CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF BANCROFT
SNAPSHOTS
A Message From The Head of School
Dear Bancroft School Community,
As Bancroft School celebrates its 125th school year, I am filled with pride, excitement, and gratitude. From its humble beginnings on Elm Street in 1900, to today's expansive and vibrant campus on Shore Drive, Bancroft School has undergone tremendous change and growth. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to providing a learning community that nurtures and challenges every student.
Recently, the Board of Trustees' Futures Committee, a group tasked with researching things that could impact education over the next 10 to 20 years, took a moment to reflect on our history. While the world has changed dramatically in the past 125 years, our mission remains remarkably close to the School's original vision. The charter of organization for Bancroft reads: “The corporation is constituted for the purpose of providing a complete school training for boys and girls of all ages, including kindergarten, primary, intermediate, and academic departments.” In 2024, Bancroft continues this tradition with three divisions, a coeducational environment, and a commitment to holistic education.
When the original charter refers to “complete school training,” I believe this encompasses both academic learning and socialemotional growth. Today, we embrace what I call the “sweet spot” of a coed PreK-12 education: a place where students are both nurtured and challenged. By combining strong academics with a robust social-emotional learning program, we offer our students the best opportunity to fulfill our mission: “to make a difference in their community and the world.”
Whenever I have the privilege of connecting with alumni, their families, or former faculty and staff, one theme consistently emerges: community. Bancroft has always been a place where young people build confidence, forge meaningful connections, and develop the skills needed to meet the challenges of our time. Here, they are part of a community that values them, and they carry that knowledge and confidence forward. In the early years, a Bancroft education included bright classrooms, a spacious playground for exploration, the study of languages and sciences, and even performances for the youngest learners. Having bright spaces, outdoor opportunities, a broad academic education, and opportunities to practice presenting and showcasing skills and learning which were so integral to the school’s early identity, remain a part of Bancroft 125 years later.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the Bancroft community—the foundation that has sustained us for over a century. This year, our primary focus is to strengthen the bond between our alumni, friends, and the school. Exciting work is taking place across campus, and we are eager to share it with you. There are new relationships to form and old ones to rekindle.
We hope you’ll join us in the celebrations throughout the year, which include the Annual Charlie A Basketball Tournament & Fall Drama Production, featuring an alumni food showcase and a reception for Charlie A, who is retiring; the Spring Musical and Theater Reunion in early March; an Earth Day Community Service challenge across 125 zip codes; and Reunion Weekend and the 125th Anniversary Celebration in May.
As we honor a century and a quarter of Bancroft’s education, tradition, and innovation, we also celebrate the legacy of those who have shaped our rich history. Looking ahead, we are excited about the many ways Bancroft will continue to grow and thrive for the next 125 years and beyond. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Bancroft Bulletin, which highlights the history of Bancroft and the lasting impact of our community.
Stephanie Luebbers Head of School
Then and Now: A Celebration of Photos
Celebrating 125 years of academic excellence and community spirit, this compilation of photos tells the rich history of Bancroft School. This collection of cherished photographs and memories captures the essence of a small independent school that grew into a beacon of education in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1900, Bancroft School has consistently committed to academic achievement and nurturing potential. Originally located at 93 Elm St., the institution would assert itself as a premier independent school in the community. Quickly growing in both size and esteemed reputation, in 1902 Bancroft relocated to a larger building on 111 Elm Street to accommodate more students. In 1922, Bancroft would once again move to a two-story building on Sever Street, eventually landing at 110 Shore Drive in 1958, where it currently resides.
The evolution of Bancroft was not limited to its physical location. Through the addition of multiple school divisions and facilities, the school began to develop and form an identity resembling the bustling campus it is today. Overlooking the shore of Indian Lake, the halls of Bancroft echo with 125 years of dedicated faculty, staff, and most importantly, students engaged in their learning.
The main constant over 125 years has been the mission and core philosophy of Bancroft; to educate and prepare capable and bright students to not only excel academically, but also to contribute to their community and their world thereafter.
We invite you to explore the evolution of a school that has continually adapted and thrived, shaping generations of young people with its enduring dedication to learning and growth.
“Consider that I labored not for myself only but for all of them that seek learning.”
– GEORGE BANCROFT
“Father of American History”
Chapter One: 93 Elm Street
Bancroft Founded at 93 Elm St. by a small group of Worcester Families
In the spring of 1900, Bancroft School opened its doors at 93 Elm Street, in the heart of Worcester. Founded by a small group of local families, Bancroft was envisioned as more than just a school; it was to be a beacon of educational excellence and character development. These early visionaries laid the foundation for an institution that would seamlessly combine rigorous academics with nurturing and wholesome influences—a legacy that continues to define the school today.
The school’s first headmaster, Frank Robson, served from 1900 to 1915. Although little is known about his personal life, Robson’s impact on Bancroft was profound. His leadership emphasized a personalized approach to education and set high academic standards. Under his guidance, the school adopted a model that prioritized small class sizes, ensuring that each student received individual attention—a defining feature of Bancroft’s educational philosophy.
On April 23, 1902, just two years after its founding, Bancroft formally became a non-profit institution. This pivotal step reinforced its mission: “To give a
April 23, 1902
1900
Bancroft is founded at 93 Elm Street by a small group of Worcester families.
complete school training to students and to surround them with wholesome and refining influences.” The School’s programs were carefully designed to cultivate intellectual growth, moral integrity, and social responsibility. Its central location, accessible by trolley from all parts of Worcester, reflected a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
As Bancroft’s reputation grew, so did its student body. The original facility at 93 Elm Street quickly became too small, prompting the acquisition of 91 Elm Street to house the Kindergarten program. The campus featured state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, supported by a dedicated team of seven teachers, including Robson. Together, they built a robust and dynamic educational program.
This early period of growth and innovation set the stage for Bancroft’s ongoing evolution. The school’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of its students and community became a hallmark of its enduring success, shaping generations of learners for decades to come.
Bancroft becomes a non-profit institution with the mission statement “To give a complete school training to students and to surround them with wholesome and refining influences.” There was an emphasis placed on small class sizes and premier educational opportunities. The strategically chosen location on Elm St. was accessible via trolley from all parts of Worcester.
1900
1902
Population grows so quickly, Bancroft acquires 91 Elm Street to house the Kindergarten program.
1902
State of the art buildings and equipment added to Elm Street campus.
Frank Robson becomes the first Head of Bancroft where he served from 1900 - 1915.
Chapter Two: Expansion & Evolution (1902-1922)
Bancroft relocates to 111 Elm Street to accommodate growing enrollment
In 1902, just two years after its establishment, Bancroft School embarked on a significant phase of growth, moving from its original location at 93 Elm Street to 111 Elm Street, adjacent to the picturesque Elm Park. This move was marked by the construction of a state-of-the-art facility, embodying the school’s commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment. The new building was equipped with advanced systems for heating, lighting, sanitation, and ventilation, setting a new standard in educational infrastructure in Worcester. Bancroft’s promotional materials from this era proudly advertised small classes, individualized attention, and close supervision of students, reinforcing its mission to offer comprehensive schooling while nurturing the holistic development of its pupils.
The School’s structure was thoughtfully designed to cater to students at various stages of their educational journey. Initially divided into four divisions— Kindergarten, Primary (grades 1-4), Intermediate (grades 5-8), and the Academic Department (grades 9-12)—Bancroft provided tailored educational experiences suited to the developmental needs of its students. This structure fostered a seamless transition through different educational phases, ensuring a cohesive learning trajectory. In 1912, however, Bancroft transitioned to a two-division model of Lower and Upper Divisions, reflecting its adaptability and forward-thinking approach to educational organization.
1902
Bancroft relocates to 111 Elm Street with modern construction and new amenities.
