Class Notes Fall 2023

From Mary Smith Podles, Class Secretary
1972notes@alum.wellesley.edu

Guess I’ll start with the sad news first. I am very sorry to report the deaths of classmates Nancy Smith Jenks, Ellie Carlson, and Jeanne Olson Darlington. And sincerest condolences to Elizabeth Doherty, who lost her husband of 28 years, Dr. Richard Wolin, to melanoma in June—and to make matters worse, also lost her beloved old cat, Wilson, in July.

Answering, “How did you spend your summer vacation?” Elizabeth “Betsy” Bassett responded, “Under water. Many farms (mostly before harvest) and town centers in Vermont were devastated by torrential rains in July. The strength and character of Vermont derives from its small farms and businesses. But this is a lot. How will this special place emerge from a tragic summer? No one is immune from the ravages of climate change.”

The indefatigable Ellen Cahn writes more happily that she has enjoyed Wellesley 1971’s events on drama and Notre Dame Cathedral, Professor Stanley’s report on the boat trip to Antarctica, and the virtual alumnae event from Alice’s Table. She struggles to keep the plants from that latter one alive and thriving.

Better news from Marcia Armstrong. She reports that after last year’s diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer, she has undergone chemo, radiation, surgery, and Keytruda infusions, and the tumor is completely gone. She is now on the upside, awaiting the arrival of grandson No. 2.

And marriages: Katie Smith’s wedding in Cleveland Heights was a mini-reunion of sorts, with Delna Sethna Dastur ’71, Sally Phelps Smith, Ann Smith Seabright ’78, Mary Smith Laurent ’96, and Meg Smith Aeschliman ’04 in attendance.

Finally, birth pangs (of a sort): Judith Wynn Rousuck launched her epistolary novel, Please Write, in October. And my own A Thousand Words has finally triumphed over the seemingly endless supply chain queue. Wishing you all well. Please write!