CLASS NOTES

— Jamila Sinlao Zanette ‘04, Alumnae Relations Manager

1955

What began as an occasional luncheon get-together since graduation in ‘55 has segued over the years to trips in other cities and even out of state! Our first “get away” to Pine Mountain Lake in the Sierras included seven members of our class: Carol Shea Purdy, Rose Marie Ferrario Jacobberg, Diane Sheehan Key, Sandy Levy Dreweatt, Janet Lawson Holdren, Judie Cunningham MacDonald, and Carol Messano Porter. While in Green Valley, AZ, five of us (Rose, Carol, Diane, Carolyn, and Sandy) were joined by Ann Marie Wunderlich Schaffer for a day. This July took us on our second trip to San Diego. We spent four days touring the sights -- Balboa Park, Gaslamp downtown, shopping in Seaport Village, and loved the performance of the musical Once at the Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. We’re back at home, looking forward to our next mini-reunion. How blessed we are for our continuing friendship as Mercy girls.

1956

Mary Lou Woodman Whitcomb and her husband of 58 years continue their lives in South Lake Tahoe as active community members. This spring they travelled to Australia and New Zealand. Mary Lou is active in the community; as lector at St. Theresa’s Church; as a Soroptimist Club member; and plays bridge two times a week. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this year!

1957

Sharon Smith Campodonico has 4 wonderful children: Jeff, a neuropsychologist in Baltimore, MD, specializing in Geriatrics and forensic litigation; Liz, a middle school volleyball and basketball coach in Littleton, CO; Dominic, a senior law partner at Gordon and Rees in San Francisco, specializing in medical and pharmacology litigation; and Peter, who is a consultant in specialized fashion in New York. Nothing has changed for Sharon, who is still stringing beads and weaving baskets.

Pat Koch Delaney has been married for 56 years and has 9 grandchildren. She’s traveled to some fun places, still plays “9” holes of golf, but best of all, is still standing!

Lydia Fulvio Eslinger stays busy volunteering with the Red Cross, hospice, a local hospital auxiliary and the health ministry at her church. She also travels as much as possible, and highly recommends Antarctica as a destination.

Jeannie Britschgi Gallagher still works as a daycare provider. She has 20 grandchildren—11 girls and 9 boys. Ten grandchildren are attending Jeannie’s grammar school; one granddaughter (Colleen Sammons ‘13) is a Mercy alumna, another is a Mercy student (Reagan Sammons ‘20), and two more are hoping to attend.

1958

Anita Alonso Eden took the trip of a lifetime in July 2018 when she traveled to Israel for two weeks. The trip left her both exhilarated and exhausted, and gave her a whole new understanding of the Bible. Anita is looking forward to the reunion in September. (PHOTO:“Jerusalem”)

1959

Beth Dado Aversa and her husband Guido celebrated their 50th Anniversary in February. They took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate and celebrated again over the summer with their five children, their spouses & twelve grandchildren when they gathered for their eldest granddaughter’s wedding. Beth is also active in a local quilting guild, sings in her church choir, and enjoys her grandchildren. (PHOTO: “Our trip to Arches National Park”)

1960

“On our second Jesuit lead pilgrimage to Portugal this time at shrine of Fátima.”

Patricia Conway Putkey ‘60 and Mary Pappert McCarrick ‘64

1961

Sister Philip Sharon Ellenberger writes, “In 1974 I joined Mother John Marie, who had a vision for a new community. We were canonically erected as a diocesan community on May 7, 1991 in the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas. We have houses in Monterrey, Mexico, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Amarillo. On May 26 Mother John Marie passed away and, oh, we miss her. I am now the oldest by age and profession in the community! We number 43 this year with three joining us. My positions in Community remain the same -- infirmary and sewing room. I have helpers in both.”

1962

Maureen Murphy Jenkins retired after a 40 year career in nursing and transitioned to another passion, walking with people in their spiritual journey as a spiritual director/ companion. She and her family also recently welcomed a new grandson to the delight of all.