1902 School was divided into 4 divisions: Kindergarten, Primary (1-4) Intermediate (58), and the Academic Department (9-12).
1916 ‘Elm Leaves’ is introduced as the student-printed school paper. Upon relocating to Sever St. it was rebranded to ‘Blue Moon’.
1921
The first Boys Basketball Team is introduced to play other Worcester schools.
1922
1917
Introduction of the Thomas Hovey Gage Medal in outstanding academic achievement.
November 11, 1918
1919 Bancroft launches a boarding program on Sever St. 1912 Bancroft shifts to the two division model of Lower and Upper divisions.
An allschool assembly is held to celebrate Armistice Day.
1902 The original promotional tagline reads “Small classes, individualized attention, close supervision of students, punctuality in all things and courtesy conduct.”
1915 New Head of School Miriam Titcomb arrives at Bancroft, a wellknown member in academia who oversees the relocation to Sever St. In her time at Bancroft, she more than doubles enrollment from 115 to 250 with a staff of 24. Bancroft shifts to three divisions: Kindergarten, Lower School (1-4) and Upper School (5-12).
A pivotal moment in Bancroft’s history occurred in 1913 when the School adopted a policy of admitting only female students in grades 9-12, a practice that would persist for 61 years. The arrival of Miriam Titcomb as the new Head of School in 1915 marked another transformative period. Titcomb, a prominent figure in academia, was instrumental in overseeing the later relocation to Sever Street in 1922. Under her leadership, Bancroft’s enrollment more than doubled from 115 to 250 students, and the faculty expanded to 24 members. During this time, the school adopted a three-division model consisting of Kindergarten, Lower Division (grades 1-4), and Upper School (grades 5-12), further refining its educational framework.
The years following Miss Titcomb’s arrival saw Bancroft’s continued evolution and the establishment of enduring traditions. In 1916, the student-printed school paper, "Elm Leaves", was introduced and
The first Girls Basketball Team is established.
later rebranded as "Blue Moon". The Thomas Hovey Gage Medal, awarded for outstanding academic achievement, was instituted in 1917, becoming a symbol of scholastic excellence. The same year, Bancroft received a service flag in honor of its alumni serving in World War I, highlighting the school's broader engagement with national events. The introduction of boarding for five students in 1919 and the formation of the first Student Government around this time reflected Bancroft’s expanding community and governance structures. The establishment of the first boys’ and girls’ basketball teams in 1921 and 1922, respectively, marked the beginning of the School's competitive athletic programs, fostering a spirit of teamwork and school pride that continues to thrive. The initial framework for Bancroft as we know it today was beginning to take shape.
September 19, 1922
Bancroft relocates to Sever Street, a decision made by the Board of Trustees citing the need to accommodate growing enrollment.
1920s - 1930s
1926 Miss Titcomb leaves Bancroft and is replaced by new Head of School, Miss Hope Fisher who is known for her problem solving and curriculum development. She placed a large emphasis on music and the arts, bringing an “interconectedness” to all subjects offered at Bancroft.
1926 Miss Titcomb leaves Bancroft and is replaced by new Head of School, Miss Hope Fisher who is known for her problem solving and curriculum development. She placed a large emphasis on music and the arts, bringing an “interconnectedness” to all subjects offered at Bancroft.
1924 First Glee Club Concert is held.
1927 Alumni Association is formed.
1935 Fisher was responsible for numerous progressive curriculum changes at a time in which the country was struggling amidst the Great Depression. The goal was to keep Bancroft’s values at the forefront of student education.
1930 The first Bancroft yearbook is released.
1935
The number of staff at Bancroft under Fisher increases to 33.
Swimming, archery, tennis, track, field hockey, and horseback riding are all offered as Bancroft sports.
September 15, 1937
Bancroft opens a new dorm on 23 Chestnut St. known as the Dewey House for girls aged 13-18.
1938 Fisher leaves as Head of School and is replaced by Bradford Kingman on September 15. A creative thinker, Kingman pushed Bancroft to a more “informal approach to learning.”
Under Kingman, Bancroft sees the beginnings of its Academic Support program offering special reading classes to students who were not yet reading at grade-level.
1941 Baseball Team
1955
Bancroft officially announces a plan to relocate to Shore Drive. The new campus design includes several one-story buildings, a gymnasium, an administrative building, a large auditorium, library, dining hall, and extensive athletic areas.
1943 Bancroft is presented with a service flag for WWII.
1942 Bancroft closes Dewey House and the boarding program ends.
1941 Bancroft accepts 11 students from England displaced by WW2 bombings.
1942 Bancroft students and faculty are selected to be in the air raid warning/ preparation film, “Be prepared” that was distributed throughout the country.
1940 Grades 2-12 begin performing the first theater productions at Bancroft.
1943 Bradford Kingman leaves as head and is replaced by Henry Tiffany Jr., known for his skills as an educator and administrator. He organizes the first college fair, an event where students in Upper School have the opportunity to meet with various college representatives, the first event of its kind in Worcester.
1944 Edith Jones assumes the interim head role as Tiffany serves in WWII. Jones celebrates the largest enrollment at Bancroft at 204 including 76 Upper School female students.
Chapter Three: Growth & Resilience (1922-1955)
Bancroft relocates to Sever Street, a decision made by the Board of Trustees to accommodate growing enrollment.
The morning of September 19, 1922, marked a pivotal moment in Bancroft School’s history as it relocated to Sever Street. The move, driven by the Board of Trustees’ vision for a larger, more modern campus, provided the space needed to support a growing student body and expanding programs. The new location became a vibrant center for academic and extracurricular life, setting the stage for decades of growth.
In the 1920s, Bancroft flourished with an enriched cultural and extracurricular environment. The first Glee Club concert in 1924 brought music to the forefront, fostering community and creativity. In 1926, Head of School Miriam Titcomb retired, and Hope Fisher stepped into the role, bringing a fresh focus on curriculum innovation and problemsolving. Fisher championed the integration of music and the arts into daily learning, adopting a holistic approach that enhanced the educational experience. Under her leadership, Bancroft broadened its athletic offerings to include swimming, archery, tennis, track, field hockey, and horseback riding, reflecting the school’s commitment to well-rounded development.
Despite the economic turmoil of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Fisher’s progressive reforms helped Bancroft navigate the challenges while staying true to its mission. The creation of the Alumni Association in 1927 and the release of the first yearbook in 1930 strengthened community
bonds and traditions. By 1935, Bancroft had expanded its faculty to 33 members, enabling a more diverse and rigorous curriculum. In 1937, the school opened Dewey House on Chestnut Street, a dormitory for girls aged 13-18, further demonstrating its commitment to meeting students’ needs.
The late 1930s and 1940s were marked by leadership changes and innovation. In 1938, Bradford Kingman became Head of School, introducing a more informal learning atmosphere and establishing a support program for students needing help with reading. Bancroft’s cultural life expanded with its first student theater productions in 1940. The School demonstrated global compassion by welcoming 11 displaced English students during World War II in 1941. Even as the Dewey House program closed in 1942, Bancroft’s contributions to the war effort—including participation in a national air raid preparation film and earning a service flag in 1943—showcased its patriotic spirit.
Under Henry Tiffany Jr.’s leadership beginning in 1943, Bancroft continued to innovate. In a first for Worcester, the School hosted a college fair, providing students with essential resources for higher education planning. Just 5 years removed from its 50th anniversary, plans were announced that another location change was imminent.
Middle
Middle Right: French class in 1936
Bottom: The 1945 Bancroft School Faculty
Top: The Sever Street location in winter
Left: 1947 Girls Basketball Team
1965
1959 Henry Tiffany Jr. officially announces retirement and new interim head Elizabeth Vandemoer assumes title.
First
1960 Wyatt Garfield becomes new Head of School, the first head to “institute an all-faculty committee for the express purpose of reviewing and revising the existing curriculum.”
