Please send corrections or additions to the info below. Check the Photo Gallery for latest Photos, and from the recent reunions. Send more pix!
December: Ben & Ann Higham Hughes 15th Wedding Anniversary; Dan Higham completes term as National Vice-Chief, Order of the Arrow, having made 42 visits to about 20 states and covered nearly 74,000 miles; Katie Higham completes 5½ year Nursing program at D'Youville College, and returns to begin work at Wilson Hospital in January; Mary Lou Costello Maynard has 2nd knee surgery on right knee (Left one done last year); great granddaughter, Olivia, born in Maryland to Laura, daughter of Julie; Birth: Clare Therese Lukaszewski born 12/16 to Luisa (Deanda) and Joe Lukaszewski;
November: 70th Birthday for Richard Taglieri; Fall Smith (and friends) Party at K&K's Camden; (See Photo gallery)
October: 70th Birthday for Steve Smith; 45th Wedding Anniversary for Roberta and Bernie Neu
September: Wedding of Doug and Donna Smith Brinkman. Uncle Dave gives away the bride, Dr. Donna;
George W. Rung, Jr. passed away in Florida, 09/15. Memorial held in October at Forest Park, Camden.
August: Jane Higham completes internship at Syracuse VA Hospital; accepts full-time position as Clinical Psychologist;
July: 2009 Family Reunion held at VBSP more than 50 attend (See Photo Gallery); 70th Birthday for Dave Smith (at Reunion) (See Photo Gallery);
June: Births: Jesse Smith to Merrit and Patty (Contreras) Smith on 06/10; Eli Glazer to Mary (Higham) and Mark Glazer, 06/11;
High School Graduations: Grace Sauerzopf; Abigail Parmelee; 50th Wedding Anniversary for Jack & Jan Higham. Party in July; (See Photo Gallery)
April: 40th Birthday for Mary Higham Glazer; 29th Wedding Anniversary for Keith and Jane Curtiss Watkin;
February: Wedding in Florida of Michael & Michelle Fitzgerald
July 9, 2009: 2 days and counting! Nice crowd expected. Weather is predicted to be: "Windy with afternoon showers and thunderstorms likely. Hazy and humid with highs in the mid 80s." So, warm, windy, and maybe wet in the afternoon. As the Scouts say, "Be Prepared!"
Check the food list if you haven't decided what to bring. A nice selection indicated, but some old time favorites are missing, so far.
July 4, 2009: Happy 4th of July everyone. Number at attendees is at 54! This is the largest reunion of recent memory. One week from today. See you there. If you have questions, check out the Reunion Info for specifics, or contact me otherwise.
June 28, 2009: Two weeks, less a day, and counting! Numbers attending are at about 48 with a couple of probablys included. Still haven't heard from several. Have you sent in your Registration Form? See Form link below. Waiting to get the latest news from correspondents to update the Clan Pages.
June 11, 2009: The Count Down Begins-- One month to Reunion July 11 at VBSP. Have you sent in your Picnic Registration Form? If not go to Form. We will update the Clan News as replies to the Picnic Form are received . Be sure to send in your form whether or not you can attend the reunion. All Archive material has been removed but has been saved. In the event you want to retrieve something from the past contact me.
October 22, 2008: Family gathering planned for Satuday December 20, 2008 at Katie & Karl's. Buffet style. Becca Smith has sent emails to most everyone about the event. Let her know your plans. As more details about price, etc. become available, check here. Reservation has been made for the South Pavilion at Verona Beach S.P. for the 2009 Family Reunion, Saturday, July 11, 2009. Put it on your calendar.
Curtiss Archives:
June 22, 2008: Keith celebrated his 75th anniversary of graduation from Camden High School on June 14, along with Jane and three of his classmates, and 230 other Alums. In a write up commemorating his life activities since high school, Keith describes his early days in high school and college as a drummer. Seems like he is still keeping up quite a beat!
An email from Stephen Curtiss: "We here in California have just become aware of the family reunion and regret that, having visited in September of this past year, we will not be able to attend. I am the great grandson of Hiram Curtiss, grandson of Ward, and son of Richard who spent several summers in his youth in Camden on the farm. We live in the San Jouquin Valley in California in the same town as my father who is 88. I have two sons and three grandsons and would love to attend a reunion in the not too distant future." Steve Curtiss
June 16, 2007: The Curtiss Clan was well represented at the Camden Alumni Banquet. Attending were: Keith and Jane Curtiss Watkin, Carol Curtiss (celebrating her 30th HS Anniversary Reunion); and Chris Curtiss Rivers, Class of 1979.
