The Hoopes Factor In Memoriam

INSPIRED BY MATT HOOPES’ POSTCARDS, ELIZABETH MALCOLMSON ’85 SENT IN THIS LIFE UPDATE!

Here I am in Rockport, Mass., battening down the hatches as the wind blows like mad. I’m writing after 25 postcards from Brewster’s Bahamian correspondent because I can’t believe he kept track! Hoopes did an amazing job reaching out to past students, personally and by hand. He makes it seem like he actually remembers me. I guess I felt like I wasn’t REALLY part of the family since I left Brewster after my freshman year: My parents could afford to pay for high school or college but not both. But through all these years, I have remembered my year at Brewster as pretty incredible. The academics were amazing...and two class trips up Mt. Chocorua were great experiences. Being forced out of my comfort zone to play sports (soccer, basketball, and tennis) was good for me. The hardest part was being a teenager and all the emotions that go along with that. Maintaining academics while surfing the highs and lows of hormones—how does any kid do it?

So then what happened? I graduated from Alton Central School and went to Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., where I graduated with a BA in English, grateful my parents could support me through that. I got married three weeks later—John and I have been married 33 years and have two sons (see photo), Gillis (19, enthusiastic mechanical engineer in development) and Duncan (18, freshly graduated from high school and mapping out his future). Over the years we’ve also enjoyed a series of ten Bernese Mountain Dogs, all named after astronomers, one way or another.

I’ve been with an investment counsel firm for 25+ years as chief compliance officer and creator of all sorts of processes and systems to support the advisors. When I started, it was all index cards and hand-written records. I designed and maintain a database now and that has been the best part of the job. I also perversely enjoy writing a wiki about all our policies, processes, and procedures that no one ever reads, but if I decide to run off to Eleuthera, they have a resource to figure out how things work!

WITH HEAVY HEARTS WE SHARE THIS LIST OF THOSE IN OUR GREATER BREWSTER COMMUNITY WHO HAVE PASSED SINCE OUR LAST ISSUE. WE REMEMBER THEM WITH GRATITUDE THAT BREWSTER WAS A PART OF THEIR LIVES.

FORMER TRUSTEES

Rosalie C. Clark

November 17, 2021

New York, NY

Bradley J. Hayes

September 22, 2020 Wakefield, NH

Walter S. Marson ’50

September 1, 2021 Melbourne, FL

BREWSTER FAMILY

Maya James

April 6, 2021

Wolfeboro, NH

FORMER FACULTY

Krista Abear

December 9, 2021

Wolfeboro, NH

Travis Ball Jr.

November 20, 2020

Newport, TN

Nancy (Fairchild) Esty July 7, 2020 Amherst, MS

Grace (Fielding) Powell

August 26, 2021 Londonderry, NH

Shirley Richardson

March 18, 2023

Wolfeboro, NH

FORMER STAFF

Loretta J. McLaughlin

February 11, 2021

Wolfeboro, NH

Mark DeWolfe

November 17, 2022

Wolfeboro, NH

ALUMNI

1936

Mary (Drown) Vashey

June 11, 2021

Dover, NH

1938

J. Harvey Stephenson

July 11, 2020

Wolfeboro, NH

1945

Patricia (Kirkland)

Hodgdon

April 17, 2020

Concord, NH

1946

Evelyn (Eatock)

Wentworth

December 10, 2020

Wolfeboro, NH

Irving R. Roberts

December 14, 2020

Alton, NH

1947

June (Kenneson) Piper

December 29, 2019

Ossipee, NH

Thomas Bailey Jr.

December 9, 2019

Littleton, MA

Ellsworth W. Hooper

May 23, 2021

Wolfeboro, NH

Patricia (Varney)

Rankin

December 11, 2019

Wolfeboro, NH

Herbert C. MacMartin

December 20, 2019

Wolfeboro Falls, NH

Bradley

J.