1966 From family requests, Bancroft Upper School becomes partially coeducational again enrolling 12 ninth-grade boys.
1970
Bancroft organizes the first student trip to France.
1958
Bancroft relocates to 110 Shore Drive.
1973 Bancroft becomes completely coeducational in the Upper School and the school uniform is abolished.
musical, “The Mikado” debuts.
125 YEARS OF BANCROFT
1977 Boys Soccer Team wins Eastern League Championship.
1979 Bancroft acquires additional sports fields.
1982 Tritschler implements a summer program for children in Worcester.
1981 Marigolden Tritschler becomes new Head of School. With extensive experience across various roles in education, she brought valuable expertise to the position.
May 24, 1985
Groundbreaking begins on the new woodworking and ceramics art studio.
1988 The Fargo-Gauthier Faculty Development Fund is established to promote teacher projects and education.
1987 Softball goes undefeated as Coach Gerhardt wins second AISGA title.
1985 The first Mountain Day, a time honored Bancroft tradition, occurs at Mt. Wachusett.
1985 First Alumni Reunion Day.
October 20 1995 Bancroft celebrates the opening of the Stoddard Center.
1992 The six day rotation schedule is introduced to Bancroft.
1983 Bancroft ends the trimester model and adopts the two semester model. The divisions in Bancroft were becoming more separate, as each division had its own faculty and staff. More AP classes begin to be offered.
1992 The Carpe Diem Faculty award is created honoring the “scholarship, dedication and perseverance” of a faculty member.
1992 Theodore G. Sharp becomes new Head of School at Bancroft who was responsible for focusing on an “ethics and character agenda.”
1987 School enters a more modern phase with the introduction of a computer lab in the Garfield Library.
1986 Bancroft breaks ground for the new Upper School and library and the Fuller Science Center opens.
Chapter Four: Embracing the Modern Era (1958-2024)
Bancroft relocates to 110 Shore Drive
In 1958, Bancroft School began a new chapter with its relocation to the expansive 110 Shore Drive campus. This move provided the space and resources to innovate while preserving the School’s tradition of academic excellence. Shortly after, leadership transitions shaped the school’s trajectory: Henry Tiffany retired in 1959, and after interim leadership by Elizabeth Vandemoer, Wyatt Garfield became Head of School in 1960. Garfield’s tenure emphasized curricular modernization through an all-faculty committee, reflecting Bancroft’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The 1960s and 1970s brought transformative changes to Bancroft’s culture and academics. The School staged its first musical, The Mikado, in 1965, affirming its dedication to the arts. Responding to societal shifts, the Upper School admitted boys in 1966, beginning with 12 ninth graders and becoming fully coeducational by 1973. That year, the abolition of uniforms marked a broader embrace of individuality. Athletics flourished, highlighted by the soccer team’s 1977 Eastern League Championship and the acquisition of additional sports fields in 1979.
Marigolden Tritschler’s appointment as Head of School in 1981 ushered in a period of innovation. Under her leadership, Bancroft launched a summer program for Worcester children in 1982 and transitioned to a twosemester academic model in 1983. Facilities like the Fuller Science Center, library, and new Upper School (1986) and a woodworking and ceramics studio (1985) were added, enhancing student opportunities. The cherished Mountain Day tradition began in the Upper School, and in 1987, Bancroft enhanced their technology by adding a computer lab to the Garfield Library.
Under the leadership of Theodore G. Sharp in the 1990s, Bancroft continued to evolve with a strong emphasis on ethics and character development. Key facility upgrades included the opening of the Stoddard Center and addition of the Wood Gym in 1995 and the renovation of the Performing Arts Center in 1997. These additions greatly enhanced the
School’s cultural and extracurricular offerings.
Scott Reisinger’s tenure as Head of School from 1999 to 2014 marked a transformative era. Reisinger spearheaded the construction of the McDonough Center, a state-of-the-art facility that continues to house the Lower and Middle Schools. He also led major renovations to the Fuller Science Center, ensuring that science and technology remained a cornerstone of the School’s curriculum. Sustainability initiatives flourished, including the installation of 896 solar panels in 2011. Financially, Reisinger’s leadership was pivotal, with the school’s endowment nearly tripling during his tenure, securing Bancroft’s future.
From 2014 to 2022, James P. “Trey” Cassidy III guided Bancroft through a period of growth and resilience. Cassidy expanded the School’s commitment to global studies and community service and oversaw the reconstruction of the Bancroft Field House purchased from the neighboring YMCA in 2008, a major addition to the athletic program and school footprint. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured health and safety while maintaining in-person learning in 2021–22, making Bancroft the only local school to achieve this milestone. He also led the school through a collaborative community-wide process in the development and deployment of the most recent strategic plan, BluePrint 125.
Other major 21st-century initiatives included the additions of programs like Worcester City Scholars (1996) and the Hope Graham Program (2013), reflecting Bancroft’s commitment to diversity and learning differences. By 2024, Bancroft introduced a three-tier Academic Support Program for Upper School students, addressing diverse learning needs and furthering its mission of inclusion.
As Bancroft celebrates 125 years under the leadership of current Head of School Stephanie Luebbers, it stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and tradition. Looking ahead, the school remains steadfast in preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world while honoring its rich history.
1996 First students given the Worcester City Scholars Program scholarship to attend Bancroft. Scholarship was designed to promote diversity.
1997 Construction is completed on renovations made to the Performing Arts Center.
1997 Senior End of Year capstone project begins.
1998 Wyatt Garfield and Edgar Gauthier become interim heads for one year.
1999 Scott Reisinger becomes Head of School.
2011 Bancroft installs 896 high-efficiency solar panels, making Bancroft School the single largest solar electric system in the City of Worcester.
2013 Bancroft debuts the Hope Graham Program (HPG) with 12 students. The HGP is designed for “students in Grades 1-8 with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.”
2023
2024 Bancroft introduces a three tier Academic Support Program for Upper Schoolers with various language-based learning differences.
Bancroft celebrates 125 years as an institution!
2016 Bancroft celebrates the opening of a new multi purpose Field House, formerly the Higgins Building.
2014 Trey Cassidy becomes Head of School.
2022 Tim Saburn becomes interim Head of School
Stephanie Luebbers becomes Head of School.
As Bancroft celebrates 125 years, under the leadership of Stephanie Luebbers, the School reflects on its rich history while looking forward to a future where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously, ensuring that it remains a beacon of educational excellence for generations to come.
Congratulations Class of 2024!
BANCROFT CLASS OF 2024 MATRICULATIONS
COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
CASE WESTERN RESERVE
EMORY UNIVERSITY
VASSAR COLLEGE
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
ROLLINS COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
THOMAS JEFFERSON
UNIVERSITY
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
CONNECTICUT COLLEGE
ELON UNIVERSITY
WILLIAMS COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STANFORD UNIVERSITY
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
BOSTON COLLEGE
STONEHILL COLLEGE
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY
UMASS AMHERST
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
SAN DIEGO
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
MARYLAND
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
JOHNSON & WALES
UNIVERSITY
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
UMASS BOSTON
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
WHEATON COLLEGE
LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
TUFTS UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
COASTAL CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
1955
Save the date for your 70th Reunion year! Reach out to get involved.
1959
Submitted by Class Secretary Phil Kinnicutt, leafishing@aol.com
Happy to report that Marcia and I survived hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida plus the Milton associated tornados that were as close as three or four miles from us here in Vero Beach. We were very, very lucky!
