Class of 1953
Class Chair:
Interested in representing the Class of '53? Call 765/983-1313.
Class Notes:
Bruce Pearson
Bruce Pearson was recently featured in the Alumni Spotlight. Read more about his story.
(Posted October 27, 2009)
Obituaries:
Joan Van Cleave
FRANCESTOWN -- Joan (Lippincott) Van Cleave, 78, of Francestown died May 25, 2009, after a brief and difficult battle with cancer. She graduated from George High School in Newtown, Pa., class of 1949. She also graduated from Earlham College, class of 1953, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She married Alvin L. Van Cleave in September of 1953. She taught elementary school in Virginia, New Jersey and the Contoocook Valley Regional School District. She also worked in the readiness program and with special-needs children in New Hampshire. She was a long-time member of the Francestown Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary and spent some time working in the Francestown Selectmen's Office. She enjoyed horseback riding, gardening, golf, making baskets and life. IN HER LIFE: In addition to her husband, family members include David and Linda Van Cleave of Gardner, Mass.; Cynthia and Peter Photopoulos of Stoneham, Mass.; and Andrew and Lynn Van Cleave of Canterbury; and her grandchildren, Arianna, Rachel, Max, Madison and Benjamin.
(Posted June 19, 2009)
Nancy Hiltner Frazier
Nancy Frazier of Monticello, IL. died on December 16, 2007. She is survived by brother, Robert Hiltner '51.
(Posted March 19, 2009)
Joan Despres Overman
Joan Despres Overman of Corning NY, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009 after a long illness. Joan will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, friend, librarian, and tireless promoter of peace and global understanding. Joan shared her love of books as librarian at CCC, CFA Middle School, and many local elementary schools. With three children at home and a full-time teaching job, she commuted to Geneseo and Mansfield to earn her Masters in Library Science in 1972. She retired in 1992 after 27 years. Her many passions and dedication to making the world a better place are reflected in her volunteer work during 49 years in the area. She was an active member of many organizations that work for peace, including the Peaceful Gatherings Coffeehouse and the Peace with Justice Committee of the Corning Vicinity Council of Churches. She helped to start the Corning Sister Cities Association and for many years hosted visitors from Japan and Ukraine. She served as chairwoman of the Experiment in International Living and hosted several foreign students in her home. She was active with many other organizations including AAUW, Habitat for Humanity, and PFLAG. In addition to reviewing books for Friends Journal, Joan and her husband produced newsletters for five local groups. She was born in 1931 in New York City and attended Earlham College in rural Indiana, where she met her husband, Kenneth Overman. They moved to Corning in 1960 and were married for 55 years. She is survived by her husband Kenneth Overman, her sister Nancy D. Hall '51, three children: Nancy Overman '78 of Virginia, Alan Overman '81 of Vermont, and Jeff Overman of Massachusetts, four grandchildren: Lucas, Kelsey, Jacob, and Claire, a nephew Jonathan, a niece Alison, and many loving friends. She and her husband were active in both the United Methodist Church of Corning and Elmira Friends Meeting.
(Posted February 11, 2009)
Mary Leadbetter
Mary Frances Leadbetter, 78, Kokomo, died at 3:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, in St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. Born July 2, 1930, in Kempton, she was the daughter of the late Guy Corn and Maggie (Marielle.) She received a bachelor's degree while attending Earlham College and Ball State University. On June 22, 1951, in Richmond, she married Duane Leadbetter, who survives her. She was employed at Delco Electronics for 17 years, retiring in 1988. She enjoyed traveling, reading, and collecting cut glass and crystal. She is survived by her husband, Duane Leadbetter, Kokomo; two daughters, Dona Leadbetter, Argos, and Mary Ann Holsapple, Kokomo; one sister, Anne of Mission, Texas; four grandchildren, Tracie Naylor, Ryan Holsapple, Kelly Fisher, and Sean Holsapple. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Michael Duane Leadbetter in 1981; and four brothers.
(Posted February 11, 2009)
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Page updated: October 27, 2009