Reflections Magazine Issue #63 - Fall 2005 | Page 19

Class Notes

Continued

Rosemarie Van D’Elden Birman ’47 and her
husband, Paul, enjoyed a two-week expedition along the southeast coast of Alaska
last fall, where they encountered glaciers
and fjords, brown bears, bald eagles and
humpback whales—not just from the rail of
a small (73-passenger) cruise ship but also
up-close from their kayaks! After wintering
in Ft. Lauderdale, they enjoyed summer on
Long Island, NY.
Condolences go out to Bette Jaminet Rose
’48 of East China, MI, on the loss of her husband, Alfred, this past November 2004 after
a long illness.

Joan Chopp Scheuermann ’53 of
Pleasant Ridge, MI, published a new book in
March titled “Swords and Stilettos” (available
through AuthorHouse). “Almost everyone has
suffered from a careless comment or negative
action. How people deal with rudeness can
either weigh them down with unnecessary
resentment or liberate them and make them
stronger,” the book announcement explains.
“In Swords and Stilletos, a series of short
scenarios portrays painful situations and
reactions that can prevent lingering ill will.”
The stories are intended to inspire readers to
forgive others, and also to recognize behaviors of their own that might be detrimental.
Joan is an artist and writer who has seen
her work published in local papers as well
as Sideshow Magazine, Independent Review,
Odessa Poetry Review, Poet Magazine and
other journals.

Catherine Donovan DeGalan ’55 lives in
Crystal Lake, IL, about 60 miles northwest
of Chicago. She and her husband have four
children and eight grandchildren who have
entertained them at dance recitals, band
concerts, art shows and numerous sporting
events! She also enjoys Chicago’s professional cultural life including the Lyric Opera.

1955

Mary Ann Beckman Krouse, who started at Siena Heights with the Class of ’49,
wrote recently from her home in Ottawa, OH.
Mary Ann left Siena with only 18 hours left
towards her degree in art; “Sister Helene was
a stern taskmaster and I learned a lot from
her, God rest her soul.” Mary Ann and her husband, Dean, had 10 children, eight of whom
are living. After daughter DeAnne Krouse
’85, graduated from Siena, Mary Ann got
back to the task of finishing her own degree,
walking down the graduation aisle in 1988
with proud family in attendance! Mary Ann
applied her art skills as a graphic designer
for the newspaper for some years, and today
makes original pressed-flower greeting cards.
She remains active in her church and recently
celebrated 55 years of marriage to Dean. The
photo below is, from left: daughter DeAnne
’85, daughter Kathy, and Mary Ann.

Lois Flook ’55 taught music as an Adrian
Dominican Sister for many years, then left the
community in the mid-1970s, moved to Chicago and began a real estate career. Since
1979, she has lived in Philadelphia, PA, continuing her work in real estate and maintaining
active involvement in the arts.

50th Reunion

Members and friends of the Class of 1955:
It’s been 50 years! Plan to celebrate at Alumni
Weekend ’05: Sept. 30-Oct. 2 on campus.

Marie Armada Garcia, OP ’49 of Henderson,
NV, was sorry to miss last fall’s 55th reunion
and would enjoy hearing from Siena friends.

1950s

Virginia Robertson Streat Buckle ’53 is living an active life in Ventura, CA, where she is
well known for her sculpture, available through
the Buenaventura Gallery, and her stage work
as an actress with several area theatre groups.
Her “first” career was as a high school English
teacher, but after retirement she began
exploring sculpture, discovering “the beauty
of color and design that lies within the rough
stone.” Her award-winning work has been
exhibited throughout Ventura, Los Angeles
and Santa Barbara counties, and is in private
collections throughout the U.S.

Mary Beaubien, OP ’55 returned from Africa
in May after almost three years in Kroonstad,
in the Free