I heard recently from Helen Shipman Bartucca that although her recent book, “Ambushed by Cancer—The Caregiver Tells Her Story,” is still available online, she has moved on to other projects, like a ukulele band. She has received a lot of feedback about her story of the battle she and her husband Frank had with his cancer diagnosis, including a call from Sandy Sessions where they shared some similar health-related experiences.
Anita Reetz McGiffert wrote to say that she “lives happily in the Pacific Northwest, on Fidalgo Island in Anacortes, Gateway to the San Juans (if that means anything East of the Cascades). A remarkable coincidence is that Genie Rideout Parrott lives here too,” she said. “Genie moved from Wichita, Kansas, while I moved here from Los Angeles. We belong to the same community/social club and see each other regularly. She and her husband Nick celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. I am a widow, active volunteer in a community garden, docent at a local museum, member of a women’s walking group, etc... keeping busy and out of trouble. I encourage visits to the Pacific NorthWest anytime from April (Tulip Festival) to October Oktoberfest) when the weather is lovely. You’re invited.”
Anita has been in touch with Sally Canton Archer recently and so have I. Sally, who is now known as Sheela, has let me know that if classmates would like to contact her, please reach out to the Advancement Office who has her cell number on file.
1960
Save the date for your 65th Reunion year! Reach out to get involved.
1962
Submitted by Class Secretary
Pamela “Pam” Kinnicutt Motley pamelamotley@msn.com
Edward “Ted” Bent reports that his “not-quite adopted” daughter Insha Afsar, a Paralympic skier and graduate of Bates College, is in her second year of a Masters of International Development Policy at Georgetown.
Richard “Dick” Knight writes that he and wife Lee had a wonderful trip to Switzerland in September to celebrate his 80th birthday and their 49th anniversary. With three adult children and three spouses who have given them seven grandchildren, they are very fortunate to have the close-knit family living nearby.
Dick Knight ’62 and wife Lee in Switzerland
Richard "Dick" Pierpont and his wife Leslie’s 2024 involved lots of medical issues, but as of September, they were still in Nova Scotia, playing golf and enjoying the vegetable bounty from their garden. Their five grandsons are all thriving and growing fast. They love their senior living place in Amelia Island, and invite classmates to visit them there.
I (Pam) had lunch with Trish Higgins Arnold and Hilary Prouty in October. They were both in Mattapoisett where Trish lives and Hilary
summers, so we met hallway in between. I had not seen either of them for a number of years, and we had a wonderful time catching up with one another. I think we are all feeling our mortality these days, especially after learning of the deaths of Geoff Booth II and Lorna Erickson Wayland.
I am happy to report that, after a tough spring and summer, my scans show no evidence of cancer anywhere, and we have managed to successfully treat the side effects from my immunotherapy. I am lucky to live in one of (if not) the best places in the world to access superior medical care.
1964
Christine “Chris” Carr Hague, Class Secretary woodentent@gmail.com
Valarie “Val” Gustafson Stowe: As of March, John and I will have been married for 59 years! John still works everyday at the company that was my father’s years ago, but you can be sure that it has changed over the years. Basically it isn’t what he started with, at all. I don’t work anymore, although I would love to, but can’t. A year ago last Memorial Day I tore my left Achilles tendon and that took a year. This year I had a spinal fusion. What fun. Our two sons have great families that we see often. They gave us three granddaughters, two basically grown at 23 and 21 and then a 9 year old. All fortunately, truly great young women. Although we are holding our breath on the 9 year old, as she is a feisty one.
Judith “Lee” Sanders Boylan: My husband and I have moved to an “active 55+” community in beautiful Sonoma County, California. His mobility had declined to where our one acre property and home with stairs was too much for him. So now we live only about a half hour from my two sons and their families. I recommend senior communities. There are lots of activities and opportunities to mingle with folks. Recently we had a DJ and the oldsters were dancing up a storm!
Nancy Smith Whelan: My husband and I met up with Adelaide “Addie” Sherer Vander Salm and her husband for our 60th reunion this past spring, spending the night in Worcester. We had a great time at the reunion dinner and the school looks terrific, but Addie and I were the only members of our class to attend. We missed seeing you all.
Mary Eddy Janigian: It’s been quiet here in Mill Valley where I’ve lived for over 50 years! Hard to believe. This year we’ve not had major fires or storm damage and no drought. Life is good. I’ve been walking Mt. Tamalpais trails with my 6yr old goldendoodle trying to stay mobile. I’ve been lucky to do some traveling as well. I went to Antarctica in January. My
7th continent and another world. Beautiful! Then I spent a week in Paris in October. All interspered with family visits in MA, RI, and PA. I miss our West Coast reunions. I hope all of you are well.
Christie Baxter: I am mostly living in Falmouth MA, which feels like a Stars Hollow for older folks. I play bridge at the Senior center (relearning the game after a 50-year hiatus), read the local newspaper to see what is happening in town, go to dinner with my boyfriend, tend my garden, read books for my book club, prepare food for my giving circle, and brush my cat. My 25 year-old daughter, who lives in San Francisco and travels the world, commented that this life was “so normal.” My 47 year-old son, who lives in Sudbury, is in the midst of a career change, giving up a corporate job to become a professional photographer. They both live in the future – the next adventure, the next shoot. I live in the present, because we – this Bancroft cohort - are at that stage when this is as good as it gets. It is pretty good!
Teena Betten Cohen: “You can never really live anyone else’s life, not even your child’s. The influence you exert is through your own life, and what you’ve become yourself.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Christine “Chris” Carr Hague: After 47 years in our New Hampshire home in the woods, it’s a challenge sorting through what’s herethe story of our lives. Meanwhile, the love of learning that germinated at Bancroft keeps my curiosity growing. Steve White’s passing reminded me of my gratitude for an interest in literature and understanding of grammar. After retiring as Director of the Weare Public Library eight years ago, I’ve enjoyed time to read whatever I want, not just book reviews. I meet weekly with the Kitchen Table Writers, an offshoot of a group I started at the library. I’ve had a few poems and stories published in literary magazines but haven’t marketed my three novels. Too busy maintaining a house and garden, and participating in volunteer work. Husband, Paul and I visit our daughter Emily, her husband and our grandson Sam, who’ll be 4 on Christmas Eve. They’ve introduced us to interesting places, wild and otherwise, in the mid-Hudson Valley.
1965
Cynthia Kaltsas, Class Secretary ckaltsas@gmail.com
Save the date for your 60th Reunion!
1969
Submitted by Class Secretary Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs djacobs@midrivers.com
Joe Meigs has been busy with some new activities during his retirement. He recently completed several fly-fishing classes at Orvis. Considering himself a graduate, he treated himself to a new rod and reel and has been trying out several rivers in Colorado- the Arkansas, South Platte, and Colorado rivers, to name a few. Joe has also pursued his interest in photography. Last year he traveled to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming for a weeklong class and this year he just wrapped up a class photographing the fall colors of the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado. Recently, Joe and his wife, Susan Wood traveled back East to Woods Hole on the Cape to visit with family. It’s always great when you can get back to the ocean from land-locked Colorado. Joe and Susan wish their family, friends, and classmates all the best for the upcoming year.
Ellen Davis Onorato: We love living a quarter mile from the Texas Gulf Coast just a few minutes drive and free ferry ride to Port Aransas and the Padre Island National Seashore. The wild birds are magnificent, and we have a dog, nine cats, and are fostering two three-week-old kittens we found along the coast. We’re 20 miles from Corpus Christi and 170 quick miles to San Antonio. I’m hoping to spearhead a multifaceted humanitarian project in 2025. Though we lost our beloved son Chris in 2018, both my other kids are nearby in Texas, too. My brother John ’67 is slowly turning over his extensive real estate management business to his daughter. He and his wife downsized recently, bought a new lovely condo near his office in Ontario, CA and a house in Northern CA closer to her family. Carolyn Berkeley: We sold our house in Hastings-on-Hudson NY, with a plans to move further south. We moved into a townhouse in the village, walkable to everything, about a half mile further south. I’m still very active at the Hudson River Museum: its historic house, Glenview, is featured in HBO’s The Gilded Age. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in Belgium. A great place to visit. The Ghent flower market has been in operation since 1885.
