These are the alumni death notices received by the College from Feb. 12 to May 20, 2017. To report a death notice, email records@swarthmore.edu.
Margaret Coale McBane '37Margaret Coale McBane '37, a high school English teacher and social worker, died at home in November 2011. Peg was a humanitarian, a fighter for the underdog, and a “social justice” Quaker who worked as a child welfare and attendance counselor for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Read more.
Eugene Lang ’38, H’81Eugene Lang ’38, H’81, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and chair emeritus of the College’s Board of Managers, died peacefully at home April 8, 2017. Gene was a giant in the world of education, a champion of the liberal arts, and a powerful force in promoting civic and social responsibility. Read more.
Elizabeth Watson Calfee '38Elizabeth Watson Calfee '38, a dedicated community servant and award-winning pioneer in the fight for civil rights, died March 2, 2017. Betty created the Richmond, Calif., chapter of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation and fought for fair housing and against segregation in the Richmond public schools. Read more.
Jean Merritt Hubbard '41Jean Merritt Hubbard '41’s death was reported to the College, but few other details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Jean at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Elizabeth Bragdon Easton '42Elizabeth Bragdon Easton '42 died June 5, 2013. Few other details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Elizabeth at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
William Foust '43William Foust '43, World War II vet, guidance counselor, and magician extraordinaire, died Aug. 30, 2013. A member of the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians—which recently awarded him with the distinction of being an Excalibur Member—Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Read more.
Herbert Fraser ’43Herbert Fraser ’43, an internationally respected economist and world traveler, died May 2, 2017. In addition to his professional work, Herb was a longtime member and past president of the Rotary Club, volunteered with the American Civil Liberties Union, and remained committed to social, economic-justice, and peace issues. Read more.
Sue Davison Cooley '44Sue Davison Cooley '44, an artist, outdoors lover, and devoted advocate of education, died Feb. 18, 2017. A champion for underprivileged children in Portland, Ore., Sue served on the board of the Boys and Girls Aid Society and established the Marguerite Foundation to provide affordable housing for teachers. Read more.
Jean Forster Hanchett ’44Jean Forster Hanchett ’44, a free-thinking intellectual and Renaissance woman, died Oct. 18, 2016. A lifelong social-justice activist who built a rich life on her own terms, Jean received two Fulbright Awards (one to London and one to Egypt) and never lost her love of the arts and the natural world. Read more.
Frank Tarbox ’44Frank Tarbox ’44’s death was reported to the College, but few other details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Frank at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Mary Louise Milam Creed '46Mary Louise Milam Creed '46, a gifted librarian, artist, and musician, died Dec. 25, 2015. A longtime ardent photographer, Louise was an animal lover who also enjoyed reading, gardening, and volunteering at her local community kitchen. Read more.
Marie Cooley Haabestad '46Marie Cooley Haabestad '46, a loving mother, arts enthusiast, and longtime volunteer, died peacefully April 8, 2017. A self-proclaimed “culture vulture” who maintained 60-plus-year season subscriptions to the Pittsburgh Symphony, Ballet, Opera, and Public Theater (among others), Marie also enjoyed gardening and participating in the Biblical Archeology Society of Pittsburgh and the National Society of Arts and Letters. Read more.
Charles Shoemaker ’46Charles Shoemaker ’46, a Navy veteran and beloved family man who led a successful lumber business, died Feb. 24, 2017. An Eagle Scout and birthright Quaker, Chuck also served as scoutmaster and on the board of Troop 57 and as well as on the board of Wilmington Friends School in Delaware. Read more.
Anne Newton Burnett ’46Anne Newton Burnett ’46’s death was reported to the College, but few other details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Anne at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Vaughan Chambers Jr. '47Vaughan Chambers Jr. '47, a talented chemist, sailor, and quintessential family man, died March 6, 2017 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pa. Rising through the ranks of DuPont to become director of research and development in photo products, Vaughan brightened the lives of everyone around him with his optimism, generosity, and wonderfully bad puns. Read more.
Warren Higgins ’48Warren Higgins ’48, a twice-decorated World War II veteran and an all-star college athlete, died March 24, 2017, after a brief illness. Warren worked for 40 years for Rohm and Haas, rising to corporate manager of employee benefits, and also served for 35 years on the board of directors of Independence Blue Cross. Read more.
Richard Heineman ’48Richard Heineman ’48, a Navy veteran and loving husband, died peacefully Feb. 21, 2017. A mechanical engineer and financial analyst at Xerox Corp. for 34 years and a Monroe County, N.Y., swimming official for 35, Dick was especially proud of his family. Read more.
