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Brenda Otterson Grotts

Profile Updated: June 10, 2025
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What state (or country if outside CONUS) do you now reside in?
Saint Louis, MO USA
Spouse/Partner
John Whittier
Children
Stefanie Stearns, born 1969; Kristina Pool, born 1974 (deceased)
Yes! Attending Reunion
What is your high school graduating year?

1962

Comments

Lived in 5 countries, learned 5 new languages, taught ESOL and Spanish pre-school through community college, resettled a couple thousand refugees through 5 church agencies, travelled.

School Story

My dad (Cdr USN) proved it would be cheaper to run a flight to pick up the U. Maryland/Munich college aged dependents around Europe than the 1st class trains being used in the 60's--AND he could keep up his flight hours needed due to his desk job! So my Daddy flew the "school plane" (C130 usually)!

When and where were you a brat outside the United States?

Rota, Spain 1962-65; Keflavik, Iceland 1969-970; Munich, Germany 1963-65
Catania (Sigonella), Sicily 1971-72.

Have you been to a Gathering or Homecoming?

Yes

Do you have a memory that could have only happened because of where you were?

About 1971 I flew with baby daughter from Maine to Iceland, then Luxembourg, took trains to the VW factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, bought new car and drove it and her to Catania, Sicily - alone, where I reunited with my husband, living on the side of Mt. Etna as it erupted.

The dreaded question...Where are you from?

10 public schools in 7 states, 6 universities in 3 countries, about 33 houses in 5 countries? 80 yrs ago: Brunswick, Maine.

Do you have a favorite place where you ever lived? What made it special to you?

Most anywhere I'm unpacked is fine, 'though I am partial to Spain and Germany. I always felt accepted for just being me in both countries.

Have you been back to visit any place you lived growing up overseas?

50th Reunion of the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany a few years ago!

Did you live (not just visit) in...

Europe