It’s hard to believe that we have come to the close of 2021. As we begin the new year, I do hope that each of our classmates, their families, and friends have remained healthy and safe!
I received a lovely note from Geri Lamb Kenneally, who informed me that she recently returned to Maine as a full-time resident and is living with her son, John Kenneally, and his family. John is a Class of ’81 University of Maine graduate and is now an assistant professor at St. Joseph’s College in Windham, ME. Geri wants everyone to know that her email address is gerikenneally@gmail.com. Although she was enjoying the Florida “snowbird” life, she knows she will have to get used to Maine winters again as her new mailing address is now 19 Rocky Ridge Road, Naples, ME 04055. Please try to drop her a line and welcome her back!
On July 2, three of Maine’s World War II veterans reflected on their service at a special ceremony unveiling a WWII memorial at the University of Maine. They gathered at the campus for the unveiling of a plaque honoring more than 16 million Americans who were called upon to fight against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. These three Maine veterans from the “Greatest Generation” were able to share their reflections on their service and how it changed them. They were Donald Gallupe, Carmine Pecorelli, and George Newhall. Thank you all for your service!
I am saddened to report that Dorothy Lord Hopkins, age 93, passed away on July 21 at The Hunt Community in Nashua, NH. Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Alton “Al” Hopkins, of Nashua, and their sons Donald L. Hopkins and his wife, Cathy, of South Portland, ME; Mark S. Hopkins of Newington, CT; and Scott A. Hopkins of Alpharetta, GA. Dorothy also leaves behind one grandchild and several nephews and cousins. To view an online obituary and to leave a condolence, please visit www.csnh.com/obituaries.
On July 24, we held the memorial for our President, Henry Saunders, in Portland, ME. In addition to family members and his beloved companion, Karen Marie Reilly, attendees included: Joan Ferrini-Mundy, University of Maine President; Dr. Dana Humphrey ’44H, Dean of Engineering and holder of the Kenneth & Henry Saunders Professorship of Engineering Leadership; Jeffery Mills ’82, President of the University of Maine Foundation; Dan Willett ’69, ’70G, University of Maine Foundation; and Pat Cummings, ’89, ’44H, from the University of Maine Foundation. In addition, I noted that the Westbrook Rotary was well represented, including Christine Born Johnson ’82, Philip Spiller, Jr., and Woody Beach ’51. Classmate Albert Mosher and his brother, Abbot Mosher ’55, also attended.
In closing, I have had the honor and privilege of being your Class of 1950 secretary for over 70 years. However, it is time for me to pass the baton to the University of Maine Alumni Communications. Moving forward, please send your Class of 1950 Alumni Association entries directly to: abigail.zelz@maine.edu.
“We were nifty in ’50!”
Although I do not correspond via email as well as I used to, I do welcome the occasional letter via regular “snail mail.” My address is 186 Jerry Browne Road, Apt 1112, Mystic, CT 06355. Feel free to drop me a line. I will try to respond when I can.
In the meantime, stay well! Please continue to wear your masks, wash your hands, keep your distance, and if you haven’t already, be sure to get your vaccines!
Happy New Year!
Love Ruthie!