January 25, 2007: Jane reported on December 31 that Keith was improving, following his earlier surgery. Now he needs to gain some weight.
Higham Archives:
June 22, 2008: John Mack contacted us with the information that Samuel Alexander (Zandy) McLeod, husband of Lois Mack McLeod, passed away on June 15, 2008, as a result of a recently diagnosed cancer. The McLeod's home is in Durham, NC.
Richard Sauerzopf
graduated from Bexley Hall Seminary, Columbus, OH, on May 24, 2008, and
will be ordained in the Fall as an Episcopalian Priest in the Michigan
Diocese in Detroit. He has since been offered a position for the
coming academic year at Michigan State University in Lansing for a Post
Doctorate Fellowship. Pictured at the left is Richard with another
grad and Richard's mom, Betty, looking on. For more pictures of
the graduation in Ohio and of Richard's recent sermon in Columbus, visit
the link that follows:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22009749@N04/ Katie Higham, daughter of Jim and Margaret Higham, graduated from D'Youville College, Buffalo, on May 17, 2008, in a ceremony at Kleinhans Music Hall.
The family is pictured outside the Hall (Click on photo for larger
view.). During her college years she was coxswain on the rowing
crew. She will continue studies to earn her Masters Degree this
coming year.The funeral for Mildred W. Higham was held Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Camden. Dr. Richard Sauerzopf officiated. Delivering readings were: Daniel Higham; David Higham; and Arik Foley.
Madeline Mack, wife of John Mack, died on April 14, 2008. She had contracted a flu infection and seemed to be recovering, but developed pneumonia and was unable to survive it. Her funeral was conducted in White Plains on April 24, 2008.
March 14, 2008 - Grandma Mildred passed away peacefully February 29, 2008. She had contracted pneumonia and just didn't have the strength to fight it off. A preliminary obituary ran in the Elmira, Binghamton, Rome and Camden papers shortly afterward. A complete obituary follows:
HIGHAM Mildred W. Age 100, formerly of Horseheads, NY, Johnson City, NY and Camden, NY, passed away on Friday, February 29, 2008, at Chemung County Nursing Facility, Elmira, NY. Mildred was born March 11, 1907, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Arthur and Emma Newman Walker.
Mildred was raised and educated in Camden. She married Wilfred Joseph Higham, July 25, 1934 in Richland, NY. He pre-deceased her on January 1, 1983. She was also pre-deceased by brother, Elwin in 1987, and his wife, Rita; brother Elmer in 1988, and his wife Stella; and brothers in-law, Erwin Philpott, and Edward Caldwell.
Mildred was a long-time member of Camden United Methodist Church; was a retired telephone operator for NYNEX, and was a member of Telephone Pioneers. She volunteered numerous hours to several organizations for the betterment of her community. She loved her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with each and every one of them. Mildred was a true matriarch who was loved and respected by all. While she moved her home in 1989 from Camden to the Southern Tier of New York to be near her children, Mildred remained a loyal Camdenite, visiting her relatives and friends several times each year until she was no longer able to travel. Ever the telephone operator, she remained in telephone contact with these people until she was no longer able to converse on the phone.
Mrs. Higham is survived by: her son and daughter-in-law, Jack & Janet Higham, Vestal, NY; her daughter and son-in-law, Betty & Bob Sauerzopf, Horseheads, NY; grandchildren, their spouses (and children): Joseph and Linda Higham (Laurel), Patterson, NY; James and Margaret Higham (Catherine, Daniel, and David), Vestal, NY; John and Cathleen Higham (Rachel, Jacob, Nicholas, Thomas, Julia, and Madison), Cape Coral, FL; Edward and Susan Higham Foley (Andrew and Arik), Vestal, NY; Benjamin and Ann Higham Hughes (Riley, Joseph, and Samuel), Manlius, NY; Mark and Mary Higham Glazer, Vestal, NY; Jane Higham (Andrew and Timothy Awad), Delmar, NY; James and Joan Higham Entwistle (Tyler, Justin, and Cole), Rochester, NY; John Sauerzopf (Grace), Jeannette, PA; Richard Sauerzopf, Columbus, OH; Jay and Katherine Sauerzopf Yuelling (Jeffrey), Corning, NY; sisters: Ruth Philpott and Charlotte Caldwell, both of Rome, NY; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of caring friends, including her care givers at Chemung County Nursing Facility. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Chemung County Nursing Facility and especially the 4th floor staff for their compassionate and loving care of their mother and grandmother, Mildred W. Higham. A private memorial service was held on March 8, 2008 at First United Methodist Church, Horseheads, NY, with the Rev. Dr. Robert O. Sherburne officiating.
