Margaret (Ellis) Kelley ’34
Receives Diploma at Age 90
 L to R: Son-in law Norman Ferrier, Step-grandson Kyle Ferrier, Margaret (Ellis) Kelley ’34, Daughter Paula Law, Granddaughter Felicia Law-Ferrier
Early in Spring 2004 while taking a water aerobics class in Florida, Curry alum Sandra (Ambrose) Martig ’67, good friend of fellow alum and trustee Kathryn M. Sardella, ’67, M.Ed. ’81, met new friend Paula Law. Sandra and Paula made a Curry connection when Paula stated that her mother, Margaret (Ellis) Kelley, known as Peggy, was a Curry alum from the Class of 1934.
When word got back to the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations about Peggy’s whereabouts, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Tom Brodnicki contacted her and invited her to attend the annual alumni event held each year in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. At that time, Peggy revealed that though she completed her academic course of study and graduation requirements, she never actually crossed the stage and officially graduated because of an outstanding $200 balance due the College. “It was the depression, don’t you know...,” Peggy reminded Tom during that first phone call.
As a result of that conversation, Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty David A. Fedo and President Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr. decided to waive Peggy’s old debt and presented her with a Curry College diploma at the Florida alumni reception held in March 2004. |
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That evening, Peggy told Dean Fedo and President Quigley it was the happiest day of her life. At age 90, she had had a life full of experiences such as pursuing a swimming career which included performances with Esther Williams and owning a fashion design company.
Though her prior financial obligation had been cleared, Peggy made it a point to pay her $200 balance in full, with interest - she sent a donation to the Office of Institutional Advancement in the amount of a $1,000 unrestricted gift to the College.
Later that spring at age 91, Peggy Kelley, accompanied by daughter Paula, participated in the 2004 Commencement Exercises at Curry College in Milton.
 L to R: President Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr., Margaret (Ellis) Kelley ’34, Daughter Paula Law |
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’54
Kathleen M. Connolly ’54
(Perry Normal School) taught kindergarten in Norwood, MA and the City of Boston and retired in 1989. She is now working for the Retired Teachers Chapter of the Boston Teachers Union as a volunteer.
’59
Lucille F. Olson ’59 (Perry Normal School) would love to hear from any Perry ’59 grads. She can be reached at 1710 Skyline Way #103, Anacortes, WA 98221-2967.
’61
Hope Irene Carras ’61 (Perry Normal School) retired as a guidance counselor after 36 years for the Watertown Public Schools. She has traveled to Australia, Greece, and Russia. She has six grandchildren Alyssa, Alex, Matthew, Andrew, Emily, and Collie.
’63
Jacqueline (Zeemer) Moscot ’63 has been a sculptor for the past 20 years and recently became a grandmother.
’64
Bruce Allen ’64 is retired from the construction/development business. He is presently starting a new business in residential indoor air quality.
Betty Waranuk ’64 (Perry Normal School) is married, has a daughter, and has one granddaughter named Maura-Beth.
’65
Roger S. Gray ’65 writes, “We now have a 6 month old grandson named Andon Gray Breitenfild in Milwaukee. After 30 years in Longmeadow, MA we have moved permanently to Cotuit on the Cape: 306 Cotuit Bay Drive, Cotuit MA 02635, phone (508) 420-3736. I would love to hear
from Bob Spillane.”
James A. Johnson ’65 is an attorney licensed in TX, MA, MI and the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia. |
