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In Memoriam

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Gertrude Etta (Stahl) Epstein of Canton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 77 years of age. Daughter of the late Shirley (Idelkope) and Earl Stahl. Loving wife of Dr. Neil Epstein of 57 years. Beloved mother of Adam Epstein and his wife Lucia of Wellesley; Evan Epstein and his wife Courtney of Mansfield; and Noah Epstein and his wife Desiree of Herndon, VA. Cherished grandmother of Ana-Natalia, Bruno, Jude, Alexis, Zachary, Siena and Adelyn. Family was a central and significant part of her life.

Gertrude was born in Springfield, MA on November 23, 1946. She graduated from Classical High School in Springfield and went on to get a dental hygiene degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. There she met her future husband, Neil, who was a dental student at the same school. After completing her Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) degree at UPenn, she continued her education and earned a graduate degree in Dental Health Education at Columbia University.

Trudi and Neil started their married life in West Nyack, NY, where she became head of dental health education at the Clarkstown School system. However, always longing to get back to Western Massachusetts, they relocated first to Amherst and then two years later to Northampton with their new son, Adam. There she taught dental health at Springfield Technical Community College School of Dental Hygiene and Neil practiced pediatric dentistry in Springfield. Evan and Noah came along in the proceeding years. With this growing family, Trudi needed to find a new career that offered more flexibility. She eventually got her real estate license and started her own business managing other people's real estate and developing a significant real estate portfolio of her own. Eventually she owned more than a dozen units, which included real estate in the Northampton area where she lived, as well as properties on Cape Cod and in Valbonne, France.
In addition, Trudi was an assistant to Aaron Lansky during the early years when he was creating and developing the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. She loved life and made many friends all over the world. In fact, she and Neil fulfilled their fantasy of living in the south of France four months a year for 15 years. She was an avid skier and tennis player and had many hobbies including collecting antiques, French Quimper Pottery, the arts and independent world travel, where she made many friends.
More recently, her life changed dramatically when she developed breast cancer, and after being successfully treated for that, developed uterine cancer 5 years later. She was a true fighter and never gave up in the face of adversity.
She survived and credited her survival with the care she received at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospitals. With her new outlook on life she redirected her extraordinary talent to philanthropic work that included personal philanthropy, fundraising and service on multiple not for profit boards.
In October 2023, Trudi and Neil moved to Orchard Cove, a continuous care retirement community in Canton. She started to enjoy her new community and everything it had to offer. She was loved by everyone who knew her and will be deeply missed.
Family Service for Gertrude will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gertrude's name may be made to the Brigham & Women's Hospital at www.brighamandwomens.org or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-farber.org.
www.stanetskycanton.com

May Frances I'Anson Ramsey passed away peacefully in Annapolis on December 14, 2023, after a brief illness. A woman of exceptional kindness, she brought joy and beauty into the lives of many through her design skills, friendly smile, warm heart, and lifelong devotion to volunteer service.

May Frances loved her family and friends fiercely, and gave all that she had, asking only for a hug in return. She also loved eating oysters and soft-shell crabs; securing her Masters Degree in interior design from VCU; collecting antiques and Quimper pottery; traveling the world and experiencing new cultures; singing in the choir as a member of Calvary United Methodist Church; laughing and gift exchanges with her lifelong friends; and a home that was the continual gathering spot for family, friends, and neighborsâ€"all of whom had a special connection to "Maif,"Auntie May, Mom, or Grandmom.

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Second only to family, her volunteer work was a uniquely satisfying part of her life. She was the chairman of the Board at The Virginia Home in Richmond, VA. She also led the board at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. During her more than 18 years in Annapolis, she was a long-time volunteer in the Art Room at Arundel Lodge and in the retail shop at Tawes Garden.

May Frances was born on November 21, 1942, to Chief Justice Lawrence and May Frances I'Anson. She enjoyed growing up on the banks of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, VA with her big brother, Larry, and childhood forever friends. She graduated from Woodrow Willson High School in 1960.