1963

Susan Pringle Smith was incredibly excited to have the chance to “pin” her granddaughter, Kiley O’Brien ‘18, at the Alumnae Pinning Ceremony in May. (PHOTO: “Susan pinning Kiley at the Alumnae Pinning Ceremony”)

1964

Betty Stanley Berry was thrilled to join classmates Rey Friel ‘64 and Sr Celeste Marie (Trudy Nuttman) ‘64, along with other alumni as Sr. Suzanne conducted “God’s Grandeur” at the Mercy chapel for a Jubilee weekend in July. Classmate

Marilyn Weeks ‘64 was in attendance. The concert included several pieces written by Sr. Suzanne. Most noted was the Cantata that Sr. Suzanne wrote in 1962 for Mother Cyril’s Jubilee. The class of ‘64 were among the first to sing the Cantata during class with their beloved Sr. Suzanne. Singing again under her direction was special indeed! (PHOTO: Sr Suzanne directs “God’s Grandeur”)

1967

Laura Pometta Simpson is happily ensconced from Saturday afternoon teas at the Palace Hotel and Ritz Carlton in San Francisco. She is also the the staff harpist for surgery waiting at UCSF at Mission Bay, Parnassus and Mt. Zion sites (the finest hospital in the West according to US News and World Report). Occasionally alumnae come by for a visit, and Laura would love to see more, as it’s always a treat to catch up!

1968

Barbara Rutherford Crest had the chance to meet up with friends from the Class of 1968 in Rome, Italy this past spring.

(PHOTO: “In front of St. Stephen Church in Rome, Italy.”

From left to right: Bruce Crest (husband of Barbara); Sean Maffet (husband of Kathleen); Kathleen Cronin; Shirley Meals Lubrano; Barbara Rutherford Crest)

Patricia (Patty) Siegel Schmolze and her husband Robert (Bob) Schmolze (Serra HS ’68) celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to the Island of Kauai. Both Patty and Bob are currently retired, however Patty continues to teach part-time as an instructor of early childhood teachers in training. They have two adult children Robert (and his fiancé Tabitha) and Laurel (and her husband Mike) and a vivacious almost seven-year-old granddaughter, Charlotte Rose. Bob and Patty continue to enjoy life in “the big city” actively grandparenting, taking classes, seeing shows, and exploring museums. With extended family in Northern California, they visit the area often and travel elsewhere in the US and abroad frequently.

Sharon Sodek Woodcock - This year has been a year of great joy and a year of great sorrow for Sharon. In February 2018 Sharon was delighted to be present for the birth of her 2nd granddaughter in Hawi, Hawaii. Lana Woodcock Belmarez joined her sister Makena, age three, and brother Mateo, age 10, into the circle of family love. However, just a few short months later in April 2018, Sharon dealt with the profound loss of having her younger siblings, Shannon Maureen Sodek ‘70 and Shaymus (Shay) Sodek die within three weeks of each other. Shannon passed away in Northern California and Shay on the island of Kauai where he had lived for several years. Both died from complications of heart disease. Looking ahead, Sharon and her husband Joel are planning a permanent move from their home in Portland to Hawi, to join their daughter Sally, son-in-law Brad, and grandchildren on the Big Island. Sharon may be reached at: sharonswoodcock@gmail.com

1971

Jackie Madden Haugh keeps up with her Mercy crew on Facebook. She just published her third book, The Promise I Kept, and is turning it into an Audible version. Jackie’s four kids are completely “launched,” and she’s expecting her first grandchild soon.

Eileen O’Day Whitcomb recently walked away from four decades of the nursing profession, jumped on a plane to travel the world, learn a new language, and grab life by the horns. She’s grateful for a deeply loving relationship with the man of her dreams, and continues to let curiosity guide her through new doors of opportunity. Ellen adds, “My tribe continues to grow and contribute to helping make this crazy world a better place for future generations. Hope everyone is doing well. All the best to you.” (PHOTO: Maui 2018)

1974

Angela Aubry is grateful to Cindy Wallace Chin ‘74, a “true Mercy sister,” who came to her rescue during the Santa Rosa fire in 2017.

