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Remembrance
Gayle Latshaw
, who served the School for nearly 20 years as Director of Development (1994-2000) and then as Assistant Head for Development (2001-2012), died on February 1, 2013 after a lengthy illness. She was 64. A stalwart supporter of independent education, Ms. Latshaw helped to transform the culture of philanthropy at Friends, according to Head of School Matt Micciche. At her retirement celebration in May of 2012, he told the gathering of friends and colleagues: “Gayle’s diligence and determination in leading multiple capital campaigns, growing the Annual Fund from less than $400,000 to over $1.5 million and raising awareness of the crucial role that development plays in the successful achievement of our mission, have made possible much of the progress in curriculum, facilities, and scholarship funding over the past 18 years.” A former English teacher and administrator at Roland Park Country School, Ms. Latshaw’s earliest involvement at Friends was as a parent and volunteer during her daughter Jane Lancaster ’95’s time there as a student. She went on to become Parents Association President and also served on the School’s Board of Trustees. “She was passionate about education and providing young people with the best opportunities possible,” said Jane Lancaster ’95. “Not a day went by that Mom didn’t think of what she might do to make her schools, particularly Friends, a better place for the children.” “Her focus outside of her job was her children,” said her son, Daniel Latshaw of Washington, DC. “I can’t remember a single school event that she ever missed.” A native of Richmond, Va., Ms. Latshaw was known for her grace and style, and for her endearing use of Southern colloquialisms. She might describe a donor as having “deep pockets but short arms” or characterize a summer day as “hotter than the hinges of Hades.” She loved spending time with her children and two granddaughters, Gayle and Eleanor, in Deltaville, Va., where her parents had a house. “For those of you who have not had a lesson on Virginia’s Tidewater geography,” Ms. Lancaster regaled the gathering at Second Presbyterian Church during the February 6 memorial service, “the area our family frequents is truly referred to as ‘the rivah’ — that’s R-I-V-A-H!” It was there, at the Deltaville residence, that Ms. Latshaw’s less prim-and-proper side came out, according to Ms. Lancaster. “Mom taught us to catch, clean, and fry fish; drive a boat, water ski, and sunbathe; shuck corn, shell lima beans, and spit seeds; catch crabs, pick ‘em, make crab cakes; and so on,” she said. In addition to her two children and grandchildren, Ms. Latshaw is survived by her stepson Scott Latshaw ’87 and a brother, Thomas Gaylon Layfield III. Contributions in Gayle Latshaw’s memory may be made to the Layfield-Latshaw Scholarship Fund at Friends School of Baltimore. Contact Eleanor Landauer at 410.649.3316 or email elandauer@friendsbalt.org.
Kathy Smith
, the indefatigable Assistant to four different Heads of Friends School, died on December 27, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Known for her upbeat disposition and organizational prowess, Mrs. Smith for nearly 23 years made it her business to keep the School’s Head “on time, out of trouble and prepared” for some eight to ten different meetings each day, simultaneously keeping track of minutes, meetings and activities on behalf of the Board of Trustees. “Kathy’s flexibility is an asset to the Head, the Board, and the community as a whole,” Matt Micciche told a gathering of Friends employees and their family members in 2010, when she was recognized for her 20 years of service to the School. “Her genuine concern for others and for Friends shines through in all that she does.” A doting grandmother, Mrs. Smith’s work space was adorned with photos of her grandchildren and whimsical “no whining” buttons, badges and pillows. These — and a well-stocked candy jar — ensured that visitors to Friends left the Head’s Office with smiles on their faces. Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband Roger, their children — daughter Cynthia Smith Claffey and her husband Doug, and son Rick Smith and his wife Robin — and their five grandchildren: Jonny, Elise, Aidan, Aaron and Abby. Contributions in Kathy Smith’s memory may be made to the Friends School Mission Fund. Contact Eleanor Landauer at 410.649.3316 or email elandauer@friendsbalt.org.
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