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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Here is class update forwarded by Becky Everhart:
With a heavy heart, I must announce the passing of a member of the New Canaan High School Class of 1968. My dear sister, Victoria Van Deusen, passed away on October 3, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vicki is deeply mourned by me (her sister, Jenifer), her beloved Husband, Robert Winters, her nieces (my daughters, Marissa and Monica Henkel), and her many cousins and friends. After leaving NCHS, Vicki earned her Bachelor’s degree at Bryn Mawr College, and then moved to New Mexico to earn a Master’s degree in Spanish Language. She then moved to Madrid, NM, a destitute coal mining town, as one of the first people to move there, and became an important member of the community, which is now a thriving arts community. She and her husband moved to the next town over, Cerrillos, and built a beautiful home on top of the mesa, where she also hosted the local café, and became an important member of the community.
Vicki’s warmth, thoughtfulness, intelligence and laugh! will always live in our minds, thoughts and hearts.
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Update to Win's update below (June 16/25) - I should have included a shout-out to my Spanish teacher for passing me, even though I only knew about 5 words. Why? He was the golf team coach.
Win Watson update. What have I done since 1968? I earned a PhD in 1978 and was hired as an Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire the same year. I taught Neuroscience and Physiology and was Director of the Marine Program. My research has involved horseshoe crabs, lobsters and sea slugs and I have now published about 100 papers about these cool animals. Because I work on these marine creatures I have learned to SCUBA dive and I have been lucky enough to work at some cool Marine Laboratories, like in Woods Hole, MA and Friday Harbor, WA. I also lived on an old boat in the harbor when I worked at the MBL in Woods Hole. I have been happily married for 45 years and we brought 3 great children into this world. Despite our lack of experience, we have been “farmers” with sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys. They are all gone now, but it was quite the adventure. I am now retired and working hard to both keep the old farm house intact, along with my own body. Also doing my best to enjoy each day. I consider myself very lucky. Sorry I haven’t kept in touch with many of my old high school friends. Hope all is well.
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It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of Rick Franco on May 22, 2025. He was a great guy, dedicated husband and father, active New Canaanite and wonderful friend. He was also a great help at our reunions! His obituary can be viewed at https://newcanaanite.com/richard-anthony-franco-jr-74-12562601 . I hope you will read it as it is a real tribute to him. There is also a link if you would like to view his memorial service on May 29. Ann
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2024 to all! I was looking at New Canaanite.com on December 16 and saw the article "A History of Caroling at God's Acre". It brings back so many happy holiday memories of attending church at the Congregational Church on Christmas Eve and then singing carols on God's Acre. The link to the website is https://newcanaanite.com/a-history-of-christmas-caroling-at-gods-acre-2-11589804. It has been a tradition since 1916 and is part of what I think makes New Canaan special. Hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did. Wishing you all the best in 2025. Ann Stillman Wilson
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I wish I could post more happy news! How about filling us in about your travels, kids, grandkids, or great grandkids! Updates on your lives! Seen any classmates lately? We'd love to hear from you!!
Personally, my husband Bill and I are currently the grandparents of 2 boys - ages 2 and 5. We recently spent a weekend babysitting and gained fuller appreciation of why God gave children to the young! We'll be babysitting again for 9 days later this summer while their parents go to Europe to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Fortunately the boys will be in day care during the week so we'll have time to recharge! Before that, during a trip to the west coast to visit our other daughter and husband who live in Portland, OR, we are looking forward to spending a few days with Wendy Westland Ayars and her husband Gary. Hoping to enjoy some of Gary's wine and fresh mussels collected off their beach on Puget Sound.
Hope everyone has a great summer. Please keep in touch!! Ann
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Sadly, I just heard got the following email from Barb Kenyon Engle: " Pris Wells died in Anderson, South Carolina January 4. We kept in touch always. She had been a nurse and medical administrator with a long career in CT. Two divorces, no children. She lived near her sister Lisa. I will miss her.." Unfortunately I have no other information nor could Barb provide me with any, and as of now I have not been able to find an obituary.
Ann Stillman Wilson
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