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Here is a quick 50-year history. After leaving Carlmont, I met my husband, Jack, at College of San Mateo and married him on December 31, 1960. We have two sons, Russ and Kevin; two wonderful daughters-in-law, Mary and Heidi. Heidi is Barbara Madsen’s niece, small world. The joy of our life is our five grandchildren who still think Papa and Gramma are pretty cool.
I went to work at Macy's in the Human Resources Department; it used to be called Personnel, which I still think is a better name. I worked part time when my boys were in school. It was so much fun. We had parties all the time and were like an extended family.
After about 20 years my husband suggested I come to work in our family business, Castle Insurance. I enjoyed working there for another 20 years.
In January 2000, 1 contracted Meningitis and ended up in Sequoia Hospital in a coma for 7 days. The doctors say I was a very lucky person; they thought I might not make it.
When I came out of the coma I couldn’t walk, see clearly, hear, feed myself or remember anything, not even my grandchildren’s names. I believe I am very blessed. It was not my time. My sister said because there were so many people praying for me God said “So many prayers, I guess I’ll send her back.”
My son Russ became Jack’s partner and took over my responsibilities so I could retire. I was not really retired, just changed focus.
I became very involved in a national organization called Hearing Loss Association of America. Jack and I had always volunteered. It was kind of our hobby, and was so much fun. When we were first married we joined “The Jaycees” and “The Jaycettes” For over 40 years we have been involved at our church and the boys’ school, Nativity in Menlo Park. Jack was appointed to the Park & Recreation Commission in Redwood City, then the Planning Commission and finally the Port Commission. We enjoyed traveling all over--Hong Kong, Australia, London etc. with the other Port Commissions and their wives. Some of the other non-profits we have participated in are: The Chamber of Commerce, Kainos, a home for developmentally disabled adults, and Sequoia Awards. We were part of a group in Redwood City that started Sequoia Awards 20 years ago and we gave one $500 scholarship to a high school senior for volunteerism. This year we gave an award to an individual, a business and $135,000 in scholarships to 23 high school seniors, all based on their volunteerism.
It is hard for me to believe that so much time has passed. This month I’m going to my oldest granddaughter’s high school graduation and then she is off to college. We’ve come full circle.