Harris: We are enjoying retirement and grandchildren. We are lucky to live five minutes from our daughter and son-in-law and their two kids. Our son is across the country enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, skiing and mountain biking. Though living on Long Island, we get to Cape Cod in the summers. We are bossed around by our spunky three-year-old granddaughter and various Portuguese Water dogs. Sarah Garfield Berry is right that we were the worst behaved class for our time. Hippies (in-training), anti-establishment (sort of), newly minted feminists. Pushing boundaries and breaking rules. Man, it was fun.
Deborah Patterson: I am just plain lucky to have been in the class of ’69 and have so much love in my heart for all my classmates. Thank you all for enriching my life. Paul and I enjoy living in downtown Boston and are also looking forward to retirement, when we find a place to live in Midcoast Maine. Paul’s family has roots further north in Maine and in Canada. My family is missing my brother Chris who died in 2021. We’re close with his children and grandchildren who live happily out west.
Susan White McChesney: I have lived for three years in a studio apartment at Capitola Mill in Marshall, a sweet mountain town in western NC on the French Broad River, severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. I am very grateful my home seems to have survived. So many lost so much. I am a pressed flower artist, creating landscapes and natural imagery, using pressed flower petals like strokes of paint. I offer originals, prints, notecards, jigsaw puzzles, landscapes and special occasion bouquet commissions. Please visit mcchesneyart.com. Inspired and humbled by the flowers.
Lisa Piehler: Dave and I are blessed to live on peaceful Browning Pond in Spencer, Mass. We are one of four houses on the pond and two of the others are family members. The rest of the land is owned by the Boy Scout camp, the monks at St Joseph’s Abby and Oakham State Forest. There is an occasional kayaker or canoe, but it is otherwise pristine and quiet. I volunteer once a week for Abby’s House, a nonprofit providing shelter and support
Joe ’69 & Susan Meigs at Gansett Harbor
Carolyn Berkeley ’69 in the Ghent flower market in Belgium
Candace
Class Notes
services to homeless and abused women. Dave and I love to travel and enjoy the people, culture and beauty of other countries. We have traveled on numerous river cruises in Europe, an African safari, and to Morocco last February. In December we are visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. My son, his wife, and my two grandchildren, who have lived in Taiwan for 15 years, are moving to Victoria, BC this summer. We have visited together in Vancouver a couple of times and Dave and I love the area and look forward to their move. Having family halfway around the world has been difficult. I continue to hike, bike or swim daily. We spend our winters in Key West, which lends itself to these outdoor activities. I don’t compete anymore, but we do belong to the Southernmost Running Club and join a 5K run every week, beginning and ending at a happy hour cafe! We are also members of the volunteer Key West Ploggers who meet once a week to pick up litter. Plogging is an activity started in Sweden that has spread across the world. When my schedule permits, I take courses at a local college promoting learning opportunities for seniors. I look forward to a get together with our class in the near future!
Betsy Hall Nordell: After growing up and attending college in New England, I landed in Helena, Montana at the age of 25. The riches I found here have nothing to do with money, but with friends who became family, with a community that’s caring and with an environment that’s rich in outdoor recreation and conservation. In the fall of 1976, my boyfriend and I bought a one room cabin on a 15 acre mining claim in Grizzly Gulch. We married there a year later, had two kids and lived there for 16 years before building in the mountains closer to town. We are now at the end of a dirt road and own 12 acres. Over the years I have become a steward of this land. I’ve planted a small orchard. I have a garden, a raspberry patch and a productive asparagus bed. Both my mom’s and dad’s ashes are spread in our meadow. One grandchild was born here, and two others have their placentas buried here. This place has history for us. Larry and I have had more adventures than I ever could have imagined. We spent spring breaks camped in southern Utah, paddled kayaks in the Caribbean, biked on trails across France, Scotland and Cuba, and attended a wedding on the Amazon. We celebrated atop the highest point in Australia—literally a high walk. All this happened because of choices we made. We raised our children in these mountains, and they too learned to have a love of this place. They hiked and explored. They raised a baby owl in our house and released it months later after it was grown. They caught frogs and turtles and salamanders and snakes. They rode
bikes and swam in a nearby mountain pond. And now that they are grown, my children have become stewards of their own land. I could not be prouder. But nothing I have done in my career or on any adventure matches the feeling I have about this land at the end of our dirt road south of Helena, Montana. I found my place in the world.
As for me, Hester, Montana still has my heart. We stayed home this year but are planning an extended trip to Tahiti and New Zealand in January. My son and family from New Zealand as well as my daughter and family from Lolo, Montana will travel with us. It has been ten years since we were all together. My grandchildren are 20, 18, 16, 14, 12. Odin, the oldest, will be finishing at the University of Otago this year. His sister, Io, also attends the university. Orion will be graduating from high school this year, Macy from eighth grade and Max will move on to fifth grade next year. Dave had a second back surgery and is doing great. I gave my daughter one of Susan White McChesney’s prints. It is beautiful. She loves original art. She has a William O. Petti ’68 painting also.
1970
Debra Jones D’Alessandro, Class Secretary djdmen@yahoo.com
Save the date for your 55th Reunion!
1972
Submitted by Class Secretary Josephine “Jo” Herron Truesdell, thehats@aol.com
Susan “Sue” Barnard Lamdin is finding it super rewarding to be participating on the Board of the Brunswick (ME) Community Education Foundation which grants monies to public school teachers, or to entire schools, with innovative ideas, and also to be participating in the Education Subcommittee of the newly merged Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and the Cathance River Education Alliance to determine the most effective educational programming …all this, while also supporting her husband, Geoff, and his two business ventures and growing Orr wellness business with Shaklee!
Barbara Petter Putnam has also been in Brunswick, Maine. This fall she worked with
a Science Communication class at Bowdoin College where, following a day on Monhegan Island, students worked to join research with description. From their photographic studies of botany on the island they made small 5x5 images on “scratchboard” which introduced them to visual thinking for science communication in order to reach a broader public. Barb notes, “I don’t think I will ever get tired of teaching because of seeing the conversion of skepticism and doubt transform into a quiet confidence and self-discovery.” Indeed!
Dave Nicholson sent in this photo from a trip to Scotland he and Will Graham took with their wives last spring. Quite dashing!
Lynn Hutchins spent most of May, June and July getting ready to move, and then moving—still in North Carolina, but now in Burlington—and, thanks to a wonderful person who knows all the the ins and outs of donating, selling, and consigning, she was able to do some serious downsizing. (I imagine there are a number of us who might like to have that wonderful person’s name and number!) Lynn is now settled in with all the necessities of doctors, dentists, and a brand-new state ID.
Jeannie Graham Hight met up with Ingrid Jeppson Mach on Martha’s Vineyard when they were both at a talk given by Ingrid’s sisterin-law, Wendy Benchley. She sent along photo proof of their meet-up!
