1965 Class Notes for 2021
Hazel Farrell Murray called me in March to let me know about a Mass being celebrated on Zoom in honor of Sister Seton Cunneen shortly before she died. She wrote that Seton was in her wedding to Matthew 56 years ago and felt that Seton was a blessing to so many. Hazel saw 2020 as a strange year, but one that had some good things come out of it. Nothing is taken for granted anymore. Priority lists have taken on more importance…and as Matthew said “we are rounding third base.” One wouldn’t think that as “we watch our fabulous Nancy Pelosi work hard and make such a difference.” Hazel’s vision would be: “spending much time with my family, looking after friends, staying curious and painting and being grateful for so much…realizing too that difficulties are usually opportunities to learn something new.”
Sandra Skwirut Jaszek wrote that she can picture Seton among us, 60 years ago hearing people ask many times why she chose Latin and Greek as her major. The answer to “What can you do with it?” lies in Sr. Seton’s life work! In this proclaimed year of St. Joseph, he eased her into death with the joy of knowing that she made a difference in the world. Sandra and Alex spent many hours watching movies from the 1930s through 2019. Anniversary editions include features about casting, screenwriting, filming on location, special effects, and more. It was a diversion from both the pandemic and the presidential election. In the near future, hallelujah to a visit with family. In the long-term, she would love to return to Paris when the renovation of the Cathedral of Notre Dame is complete.
Anne Cavanaugh Habbick had a terrible year of grief and loss, losing eight friends and colleagues, half of them from COVID. What made it more difficult was the inability to mourn them in the normal ways. When she read of the death of Sr. Seton Cunneen, her heart broke. Seton and Anne were roommates for the last three years at Trinity and although very different in their habits, had many good times together. Anne was an early riser, loved to study in the library and finished papers early. Seton was a night owl, studied to music and would be up typing away late the night before a paper was due. She visited Seton when she had begun her journey to becoming a SND and her peace and sureness of her decision made a strong impression on her. They both had academic careers which was something they had in common. Anne wrote that “Seton was without doubt the most generous and thoughtful person I have ever known.”
In 1996, Trinity established the Sr. Seton Cunneen Fellowship Program with a generous grant from the Maurice R. Robinson Fund. Every summer for the last 25 years, Trinity students chosen as Cunneen Fellows work in social service settings to deepen their commitment to social justice. If you would like to honor Seton by contributing to this fund you can contact the Development Office at Trinity, kelloggp@trinitydc.edu.
Hedy San Denis Glenn described working in two local elections this year and a three-week stint of early voting in Fairfax Co., VA. The voters were masked and well-behaved, about 1,000 a day. There were ten different ballots because it was a county-wide election which made it complicated. Workers wore several layers of protection, and someone described them as ‘bee-keepers in hazmat suits.’ Hedy and Wayne have seen their four grandchildren only a few times since March 2020 and they are all in school remotely until further notice. Both parents work from home. Wayne is making mobiles in his studio and is currently in one show and is preparing a second show, both virtual.
Martha Moon Pavlick’s big adventure after months of quarantine was attending the priestly ordination of their eldest son in Arlington, VA in June. The entire family was able to be together for the first time in three years and to attend his first Mass together during which he gave First Communion to one of his nephews. He has offered the traditional Latin Mass privately in their home several times. They are expecting their 22nd grandchild and second great-grandchild this year.
Susan Walker Wilson retired in December of 2019 and got her fourth joint replacement surgery, a hip (after the other hip and both knees previous years), on March 2 – and was at home recovering when the whole world joined her for staying at home! She is extremely grateful that she retired in the nick of time. She now spends her days in the garden. She noted that she is ecstatic that Trump is out of office and is rooting for Nancy Pelosi.
Mary Beth Nason has remained in good health during the pandemic and is looking forward to meeting the three new babies in her extended family when she can travel. She is also looking forward to returning to tennis doubles this summer.
Marianne Novy’s niece stayed with her while getting a master’s in public health at Pitt. She loves having this spirited and generous young woman with her. Before the lockdown Marianne had started volunteering in ESL conversation groups for immigrants, some of whom have stayed on as they moved to Zoom, and she has taken online training to do more structured tutoring. Through the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Marianne arranged two Zoom forums on police reform, which gave useful information to 60+ people each time. She received the Iris Marion Young Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Justice from Pitt’s Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program. She is looking forward to the opening of the Canadian border so they can visit their daughter in Vancouver, happily working as a trainer and coach there, and married to a lovely woman who teaches grade school.
Jane Raymond Smith reported getting through the “big freeze” in Houston-no power for 24 hours and no water for several days, but no damage on the whole, other than the back and front yards which are pretty much brown. They have everything cut back and are hoping for green sprouts of life at some point. She and Joe are both vaccinated but are still being careful – staying masked and not going out much. They continue to attend book clubs and take several classes through Zoom on various topics – music, art, etc. She hadn’t yet returned to the gym, so continues to walk along the bayou trail each morning. They have planned a family vacation to FL for the end of June. She had been in touch with Margaret Hammann Way and Christine McHale O’Connell. Christine’s husband Vincent died in January. Christine will continue to live in Hawaii where she has been for the last few years.
Margaret and Gunner are still in Witchita; her older son and grandchildren live in Idaho and her younger son lives in Kansas City. Their granddaughters are in college and high school so no little people anymore! Her biggest change in 2020 was re-retiring last summer and this time not having gone back to work. It is an adjustment – especially with being more homebound with the pandemic. Their 50th wedding anniversary celebration of 2021 will be delayed for now.
Many of us were disappointed that our 55-year reunion had to be cancelled and hope that we will be able to get together for the next one. Dominic and I and our family members have been fortunate to stay healthy during the pandemic but miss being with the extended family. I’m currently serving as the President of our Residents’ Association which keeps me busy.
Best wishes to all of you and your families,
Robin Spence Costa
Robinc1209@gmail.com