In 1963, May Frances met Peter Ramsey on a UNC study abroad trip in Europe. Their chance meeting evolved into a 59-year love story. They were married on June 20, 1964, just weeks after she graduated from UNC.

Together, they raised three wonderful children Crae, Russell, and Sarah. May Frances taught her children a love for the simple things, for the world around them, and most importantly, for each otherâ€"she lived those values by example and took great pride in watching those values get passed along to her granddaughters.

May Frances was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Peter McCrae Ramsey. She is survived by her brother Larry I'Anson and his wife Ann, of Portsmouth, VA; son Crae and his wife Traci of Annapolis, MD; son Russell and his wife Serena, of Novato, CA; and daughter Sarah, who followed in her mother's footsteps as a professional interior designer in New York City; and granddaughters Cameron and Margot of Annapolis, MD.

A celebration of May Frances' life will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church 301 Rowe Blvd. Annapolis, MD 21401 on January 27, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Arundel Lodge at arundellodge.org to support mental health and substance abuse services to friends close to her heart.

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Dr. Charles Richard

 

(Dick) Williams (1933-2023) passed away in the early morning hours on Dec. 30th. He is now at peace.

Dick was a musician in the US Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean during the Korean War, and playing in the parade in Washington D.C. for President Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953 (where according to him, he learned to avoid walking behind the elephants).

After leaving the Navy, Dick returned to university studies where he received a BS in chemistry and master’s and PhD degrees in mathematics.  He taught math for 20 years at Midwestern State University in Texas and computer science for 20 years at California State University Dominguez Hills. Besides serving as president of the CSU Senate, he served on the statewide committee that was instrumental in establishing California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo.

Dick was an accomplished musician and clarinetist so after retiring to Point Roberts to be close to the family, he found groups to join: A Little Night Music Orchestra, The Delta Music Makers, The Delta Concert Band, and the Royal City Concert Band. Dick was a member of the Point Roberts Winds which he and Lucy founded. He also played for the Sunday services for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church.  He never wanted to give up the clarinet but finally retired from playing altogether at age 86 after 78 years.

After moving to Point Roberts, the Downtown Wacky Walkers welcomed him wholeheartedly and supplied him with dozens of friends, good walks & talks, and more than a dozen years of fun memories. The Friday afternoon bridge games with Curt Bush, Sally Roberts and her son, Len were a highlight.

Dick volunteered for several years for the Point Roberts Food Bank, was a member of the TOOBS (Tsawwassen Order of Old Bastards), and was proud to have served on the Whatcom County Hospital District Board

Dick was a lifelong learner. He was genuinely curious about the world and all of its inhabitants. That curiosity translated into an openness towards people and situations. He was a kind, caring, generous and loving member of our family and of any community in which he took part. One of the last things he shared was his belief that liking someone was a choice, so why not choose to like them? I don’t think I know of anyone who didn’t like him.

Dick is survived by Lucy, his wife of 41 years, son David Williams, daughter Kelly Williams, and daughter Valerie Woodard, as well as grandchildren, Dr. Spencer Williams, Lucien Williams, Miles Williams, and Boone Williams.

 In lieu of cards or flowers, a donation can be given in Dick's memory to the Trinity Church’s building fund. The 100+-year-old church in Point Roberts needs some serious foundation work and repairs.  Canadian checks can be made out to Daily Bread for a Canadian tax receipt. Trinity Lutheran Church, Box 437, Point Roberts, WA 98281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passing of Monica Emily Ruthizer

News from Jeffrey Ruthizer:

