Class Notes

1948

Betty Lou JEFFREY Wright reports that thanks to God’s goodness, she is still ambulatory and on the green side of the grass! She counts her blessings every day and wishes Notre Dame the very best!

1952

Audrey MASI Greene lives in Jupiter, Florida, and is grateful to report that she still drives, still shops, still cooks, and still swims. She is 86 years old and feels very lucky. She hopes that everyone is staying safe.

1954

Sheila LEWIS Houde writes that she is fortunate to live in beautiful Quebec City, with her daughter Michèle and son Rémi nearby. She keeps in touch with Mary Werthman, ND Class of 1953; and with Maureen Brophy, ND Class of 1955. They share many happy memories of 79th St., and feel blessed to be in good health in their 80’s. How could that have happened?! She wishes great success to the incoming Freshmen! How lucky they are to be at ND!

1959

Toni LEQUIRE Schott reported that this has been something of a non-year. The Schott family has hunkered down and stayed in place; no trips this year, and no Chautauqua season. The bright side to all of it was that she did get to see more of Lilly, her 10-year old granddaughter and was able to focus on her service of fostering kittens for a local kitten rescue. Toni recently came across a poem she wrote for Mother William’s (aka Sister Catherine Keating) Anniversary, in 1995. She generously shares it with her Chez Nous family herein. Despite the strange situation, she hopes everyone at Notre Dame remains well. White Gloves In honor of Mother William’s Anniversary, November 6, 1995

You could tell we all were ladies

By the pristine gloves we wore, Even if we donned them

Just before we reached the door— Where Mother Mary Darling

Could check us one by one; to see that we upheld the rule—

White gloves, everyone. One morning Mother William

And Mother Eleanora Betook themselves sedately

Down the steps of our front door— Little knowing their “First Seniors”

In the window high above, prepared to toss some freshman

That all-important glove.

The signal came from down below,

Pray heave those white gloves off! Alas! One soared and landed upon dear Mother’s coif.

The other glove sailed gaily, Landing at her feet. Thence did we all promise No more gloves in the street.

Now the class of ‘59 (Though) Harbors many happy memories

From those treasured days. From work and raising children,

World traveling and more, Where ‘ere our lives may take us,

We return Chez Nous Encore!

1960

Patricia COOK Hult reports that like so many, it has been a tough summer in New York, but she did manage to visit her son, who has a summer house in Maine, and was with all her grandchildren. Her oldest, Olivia, will be a high school senior this year, while Ava will be a freshman. Both are her son Billy’s girls. Patricia’s daughter, Mary Ann, has two children. Ronan who will begin middle school, and Mathilda who will be in fourth grade. Later this summer, she spent a few days at the NJ Shore with her daughter Mary Ann, her husband John and her children. She looks forward to the end of this sad time and a return to the new normal.

Patricia and her four grandchildren

Arlene DENINGER Prendergast was disappointed that the Class of 1960 was not to be able to celebrate their 60th Anniversary in May. However, several members of the class enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect via a Zoom meeting, thanks to Director of Development Beth Bixenman. It was a fun afternoon that even included a guest appearance by Sr. Virginia! Just like so many events, the Class of 1960 had to take a pass on celebrating special occasions, but is always grateful to have each other and Chez Nous!

1961

Mary Susan KING Delahunty and Dennis spent the month of March in County Kerry Ireland. Even though things closed down due to the pandemic, it was still wonderful. This was taken at the Gallorus Oratory, still water tight after 1400 years! She hopes that everyone is well and staying safe!

1962

Elaine E. FEELEY Swords retired as a Casualty Actuary and has been teaching Statistics at The University of Hartford for the last 21 years. In 2019 she went to China for three weeks to tour, walk the Great Wall and visit with her son who was teaching in Beijing. Elaine thanks God for His goodness to her and her family. Stephanie PINTO shares that she has been sheltering in place in her weekend home in Ulster County. Her garden has never been so beautiful and she quips that she should have studied botany instead of political science, as it has become a second career! She reports that all is well, and wishes the same for everybody.

1963

Mary Jane DRUCKER Gabbay is thrilled to report that she is cancer free, after having finishing 11 months of various treatments for triple negative breast cancer. She counts her blessings every minute!

1965

Mary Ellen MILAZZO Roche is sad to report the death of Gretchen (Gretsch) Elsner-Sommer ’65. Five weeks after a diagnosis of breast cancer that had spread to her liver, she died peacefully at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, surrounded by her three children and husband on August 14, 2020.

1966

Carol GOSE DeVine retired from her position as Head of School from The Caedmon School in 2007. She and her husband, Fra, are living in Vermont where they purchased property back in 1972. They have three children—twins, Anne and Patrick, who are 36 years old and an older daughter, Monique, who came into their lives when she was 20 years old. Fra and Carol are delighted to welcome their first grandchild, Tobin William DeVine, who was born on January 8, 2020, to their daughter Anne and her wife, Sydney.

Carol DeVine’s first grandchild, Tobin William DeVine.