Hayes

Former Brewster Trustee Bradley James Hayes passed peacefully at age 84 on September 22, 2020. While still in college, he began a career with Sylvania, as he and wife Ellen began raising their family of four. In 1972 the young family moved to East Wakefield, N.H., and established Hayes Real Estate. Mr. Hayes was Principal Broker at the firm from 1972 to 2017, during which time his love of people and his adopted hometown earned him many professional awards, local leadership roles and—more importantly to him—dear friends. Among his many community roles, Mr. Hayes served as a Brewster trustee for 15 years, from 1985-2000, and his children Curtis ’79, Beth ’81, Sarah ’85, Susie ’86, and four grandchildren Ellen Hayes ’10, Joe Scala ’16, John ’17, and Tommy Scala ’17, have graduated from Brewster Academy. In 1998, the Town of Wakefield recognized Mr. Hayes as Citizen of the Year, the same year he and Ellen established The Hayes Family Scholarship, thus fulfilling their wish to assist other local students in attending Brewster, and for other families to experience what they were so proud of as Brewster parents and grandparents. At the time of Mr. Hayes’ passing, the family graciously asked that memorial gifts may be made to this scholarship in his memory and to honor his lifetime of local service.

1948

Stephen B. Hatch

October 16, 2020

Center Conway, NH

Roger L. Williams

March 20, 2021

Center Tuftonboro, NH

1949

Dorothy (Drew)

Woodroof

November 19, 2020

Griffin, GA

1950

Walter S. Marson

September 1, 2021

Melbourne, FL

ROSALIE C. CLARK

In November 2021, former Brewster Trustee Rosalie Case Clark died peacefully at age 78. “Rosie,” as she was called by friends and family, relished spending nearly every summer of her life in Melvin Village, N.H., where she met her husband Bob. Together, they raised their three children (including Hadley ’91) in Greenwich, Conn., and later relocated to Naples, Fla. She served for 12 years on Brewster’s Board of Trustees, from 1988 to 2000. “Rosie was a wonderful woman, mother, wife, and friend,” said Lynne Palmer, current James C. Curvey Endowed Program Director, who worked with Mrs. Clark through the years. “She was one of the kindest and most giving people I had the good fortune of working with.” Mrs. Clark co-founded Brewster’s popular family auction in 1989, and she and her husband graciously hosted admission gatherings in Greenwich. “She also led multiple fundraising events,” Palmer said, “including our campaign kickoff in New York with actor and Brewster parent Dudley Moore. The Clarks also hosted pre-prom gatherings at Summer Haze, their home in Melvin Village. The world has definitely lost a special person.”

1951

Ann (Baxter) Hutchins

September 1, 2021

Meredith, NH

Theodore C. Bense

April 6, 2020

Mirror Lake, NH

Mary C. Smith

July 13, 2020

Center Harbor, NH

1952

John Kostandin

December 11, 2021

Hampton, NH

1953

Thurley M. Litwhiler

October 23, 2020

Vestal, NY

Russell E. Jones

November 4, 2020

Alton, NH

Suzanne (Langlois)

Smith

November 9, 2021

Bremerton, WA

1954

Doris A. Clough

October 9, 2020

Wolfeboro Falls, NH

Thelma (Reed) Diltz

December 25, 2021

Center Harbor, NH

TERRENCE CLARKE ’20

In April 2021, news outlets across the country reported on the death of Terrence Clarke ’20, who died at age 19 after a car accident in Los Angeles. The stories of his immense talent on the basketball court and his almost assured path to NBA stardom dominated those reports. But here at Brewster, the campus he had so recently called home, we remembered the friend and student who arrived as a sophomore and shared his open, positive nature and infectious smile. Jason Smith, Terrence’s Prep Basketball Head Coach, said, “Terrence had a magnetic personality and charisma that would command any room he entered. He had a profound impact on our community and program in the two years he was at Brewster. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates, and all the lives this tragedy has impacted.” History teacher T.J. Palmer recalled, “His enthusiasm and energy really did match his stature. He loved a good debate in history and made each class richer just by being in it.” Many tributes have been made to Terrence since his passing, including the dedication of the Terrence Clarke Memorial Gym at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury, Mass.

1955

Ralph P. Stevens

February 1, 2020

Polson, MT

Elfreda (Pettengill)

Garland

January 1, 2020

Bridgton, ME

1956

James W. Rogers

April 3, 2020

Mirror Lake, NH

Kenneth H. Gould

November 23, 2019

Exeter, NH

1958

Carole (Wagenfeld)

Baker

June 6, 2021

Wolfeboro, NH

William H. Peat Jr.