NYT - Dec. 25, 2022

RUTHIZER - Monica Emily, of Delray Beach, FL, died unexpectedly on December 9, 2022, one day shy of her 75th.  Formerly of New York City and Westchester County, New York she resided in Florida since 2009.  The daughter of Sidonia (Bein) and Fred Heilbrunn, she was born December 10, 1947 in Bradford, England and immigrated with her family on the Queen Elizabeth as a young girl to the US where she grew up first in North Carolina before the family's move to New York.  Her father's family in Germany before WWII one owned one of Eurpoe's largest textile mills. Loving wife to Jeffrey, to who she was married for 46 years and who survives her along with their two sons, she was a devoted mother to Josh (Diana)of New York City and Alex (Marta) of San Juan, PR, cherished grandmother to Frederick (Alex and Marta) and William (Josh and Diana), loyal sister to Barbara Waldman, beloved sister-in-law to Ted and Jane Ruthizer, Grant and Mimi Ruthizer, and Allen Greenberg, wonderful cousin, and a favorite aunt to her many nieces and nephews.  Friend to countless others who returned her love, she was graduated from Simmons College in 1968 and earned her Master's in History from NYU before embarking on a high school teaching career that was paused when Josh and Alex were born.  Later in life she resumed teaching history before earning her principal's certificate.  Educator, historian, world-class chef (and one-time restaurant owner), connoisseur of fine foods and award winning restaurants, successful writer and published novelist (Carson's Tree"), she loved traveling the world with her husband on their visits to 80 countries, appreciated good drama, and devoured a book or two a week.  Monica was an avid fan of the Miami Ballet, the 1980's Mets of Daryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson fame (both of who she met), and University of Michigan football.  SHe stood shoulder to shoulder with activists protesting the Viet Nam War, racial injustice, and Putin's war against the innocent Ukrainian people.  Monica was buried at Mount Ararat Cemetery on Long Island on December 13, 2022 after funeral services in Delray Beach on December 11.  

Contributions in her memory can be made to the Ukrainian Red Cross or the International Rescue Committeefor Ukraine.  

Jeff, Josh, Diana, Alex, Marta, Barbara, Frederick, William.

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Charles Orand

ORAND, Charles Edward Charles Edward Orand passed peacefully on February 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. We are comforted knowing he is fully alive in the Kingdom of Heaven with his Lord Jesus Christ. Born November 11, 1936, Charles grew up on the family farm in Fairfield, Texas before moving his senior year to Texas City where he graduated high school in 1955. Charles worked his way through college at The University of Houston, earning his bachelors of science degree. Soon after, he moved to Dallas where he began his lifelong career at Texas Instruments as a senior member, technical staff, of avionics within the defense systems and electronics group.

In 1967, while at a dance with friends, he met the love of his life, Betty Kelly Bailey, whom he married in June, 1969. And while Charles loved his work at T.I., he always left it at the office each evening so he could be fully present with his family, which was his absolute greatest joy. Laughter around the dinner table was a nightly event. Charles loved the mountains and he and Betty traveled often together to their favorite places including Estes Park, Colorado, and Ruidoso, New Mexico; as well as tropical getaways to Acapulco, Hawaii and later Corpus Christi. Charles was a do-it-yourself kind of man and could take apart and fix anything. Weekends were often spent under the hood of the family cars where he taught his sons a love for automobiles and how they operated. Charles taught his family the value of hard work, but most of all, he modeled the meaning of true love, especially for his "everything" Betty, who was the focus of his adoration until the day he died. Charles is preceded in death by his father Ellis Orand and his mother Inez Thacker Beniretto, and his special stepfather Pete, along with his brother Bill Orand. He is survived by his wife Betty and his children Patrick Orand and Terry Mascolo, Jeff Bailey and wife Anne Marie, Craig Bailey and wife Shelly. Charles was greatly loved by his grandchildren Francesca Movchan (Kent), Stephen Bailey (Holly), Lauren Bailey Prioleau (Mack), Cole Bailey (Allison), and Olivia Bailey; along with great grandchildren Niko, Isabella, and Giuliana Movchan, and recently born Hudson Cole Bailey. Charles' family would like to express their love and gratitude to his caregivers at C.C. Young and especially Mary Pat Smith, his hospice nurse, who was a source of love, wisdom, strength, and stability to Charles and his family over the past year and a half. We bless you all! A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, February 10th at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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She moved with parents and brother to Longview, TX six months later. She graduated from Longview High School in 1947 and attended Baylor University 1947-1950. LaLita married Floyd E. Taylor on Dec. 23, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church, Longview, TX.. They had two sons William K. Taylor and Michael A. Taylor. Then followed seven moves with Sun Oil Company. She made each move into a loving home, meeting new and long lasting friends along the way. She was a Cub Scout leader for seven years in Delhi, LA. The family always joined a Presbyterian Church in Odessa, Gainesville, Delhi, LA, Beaumont, Lafayette, Houston, and finally Dallas. She became interested in decorative painting, teaching for ten summers at the Hill Country Art Foundation. In 1974, LaLita and her sister Patsy began their journey specializing in Quimper antiques, making many trips to France. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd, sister Shirley and grandson Winston Taylor. Survived by her sons, Kent (Susan) Taylor of McKinney, Mike (Lisa) of Sherman, sister, Patsy McDonald, grandchildren Andrew, Erin, and Robert (Heidi), two great grand children Levi and Winona, as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services to honor and celebrate La's life to be held at Restland Funeral Home, Visitation at 9 a.m. and service to follow at 10 a.m. in Memorial Chapel, interment to follow.

