Class Notes G H 1950s
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Alice Miller Henry-Taylor ’52 “I’ve outdone
myself during these past few months! I digitized my20 photo albums from 19482006! My car upholstery was repaired, the recall taken care of, and a fabulous detail! Plumbing issue handled and my carpets cleaned. Have walked six miles per day—with every phone call, I started walking! Many picnics in local parks, armed with all the cleaning gear and measured distance. I resumed my volunteer work a month ago with people who had been isolated for two months. As we come into what’s being called the ‘new normal,’ I pray that each of us stays healthy and virus-free and, hopefully, the world will at last discover peace.” Juliette Cevola Becker ’56 Ph.D. “I celebrated my 82nd birthday in September 2019. In honor of this new decade that I am in, I have taken my art in a different direction. My recent painting, a self-portrait, really shows how I have changed. I am not really sure what inspired me to go that way, but something inside pushes me to continue exploring new ways of expression. As I have carried with me every day since I first walked into the main hall of Mayfield in 1952, I have lived by the motto ‘Actions Not Words.’ I hope to be able to continue to create throughout the rest of my life. Turning 80 was a pivotal moment for me. I had just retired from
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POSTSCRIPTS 2020
private practice that I shared with my husband, Vance, in California. We had made an intentional decision to move to Washington when we retired. So, we sold our home and practice and made the giant move to Gig Harbor, Washington, to start a new adventure. It has not disappointed. Moving across a few states after 79 years was no easy feat. But we are very happy here. The pace of life is different where we live. People, in general, are friendly and kind. They greet you at stores here and acknowledge you. It had ceased to be that way in Newport. The pace of life had become strained and difficult. While we lived in such beauty, it was marred by the constant urge of others around us to succeed at any cost. Maybe it is because we are now in the winter of our lives, but it seemed too much to tolerate anymore. We miss our friends and family but are content with the choice that we made. It has invigorated our lives. My husband has written a book and is now working on his second. He spent the first two years taking creative writing at the University of Washington. I have become enmeshed in the vast art colony here. I paint almost every day and have tried all different kinds of mediums and methods. It gives me great pleasure and stimulates my brain cells. I have even entered several art shows and contests. My new friends are all artists. All this to say to you Mayfield alums who followed me, live by the motto. It will serve you well. Mayfield had the most impact on my life than any other school I attended. It has allowed me to succeed in areas that I never thought possible. It taught me that there is new life constantly being generated deep inside me. All you have to do is reach out and find it and make it your own. Congratulations Class of 2020. You graduated in a historical moment in time. While you were not able to fully experience the traditional Mayfield graduation, it seems every effort was made to give you as close to that experience as it could be. Mayfield always comes through with their traditions. They may seem unimportant
Sr. Suzanne Snyder ’53, SHCJ (1936-2020) Farewell to a joyful friend and compassionate advocate We celebrate the life of alumna, teacher and social worker Sr. Suzanne Snyder ’53, SHCJ, who was a Sister of the Holy Child Jesus for 64 years. Sr. Sue entered the Society of the Holy Child Jesus after graduating from Mayfield, and returned to 500 Bellefontaine as an American Literature and World Religions teacher from 1969 to 1973. She also served on Mayfield’s Board of Trustees from 1975 to 1976. A true “Actions Not Words” role model, Sr. Sue’s real passion was working with marginalized people. She spent many years doing prison ministry and pastoral work before founding the Social Service Center of Holy Cross Parish in South Central Los Angeles in 1984. Sr. Sue moved to San Diego in 1999 to continue her work with at-risk children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She spent the last four years at the Holy Child Center in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, where she was cherished for her fun-loving and generous spirit. Mayfield has dedicated a garden in Sr. Sue’s honor in Cornelia’s Courtyard, behind Strub Hall. “May her memory be a blessing—I learned a lot about how to be an activist, ally and social worker from Sister Sue.” — CAITLIN TURNER ROBINSON ’98
now, but as you grow in maturity, you will find they bring you much comfort and confidence. You have challenging times ahead, and your education will be your fortress.” 1