Marjory Clough Schwertner '48Marjory Clough Schwertner '48, a vibrant community volunteer, loving mother, and accomplished painter, died Feb. 3, 2017. An active member of and volunteer for a number of organizations, including the Old Eagle Garden Club, St. Martin’s Church, and the original “Trading Post” in Paoli, Pa., benefiting the Fox Chase Institute for Cancer Research, Maggie also loved to travel and play tennis. Read more.
John Adamson '48John Adamson '48, an Army veteran and esteemed clinical psychologist, died Feb. 19, 2017. In addition to pioneering the use of videotape for training to support the integration of social work, psychology, and psychiatry as a diagnostic team, John was a longtime resident of Drexel Hill, Pa., an avid gardener, and a churchgoer. Read more.
Helen Blankenagel Miller ’48Helen Blankenagel Miller ’48, a dedicated librarian and beloved life force, died peacefully April 30, 2017, in Washington, Pa. Passionate about traveling, reading, gardening, and listening to live music, Helen was an active volunteer with the League of Women Voters, Meals on Wheels, and her local library and county historical society. Read more.
Susan Reinoehl Miller '49Susan Reinoehl Miller '49’s death was reported to the College, but few details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Susan at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Joseph D'Annunzio Jr. '49Joseph D'Annunzio Jr. '49, a Navy veteran, patent-holder, and Renaissance man, died at home in his loving wife’s arms March 21, 2017. Known as the Teledyne "turn-around" specialist for bringing eight struggling companies back to profitable status, Joe was a giant of industry who launched a new career at age 75, becoming the first new Florida attorney of the new millennium. Read more.
John Chapman '49John Chapman '49, a Bronze Star-winning Army sergeant in World War II who launched two successful careers, died March 16, 2017, at Rosewood Nursing Home of Cypress of Raleigh, N.C. A hardworking, loyal man who rose above adversity with perseverance and integrity while helping others do the same, Jack loved French food and wine, reading, tennis, travel, and opera. Read more.
Joann Broadhurst Sparks '49Joann Broadhurst Sparks '49, a dedicated community volunteer and helpful friend to all, died April 1, 2017. Passionate about reading, gardening, and nature, Joann also loved sailing on the Chesapeake and attending her grandchildren's many activities and sporting events. Read more.
Charles Bush '49Charles Bush '49, a Navy veteran, family man, and playful spirit, died peacefully in his home March 24, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. An openhearted nature-lover who welcomed people with exuberance, Chuck was a dedicated community volunteer who delighted in bringing fun to his family and friends’ lives. Read more.
Paul Guinn Jr. ’50Paul Guinn Jr. ’50, a respected European historian and associate professor emeritus at the University of Buffalo, died April 22, 2017. Beginning his career in Washington, D.C., as an executive editor with the Institute for Defense Analysis, Paul published the award-winning British Strategy and Politics, 1914–18 and won a National Endowment for the Humanities grant in 1972. Read more.
Mary Teale Battin '50Mary Teale Battin '50, a seasoned traveler and loving wife, mother, and friend, died Feb. 27, 2017. Living in and traveling to many places, Mary became an accomplished hiker, world-class cook, and an invaluable community volunteer. Read more.
Frederick Weymuller ’50Frederick Weymuller ’50, a nationally recognized athlete and sports authority, died peacefully Jan. 30, 2017. A former president of the North American Pro Squash Association as well as a lifetime member of both the United States Tennis Association and the U.S. Squash Association, Fred was inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame in 2007. Read more.
Elinor Grobert ’50Elinor Grobert ’50’s death was reported to the College, but few other details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Elinor at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Edward Mahler ’50Edward Mahler ’50, a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died Feb. 22, 2017. Read more.
William Brosius Jr. '52William Brosius Jr. '52 died Aug. 31, 2014. Few other details were provided. We welcome remembrances of William at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Richard Heath '52Richard Heath '52, a respected attorney and social-justice crusader, died Jan. 7, 2017, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Civically minded and dedicated to the city of Buffalo, N.Y., Dick was a tireless leader whose generous spirit, love of culture and history, and empathetic nature inspired all who met him. Read more.
Nancy Cliffe Vernon ’52Nancy Cliffe Vernon ’52, an endlessly compassionate teacher and counselor, died March 29, 2017. A longtime member who sang in the choir at Truro Church in Fairfax, Va., Nancy taught disabled children how to swim and was known by all as an excellent listener and kind, warm presence, happy to provide strength and comfort to all. Read more.