LALITA TAYLOR OBITUARY
 

TAYLOR, LaLita Akers LaLita Akers Taylor was born in Severy, KS on October 4, 1930 to William Webster and Myrtle B. Akers and died November 8th in McKinney, TX. She moved with parents and brother to Longview, TX six months later. She graduated from Longview High School in 1947 and attended Baylor University 1947-1950. LaLita married Floyd E. Taylor on Dec. 23, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church, Longview, TX.. They had two sons William K. Taylor and Michael A. Taylor. Then followed seven moves with Sun Oil Company. She made each move into a loving home, meeting new and long lasting friends along the way. She was a Cub Scout leader for seven years in Delhi, LA. The family always joined a Presbyterian Church in Odessa, Gainesville, Delhi, LA, Beaumont, Lafayette, Houston, and finally Dallas. She became interested in decorative painting, teaching for ten summers at the Hill Country Art Foundation. In 1974, LaLita and her sister Patsy began TAYLOR, LaLita Akers LaLita Akers Taylor was born in Severy, KS on October 4, 1930 to William Webster and Myrtle B. Akers and died November 8th in McKinney, TX. 


 

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Noëlle Blackmer Beatty

1932-2022

 

Noëlle, my beloved wife of 64 years, died peacefully of old age in her Memory Care apartment early this morning. Fortunately, she never contracted any version of COVID.

Born in Boston, Noëlle grew up on the campus of Phillips Academy in Andover, MA where her father taught English and was dean of the faculty. She graduated in 1950 from Abbot Academy, a nearby girl’s school that later merged with Phillips Academy to form the co-ed school known as Andover. I first met her because I was her oldest brother’s doubles partner on the Andover tennis team. We became casual friends and crossed paths occasionally during the next decade.

At Radcliffe College Noëlle majored in English and wrote a pioneering honors thesis on Eugene O’Neill, under the tutelage of a renowned Harvard professor, Howard Mumford Jones. While at Radcliffe, she also perfected the French she had learned from her mother as a young child. By the time she graduated in 1954 she was as fluent as a French native, enabling her to teach English for a year to young girls at a school in Cholet, a small city in Maine-et-Loire.

She spent the next two years as executive assistant to the head of a New York City non-profit organization that sponsored international teacher and student exchanges. In April 1957 she accepted my unexpected invitation to a dance in Cambridge, MA. We got engaged shortly after I graduated from Harvard Law School that May, and were married in the Andover chapel that October.

Following an idyllic fall honeymoon in Vermont, we moved to Washington, DC where Noëlle worked for several years as principal assistant to the director of a non-profit think tank that facilitated testimony by private-sector experts at Congressional hearings on foreign-policy matters. During the 1960s, in the midst of nurturing our three children, Eric, Ned, and Julia, she earned a graduate degree in editing from American University in DC and launched a successful career as both a copy editor and a content editor.

In the busy decades that followed, she somehow found time to write three books herself: the first was a text book on the history, geography, economy, and people of Suriname; the second was a detailed description of the origin and layout of the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in DC; and the third was entitled Literary Byways of Boston and Cambridge. The latter was a witty, informative guidebook to sites in those cities where noted literary figures had lived or worked, often with appropriate quotes from their works. More than 10,000 copies of the book have been sold since it was published in 1991. 