July 14, 2021

Bennington, VT

Richard B. Mezquita

September 19, 2021

East Hampstead, NH

Benjamin P. Ladd

June 17, 2020

Wolfeboro, NH

1959

Gary C. White

November 18, 2019

Montrose, NY

1960

Gail (Cunningham)

Walker

February 6, 2021

Wallingford, CT

1961

Susan (Hill) Shannon

June 6, 2021

Orlando, FL

Roland Rodrigues

August 22, 2020

Naples, FL

Martha (Letteney)

Wlajnitz

July 23, 2021

Manchester, NH

Donna (Templeton)

Merrow

September 14, 2021

Center Ossipee, NH

Marion (Barrow) Rines

June 1, 2021

Center Ossipee, NH

Mary-Ann “Posey” (Leavitt) Funkhouser

March 14, 2020

Tiffin, OH

1962

Gerald “Gary” F. Lambert

January 20, 2021

Shawnee on Delaware, PA

Dana P. Bagnell

February 11, 2021

Wenham, MA

1963

Fred H. Antonucci

January 29, 2021

Wolfeboro, NH

David A. Downes

October 4, 2020

Palm Coast, FL

TYLER BALINT ’21

In September 2021, our community was stunned by another loss of a recent graduate. Class of 2021 graduate Tyler Balint passed away suddenly on September 18, 2021. A resident of nearby Alton, Tyler was attending the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. At Brewster, Tyler made close friends in his Advisory Group, the Robotics Team, and theater. The campus community gathered to share reflections of the kind, intelligent, funny, low-key, and skilled young man everyone remembered. The speakers reminded us to be present and grateful for the friendships we have, and for the precious privilege of being alive. A few days later, the Balint family held a memorial in Anderson Hall, attended by many Brewster friends. Students were encouraged to wear shorts and flannel shirts in homage to Tyler’s signature look—a look he sported even in the depths of winter and to Prom. In a gesture of kindness in their time of extraordinary grief, Tyler’s parents asked those who wished to honor their son to consider donating to causes that Tyler was passionate about: Brewster’s robotics program or a humane society.

MAYA J. JAMES

In April 2021, our campus community suffered the searing loss of dear Maya James, daughter of longtime faculty member Emily James and her husband Martin; and sister to Marvell ’24 and Mary ’20. Maya was only 15 years old at the time of her passing. She is remembered for her spunk and perseverance as she experienced the challenges of Down syndrome and autism. A favorite friend to many Brewster students who came to know Maya (and her strong hugs) on campus, she was an avid dog fan, music lover, and bike rider who enjoyed a good splash in the lake. The James Family started Maya’s Spark Fund in her memory, with a mission to provide scholarships to programs that support developmentally disabled people and their families to live their best quality life in New Hampshire. It is a cause for which Emily James has worked tirelessly and fiercely—helping other families find resources and understand the joys to be had after an unexpected disability diagnosis. On the Fund’s page, app.bcharitable.org/campaigns/32, Maya’s family shared, “Maya was not self-conscious—she never questioned her right to be in the world. Maya faced many challenges; however, she didn’t let that define her.”

Barbara (Baker)

Nerney

April 19, 2020

Hampton, NH

1964

Constance (Corson)

Fuller

May 5, 2020

Wolfeboro, NH

1965

Kristopher D. Erickson

January 2, 2021

Whiteville, NC

Kathleen (Spence)

McGuire

May 11, 2021

Farmington, NH

Wayne R. Piper

May 8, 2021

Saint Johnsbury, VT

1969

Eric J. Swan

January 30, 2021

Marstons Mills, MA

1970

Elliot A. Snell

December 28, 2021

Sugar Hill, GA

Paul R. Bickford Jr.

