greg's stepson - 19); Addison Brewer (Dean's daughter);
D.
J. Brewer, 11 (Dean's son)
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I've lived in Corning, Bath and Woodhull, N.Y.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Reading, embroidery, spending time with extended family.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
My best job was being a mom and grandmother.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
I had bilateral hip replacement surgery in 2009. I'm in need of a knee replacement but am delaying it as long as I can.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
I wish I had stayed at Geneseo and become a teacher. I should have had the backbone to get out of my marriage years before I did.
Sonjia Strait Bennett
Hornell, New York
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
Sonjia's Beauty Shop, Geneseo, N.Y., for 10 years
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
Harper Method Beauty School 1964, Alfred State and Corning Community
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I married Roy Bennett 1965, divorced 1976
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
Christopher and Connie
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Six grandchildren: Dustin and Amber Bennett, Robbie, Rachel, Ryan and Regan Karr
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Skiing, snow shoeing, gardening, quilting, knitting, reading and stained glass
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
Bath VA Medical Center Physical Therapy, 36 years.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
Timothy Dennis
Penn Yan, New York
1. What was your first job after high school? Other jobs? Your favorite job ever and why?
My first job after high school was working in the meat science lab at Cornell. I had a 40-plus-year career as a practicing veterinarian starting in Frederick County, Md. I moved to Penn Yan, N.Y., in 1973.
2. Did you go to college? Where? Date of graduation.
Cornell University, 1963-1969, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
3. Marriage? Who and when? How did you meet? Did you divorce? Remarry?
I have been married to my wife, Dawn, from Central Square N.Y., since June 10, 1967.
4. Did you have children? Names and birthdates, please. How did having children change you?
We have two children, Laura, born March 18, 1971, and, Michael, born April 2,1974. Laura is a university professor of French and Spanish at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. Michael is an elementary school music teacher in Fairfax County, Va.
5. Do you have grandchildren? Names and ages, please.
Jess, 16; Lily, 13; and Ben, 11
6. Where have you lived? States and cities, please. Why did you leave New York?
I moved back to N.Y., from Maryland, mainly for family connections and a business opportunity.
7. How do you spend your leisure time? Hobbies?
Reading, travelling, and grandchildren. I have limited true leisure time as I have a farm with cattle and serve on the Yates County Legislature, chairing the Finance Committee.
8. Briefly describe one big, positive highlight in your life since high school graduation.
My career, serving the community I chose to live in. Also, Dawn and I served on two volunteer in-mission trips to Panama through the Methodist Church.
9. Briefly describe your life's greatest challenge.
It is a challenge adjusting to a body that is telling me I can't do everything that I could in my younger years.
10. How have you changed since 1963?
I hope I have matured a little bit and have definitely have put on a few pounds.
11. Any regrets? Anything you wished you had done differently?
It's too late to start over. I have had a satisfying career, a loving family, and generally good health.