Kind of weird compressing fifty years into a concise bio, but here goes: after graduating, worked as a teacher in NJ, married Frank (Paco), moved back to Vermont where I taught in Westford, then moved to St. Croix for almost 5 years where we both taught.
Our son was born there and shortly afterward, we relocated to the Albany area for Paco's graduate work. We never expected to stay but 43 years later....After our daughter was born and I did the food co-op, nursery school president, PTA, ladies' tennis thing, knew it was time to get back to work but the thought of working with kids again gave me indigestion...so I got a degree in nursing.
After about ten minutes in an ICU, I began to wonder what we were doing to these dying patients and fell into the evolving field of bioethics. While a bedside nurse, I completed a masters degree and a further certification in bioethics from Columbia University which then allowed me to become a professor at the Albany Medical College where I taught med students as well as graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in bioethics.
When my grandson was due and my mother was ready to move in with us, retirement sounded like a good idea. Now spend a lot of time with the two grandchildren who live in Pa., and travel wherever and whenever something interesting comes up. See a lot of my daughter and my son who is single and living in Manhattan and has a small house in Nantucket.
I am very fortunate to have a circle of terrific nursing girlfriends who love the beach and laughing (and drinking) as much as me, so life is good. Still in regular contact with my old roomy, Diane, and Terry and I actually celebrated her 70th in St. Martin. Looking forward to seeing both of them and Mary Jane this summer.
A friend said "you know how in a restaurant a couple in their forties comes in and you think, wow that's what we look like. At a reunion of your peers, there's no such fantasy". In spite of that, eagerly anticipating our class of '68 get together.
Sheila Ann Otto (nee Reilly), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed peacefully at her home on November 13, 2022. She approached her illness as she did her life - with dignity, courage, conviction and humor. She was 76.
Born in Orange, New Jersey to Frank and Winifred Reilly, Sheila received an exemplary Catholic education at St. Patrick School, Bayley-Ellard High School and Trinity College (Burlington, VT). While in college, Sheila met her husband Frank, a student at neighboring University of Vermont. Shortly after graduating, they married and embarked on a four year teaching adventure in St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
A SUNY-Albany fellowship brought Frank and Sheila to the capital district, where they initially made several lifelong friends at the Meadowbrook Apartments and began a family. Following years as a stay-at-home mom, Sheila earned a nursing degree from Maria College and began what was to be a twenty-nine year career at Albany Medical Center (AMC). During her initial eleven years as a critical care nurse, Sheila developed an interest in medical ethics and subsequently joined The Center for Medical Ethics.
As a Bioethicist, she compassionately advocated for patients and their families. She intersected with and influenced the careers of many students, nurses, residents and attending doctors. The regard in which she was held was evident when she returned to AMC as a patient and some of those individuals became part of her care team. Sheila ultimately became the institute’s Director of Consultation Services and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Albany Medical College. During her tenure, she also earned a Bioethics and Medical Humanities Certificate from Columbia University, where she loved the weekly train ride from her window seat along the Hudson River.
Sheila was a valued and unwavering friend to people from all areas of her life- college, AMC, book clubs and neighbors. Renowned for her straight-forwardness, she was always available for a civil and lively conversation, ideally with the accompaniment of a glass of wine. She loved traveling with friends to places such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Greece as well as her annual trips with “the girls” to St. Maarten, Aruba and the Jersey Shore. The eve of the COVID-19 pandemic found her in Morocco, where her upbeat, “all will be okay” attitude almost left her stranded in the Sahara Desert.
An avid reader, Sheila enjoyed many genres of literature, whether with her friends in her book club or leisurely reading in a beach chair in Spring Lake on the New Jersey shore. She was a lover of theatre and relished introducing her grandchildren to Broadway.
In addition to her husband, Frank (Paco), Shelia is survived by her son Alexis (New York), daughter Pilar, son-in-law Peter Chapman (Yardley, PA), grandchildren Susanna and Henry and many loved friends.
A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held at 11am on December 2, 2022 at the Colonie Country Club in Voorheesvile, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Sheila’s memory to the Alden March Bioethics Institute through the Albany Med Foundation.
After graduation I married, had a daughter, divorced, adopted an 18 lb cat named Frank, earned a Masters degree, CAGS, and completed all classwork for my PhD.