Nancy Ryan Hines recently came together with lifelong friends from the Class of 1974 to celebrate the marriage of Valerie Vick Nichols ‘74. (PHOTO: Left to Right, Jennifer Kockos Morse, Colleen McGovern, Nancy Ryan Hines, Valerie Vick Nichols, Ann Buckley McCarthy, Mary Andrews)

1977

Kelly Johnson Kennedy: PHOTO: “Me with my kids Jamieson and Jordan”

1978

Mary Adkins Nicholson and her husband Nick just celebrated 39 years of marriage in June. It has gone by so quickly and they look forward to their 40th next year. They love spending time with their 8 year old granddaughter, Anabelle, along with activities like Disney trips, day trips, camping, and Harley rides. Their 4 1/2 Mo. old long haired German Shepherd, Mr. Rocco, is keeping them quite busy, too.

1981

Theresa Stanghellini Holm lost her husband last September, but has been enjoying her daughter and son’s company.

1984

Athena Cambitsis Stanford opened up her own real estate company, Stanford Realty Group, in 2014. Her first grandchild, Adalynn Jo, was born in January 2018 and is the apple of Athena’s eye!

Jaimee Dalupan Troyer celebrated 1 year of being breast cancer-free on July 6, 2018. She and her fiance have purchased a new home, which is currently undergoing remodeling. They are also planning their wedding for next year. Jaimee is alive and well, and looking forward to the future.

1986

Janine Bartolotti found employment with Gardaworld Cash Services after being caregiver for her mom. She has been traveling across the US training new employees since 2012. In 2017, Janine was offered a position as CVS Supervisor in Helena, MT. She has also started a company called Charred Fibers Solar Pyrography. (PHOTO: Solar Pyrography is wood burning with a magnifying glass and the sun.)

Ana Gloria Rodriguez

Wilkinson writes, “Life is wonderful. This being the year that most of us 1986 graduates turn 50, there has been a lot of celebrating going on.” (PHOTO: Ana and her husband Corbett at her 50th birthday party)

1988

The Class of 1988 recently celebrated their 30 year reunion with a weekend of activities organized by Arlene Floresca-Igtanloc, including a Giants game and wine-tasting at Sciandri Family Vineyards, hosted by alumna Rebecca Sciandri Griffin.

1988-Reunion

“Friday night San Francisco Giants baseball game.” Front row from left to right: Joyce Hare Romeo, Kim Garrett Paulus, Regina Chavez Susa, Phaidra Pavia Garcia, Lynn Montgomery, Arlene Floresca. Back row from left to right: Michaela Molloy Simpson, Denise O’Reilly Thompson, Debra Belale, Cindy Gonzalez Morton.

1988-Reunion “Our organizer Arlene Floresca (left) and host Rebecca Sciandri Griffin (right)”

Mancina, Tara Cafferkey Niland, Lilly Whitehouse Paulsen, Jane Antonini, Debra Belale, Kristi Moran Lanusse, Sandra Ruiz, Rudith Melo Cordero, April Garcia Hall, Tracy Nabonne Clemente, Gingle Baronia Allen. Very back on left: Michelle Acevedo Nicklas, Rebecca Sciandri Griffin, Suzanne Puccinelli Dabadghav.

1990

Stacy Demakas Moffat is celebrating her daughter Samantha’s recent graduation from University of Nevada in Reno with a Degree in Business Administration. Samantha recently accepted a job in sales & marketing with Automatic Data Processing. She’s been assigned one of the largest territories in Sacramento & is already proving her strong work ethic & sales skills. (PHOTO: Stacy’s daughter, Samantha)

1991

Kelli Brooks recently moved to Qatar to continue working for the Department of Defense, after spending 2 years in Iraq and 4 years in Afghanistan.