Until her mid-70s Noëlle was also an accomplished singer. As a soprano in the Harvard-Radcliffe Glee Club she toured the U.S. and after we settled in DC she sang for several decades with the National Cathedral Chorus, both in the cathedral and in secular venues. The highlight of her musical career was singing Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony before a huge outdoor audience in Warsaw’s Old Town Square.

For many years Noëlle anchored our relationship with friends and neighbors in the Cleveland Park area of DC. She was a superb cook who produced exceptional meals for small dinner parties in our home and mouthwatering rustic ones when we took weekend excursions with our children to our unelectrified cabin in West Virginia. She also masterminded the annual beach weeks that later brought our three children and nine grandchildren together at Bethany Beach on the Delaware shore.

After I retired from law practice in 1987, Noëlle played a major role in planning trips that took us abroad each year. She had long been a collector of antique pottery and decided to become a dealer in old French faience. For the next twenty-five years she took us to France once (or sometimes twice) each year to acquire inventory, which she then sold at East Coast antique fairs or on her website. Her business succeeded on all counts. We had a great time hunting for exceptional pieces of pottery throughout France, we ate extremely well en route, we developed enjoyable relationships with a number of her U.S. clients, and every tax return we filed during that period reported a net profit from the business.

Over time, our foreign travels took us to fifty-one other countries. Noëlle’s photographs and written accounts of many of those trips constitute a substantial bequest to our children and grandchildren.

When we reached our 80s and began to think about retirement communities, our Denver-based daughter scouted Balfour while it was still under construction and urged us to move here, which we did in October 2014 shortly after the building opened. Moving here when we did has proved to be one of the best decisions we ever made.   

In recent years, as she became aware that dementia was compromising her life, Noëlle remained her essential sweet self despite all the frustrations she faced. I loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.

                                                                                                                        G.W.B.

                                                                                                                        August 30, 2022

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JON SCARBOROUGH - Long standing members of Quimper Club International will remember fellow member Jon Scarborough.

 

Jon passed away peacefully on May 29, 2022. He had been in failing health in recent months and had been residing in Brooksby Village in Peabody MA.

Jon’s career involved his work in art and graphic design, photography. He also ran his own business, Purcell Pumps. He served as a member of the state Republican Committee and on many election campaigns as the graphics designer and advertising manager. Eventually this led him to the State House, where he worked as the Executive Assistant to Representative Bill Robinson, the Minority Whip in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He finished out his State Government service as the Executive Assistant to Nils Nordberg, the Commissioner of the Department of Education and Training and held that position until his retirement in 2000.

 

He leaves behind his wife of sixty years, Claire, and three daughters and two grandchildren

Jon’s Quimper collection was mostly centered on post war pieces (1950s).
 

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ELIZABETH NEW SEITZ - Jeanne Elizabeth New Seitz peacefully passed away on September 23, 2021, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 56. Born in Dallas on December 18, 1964, Elizabeth graduated from Highland Park High School in 1983 and was a 1987 graduate of Vanderbilt University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was as an undergraduate in Aix-en-Provence with Vanderbilt-in-France that Elizabeth's lifelong love of the people, language and culture of France was born.

Elizabeth continued her passion for France by earning her M.A. and Ph.D. in French and Applied Linguistics from Vanderbilt and also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and Parsons School of Design in New York. After teaching French language and culture as a professor at the University of North Texas, Elizabeth's career shifted to Dell and Texas Instruments. She then pursued her true passion and joie de vivre by founding French Affaires which celebrates French travel, language and culture.

Elizabeth's beautiful gardens in Dallas; Courances, France; and Bluffton, SC, were always to be envied. Additionally, she was a true gourmet chef with a focus on French cuisine - bien sur. Elizabeth had an amazing sense of style, also inspired by her love of France. As an avid runner, she successfully completed marathons in Dallas, New York and Boston. Elizabeth enjoyed playful walks with Marcel, her beloved French pointer. From a young age, Elizabeth cherished her faith that was a cornerstone throughout all her journeys.

