Remembering Our Founder Family

Patricia Ann Drew

Patricia "Pat" Ann Drew passed away on May 13, 2020. While never a camper herself, she was married for 54 years to Charles S. Drew Jr., who attended Miniwanca Boys Camp from 1938 through 1941, along with his brothers, Robert and George. Pat and Charlie sent their three sons, Buck, John, and Jeff, to Miniwanca from 1964 through 1971, as well as two grandchildren, Mark Drew and Nicolle Drew Callier. Pat and Charlie remained involved with AYF throughout their lives. The Charles S. Drew Jr. Boathouse at Miniwanca is named in his honor. Patricia will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Jeremy Eller

Jeremy Eller, 18, passed away on Nov. 6, 2019, after being struck by a car while with the KennedyLugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad Program in Rabat, Morocco. Jeremy attended Miniwanca Boys Camp from 2012 to 2016 and NLC for two years after. He is survived by his parents, James and Kriston (Sites) Eller. His mother graduated from NLC in 1987 and was an NLC leader for several years. Jeremy’s brother, Kyle, is a current Miniwanca camper. Jeremy is deeply missed and will forever be remembered by family and friends for living his best life.

Paul M. Gross

Paul M. Gross, age 91, passed away Jan. 19, 2020. He was a Miniwanca Boys Camp leader in 1954. He valued committed engagement for the greater good and service to others. He gave generously to the community and shared his thoughtful care with his church family and many friends. Paul was a generous person who never said an unkind word. A friend said, “If the world were populated by more people like Paul, it would be a better place.”

Samuel James Hearne

Samuel James Hearne, 16, passed away on May 26, 2020. James was a third-generation Miniwanca camper who completed Adventurer in 2019. He was a 4.0 student, a leader, and a dedicated friend. He excelled in sports and was passionate about sailing and woodworking. James lived a life of strong faith and service to others as a mentor to many kids. James is survived by his parents, Sam and Terri; his sisters, Grace and Jacqueline; and his grandfathers, Jack Codd and Mark Hearne. James is in heaven with his grandmothers, Dorothy Codd and Donna Hearne.

Sipho Msipa

Sipho Msipa passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 17, 2019, at age 24. Sipho was a Merrowvista camper from 2007 to 2011. Sipho’s sister, Aida, has also been a longtime Merrowvista camper. Sipho is survived by his parents, Anne Fitzgerald of North Canaan, and Charles and Mercy Msipa of Harare, Zimbabwe; and his siblings, Aida and Macie Blue of North Canaan, and Nozizwe and Mandhla Msipa of Harare. Sipho lived an extraordinary life filled with joy, music, art, and a dedication to serving others. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Charles M. M. Shepherd

Charles M.M. Shepherd passed away on Oct. 30, 2019, at age 89. He attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp in 1945. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Susanne Woods Shepherd. Susanne attended Miniwanca and graduated from Older Girls Camp in 1954. Their three children, Susan, Sally, and Charles, along with six grandchildren, have remained involved with and supportive of AYF. He is remembered by all who knew and loved him for his integrity, wit, kindness, and inexhaustible desire to serve others.

E. Joann Wollerman

E. Joann “Jolly” Wollerman, passed away on Jan. 28, 2020 at age 90. A graduate of the Older Girls Camp Witiya Class of 1950 and later the Leader’s Institute, she remained active in Miniwanca programs for over 40 years. Jolly served as comentor of the Kicitawa Class of 1980 and kept its newsletter alive for 20 years. Jolly met her husband, Lou, when they served on Miniwanca work staff. They often attended Family Camps with their children, Eric and Lynn, who was also an OG graduate. Jolly truly lived “Miniwanca, our camp, we will be loyal to you.”