October 14, 2021

Hampton, VA

1978

Christopher P. Grimes

May 6, 2020

Gloucester, MA

1980

William R. Wadleigh

July 2, 2020

Henderson, NV

1982

Sandra (Smith)

Naugler

August 18, 2021

Newburyport, MA

1990

Matthew J. Mullenaux

January 16, 2020

Santa Monica, CA

1995

Christopher M. Lockwood

July 1, 2020

Concord, NH

2020

Terrence A. Clarke

April 22, 2021

Roslindale, MA

2021

Tyler Balint

September 18, 2021

Alton, NH

WALTER S. MARSON ’50

Walter Marson died peacefully at home in Melbourne, Fla., at age 89. Mr. Marson served with the United States Army in the Korean War and built a career as a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controller and instructor. During the 1970s he served as Brewster’s Alumni Association president and in an ad hoc role with the Board of Trustees. Mr. Marson’s many friends and family members would attest that his great passion was his Irish heritage. A descendant of the Calnan Irish family who immigrated into Canada and then into New England, he was lucky enough to visit Ireland three times, and was known as a wonderful storyteller.

MARK D. DEWOLF

Brewster’s community was deeply saddened to learn of the November 17, 2022 death of former Facilities Team member Mark DeWolf at age 63, after a fouryear battle with cancer. As his family reported in his obituary, Mr. DeWolf was “a true native,” graduating from Wolfeboro’s Kingswood High School in 1977 followed by some study at the New Hampshire Technical Institute and later completing courses at the Thompson School at the University of New Hampshire.

For 29 years until his retirement in 2018, Mr. DeWolf served as Brewster Academy’s Sports Grounds Manager, even earning the nickname “Dean of Green.” The pride he took in making sure that Brewster’s fields were impeccably maintained was unparalleled. In her message to the community with the sad news, Head of School Kristy Kerin said, “Mark’s commitment to Brewster and its students was legendary…he was renowned for his remarkable kindness and enthusiastic dedication to the athletics program. In recognition of his many contributions, DeWolf Field was named in his honor upon his retirement. Brewster has lost one of its biggest fans.” Indeed, he was particularly devoted to Bobcat Basketball, often driving the players to games and forming lasting friendships. Students knew him well, even dedicating The Winnipesaukean yearbook to him in 2016.

For 32 years, Mr. DeWolf was involved with the Abenaki Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit organization that conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Sports Turf Managers Association and was once honored as their Manager of the Year.

A celebration of life was held in December in the Grayson Student Center at the Rogers Building with many of Mr. DeWolf’s former colleagues and friends alongside family as dear memories were shared. Mark kindly asked that any memorial gifts be made to Brewster Academy or to Ducks Unlimited.

Shirley Richardson

Legendary Brewster faculty member and administrator Shirley Richardson passed away at her Wolfeboro home on March 18, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. A cherished Brewster faculty member who was known for her dedicated advocacy for students, Mrs. Richardson served the students of Brewster faithfully for more than 25 years until her retirement in 2004. Beginning her path here as a freshman English teacher, she also pioneered the Learning Skills Department, and in 1986, she became Brewster’s first full-time Dean of College Placement. Even long after her retirement, students connected with Mrs. Richardson in her crisp and colorful suits during her frequent visits to Estabrook Dining Hall during lunchtime.

Mrs. Richardson’s impact in Wolfeboro was deep and positive: She worked to create the Wolfeboro Nursery School and then established the Ski and Skate Swap Sale to fund and sustain the school. She was a leader with the Friends of Music (she was a wonderful piano player and always held a love for music), VNA Hospice, and the Hospital Fair book tent. More recently in 2016, she was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Wolfeboro Lions Club, an honor she held close to her heart.

At Brewster she is remembered for her ability to connect and communicate with everyone, and her personal belief that “all human beings are unique, and they learn in different ways at different rates.” She was more than a faculty member and administrator; “she was a source of inspiration, guidance, and leadership for many,” Head of School Kristy Kerin noted in her letter to the community.

Together, Shirley and her beloved husband Bob Richardson authored the definitive history of Brewster, The Brewster Story. And their legacy at the school they treasured lives on in another very meaningful way: The Robert and Shirley Richardson Scholarship Fund. The family was kind enough to ask that “In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Robert and Shirley Richardson Scholarship Fund at Brewster Academy. The Richardson Scholarship represents Bob and Shirley’s Brewster legacy and their decades of service to the school they loved. It enables their impact on young men and women to continue in perpetuity.”

Looking Back