For reasons known only to God (because I can't figure it out), I had my dissertation time extended twice and never followed through! I taught Jr. High history/government for 34 years in the town of Spencer in MA. Since my retirement and my daughter's graduation from college, I've been lucky enough to travel extensively. I've been to Europe a few times, walked the Great Wall in China, rode camels in the Sahara and went to the Summer Olympics in Brazil.
My next trip is in the summer of 2018, to Russia, which is why I can't be at the reunion. I've spoken to Fran, Cookie and Libby and was so looking forward to it. Maybe in 2019!
Biography and recent photo not provided
English teacher at Simsbury High School, Simsbury, CT
1968 - 1972
Married William B. Merrill, 1969
Three children: Brad, Laura and Emily
Moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 1977
Taught in a nursery school for five years
Taught English and Journalism for 13years, middle and high school
Moved back to CT in 2000
Three grandsons: Logan, William and Maximus Godfrey
Worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for ten years as an Administrative Assistant
Retired in 2010
Living the dream
Boston College for a master's degree,
Wed Peter Andrew at age 23.
Community college teacher, enjoy a long career,
A baby at age 40, two already here.
Symphony chorus, poems to write and read,
Book clubs to join, committees to lead.
Bring children to band practice, Boy Scouts, CCD,
Swim team, gymnastics - no day is free.
Trustee of a library, always on the go,
Trips to Puerto Rico, escape from ice and snow.
Visits with Mary Victoria Hayes,
Recall Sisters of Mercy and Trinity days.
Empty nest, time for yoga at a gym,
Cuddling a grandchild, is loving life a sin?
Burlington beckons, fifty years have passed,
Years fade away, but memories last.
Although I’m not an official member of the class of 68 I have always been grateful for your acceptance of me as part of the class.
After leaving Trinity in Nov. of our senior year due to my mother’s illness, not having the money to return, I worked in a number of Catholic schools with a provisional certificate, (remember when that was possible?). I even worked at Cathedral Grammar School in Burlington for a year.
I married Joseph Craig Bigger in Burlington, July 1969 and we embarked on an adventure moving around with the Navy for 6 years. Moving from California to Idaho where we welcomed a daughter, then on to Connecticut, and welcomed our first son at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.
After leaving the Navy we returned to VT, our second son was born there and we both returned to School. This was a fun but hectic time living in student housing in Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester. Because we had three children we were housed in Teacher housing right along the open park parade ground, great place.
I was able to return to Trinity and Craig returned to UVM. We both graduated in 1976. After graduating we moved around to several states with several engineering jobs finally settling in Niantic, CT. As we settled into schools and jobs our 2nd daughter was born 12 years after the first. Surprise, surprise!
I began working at Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT and after 20 years of research, teaching, acting, interpreting exhibits, guiding tours and generally learning more about Maritime history than I ever thought I’d need to know I retired. Then returned for 8 more years working in the Volunteer Department I retired for the 2nd time, and think I’m the only one to retire twice from the Seaport.
With one child in Annapolis and one in Vail and two here in CT we get to travel and see them frequently as well as visiting family in Vermont and Maine.
Looking forward to seeing you in June.
My husband Henry “Hank” Bahe and I live in Fairfield, Connecticut in the house he grew up in. Hank was a self-employed carpenter and is now retired.
After graduating from TC with a B.A in. Sociology I went to work for State of Connecticut, State Welfare Department; Department of of Children & Families ; retiring in 2010 after 42 years! DCF is Connecticut's public comprehensive children's services agency which includes mandates for Child Protective Services, Child Welfare (Foster Care & Adoptions), Child/Adolescent Behavioral Health, Juvenile Justice, Voluntary and Prevention Services.
I started as a Case Worker/Social Worker at the State Welfare Dept. and then moved over to DCF as a Social Worker for Child Protective Services and Foster Care/Adoption Services. I received my M.A. in Community Psychology (Univ of New Haven) and in keeping with the focus of my masters degree I eventually moved away from direct child protection/child welfare services and into behavioral health, program/community development, community consultation, systems intervention, strategic planning, and contract management. Ultimately I moved into management positions overseeing many of these systems, retiring as a Regional Program Director for the Bridgeport/Norwalk/Stamford area of the state.