Dave Nicholson ’72 & Will Graham ’72
Jeannie (Graham) Hight ’72 and Ingrid (Jeppson) Mach ’72
Robin Yaniyah Pearson and her family were in Worcester in early October to honor, and to replace the headstone of, her great great grandmother, Bethany Veney, who was born into slavery in 1812 but who eventually, as a free woman, moved to Worcester, where she became a successful professional making her own dyes. The weekend began Saturday morning when Worcester’s mayor and City Councilors gathered with Yaniyah and her family to erect the new headstone, and ended at TidePool Bookshop the following afternoon with Yaniyah and her cousins reading excerpts from Aunt Betty’s Story, a short book Veney narrated about her life. Due to the many details about living as an enslaved woman in the South, the narrative has been a vital resource for historians looking to document the experiences of enslaved people during that period. Mary Driscoll was able to attend the event, and Pam Harges stopped by for a bit at the beginning. I wish I had gotten a photo of everyone, but Yaniyah’s partner, Alea, did get this shot. (If you have a chance, google Bethany Veney. Her story is truly remarkable...as are her dependents!)
Robin Yaniyah Pearson ’72 and Jo Truesdell ’72 Adrian Perschak and his wife, Ruth, are having quite a year! It began with a threemonth trip around the world with his brother, Henry ’74, and his wife, Kathrin. They visited Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Hawaii, with the two remote Marquesas islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa leaving an especially lasting impression. Adrian unfortunately came down with a bout of pneumonia which cut short their trip by a few days, but in the summer they ventured off again, this time in a houseboat with the family of his eldest daughter, Barbara, on the lakes and waterways in Mecklenburg near Berlin, and now this fall they are moving to a new condo in Schönenberg, in the same house where their daughter Tina and her family live. I have shared their new address with Bancroft, so if you are in Switzerland just get in touch with the Alumni Office or with me as I know they would love to have you get in touch! Adrian sends along his
best for the Holiday Season and for a Happy 2025 to the Class of ’72.
As do I, Jo Herron Truesdell! Wishing you all the best, and I hope to see you at Bancroft’s 125th Anniversary celebration in May. Let’s make a splash with the Class of ’72!
1974
Submitted by Class Secretary Louisa Gebelein Jones, ljones@pomfret.org
George Sherrill ran in his 47th (that is not a typo) Falmouth Road Race this past year! His daughter, Hannah, ran in her 20th. Attached is a photo of George and Hannah in front of the quilt he had made of his t-shirts from the 1980s and 1990s that was on display at the Road Race Expo.
1975
Elizabeth “Beth” Tonna Sarantos Class Secretary, esarantos@verizon.net Save the date for your 50th Reunion!
1976
John Howe, Class Secretary jfhowe1@netzero.net
Larry Glick: Can’t believe we graduated Bancroft School almost 50 years ago! Not easy to summarize how life has unfolded in just a few sentences, but let me try. I have been married to Holly Friedman since 1983, we have 3 wonderful daughters, and now 3 amazing son-in-laws, all living in the New York/New Jersey area. Two wonderful grandchildren have joined our family, Noa age 3 and Benjamin age 5. We cherish time spent with them and head to NJ to be with them as much as possible. We raised our family in Sudbury, MA and after vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard for years, purchased a home there in 2015. We love the island, spend the summer months there with family and return throughout the year. When not on the Vineyard, we now live in Boston and very much enjoy city living. I started a new business 16 years ago, Integrity Merchant Solutions, helping businesses accept credit card payments. It’s been wonderful to nurture and grow the company. About 10 years ago, I re-ignited my passion for photography. I really enjoy shooting on Martha’s Vineyard, have become a contributing photographer for the Vineyard Gazette weekly newspaper, and have my work shown in several galleries on the island. Feel free to follow along on my Instagram account @larryglickphotos.
The following has been submitted by class secretary John Howe
Barbara Stebbins-Boaz sends the following note. “I am enjoying life after retirement very much. Twenty years of teaching, mentoring and doing research with undergraduates was more than fulfilling. I grew as a person and was privileged to watch so many young adults launch themselves into the world, courageously and with a generous spirit. Now that my schedule is my own, I can balance much better quiet creative time and active movement. I have a sweet gig where I exercise two horses 3 days a week; I have discovered I can actually draw and really enjoy it-my favorite medium is water color pencils. I continue to sing with various local groups. It is so nice to be able to read for
George Sherrill '74 and his daughter Hannah
One of Larry’s ’76 photos, a long exposure he took of the Northern Lights when they were visible in early October 2024. The photo was taken in Menemsha, a fishing village on Martha’s Vineyard.
Class Notes
fun! I belong to two book groups. My husband and I do most everything together including quite a bit of traveling. We’ll be living in Haarlem, the Netherlands for two and a half months starting July to be close to his daughter and to our rapidly maturing grandchildren. A lot of my friends now are older than I am and some of them have already given their final farewell. I do feel a sort of urgency to touch base with my childhood friends while we can. Anyone who remembers me, I am talking to you. It would mean so much if you were present, body and spirit, at our 50th reunion! I will be there and I’m will be coming all the way from Salem, Oregon. A little trip from New York, DC or Boston should be a piece of cake.” And Pamela Lee Veith sent in the following message: “I am still living in Katonah NY (Westchester County-about 1 hour north of NYC). My 4 daughters have flown the coop long ago (36, 35, 33 and 30) and I now have granddaughters (4, 2 & 2)! Unfortunately, no one lives nearby but 3 of them are in Chicago, so when we visit, we have great family gatherings. My other daughter lives in Charlotte, NC. I am in my 13th year as Coordinator of Senior Programs for the Town of Lewisboro. My role involves outreach to homebound seniors, transportation to doctor appointments and director of a group one day/week. After being a stay-at-home mom for 25 years, this job has allowed me to use my social work background. It continues to be extremely fulfilling and I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to help those in need. I plan to retire 1/30/25 and my husband Frank also intends to close his law practice. Not sure what retirement will look like for us...hopefully seeing more of our daughters and grands. I will definitely put the date for our reunion on my calendar!”
1979
Jean Breidenbach, Class Secretary barker97@msn.com
Steve Jerome: Going to Fenway Park with friends never gets old!
1980
Save the date for your 45th Reunion! Reach out to get involved.
1985
Save the date for your 40th Reunion! Reach out to get involved.
1990
Andrea Pantos Berger, Class Secretary andreab264@gmail.com
Save the date for your 35th Reunion!
1995
Jennifer Harter Alves, Class Secretary jharteralves@gmail.com
Save the date for your 30th Reunion!
2000
Win Ruml, Class Secretary winthrop.ruml@gmail.com
Samantha Welch Zappia, Class Secretary welch.sam@gmail.com
Samantha “Sam” Welch Zappia: Hey Class of 2000! Can’t believe it’s been 25 years since
Steve Jerome ’79 (far left) at Fenway
Bancroft friends, left to right: Alex Becker ’08, Alex Owen V ’08, Xhorxhi Gjoka ’08, April Gammal Gjoka ’08, bride Kara Brownell ’08 and groom Matthew, Al Deliallisi ’08, and Adam Shepro ’08.
we walked the halls of Bancroft. Walking the halls looks a little different for me these days; my two kids Patrick ’31 and Josephine ’32 are in the McDonough building. They are really tired of me telling them how that building wasn't there when I was there :) Win and I are working on plans for this year's reunion and hope a lot of you can make it. Keep an eye out for save the dates and more details. Can't wait to see you!
2005
Sarah Allen, Class Secretary sarahelliottallen@gmail.com
Hannah Holdstein, Class Secretary hannah.holdstein@gmail.com
Save the date for your 20th Reunion!
2008
Liz Allen, Class Secretary elizabethriceallen@gmail.com
Agnes Dardas, Class Secretary adardas@gmail.com
Gabe Drapos, Class Secretary gdrapos@gmail.com
Alexis Kelleher, Class Secretary lexikelleher@gmail.com
Kara Brownell Peltier married Matthew Peltier on June 2, 2024 at St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester.