Esther Fiske Doherty ’52Esther Fiske Doherty ’52, an esteemed teacher and career adviser, died Jan. 28, 2017. After graduating from Swarthmore, Esther joined several classmates to work at camps helping rebuild Europe after World War II with the American Friends Service Committee; she would continue to travel the world all her life and took pride in creating treasured memories with family.Read more.
Dorothy Dodson Haag ’53Dorothy Dodson Haag ’53, an adventurous traveler, community volunteer, and beloved mother, died peacefully April 7, 2017, at the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, N.Y. Instilling a love of learning and of life in her daughters—who both became teachers—Dorothy enjoyed studying history, reading, and knitting. She made the lives of those who loved her full and interesting with her broadminded joie de vivre. Read more.
Lee Hallberg ’55Lee Hallberg ’55, a gifted executive, beloved friend, and community leader, died April 1, 2017, two days short of his 84th birthday. Remembered by loved ones as “one of the most likeable, trustworthy, dedicated, and selfless individuals to ever bless this earth,” Lee—nicknamed Babe—served as president of Tennessee’s Jonesborough Civic Trust and loved sharing his remarkable construction, woodworking, and gardening skills with the community. Read more.
John Parkes ’55John Parkes ’55, Army captain, scientist, and beloved husband, died Jan. 15, 2017, at The Terrace of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia. Read more.
John Hughlett Jr. ’55John Hughlett Jr. ’55, an Army veteran, musical theater maven, and “gentleman and scholar of the highest order,” died peacefully May 16, 2017, in his home in Lancaster, Pa. After retiring, John directed or performed in 20 musicals and plays, most at the Fulton Opera House, with his original musical, For the Love of Ike, sparking three productions, by the Actors' Company, Theatre of the Seventh Sister, and the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. Read more.
Anne Kesten Bernstein ’55Anne Kesten Bernstein ’55, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully in the comfort of hospice care Nov. 15, 2016. Always civic-minded and giving of her time and energy to local education, mediation services, patient support services, and political causes, Anne loved gardening, travel, nature photography, opera, and all things French. Read more.
Patricia Hardy Jacques ’56Patricia Hardy Jacques ’56, a Renaissance woman, advertising executive, and community volunteer, died April 24, 2017. She traveled extensively, visiting 12 countries and her beloved National Parks, especially Yosemite, which she thought was paradise. Read more.
Helen Howard Harmon '61Helen Howard Harmon '61, a world traveler, computer programmer, homemaker, and mother, died March 8, 2017. In addition to spending time with family, taking classes, and going to theater, opera, and the symphony, Helen was passionate about travel and listed, among her highlights, “the pyramids of Egypt, the majesty of Persepolis, the wildlife of Kenya, a close encounter with blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos, and being able to email from Easter Island.” Read more.
Glenda Rauscher '69Glenda Rauscher '69, an exuberant teacher, singer, and traveler, died March 18, 2017. With a love of teaching American literature that friends described as “unrivaled,” Glenda was extremely proud of her heavily stamped National Parks and international passports, her involvement in choral music, and her family. Read more.
Marvin Berg '70Marvin Berg '70’s death was reported to the College, but few details were provided. We welcome remembrances of Marvin at bulletin@swarthmore.edu.
Jean Millican '74Jean Millican '74, an accomplished doctor and beloved wife and mother, died Jan. 16, 2017, in Seattle. A board-certified neurologist affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Jean was also a consultant for the Southeast Alaska Health Consortium. Read more.
Timothy Cohn ’79Timothy Cohn ’79, an elite runner, dedicated family man, and nationally respected hydrologist, died Feb. 20, 2017, at home in Reston, Va., surrounded by loved ones. During his 30 years with the U.S. Geological Survey, Timothy developed innovative tools to help scientists, engineers, and policymakers better understand water quality and floods, earning the Department of the Interior’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. Read more.
CORRECTION - David Shaiken ’82We regret our error of listing David Shaiken ’82 in our In Memoriam column. He is alive and well—our apologies to David, Martha Sielman ’82, and all for our mistake.
Samuel Jenkins ’19Samuel Jenkins ’19, a creative, joyful, gentle student and aspiring game developer, died March 19, 2017. Sam's infectious enthusiasm and genuine kindness made a lasting impact on the Swarthmore community. Read more.