HOLBERG, Ruth Allen Holberg was born October 27, 1929 in Crosbyton, Texas. A descendent of a pioneer west Texas family, Ruth spent her childhood throughout the state, and received her education in El Paso, Texas. Ruth grew up loving horses and the rodeo, and regularly competed in barrel racing competitions. In June 1951, Ruth married Mike H. Holberg and moved to Dallas, which she called home for the rest of her life. In Dallas, Ruth worked as an executive secretary for Stanley Marcus for two years before the birth of her daughter, Kristine, at which point she dedicated her time to being a loving mother. Ruth, Mike, and Kris spent their time off vacationing in Vail, Colorado where lifelong friends were made while skiing and playing tennis. Ruth loved to cook and entertain her and her daughter's friends, who knew her as the youthful, fun mom. After her daughter graduated from high school, Ruth began selling real estate before ending her working career at age 84 as a showroom manager for Old World Christmas at the World Trade Center. Ruth was an active member of her Delta Delta Delta alumni group, as well as Church of the Incarnation. If you were ever driving around town and saw someone with a license plate that read "GOOFUS" that was Ruth. Known by her grandchildren as "Ganny," Ruth lived her life the way she wanted to, with a classy demeanor, a great sense of humor, exquisite taste in fashion, and immense love for her family. Ruth passed away on January 31, 2021 after a brief illness. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Kris Graves, her grandchildren and their families, George Graves (Courtney) and Gretchen Manning (William), and her great-granddaughters, Olivia and Mills Manning and Sawyer Graves. A memorial service will be held in Ruth's honor on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 3 PM, at Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204. In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested that donations be made to Church of the Incarnation at incarnation.org.

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Nancy C. Muller

West Bloomfield - Nancy C. Muller (nee Sessel) passed away peacefully on November 8, 2020 at the age of 87. She is survived by her children, Micahel, Gregory (Jackie), Martha (Craig Ricklin), Timothy, Mary, John (Joan), Christopher, and Joseph; grandchildren, Max Vernon, Kathryn, Kristine, Hannah, and Henry; and brother, Marcus Sessel (Joan). She was preceded in death by her former husband, John and daughter, Catherine. Due to COVID-19 precautions, private services were held at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms with interment at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Rochester. In lieu of flowers, memorail contributions may be made to: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Arrangements entrusted to Chas. Verheyden, Inc. www.verheyden.org     

We are sad to announce that Millicent Mali, died unexpectedly on September 16, 2020, after a short illness. She was surrounded by her children David and Laura and her husband Pierre.

Millie was fond of Quimper and the many friends who shared her passion. A collector of French Faience for over forty-five years and an avid researcher, Millicent authored three books, Quimper Faïence (1979), French Faïence, Fantasie et Populaire of the 19th and 20th Centuries (1986) and CA: A French Faïence breakthrough (2000). She also wrote and produced the Old
Quimper Review (1990 - 2004). Many of her articles and essays were reproduced in the Quimper Club International Journal. Millie was a charter member of and served as Vice President on the original Board of Directors of Quimper Club International. Her advice, mentorship, and friendship were invaluable to the organization through-out the decades. 

Recently, I learned that Pierre Mali, Millicent "Millie" Mali's husband, had passed away. Millie & Pete's daughter, Laura, said she and her brother held a joint memorial service after their dad's death which was about 9 months after Millie's passing.  They thought it fitting to hold a joint memorial service for the devoted couple.

 

Laura has been scheduled to speak to the Pottery and Porcelain Club of Rhode Island about her mother's studies and work. Later this fall, Laura wants to learn more about her mother's work, and continue some projects Millie had begun.

Susan Cox 

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Photo: L-R. Patricia Hull, Millicent Mali, Sandra Bondhus

On October 15, 2017, members met at the home of Sandra Bondhus to honor Millicent Mali as a QCI “Legend of Faience”.