2010
Ali Luthman, Class Secretary amluthman20@gmail.com
Russell Oliver, Class Secretary rboliver44@yahoo.com
Russell Oliver: It was a big year for weddings in the class of 2010! Adam Rosenberg married his wife Erica in St. Louis, Meg Anderson and
her husband Nathan celebrated their marriage in Plymouth, and Alex Buslov and his wife Lauren held a destination wedding in Mexico! Several Bancroft alumni attended each event. Congratulations to all the couples!
From Alex Buslov's ’10 wedding: Russell Oliver ’10, Matt Caron ’10, Olivia Angood-Hardy ’10, Adam Rosenberg ’10, Meg Anderson ’10, and Nicole Manning ’10.
2014
Isabella Tropeano, Class Secretary isabellamtropeano@gmail.com
Kat Landry: I started off this incredible year by getting engaged to my favorite person in the world, Ian Elkin, while in London for Cirque du Soleil’s annual residency at the legendary Royal Albert Hall. This past summer, after six years of traveling to almost every corner of the world for work, we made the decision to settle down in the tiny mountain town of Tehachapi, California for Ian’s aerospace engineering job. We are thrilled to be under the same roof together with our recently-adopted, alreadyspoiled husky, Khinkali. I am now working as
a freelance events and entertainment producer on a wide range of projects across the country. I was deeply honored to receive the Bancroft Young Alumni Award this year and give continued thanks to the Bancroft Performing Arts Department for providing the best possible foundation for my career.
Kat Landry ’14 and Ian Elkin
2015
David Turley, Class Secretary dturls55@gmail.com
Save the date for your 10th Reunion!
2020
Save the date for your 5th Reunion! Reach out to get involved.
Alex Buslov and his wife Lauren Shabazian
In Memoriam
ALUMNI
James “Jim” Heald II ’45
August 5, 2024 at 96 Worcester, MA
Jim Heald is survived by his son, Richard A. Heald II ’87; his daughter, Margaret E. Heald ’88; and his sister, Nina Heald Webber ’49 and their families. His wife of 48 years Margaret “Peggy” Heald predeceased him in 2016. Jim had a deep commitment to learning. He attended the Bancroft School, graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1945 and earned a degree in engineering and business management from Yale University in 1949. His gap year in 1950 at the Heald Machine Company provided practical experience followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School in 1952. Jim worked for the Heald Machine Company, a family business founded in 1826. In a 35-year career, Jim held various roles in the company, including Vice President of the Grinding Division. He was highly respected as a leader and colleague for his ability to tackle challenges by taking what he called a "360-degree view of life." Jim’s second career began after retiring from the Heald Machine Co. in 1986. He contributed countless hours and was a dedicated supporter to multiple organizations including Bancroft School. Jim met his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Cooper and they married in July of 1967. With Peggy’s passing in 2016, Jim’s love for her endured and she remained a constant source of strength and comfort in his final years. He will be remembered not only for his sharp intellect, strong work ethic and keen sense of humor but also for his legendary near-encyclopedic memory. In later years, Jim found immense joy and fulfillment in being a father, grandfather and friend. The impact of his life and legacy extends widely through his communities and will continue long after his passing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donna Cameron Ellsworth ’50 July 4, 2024 at 91 Claremont, NH
Donna Cameron Ellsworth passed away on July 4, 2024. Donna, the daughter of Catherine and Daniel Cameron, was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. After attending Bancroft School in Worcester, she graduated from Centenary University in New Jersey. After marrying, she and her husband Donald Ellsworth settled in Andover, Massachusetts where they raised three children. She was married to Donald, who predeceased her, for sixty one years. Donna and Donald were members of West Parish Church in Andover for more than fifty years, where Donna was an active member, serving on and leading many committees. Upon relocating to New Hampshire in 2013, they attended First Congregational Church in Claremont, where Donna resumed a busy role in church affairs. Donna was known affectionately as Gibs by an extensive group of family, friends,
and relatives. She was the consummate hostess, and whether it was in the kitchen, in the garden, at a sewing machine or working at needlecraft, she created thousands of objects of lasting beauty. While she was the epitome of a “proper lady”, Donna was at the same time a champion for progress and advocated for causes including LBGTQ rights and the need for action on climate change. Gibs was the cherished matriarch of an extended family, and her grace, wisdom and boundless love will be missed. She is survived by two daughters and their partners, and six grandchildren.
Janice “Jan” Hardy Bjork ’54
October 23, 2024 at 88 Worcester, MA
Janice Gail Hardy Bjork passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and family. Born on March 20, 1936, in Worcester, Janice was the cherished daughter of the late Charles B. Hardy and Phyllis A.{Koehler) Hardy. Janice graduated from Bancroft School in 1954 and earned her degree from Elmira College in 1958. On August 16, 1958, Janice married Karl N. Bjork ’52, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they raised a family that brought her immense joy and pride. Janice was the devoted mother of four sons: Karl Andrew Bjork ’78, David C. Bjork ’80, the late Richard A. Bjork ’84, and William K. Bjork ’86. She was a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Richard B. Hardy. Janice’s career was one of dedication and commitment, with her earliest work as a teacher of Science and Biology at West Boylston Jr.-Sr. High School from 1958 to 1960. She later served as a medical assistant to Dr. Robert Neuhardt, then worked in administrative and trust management roles at law firms, until her retirement in 2002. Her exceptional service earned her the 1998 Women of Distinction Award. Janice was deeply involved in her community and church, the First Baptist Church of Worcester. Janice was also active in the Junior League of Worcester and sang with the Junior League Singers. The thing that made her most happy is the legacy of a camp on Webster Lake. Built in the 1940’s by her dad, it is now cherished every summer by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Janice leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and service. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, strength, and compassion. Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and community.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Philips Gordon ’55
August 20, 2024 at 86 Wakefield, MA
Beloved sister of Sarah Philips ’60 (Brien Young). Loving mother of three children and grandmother to five grandchildren. Predeceased by her sister, Deborah Philips Abbott ’58; and her husbands, Alan Gordon and Robert Purdy. Betsy grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. She attended The Bancroft School and earned a B.A. from Radcliffe College and an M.A. from Harvard University. She married Alan Gordon in 1959 in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, and in 1960, Alan and a very pregnant Betsy moved to Toronto to begin the next phase of their lives. Betsy taught Spanish parttime at York University taking time off to have three children. She earned her Montessori 3-6+ Diploma from the Toronto Montessori Institute. She co-founded High Park Montessori School in 1975 with her sister, Sally, and was a founding member of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators. The school was the focus of her life for the next 20 years. Her first marriage having ended in divorce, she married Robert Purdy in 1996 and moved to La Jolla, California. She put her command of English to good use by writing grant proposals for various social service agencies. In 2019, she made the decision to move back east to a retirement community in Wakefield, Massachusetts, not far from where her daughter, Sarah, was raising her family. Her health declined in the past few months, and she passed away peacefully on the morning of August 20th after a family visit. and their partners, and six grandchildren.
Barry Krock ’57
August 27, 2024 at 90 Worcester, MA
Barry Lawrence Krock died surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. The beloved husband of Janet Elizabeth (Lofgren) Krock, he was a fixture in the Central Massachusetts business and banking community for over a half century. Barry was a devoted husband and father, who loved a good story and always had a twinkle in his eye. Barry was born in Worcester, the son of Aaron and Anna (Levine) Krock. He was a graduate of Boston University. He began his career as an auctioneer, and it remained a lifelong passion. In 1964, at the age of 31, he became the president of Shrewsbury Bank and Trust, making him the youngest bank president in the nation. Barry went on to a long tenure as the president of Commerce Bank and Trust. Barry was an enthusiastic supporter of his community. He liked nothing more than talking to people and getting to know them. Barry’s gentle touch and easy way with people aided him in his role as a community banker while helping countless businesses and individuals grow. In addition to his wife, Barry is survived by his daughter Kathryn Krock Parvin ’97, his son-in-law Kevin Parvin, his grandchildren Harrison ’34 and Lily Parvin ’37 and his son Aaron Andrew Krock ’99, all of Worcester.