The Funeral Service for Mildred will be held at LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY, Saturday, April 26, 2008. Calling hours will be 11:00 A.M. followed by the service at Noon. Mildred’s grandson, Dr. Richard Sauerzopf, will officiate. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Camden, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camden United Methodist Church, or to a charitable organization of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Lynch Funeral Home, 318 West Broad Street, Horseheads, NY.
January 29, 2008 - In his Christmas note, John Mack indicates he is doing well following the kidney surgery. He has now undergone cataract surgery in one eye and will have the other eye done subsequently. He looks forward to the Reunion in July.
Grandma Mildred keeps amazing the CCNF Staff. She is regularly eating in the Dining Room, feeds herself pretty well, and is certain to make known her wishes, if things aren't the way she wants them.
Richard Sauerzopf, home for the holiday break from Seminary in Columbus, OH, will complete his studies this semester, and will be ordained at some later date in Detroit.
August 22, 2007: Grandma Mildred is still sleeping a lot, but has responded, has talked some, and seems to be making some improvements. Her caregivers say she is "One tough cookie!" Recently she announced to Betty that she needed to get out of there and get back to work. Most of her eating is by straw, with some food taken by spoon. She is particularly fond of a vanilla shake drink that is heavily fortified.
July 2, 2007: Grandma Mildred has declined substantially in the past 2 weeks. She has been sleeping a lot and is generally not talking and interacting. She may have been suffering from an infection at first, and may also have been troubled by a medication reaction with her stomach. She is resting comfortably, however, and taking some food, but has lost some weight. The Nursing Facility Caregivers are doing an outstanding job with her. She has probably suffered some mini-strokes.
Mark Glazer completed three more peaks in the Adirondacks this past weekend, closing in on the completion of the full 46. He expects to be an Adirondack 46er by Summer's end.
June 23, 2007: Vestal High Seniors Andy Foley and Dan Higham will receive their diplomas at the Vestal Commencement exercises to be held at the Binghamton University Events Center. Andy will enter Broome Community College in the Fall. Dan will enter SUNY Oswego in the Fall. Rachel Higham, Cape Coral, FL, graduated recently from Home School. She plans to enter college in the Fall. When more plans are available for her, we'll let you know. These three Higham offspring are separated in age by 11 days. Andy is the son of Ted and Sue Foley Higham; Dan is the son of Jim and Margaret Bills Higham; and Rachel is the daughter of John and Cathy Foster Higham.
June 2007: Dan Higham, son of Jim and Peg Higham, was one of 21 Seniors awarded a Student Community Service scholarship of $1000 by NYS Senator Tom Libous and WBNG-TV.
May 22, 2007: Dr. Richard Sauerzopf, a Seminary Student at Bexley Hall, Columbus, OH, wrote: Dear friends, Here is a link to my Ascension Sunday sermon, which I had the honor of giving at Trinity Church, in downtown Columbus this last Sunday (May 20, 2007). It is the first sermon I have ever delivered at a principal Sunday service. It is not exactly a barn burner, but I am glad to think that it was at least well received. Peace, Richard
http://trinitycolumbus.podbean.com/
May 5, 2007: Joe Hughes, son of Ben and Ann Higham Hughes, celebrated his 1st Communion at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville.
April 28, 2007: The Carousel Harmony Chorus, Jan Higham's Barbershop group, won 1st place for small choruses at the Regional Competition in Syracuse.
Seubert Archives:
June 22, 2008: Mary Lou finally had back surgery to correct spinal stenosis, having suffered the discomfort long enough! She reports she is gaining strength every day and hopes to attend the July Reunion.
January 29, 2008 - Doug Burch, Virginia's son, replied to Mildred's Christmas Letter, informing us that Virginia passed away November 15, 2007 in Queensbury, where she had been residing with Doug.
June 15, 2007: Mary Lou was unable to attend the Camden Alumni Banquet, but sent her regrets. She also indicated George had passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Beaumont, CA, on January 21, 2007.
January 23, 2007: I HAD PLANNED TO WRITE TO ALL THAT GEORGE WAS NOT WELL, AND AM FEELING VERY NEGLIGENT ABOUT THIS...
I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE DAILY FOR OVER A WEEK. WITH GEORGE... PAM SAID HE SEEMED TO PERK UP FROM MY CALLS.. HE WAS UP ONE DAY AND DOWN THE NEXT... THE NURSE SAID THAT HE WAS FADING, BUT WE DIDN'T EXPECT IT SO SOON...