Patricia Hull
President, Quimper Club International

A Tribute to Jean-Claude Euzet (en Francais and English)
1943-2019
GRECB has decided to republish his article
"CERAMICS AT THE 1885 EXHIBITION"
which appears in no 8 (year 1986) of the GRECB1 bulletin. This relevant work continues to retain its importance today, capturing and supporting the spirit of the 2019 annual exhibition.
Being a tireless explorer of archives, Jean-Claude had examined, among other things, the regional newspapers in search of the daily life before 1914 in Beauvais and its region. This was the source of many especially important publications for both GRECB, GEMOB2 and other publications including the "Chronicles of Beauvaisian Life" in the Couleurs-Mag magazine (2013-2014).

Read More

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Desvres faïence specialist François Piton has notified the QCI that sadly, M. Claude Fourmaintraux, former manager of the famous La Poterie faïence factory in Desvres, died this August at age 98. Claude descended from a rich tradition of ceramists originally from Lille, including Antoine-Joseph Fourmaintraux (1728-1792), his son FrançoisJoseph Fourmaintraux (1764-1841) who moved to Desvres and established the family there, Louis-François Fourmaintraux (1802-1885), Emile Fourmaintraux (1857-1929) who founded the La Poterie factory, and Gabriel Fourmaintraux (1886-1984), Claude’s father. Claude studied as a young man in Desvres, Boulogne-sur-Mer and Malicorne, and in 1941 after WWII, he joined his father to help resurrect a factory that had been badly damaged during the German occupation. In 1946 Claude became the Technical Director under his father Gabriel and along with his brother-in-law Daniel Dutertre, the factory gained prosperity and acclaim. Claude’s brilliant father Gabriel was well known for his porcelain creations, especially miniatures, as well as crackleware. 
Read More

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Longtime QCI member Diane Dannelly Robinson passed away in Plano, Texas, on May 26, 2020. 

Born and raised in Dallas, Diane graduated from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. She enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, playing golf and was devoted to her family.

Meeting the love of her life on a New Year’s Eve blind date, Diane married William “Jack” Robinson in May 1964. Diane and Jack moved to Oklahoma City for a time, but eventually returned to the Dallas area.

Diane was active in her church, serving on committees and teaching Sunday School classes. While Diane enjoyed knitting, she was also an avid and accomplished needle-pointer.  Working with her sister, they founded “et cetera”, a needlepoint design business, creating and painting original needlepoint canvases and selling to retail shops around the U.S.  She enjoyed traveling with Jack across the U.S., Canada and England, but she especially enjoyed many trips to France.  Diane was instrumental in helping Lucy Williams and Katie Wiggins Sledge, founders of The Quimper Club International, by serving on the bylaws committee and serving for many years as the treasurer and secretary of the organization. During many trips to France with Jack, her sister or friends, she accumulated a large collection of French faience and antiques through which, she met and enjoyed many new friends throughout North America, the U.K., and Europe.  A friend to all, always eager to help a friend with her steady hand, patience, wisdom and a smile on her face, Diane will be missed.

Diane was predeceased by “Jack” Robinson her husband of 55 years and is survived by sons Stuart and Mark Robinson, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren and sister, Susan Cox, also a member of QCI. 

A memorial service will be held at Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Dallas on a future date when churches are once again open for services. Diane will be laid to rest with her husband Jack, on Tuesday, June 2, at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.

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Long-time QCI member Ginny To passed away peacefully at home in Fremont, California on August 3, 2018 after an illness of several years. Ginny joined the Quimper Club in 2001 and was an ardent collector of Quimper and Desvres faïences. 

In addition to collecting faïence, she loved to garden, care for her Chihuahuas, swim, and sing karaoke. She spoke French and traveled to France frequently for QCI meetings, to visit family and to purchase faïence. For those fortunate to know her, she was a lovely and generous person. Family and friends will miss her dearly. May the shelves and walls of heaven be lined with French faïence for Ginny!

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Qclub member Maggie Calkins has sent the sad news that her mother and fellow Quimper collector, Ann Calkins passed away on Sept 12th. She will be missed by family and friends alike.

You can read the entire obituary on this link: https://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=ann-calkins&pid=193945300

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