In my opinion the fact that I sometimes still made sense after working in a large state bureaucracy for over 40 years is a major accomplishment (I am sure that any of you who have had a similar work experience will identify with this.)
Life is good! I am in great health (and still have all my original joints); and Hank is cancer-free after two rounds of this terrible disease. I love the outdoors (hiking, nature walks, swimming, kayaking, gardening, etc); and love to read - and I have no problem stopping what I am doing mid-afternoon to read for an hour or so - - - gotta love retirement!
Over the years we were fortunate to be able to be care givers for my father and for a brother with a disability for the latter periods of their lives. We also assisted in raising my brother's son, our nephew, who will graduate from college this year.
Our families are scattered throughout the country so we visit them in California, Colorado, Virginia, Louisiana, Cape Cod, etc. We have also been known to take a break from winter to visit one of the Caribbean islands.
We follow U Conn Women’s Basketball and have had season's tickets for 20 years – it helps us get through the winter!
My “Happy Place” is Bashan Lake, East Haddam, CT. My family has owned a little island on this beautiful, clear lake for over 100 years. Ours is the only cottage on the island and it remains very “basic” as it does not have running water or electricity. But with many “modern” inventions (smart phones, tablets, propane and solar energy, composting commode, etc) we find it very comfortable – though NOT on a full time basis. I tend to spend a lot of time there during the summer; and it is a special place for the VG family to gather for summer reunions as well as special occasions! We have even had an engagement, a wedding, and several memorial services on the island!
It was a hot, humid, July evening, Brooklyn 1946. Too far back? Then fast forward to the 60’s. I was the last and only Latin major to be graduated from Trinity in 1968. Remember ditching Mother Emmanuel’s class after waiting the requisite 15 minutes even though we saw her walking up the hill?
So what the Hades was I going to do with that degree!? Why, join the Lay Extension Volunteer program with Janet Thayer and spend a year teaching third grade in Kiln, MS, home of Brett Favre former Green Bay Packer. Then I ventured North to teach fifth grade in Windsor Locks, CT, although I had certification in secondary ed. That encouraged me to apply for a job in Suffield which I did get having passed the “thumbs-up” test.
So for five years I taught Latin, French, and Etymology. It was there I met Bill, Assistant Principal, and owner of one of those thumbs. We were quite formal at first. “Yes, Mr. Hayes.” “Certainly, Miss Victoria.” We started dating year two when he left for another job. At our fifth reunion, my former Freshman roomie, Kathy Collins (see I do remember!) signed him in as my fiancé. It was a done deal indeed! We married in 1974 and by 1980 had had three children, 2 boys, one girl.
I eventually earned a Masters in ed from Westfield State but worked many years as a stay-at-homer attending countless recitals, sports, and school events. I volunteered at the local school until my husband suggested I get paid for it. So after 21 years as a Special Needs paraprofessional I retired at 65, Medicare time.
Throughout our 41 years of marriage, we marveled at the accomplishments and milestones of our family: graduations, successful careers, marriages, grandchildren (3 boys, 3 girls). My Bill reluctantly retired at 77 in 2014. He became quite ill in July 2015. Fortunately, we were able to attend his 55th reunion from Bates College that June. He passed away in Dec. 2015 just about two weeks after my 93 year old mother, Irene. Ah, the Winter of my discontent!
I handled it all by being pre-occupied with my mom’s estate and the cleaning out and selling of her VT home, as well as my own personal affairs. However, any opportunity I had to travel, my bags were packed. Went to FL twice, San Antonio, and California. I visited family in GA, TN, NJ, and MA. I also went to Japan with my older son, his Japanese born wife, and granddaughter.
Instead of moving, I decided to have my 40 yr old home completely renovated. After 10 months of every woman’s dream, a house full of men who could build and fix things, it was done. Now the clutter is in a better place. Luckily, I’ve remained in close contact with my third and final roommate (no, don’t think I was that hard to get along with?) Kathy Toohey Andrew. We will be attending Reunion 2018 with bells and whistles or at least eye glasses and meds. Look forward to seeing you all.
