Recently, we compiled a batch of branch memories about beloved members who passed in 2022-2023. To read the complete post, click Continue Reading.
Elizabeth Seely Kjeldgaard (“Betty”), February 14, 2022 (age 92)
Obituary: https://www.registerguard.com/obituaries/p0198946
From the branch newsletter, April 2022: She was born June 11, 1929 in Santa Clara, California and graduated from Stanford University in 1950. She was a believer in lifelong education and continued to take many educational classes during her lifetime. Her passion was empowering young women and their educational goals. She was a lifetime volunteer in many organizations including Girl Scouts, Toast Masters, Navy Wives Club, AAUW, and PEO International.
Judy Greer, April 23, 2022 (age 95)
Obituary: https://www.registerguard.com/obituaries/p0207314
From the branch newsletter, May 2022: We mourn the passing of long-time branch member Judy Greer, while celebrating the many years she has been an enthusiastic participant at so many of our branch events. In her earlier days, Judy would join us wearing red at our Equal Pay Day Unhappy Hours, gift us all hand-crocheted hot pads during holiday gatherings, and represent our local Rosie the Riveter contingent. Thanks to her daughter and fellow branch member Carene Davis-Stitt, she also enjoyed attending last summer’s picnic at Wayne Morse Ranch, and joined us virtually via Zoom during our pandemic meetings. Clever, curious, and always upbeat, Judy embodies the AAUW can-do spirit, and always will. Our condolences and big hugs to Carene and her family.
Linda McCleary, August 30, 2022 (age 83)
Obituary: https://www.registerguard.com/obituaries/pore0333556
Branch Memories: From Linda’s daughter Jill McCleary: She was a longtime AAUW member, of the Eugene-Lane chapter and other places where she lived, and a steadfast advocate of equality for women and girls. I have one of her original “Uppity Women Unite” pins. Even though she was quite sick when Roe v. Wade fell, she told me “we’ll get out and protest. I can hold a sign.” 🙂
From MaryBeth Morrison, in response: Your mom sounds like one of those trail blazers that the world will feel the lack of with her passing.
From the branch ReaderBoard: According to the website, https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/the-equal-rights-amendment/sources/1201 (Courtesy of Georgia Capitol Museum via Digital Library of Georgia), the pin was worn in support for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and 1980s I can just see Linda proudly wearing that pin!
From Carol Hildebrand: Duane and I were neighbors to Linda and Bill, in the south hills, back in the day.
Peg (Marguerite) Emery, September 14, 2022 (age 80)
Branch Memories:
From Marian Spath: Peg always expressed thoughtful comments during program presentations. And she had a sense of humor, too!
From Carol Hildebrand: Peg was Branch President twice: in 1977-79 and 1996-98.
MaryBeth Morrison, November 15, 2022 (age 77)
Obituary: https://www.registerguard.com/obituaries/pore0357592
Branch Memories: From Sheila Ramerman: MaryBeth joined outgoing and incoming board members at SMJ House in June 2021 for our planning meeting; she’d started out a term as Secretary but was unable to finish it. I remember her being so thrilled at being ‘out of the house’ and feeling well enough to participate, and she brought fresh strawberries to snack on! Unfortunately, it was one of the last times she was well enough to attend an event or branch meeting in person. She faithfully attended via zoom whenever she could.
From the branch newsletter: According to her obituary in the R-G online, MaryBeth was a retired teacher and loved sewing projects. In fact, her email address was “marysquiltingb@gmail.com“. She was a stalwart AAUW supporter until last spring when she let the board know that she wasn’t able to be involved any longer.
Barbara Carter, March 7, 2023 (age 71?)
Branch Memories: From Wendy Cook: Barb was every bit as beloved by all who knew her, including me. With quiet good humor, she’d snap pictures at our special gatherings, and contribute thoughtful words of wisdom during our discussions. I always appreciated her grace, wit, and perspective. I count both Barb and Marian as among my most valued friends, good and true. I will miss them both, but I am comforted knowing their spirits will live on in every gathering we hold. They both exhibited a zest for life that outshines all else.
From Stephanie Winsor: Barb, Miriam Aiken, and I manned the LWV table whenever there was a naturalization ceremony. We all enjoyed visiting together, making sure that the new citizens were able to sign up to vote, and answer any questions they had. Barb was always there with her camera and took amazing pictures of our new citizens.
From Carene Davis-Stitt: What I remember about Barb was her kindness to my Mom. She would often drop cards of greeting to Judy over the last months of her life. It meant a lot to her to be remembered.
Marian Spath, February 16, 2023 (Age 94)
Obituary: https://www.registerguard.com/obituaries/pore0447996
PDF: Memorial from Seattle Branch
Branch Memories: Marian was branch Co-President from 2008 – 2010 with Janice Strupp.
From a member of Marian’s YMCA water aerobics class: Marian was a longtime and beloved member of the water aerobics class. I remember meeting her years ago when I used to attend the class on my every-other-Monday-off (when I was still working). She walked with canes even then…One day she came in with serious bruises on her face and maybe her arms or legs. Shocked silence fell upon the class. Marian calmly said “You should see the other guy!” She was a kick in the pants and aqua aerobics folks are mourning her loss.
From Wendy Cook: Marian was one of the first members to greet me at the first AAUW gathering I attended. She immediately made me feel warmly welcome as a branch guest, in a way only Marian could. Through her kind words, gentle laugh, and genuine interest in others’ lives, she embodied all that remains special about our little branch. I was quickly hooked! I count both Barb and Marian as among my most valued friends, good and true. I will miss them both, but I am comforted knowing their spirits will live on in every gathering we hold. They both exhibited a zest for life that outshines all else.
From Sheila Ramerman: Marian was one of the few who attended our Zoom/remote observance of Equal Pay Day in 2022. She regaled the rest of us with memories of her early teaching career. I especially remember her talking about not only being active in her teacher’s union BUT helping to organize the union!