EXTENDED COMMUNITY
A. Gerald “Gerry” Condon
Past Parent
October 24, 2024 at 86 West Boylston, MA
A. Gerald “Gerry” Condon, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, with voices raised in song shortly after his 86th birthday. Born and raised in Worcester, Gerry was the son of Amasa G. and Eleanor M. (Conlin) Condon and lived
in West Boylston for 53 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia J. Condon; a son, James P. Condon ’83 and his wife, Isabel; a daughter, Rebecca M. Condon Zieminski ’86 and her husband, Carl; a sister; five grandchildren including, Christopher Condon ’19 and Benjamin Condon ’24; as well as several nieces and a nephew. Gerry graduated from Classical High School in Worcester, attended Worcester Junior College, and Clark University. He worked for several years selling material handling equipment before establishing his own manufacturers’ representative business. After retirement, Gerry enjoyed working part-time as a driver at Wagner Motors in Shrewsbury. One of Gerry’s great passions was singing. He began singing in 1944 with the All Saints Choir of Men and Boys in Worcester. In addition to singing in church choirs, Gerry was a member of the Salisbury Singers from 1985 until 2010. He served honorably in the Coast Guard Reserves for 36 years after enlisting in 1956. He retired at the rank of Senior Chief. Gerry and his wife Pat enjoyed time together with their family and friends, often meeting at O’Connor’s Restaurant. Their travels took them to Alaska, Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, and throughout the United States. Gerry cherished time at the family homestead in the mountains of Maine where he used his skills as a handyman to make improvements on the 1850’s farmhouse. A devoted husband, dedicated dad, and doting grandfather, family was at the heart of Gerry’s life. Gerry will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality. His booming bass voice will be missed, but he will be long remembered for his unfailing honesty, modesty, kindness, positive outlook, generosity, finding the right words to lift-up others, his sharp wit, and Irish sense of humor. Above all we will cherish his unwavering faith and love.
Ellicott “Tot” Wright Former Faculty Jamestown, RI
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ellicott “Tot” Wright, of Jamestown, Rhode Island at the age of 96. Tot passed peacefully at his home by the sea, with family by his side, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His secret to long life was a combination of pretzels, cheap wine, ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies. Born October 6th, 1928, to Catharine Wharton Morris Wright and Sydney Longstreth Wright, Tot was one of four children. Tot attended Princeton University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music. Afterwards, he attended Harvard University and earned a Master of Education Degree. Teaching was one of Tot’s great passions. His ability to help children with both easy and challenging concepts was readily apparent. Tot taught at a plethora of schools and served as the Head of Lower School at different schools including Bancroft School from 19821985. During the latter years of his life, Tot was challenged with Parkinson’s Disease. For many years, he worked hard to maintain physical and other abilities. He became involved with a group, which supported others with Parkinson’s and their families. Enjoying dinners together, celebrating special events, and having discussions that were both enlightening and supportive, were essential
tools in the lives of this group. Tot will be missed, but he always will live on in our hearts and through our many memories of this truly gentle man.
Virginia “Ginny” Woodbury
Past Trustee, Past Parent October 22, 2024 at 94 Worcester, MA
Virginia “Ginny” Woodbury, special individual whose life was marked by devotion to her family, community, and a passion for education, passed away on October 22, 2024. Her legacy is one of tireless service, unwavering commitment, and a genuine love for helping others. Virginia was the beloved wife of John C. Woodbury until his passing in 2004. She leaves behind four children, sons John (Chip), Ben, and Tom ’83, and daughter Ann ’76, as well as six cherished grandchildren. Virginia was born on December 16, 1929, in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduated from North High School, and went on to earn her A.B. degree from Smith College. Her professional journey began as a junior trust analyst which eventually led her to H&R Block in Worcester, where she served as an income tax preparer, instructor, and office manager for many years. Beyond her professional achievements, Virginia’s true impact was felt through her community service. She dedicated countless hours to organizations and was an active and engaged member in the community, lending her expertise to institutions like Bancroft School, where she served on the Board of Trustees for 12 years, taking on the roles of Treasurer and Board Chair. Virginia was among the first women to enter the Worcester Club through the front door and eat dinner in the main dining room. Virginia G. Woodbury’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her enduring legacy of service, kindness, and commitment to bettering the lives of others will forever be cherished.
John William Barrow Former Faculty
June 20, 2024 at 81 Tisbury, MA
John was born on May 4, 1943 in Bayside, Queens, the second of four children. For the past 54 years, there was nothing without his wife Harriet. In the beginning, they took their romance to Paris and London. John mostly taught math, but was happy to take on whatever other subjects could be conveyed with a grin and ‘Socratic methods’ at American Schools abroad. In the summers, the couple toured Europe and in the summer of 1974, they gallivanted through 13 countries. With two tots in tow, Harriet and John moved to Greenwich, where John taught at Brunswick Academy for eight years. From there, they organized ski trips for high school students and enjoyed the French Alps for two weeks each spring. The family moved to Holden, outside Worcester in 1984 where they spent the bulk of their family-raising years teaching and coaching. They spent their summers on the
Vineyard where John developed an uncanny knack for finding clams. After retiring to the Vineyard, Harriet and John continued to travel during the off-season. Over the last five years, we learned that all that grace showcased by athleticism was really just a warm-up. ALS would strike John in 2019. But as the body diminished, his spirit grew in radiance. A transformation of wisdom unfolded, nurtured through patient practice and diligent play into a presence of expansive grace beyond our imaginings. He showed us how to live with humor, honesty, integrity, courage and walloping dollops of charm. We are grateful for the (w)hole in our hearts. John is survived by his wife Harriet Busselle Barrow, his children Scott '92(Amy) and Samantha '94 (Daniele); three grandchildren; three siblings. He predeceased his sister-in-law, and is remembered fondly by a host of nephews and nieces who recall his enthusiasm, curiosity and magnanimous warmth.
Deborah Leigh Mahoney Magnuson
Former Staff
May 28, 2024 at 73 Worcester, MA
Born in Brighton and raised in Natick, Debbie was predeceased by her parents and her younger sister. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love for her surviving family: Husband David Magnuson; their children, Michael, Katie, Eric '03, 8 grandchildren; 4 younger siblings; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins who were close to her heart. She graduated from Elizabeth Seton High School in Wellesley in 1969. She joined the Navy after High School, and served in Washington, Chicago, San Diego, and Boston. After receiving a medical discharge from the Navy, she attended Bentley College. She worked as a nurse at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick and later at Worcester Tool and Stamping Co. in Rochdale as a bookkeeper. Most recently, she was a longtime receptionist at Bancroft School in Worcester.Debbie took joy in helping and nurturing others - through both individual acts of kindness and years of volunteering in Paxton and the Bancroft community. At Bancroft, she headed the CARE and Horizons program for many years, and in 2012 received an award from the Wachusett Regional School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council for her service. For 18 years she played an active role helping Bancroft students plan and coordinate the annual Worcester Stepping Out For Scleroderma Walk first started by her son Eric in 2003. Her courage, strength, optimism and ability to laugh through the pain inflicted by scleroderma inspired and awed those who knew her. Her eagerness to have fun - whether dancing in her youth or playing card games with her grandchildren - was a gift. She loved to travel, to cheer on the Red Sox at Fenway Park, to tell stories, and most of all to spend time with family. Her appetite for life was exceeded only by her appetite for ice cream.
110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605-3117
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