Nicole Reisch Galante (née Rosa SERRITELLA) Nicki was known as Rosa Serritella during her years at Notre Dame. Upon graduation from St. John’s University, she legally changed her first name to Nicole (Nicki). In 1997 she married Antonio Galante, and has seven children (two from her previous marriage and five wonderful stepchildren.) In 1996, she enrolled at NY College for Holistic Studies for a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since then, she has worked as a Wellness Therapist as well as a political activist with a focus on social justice, children and woman’s issues. She is thrilled to share her news of her family in these photos (including grandchildren and her 93-year-old mother) with her Chez Nous family in photos below.

Nicki’s son Evan his wife Rachel and granddaughter Emma with Nicki’s 93 year old mom, Olga Serritella.

Nicki with husband, Antonia Galante, and grandson Max

1968

Jeanne BRESCIANI continues to be the Director of The Isadora Duncan International Institute, in which she honors the passion originally fostered within her by the remarkable Sister Mary Virginia, S.U., through years of profound Latin education and participation in the Know-English Etymology Program. Jeanne is now preparing for their Third Festival for the Reinstatement of the Delphic Games in Delphi, Greece June 15 - 21, 2021 in co-sponsorship with Harvard University and the Ecumenical Delphic Union. Jeanne stated that her truly classical education at Notre Dame has never ceased to lend dedication and direction to love and to serve.

Jeanne Bresciani '68 & The Isadora Duncan International Institute Dancers; Tholos Temple, Delphi, Greece Courtesy of the Honorable Mayor Panagiotis Kaltsis

1969

Alina Concepción GREEN Pinelli finally got the opportunity to attend college in 1994, with an Ada Comstock Scholar scholarship. She majored in Studio Art, and minored in Art History. Alina’s dissertation was “How Grief and Loss Compel Us to Create Funeral Art.” Now retired since 2003, she was an Academic Advisor to the Honors population of a Community College. Sadly, she lost her first born granddaughter on 5/1/2012 to Acute Mylogenous Leukemia. She lives in Florida, enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren, and travels to India whenever possible. Alina wishes everyone Chez Nous happiness and safety.

Alina with her Emotional Support Animal, Beauty, a rescue from the County shelter.

1970

Ann L. BURKE proudly announces that she is now a grandmother! Josie Ann Sommer was born 6/9/20. She is named after her grandmother and great, great grandmother, Anna Josephine Scully. Ann sends her regards to the entire Chez Nous community. Muriel FLYNN Gonzalez recently came out of retirement to become EVP, chief merchant and marketing officer at the Vitamin Shoppe. She is also pleased to announce the arrival of her first grandchild, Alexander Flynn Gonzalez, born 10/30/19. Jill FORD Reams is thrilled to announce that her son, Patrick & his wife, Katelyn, who live in Seattle, were blessed with a baby girl, Elliana Grace Dewey Reams, born a month early on June 29, 2020 5lbs. 3oz. (A little peanut!) Jill reported that she and her husband are thrilled to be grandparents and will be visiting them soon. They live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and are staying safe. Jill hopes all is well in NYC and offers continued prayers for the safety and wellbeing of all on the front line.

1971

Lisa WHITE declared that she cannot believe the members of her class are Medicare/ retirement age! The COVID situation accelerated her own personal adjustment to slowing down at work after decades in the restaurant, catering, and then organic food industry, all intense and time consuming industries with sometimes too much international travel. (She said it can get old if there is too much time away from home and loved ones!). She missed a creative outlet, so she started a company with her college roommate making custom affordable aprons. Sewing during lockdown kept her sane. Their original plan to sell at farmer’s markets and crafts fairs obviously did not happen, so they accepted the learning challenge of digital marketing and e-commerce and launched their website in March— not a minute too soon for lockdown! She is proud of their brand name: cheznew-chezvous.com, which is her bridge from Notre Dame to the present. She and Michael still live in Cambridge and still enjoy their vibrant neighborhood, only somewhat dimmed by present circumstances. Lisa counts her blessings with good health and a loving marriage and hopes to continue her travels and explorations. She has been studying Italian and keep brushing up her French with Zoom calls to friends in France. She misses the contact with their large families, but technology has been very helpful. She hopes all are well and safe.

1977

Linda KOSTER Presti retired in March of this year after a 32+ year career with American Express. She reported that she has a lot of hobbies to keep her busy and hopes to get back to traveling once this pandemic is over. One hobby that she has absolutely fallen in love with is glass fusing.

A glass fused window Linda KOSTER Presti made and installed in her home.

1979

Jeanne HABLITZ Gully sadly reported that her mother Margaret Giordano passed away this past March, 2020.

1982

Norma CARMONA Morgan began working for KPMG International, a multinational professional services network. She stated that it is a great company that provides a positive work/life balance, and she is very happy with her job.

1984

Lilian MIGLIORINI Evans maintains that the Class of 1984 will always find a way to stay connected. She was part of a ‘Virtual Get-Together” in May 2020. Even a pandemic could not keep them apart!

