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[From 50th reunion yearbook...]
Earlham College, A.B., English and Biology; Rochester Institute of Technology, M.S., Human Resource Development
Today life is pleasantly balanced with volunteer responsibilities, horticultural activities and creative work with fibers. I took early retirement ten years ago, and Charlie (husband) is semi-retired from Mechanical Engineering Dept at Rochester Institute of Technology. I am active on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Council of RIT and our association on Sanibel Island, Fl.
After I raised our daughters I worked professionally in three arenas for 20 years—corporate human resources, fund raising and horticulture. After receiving an MS degree from Rochester Institute of technology at age 39 I worked at Taylor Instrument Co., and then thirteen years as a development officer for non-profits, including five years at Rochester Institute of Technology. Finally I retired from Genesee Country Village and Museum (country’s third largest living history museum) as Director of Horticultural Programs.
In recalling my first NSG days at Moore Cottage as a young girl of 13, I learned with classmates the craft of knitting—first mittens, scarves, and then socks for our boyfriends and fathers! This has been a constant thread with me, and today I choose artistic and challenging sweaters with multiple patterns and colors to knit. Over the years Charlie and our two daughters were recipients of cozy hand-knits for winter skiing, horseback riding and sledding. My mom and I used to visit together while knitting, and though she left this world years ago, I feel her wonderful presence whenever I knit. The ageless craft has connected me in a very special way to a timeless tradition enjoyed by women of every century the world over.
Nine years ago I began a serious study of color theory that I have applied to garden design and artistic quilts, five quilts of which have been in national juried shows. As a self-taught gardener I finally focused on designing perennial gardens and whole property color balance through my after-hours business, gardens By Design. Using my own landscaped courtyard garden as an example was beneficial in demonstrating architectural garden elements to clients. For many years my garden has been featured on benefit garden tours in Rochester. Each year I conceive new color patterns, try new varieties, many of which I raise from seed, and redesign garden sections. After 30 years as a regional illustrated horticultural lecturer for federated and other Garden clubs, I retired from public talks.
For over two years now, I have worked on an exciting mission! I have had the opportunity to coordinate a 14-acre landscape master plan on Sanibel Island, incorporating new habitats for songbirds, butterflies and Gopher tortoises at our Condo association. Today this landscaped property serves as an Island model for conservation land-planning and native plant care in support of Sanibel’s diverse wildlife and migratory birds in the Atlantic Flyway. This has been an amazing and important pinnacle project for me.