1995

Tessa Manni O’Dowd recently met up with friends from the Class of 1995 and writes, “I can’t believe that over 20 years have passed and our friendships still hold strong. Mercy gave us a bond that will last forever.” (PHOTO: From left to rightJacqueline Dowd, Tessa Manni O’Dowd , Megan Carey, Deanna Canepa, and Nicole Albee)

1999

Maureen Roberts

Miller is proud to announce the birth of her second daughter, Madison Ciara, on June 5. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Doug, and oldest daughter, Mackenzie, on the Jersey Shore, where she has resided for the past seven years. (PHOTO: Baptism of Madison Ciara Miller, July 2018)

2002

Kendyl Eriksen teaches 6th grade science at Convent & Stuart Hall in San Francisco. She married Brad Woodville on July 12 (with Mary Desing ‘02, in the bridal party) and they live in El Cerrito with their pets, a bearded dragon and a parrot. (PHOTO: Mary Desing ‘02 and Kendyl Eriksen ‘02)

2004

Maureen Carey graduated from Regis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History in 2008 and continued her education at the University of Colorado, earning a Master’s in American History. She now works as a researcher for the New England Historical Genealogical Society, her dream job.

PHOTO: (Left to Right) Abby Matthews Huseth with her sister, Hannah Matthews ‘06, their mom, Mercy chorale teacher Pam Matthews, and Abby’s son Soren in Missoula, Montana.

Meghan Chavez Railey attended Santa Clara University and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Finance. While at Santa Clara University she played Division I softball. After graduation she joined UBS financial services, leaving in 2010 to join Wells Fargo Advisors where she manages a wealth management practice in San Francisco. In 2014 she married Joey Railey at the Kohl Mansion. Their first child, a daughter, was born in late 2015, and they recently celebrated the birth of a son in April 2018.

2005

Courtney Jamieson received the award for “Top 40 under 40 most successful in the Bay Area” in 2017, and recently relocated to Seattle to work with Microsoft as the Global Director of Marketing Analytics. She still plays golf with a 6 handicap and spent her 30th birthday playing golf in Scotland for 2 weeks. Courtney mentors students, sits on a nonprofit board and maintains golf membership at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club (PGCC).

(PHOTO: Courtney holding the 2017 British Open Trophy at Carnoustie Golf Club)

2008

Claire O’Brien Smith went to Skyline College and studied Esthetics. She obtained her state board license and currently works as an Arch Expert for Benefit Cosmetics at Ulta in San Mateo. In January 2017, she married Ricky Smith and on July 27, 2017, the couple welcomed their daughter Sadie Louise in the early hours of the morning. (PHOTO: Sadie’s first Christmas 2017)

Amanda Meffert Tipton moved to Virginia in 2009, graduated from UVA’s extension campus in Biology and Psychology, and was married in 2016. She was accepted to Northwestern University for graduate school in 2017 for a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through a hybrid program. Amanda participated in music in college, and played the role of the mother in the opera Hansel Und Gretel. She currently lives in the DC Metro area.

2009

Jessica Malekos Smith is a M.A. candidate with the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and previously served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Her law article, “Imagining a Killer Robot’s First Words: Engineering State-in-the-Loop Legal Responsibility for Fully Autonomous Weapons Systems,” was recently published in the Harvard Kennedy School Review.

2010

Brianna Bacich went to the University of San Diego where she graduated with a BA in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She is now in her last year at the University of Southern California to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy which she plans to use to work in rehabilitation for patients with neurological conditions.

Jenise Spiteri earned her Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship at Sierra Nevada College (2013) and began competing internationally in halfpipe snowboarding. She finished one spot short of making it into the 2018 Olympics (she was 25th in the world rankings and the top 24 get to compete in the Olympics). Now she is training for the 2022 Olympic Games which will take place in Beijing.

(PHOTO: Jenise Spiteri ‘10 training at Copper Mountain, Colorado)

2012

Evelyn Hitchcock is loving life in Los Angeles with a job that combines two of her favorite things: sports and entertainment. She worked on the 2017 U.S. Amateur, 2018 NBA All-Star and is gearing up to work on Super Bowl 2022 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023. When she isn’t working, Evelyn loves exploring the city, working out and finding new places to eat.

(PHOTO: Evelyn with her 2018 NBA All-Star Game +1, her dad!)

Kathleen Ryan was recently diagnosed with a visual impairment issue so now she uses a cane to navigate her world. She is currently a student at NDNU in Liberal Studies and has recently started a job at a pre-school.