Pictured top left to right: Lilian MIGLIORINI Evans, Debra GIUFFRE Cunningham, Michele DiBIASE Flanigan, Olga Ann SALTER, Jeanine RAMOS Monteiro, Suzanne AUGRESANI Katz, Christina SOLARINO Leddy, Angela SAMARTIN Criscuolo, Marie MATTHEWS Soy, Tara WALL, Mary MURPHY Natoli

1985

Robin NEWMAN is thrilled to share that her latest book in the Wilcox & Griswold Series, The Case of the Bad Apples, released on September 1. Kirkus Reviews said it was, “Completely ‘pig-dic-u-lous’—and a whole lot of fun.” She also has two other books coming out in 2021, Don't Call Me Fuzzybutt! with Sleeping Bear Press and her second project with Sesame Street Workshop, Sesame Street Breathe, Think, Do with Elmo: Problem Solving for Little Monsters. She hopes everyone in the Chez Nous community is well.

1996

Lydie KANE began her sixteenth year of teaching at Notre Dame. She currently teaches ninth grade English and is also the librarian. This year, Lydie is most excited about the all-school virtual book club that meets every month on Zoom. Even though we've been apart, the book club has proven to be a wonderful way for students, ND families, alumnae, friends of the ND community and teachers to join together in the spirit of reading great literature. Along with the book club’s student leaders, Brigid McCabe and Devon Neville, Lydie has decided to focus this year’s selection on books of all genres that support the Black Lives Matter movement. The book club is currently reading John Meacham’s, His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis And The Power Of Hope.

1999

Nacia KARIM Walsh graduated college in 2003 with a BA in Digital Arts. Nacia put her dreams of acting professionally on hold while growing her family which now includes 4 children: Tyler, 21, Bryson 14, Nolan, 9, and Anica 5. In August, Nacia booked her first film role in the upcoming fantasy Hexengeddon. She begins filming in Spring 2021. Her message to Chez Nous is—“Never give up on your dreams, ladies!” Nacia Walsh with her family

2009

announce the arrival of a new addition to her family. Her baby boy AJ joins Chloe as a little brother. Katie TAMOLA has been spending a lot of time with her dogs and her mother, trying to practice active gratitude for everything she has been given. She has been focusing on her writing career and trying to read as much as she can. She reported that her mother is an ER nurse and that she is the person Katie wants to highlight and make proud in everything she does. Nursing is a challenging profession, and to witness all the work that she and others are doing during a pandemic is humbling. Katie is

Stephanie SANCHEZ is thrilled to beyond proud to be her daughter.

What’s New?

Keep your classmates updated by sending us your latest news! Photos are encouraged!

Please send all updates and photos to our Director of Annual Fund & Communications, Dr. Christopher Hampton, at hamptonc@cheznous.org

Regarding photos, remember to send the highest quality image available and identify all individuals in each photo.

2010

Marquise BELL is proud to announce the recent launch of the company she founded, BLKDMND COOPERATIVE. BLKDMND is an independent purveyor for a diverse set of products ranging from beauty, art, and fashion to home furnishings, consumables and beyond. The BLKDMND COOPERATIVE is a curated online store that features and highlights products from majority Black-Owned Businesses. The goal is to bring a series of products ranging from fashion to art, delectables, and more to a modern marketplace! Her mission & vision is to transform the narrative of buying black and make it an easier lifestyle change to commit to. Check it out at www.blkdmnd.co! Roisin CLARKE is in her sixth year teaching at ND. She stated that now this means she has been at ND long enough to experience the beautiful, yet strange, feeling of working alongside one of her former students. In addition to teaching math, she was an essential part of an administrative team, with fellow ND alumna and Vice Principal Karina Vargas ’02, which created two new schedules to adapt to the changing times. In addition, she continues to spearhead the school’s strategic vision, Light the Way, as well as to serve as the New Teacher Mentor. This role is extra special for her this year, as she will be mentoring one of her closest Chez Nous sisters, Tara Crimmins ’10. They supported each other from freshman year to graduation day as students, and now Roisin looks forward to doing the same thing back at ND as teachers.

Tara CRIMMINS had the incredible opportunity to teach Theology at Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School for the past six years. While she said it was an absolute blessing to be a part of that community, she is thrilled to be back Chez Nous as a Theology teacher. ND has been formative in so many ways for her, and she is excited to give back to this family as a member of the Faculty.

2011

Gianna SCIANGULA graduated from Fordham University with her Master's in Social Work. Her social work practice includes working with refugee children and their families, and working in a sexual health clinic as a counselor.

2013

Athena BOGDANOS stated that as an independent New Yorker she decided that she should not have to wait for a man to get engaged. This past June she proposed to her boyfriend on a beach. In the middle of her proposal, HE proposed to her! Both had the same idea!

Athena and Keith’s double proposal!

Murphy HARR married Brendan Sibilio on July 11th, 2020

2016

Tiffany MELENDEZ is incredibly honored to return to the place that was a second home for four years. This time she is returning as the proud permanent substitute teacher. She is excited to be able to give students advice and knowledge that she gained throughout her time at ND and to have a hand in creating the warm and caring environment that Notre Dame has always had. Once a Chez Nous sister always a Chez Nous sister.