PAM HAS BEEN SO WONDERFUL AND SHE AND GEORGE HAD BEEN READING THE BIBLE EVERY NIGHT... I NEVER REMEMBER GEORGE GOING TO CHURCH EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS... BUT I GUESS OUR MOTHER'S FAITH AND TEACHING CAME THROUGH, AS GEORGE WAS A TRUE CHRISTIAN... I BELIEVE IT WAS FRIDAY NIGHT, GEORGE HAD A DREAM. HE WOKE UP PAM AND THEY DISCUSSED IT... HE THOUGHT HE WAS IN HEAVEN, AND, I THINK, SAW MOTHER.. SO HE WAS REALLY READY TO GO TO HEAVEN.. THROUGH ALL HIS HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM TEEN AGE YEARS, HE WAS SAYING WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE HE HAD.. ( PERHAPS SOME OF YOU YOUNGER PEOPLE MIGHT NOT
REMEMBER THAT GEORGE HAD PNEUMONIA FROM THE TIME HE WAS 16-20 YEARS OLD.. SURGERY WAS THE ONLY THING THEY COULD DO... SO HE HAS HAD ONLY ONE FUNCTIONING LUNG FOR ALL THESE YEARS.. IN 1940 THE SULFA DRUGS APPEARED .. DR YOUNG DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH TO GIVE.... SO GEORGE RECOVERED.. WHAT A MIRACLE... MOTHER INSISTED THAT HE FINISH H.S. SO HE GRADUATED IN 1942..THIS WAS AS HARD ON MOM AND DAD AS IT WAS ON GEORGE... OUR MOTHER CERTAINLY WAS AN ANGEL.. SHE NEVER, EVER COMPLAINED....WE NEVER APPRECIATE OUR PARENTS WHEN WE HAVE THEM..
WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE THE SEUBERT INFLUENCE.. SO, JACK, IF YOU WOULD PASS THIS NEWS ON TO THE FAMILY...GEORGE HAD HIS
FUNERAL ALL PLANNED BUT I'LL SEND YOU THAT. ANNA IS PHYSICALLY FINE BUT WITH HER DEMENTIA, IT'S DIFFICULT TO KNOW HOW MUCH SINKS IN.. WILL LET YOU KNOW MORE...
PAM'S ADDRESS IS PAM COSTELLO 111 ORANGE AVENUE, BEAUMONT CA, 92223. LOVE TO ALL, ML
Smith Archives:
June 29, 2008: Ruthanne Smith Deanda
Ruthanne
Smith Deanda, 67, of Glendale, AZ, surrounded by her family, was
called to her heavenly home June 25th, 2008, after battling ALS for 5 years. She
joins her parents, Ralph & Jane Smith, grandparents Ray & Mary Higham and Leland
& Louese Smith, father-in-law Victor Deanda, and son-in-law Jeff Shepple, in
God's loving embrace. She was born in Westdale, NY in 1941. After college, she
joined the Air Force where she met and married the love of her life, Antonio. As
an Air Force wife, she moved her family around the world and back with a
patriots heart. Always full of joy and laughter, she loved to share stories and
tons of family pictures. Deeply loving, she gave her time to her family and
church community. Faithfully, she devoted her time to the Lay Carmelite Order,
Knights of Columbus, and enjoyed sharing her Rosary collection. She is survived
by her adoring husband of almost 43 years, Antonio; her life's greatest gifts,
her 4 children, Steven (Maria) Deanda, Catherine Shepple, Luisa (Joseph)
Lukaszewski, and Elizabeth (Michael) Hudspeth; her 2 step-children, Victor
Deanda and Debbie Deanda; her 10 Grandchildren who were her hearts delight;
brother R. Steven (Arlene) Smith, sisters Roberta (Bernie) Neu, Mary (Richard)
Taglieri, Miriam (Jim) Parmelee; her aunt, Miriam Smith, and many beloved
cousins, nieces and nephews. All services will be at St. Raphael's Catholic
Church, 5525 W. Acoma Rd, Glendale. Visitation will be Friday June 27 from
5-7pm, with Prayer at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday June
28 at 10 am, with Internment to follow at Phoenix Memorial Park. In lieu of
flowers, the family asks that contributions in her memory be made to the Arizona
Chapter of ALS at 4643 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 1 Phoenix AZ 85018-7740 or through
her fund via this website:http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Events/Arizona?pg=ffind&fr_id=2724.