Life after Trinity...it’s hard to believe that it's 50 years already. Anyway, right after graduation, I started working for the Bureau of Child Welfare (BCW) in NYC. I was an Intake Worker and I went all over the Bronx meeting families who were both welcoming and resistant to the involvement of BCW. As a first job in my chosen profession, I could not have picked a better training ground into the workings of a vast agency with both its capacity and limitations in serving a large population.
The late 60’s And the 70's were busy years. I married Tom whom I met & dated at Trinity. He received his draft notice from Uncle Sam before he even graduated from St. Mike's. Following Tom’s discharge from the service, we initially settled in Massachusetts where my daughter Jennifer and son James (Jamie) were born. We subsequently moved to New Jersey where we purchased our first home.
Tom was the Vice President of Operations for a trucking company and traveled extensively. I was a stay at home mom for the preschool years. I led a Woman's Consciousness Group in my home and started to get the itch to work outside my home. Looking back, it was a happy time but as Bob Dylan sang “The Times They Are A-Changin.” Due to Tom's schedule, job opportunities were rather scarce for me.
Luckily, I found a job with Macy's where I picked both the days & hours I would work! I initially worked in sales, then Customer Service, and ended my time there as an Assistant in the Manager’s Office.
In the 1980’s we moved to a new home in a nearby town. Jennifer and Jamie made new friends (still friends today) and settled into their new school and activities. Sadly, our lives all changed in 1983 when Tom passed away. I eventually returned to Social Work for the state of New Jersey. I started as a Case Manager working with families and ended my career as one of the state’s four Regional Managers of the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit overseeing investigations of abuse/neglect in out of home settings. Never boring.
I retired in 2015. Notably, upon turning 55 in 2001, I moved to a 55 and older community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; I love it. Over the years, I have traveled with friends to Europe and, most recently, to South Africa. The kids and I make sure that we always have a family vacation together each year; usually, Cape Cod or Ocean City NJ. We actually vacationed in Stowe, Vermont, two years ago. Needless to say, my children, Jamie and Jennifer, have been the dearest part of my life. They kept me going after Tom’s death...mostly busy and happy times but there were those moments! Jennifer and Jamie both found wonderful partners, Andrew and Michelle, and have given me three precious grandchildren, Caroline, Thomas, and Jack. Now onto life after my Trinity College 50th Reunion.
After leaving Trinity I went to graduate school at Catholic University's National Catholic School of Social Work and I graduated with my Masters in Social Work. I met my husband there, who was a grad student as well. After graduating with our Masters, John continued on to obtain his doctorate and I stayed home to raise our growing family. Together we raised 5 children, a daughter( the oldest) and 4 sons. I worked part-time for the County Education system, running parent education programs.
Family vacations took us to the Outer Banks in NC every summer. John worked for the County Health Department administering drug treatment and intervention programs.
When our youngest son Josh was set to graduate high school, John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away 2 months later. It’s been 20 years that he’s been gone.
With the 2 youngest in college, I went to work full time at the University of Maryland to make sure they both were able to finish their educations.
I retired in December 2013.
My children have all graduated college, are healthy and gainfully employed, and have given me 15 beautiful grandchildren (9 girls and 5 boys ranging in age from 18 to 2 1/2. They are such a joy and I am blessed.
When I’m not spending time with family, I am traveling. I try to do one major trip a year ( or 2). Next year 2018 will find me cruising in Alaska, and visiting Ireland and Belize.
Graduated from Trinity College with BA in Education and history- 1968.
Married to Stephen Kirck (St Michaels ’68) in September,1968
6th and 8th grade teacher at Our Lady of Victory Middle School 13 years.
Earned credits for math certification
Masters in Education from Sacred Heart University. Shelton High School teacher—algebra I and II, geometry, and world history-- 21 years.
Two wonderful sons: Stephen and Jason-- both are working in the field of education. Both are also very active in the area of sports: Stephen in refereeing college and high school basketball and coaching golf; Jason in coaching high school basketball and AAU teams.
Five much loved grandchildren: Brendan-17, Allyson-15, Emma-13, Meghan-11, and McKenna- 9.
Retired from teaching in 2007.
Next came five fabulously joyful years of daytime “grandmother watch” for three of our grandchildren.
Now enjoying retirement by gardening, cooking new recipes, reading, walking at the beach with my husband of almost 50 years, following sports of all 5 grandchildren and some traveling!
Biography and recent photo not provided
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