My Ruthie, Mom, Sis, Grandma D, Aunt Ruth, Dear Friend, you are our hero. You
are dearly missed, but we are eternally grateful to have you watching over and
guiding us from Heaven. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/28/2008.
June 25, 2008: Mary T called this morning with the information that Ruthie passed away early this morning in AZ. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but anticipated for Saturday June 28. She suggests people may wish to donate to ALS of Arizona in Ruthie's memory. The link to the ALS web site can be found at Ruthie's web site, www.runforruthie.net As soon as other information becomes available we will post it here. The funeral will be held at St. Raphael's Church, Saturday at 10 A.M.
Mary indicated she, Steve, Roberta, and Miriam and their spouses plan to fly out for the funeral.
June 22, 2008: Word from Richard Sauerzopf from his mother that he was in Arizona, June 15-18, and had the opportunity to visit Ruthie and Tony. He greatly enjoyed the visit.
January 30, 2008 - A call today from Steve to report he had a "heart event" starting last Friday evening at work. Aspirin and rest and symptoms subsided, but then returned. More aspirin and a trip to the hospital in Watertown. Quick assessment that he had suffered a "heart event" and would be transferred at his request to Crouse-Irving in Syracuse where he would see his cardiologist. Ambulance ride to Syracuse, more assessment, then catheterization, then two stents placed removing the problem. He returned home Tuesday with orders to rest for a while. He says he feels good and will see the doctor in a couple of weeks for follow up. In the meantime he is taking a closer look at retirement.
January 29, 2008 - Mary T. reports:
Many of you know that the web site for my sister, Ruthie, has been down for some time. Due to some computer problems, Dr. Barry lost it for awhile. He has worked very hard to get it back up and running and it now is available again!! However, he no longer can use runforruthie.com. The new web site is www.runforruthie.net - check it out! Some of the previous messages that were sent to Ruthie have been lost. So, please, if you see your message is missing, send another one. Or send a new one. She will see it!!
I can't tell you how much these messages mean to Ruthie. This disease, ALS, is a horrible thing. She now is only able to open and shut her eyes with some effort. But she still can smile a little. She is still clear of mind so anything that can keep her spirits up is a wonderful thing!
Ruthie's daughter, Cathy Shepple sends the following: Hello family! Hello friends of Aunt Mary & Uncle Richard!! Our family thanks you for your prayers for Mom. She can still nod and shake her head but the movements are sometimes very slight and that sometimes seems to take some effort depending on how tired she is. She has been sleeping a lot lately but perks up for us when we visit.
She told me yesterday that she feels that it is just the progression of the disease, but she is not going anywhere. I watch a televised Mass with her on Sunday mornings that is broadcast live from our cathedral here in Phoenix. She spells out what she needs with the use of an alphabet board. I am not much of a comedian, but I try to crack jokes to get her to laugh. A big smile usually crosses her face when Dad comes in.
An answering machine is setup in her room so we can call her and she can hear us. She especially enjoys getting messages from the grandkids (HINT!!HINT!!).
Her number is 602-393-5745.
We have not been able to get on the internet in her room since the family doesn't have dial up anymore. I am working on wireless options but in the mean time,
please send your messages and we'll print and share them with Mom. We'll also be having Dr. Barry put some updates on the website concerning happenings on the AZ ALS website. I am attaching a recent picture of Mom & Dad for you to enjoy!
Aunt Miriam Smith has moved. Now residing at a senior living community, St. Johns Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West, Rochester, NY 14620.
August 22, 2007: Bernie and Roberta are moving back to New York State, returning to Freedom Village, Lakemont, NY, where they will operate a Bed and Breakfast. Bernie will retire, fully, in about 10 months. Meanwhile he is recovering from shoulder surgery. They are looking forward to being with their children and grandchildren and near relatives.
July 2, 2007: Mary and Richard announced they are in the process of moving to their new home. Mary says, "Our new address is 282 Penn Lane, Rochester, NY 14625. We are actually in Penfield, but have a Rochester ZIP."
June 15-16, 2007: It is on a sad note that I wish to inform of the passing away of of our son-in-law Jeffrey Shepple, loving husband, of our daughter Catherine Shepple from injuries received in the crash of a "quad" vehicle on the outskirts of the town of Maricopa. Funeral arrangements are pending at St Timothy Church. Please keep the Shepple and Deanda Families in your thoughts, prayers, and for that we Thank You. In Faith and Love for Our Lord Jesus, Tony and Ruthanne