We Mourn the Passing of Linda Liepshutz Saulpaugh

Sharing Some Sad News

Linda Liepshutz Saulpaugh ‘67 passed away on March 25,2020 following a long, courageous battle with cancer.  She is survived by her daughters Laurel & Leslie, their spouses & three grandchildren.  In addition to teaching, Linda also worked as a floral designer & ran a B&B called The Inn at Blue Stores in Livingston, NY for 20 years.  Naomi Rubin ‘68 wrote that she’d visited Linda several times over the years & that her B& B “was wonderful.”   Linda was very close with Flo Ferguson Brandt ‘67 who wrote that they “shared such great Theta memories.”
 - Janice Oehler

We Mourn the Passing of Laura Siracusano Dudek

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my first roommate, my dear friend, and our very special Theta sister, Laura Siracusano Dudek. Laura was the strongest woman I have ever known. She endured so many trials in her life, but always faced them with courage and a smile, and was always strong and positive. I'm so sad that this last battle was her final one. May her wonderful husband, Tom, and her devoted sister, Louise, and all who knew and loved Laura find comfort in wonderful memories.
- Pook Siprin Bellini
Lau' dubbed me "Pookie" (after a character on the Soupy Sales show) during our first semester at New Paltz.  That name has stuck with me all these years and will forever remind me of our long and special friendship.

 Tom Dudek

164 Meadow Road

Chester, VT 05143

Jean Valentine Ward

I have been going thru old "records" and came across some Theta memorabilia.  Is there someone who is collecting/archiving this?

It includes:

1. 1960 sorority photo of sisters/pledges

2. Theta Phlyer newsletter, May 1963 that has a message from the editor (Kathy Gardella; House News, Officers, A letter from alumnae Secy (Ruth Jahrstorfer), Rush Party article (Castle of Royal Purple), as list of Alumnae class secretaries from 1930-1962; a president's letter (Joan Campagna); and an article "At our school.  NEAT TO READ !!! 

3.Song Book (1960?)

4. Pledge invitation and formal initiation on Theta stationary

5. 1961 Holly Banquet invite

6. Photo of sorority house

7. News article of 103 Pledging sororities (1961)

8. Purple and Gold "necklace with theta Phi emblem (probably worn by pledges)

Things are great here in Florida.  Paul (my significant other) and I have been doing a lot of traveling, enjoying the amenities of our 55+ community (Pennbrooke Fairways- that include 27 holes of golf, restaurant, swimming pools, fitness centers, etc.).  Our families are doing well…  So blessed!  What more could we ask for??  Hope all is well with you and that you too are enjoying life!

Yours in Theta, Jean Valentine Ward '64

Greetings from Roni Cojac Mintz

As the years pass I feel it is important to send wishes to people who help form who I am today.

My years in Theta and at New Paltz were very formative times and became an integral part of how I developed as a teacher, wife, mother, hospital manager, volunteer and grandmother of 4 teenage boys. 

Happy 2019 to the class of 1965 and to all.

Roni Cojac Mintz

rcmintz@att.net

Atlanta, GA

New Paltz Reunion

Alumni Weekend occurred from October 12-14. The activities included tours of the campus, a President’s talk, hikes, theater productions and wine tours. Alumni got together at cocktail receptions, a lunch and dinner. All classes were photographed. Theta participants included myself, along with Susan Kramer, Carleen Schneider and Barbara Fatjo. Sue, Carleen and I communicate through email along with Joyce Roth and Jean Schell. In the past 50 years, we have occasionally gotten together but not all of us at the same time.
- Joan Kisver

Sorority Sister reunion in New Bern, NC

 Joan Kisver visited with Susan "Chi" Chichester Johnson in New Bern, NC.

Prayers for Laura Siracusano Dudek

Laura has certainly been through a lot in her life... soon after graduating from New Paltz, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.  Years later, after successfully beating the Hodgkin's, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and, further down the road, she battled and beat breast cancer.  She lost her last husband, David Cobb, to pancreatic cancer and lost her mother to breast cancer.  Her wonderful current husband, Tom Dudek, suffered from Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but was extremely fortunate to have had a successful stem cell transplant four years ago that saved his life.  Two previous stem cell transplants didn't work, but the third time was a charm!  In early 2017 Laura had open heart surgery (see April 3, 2017 posting) for issues that were a result of radiation treatment 50 years earlier.  This past December, Laura's sister, Louise, had a medical crisis of her own (see February blog posting) and today awaits surgery to reconnect her esophagus and stomach.  

As if Laura hasn't dealt with enough serious health problems through her life, she now faces yet another.  She was just diagnosed with mesothelioma, thought to be a result of all the radiation she had received for previous cancer treatments. The good news is that it appears to be a small tumor that is operable.  But, there may be lymph node involvement that would require additional treatment.  She is set for additional tests over the next few weeks to determine her course of treatment.

Laura was my first roommate at New Paltz and remains my dear and special friend.  To me and to all who know her, she is a true hero.  In 2002, Laura was recognized as Vermont Survivor of the Year.  In my eyes, she is Survivor of a Lifetime.  She has always faced the challenges of life with tremendous courage and inner strength, and I know she will face this latest challenge with the same.  She has given me the okay to share her status with all of you and, in doing so, I ask you to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she and her amazing team at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston move forward to beat this.  

Love, hugs, prayers, and positive vibes being sent your way, old friend! Wishing you a renewal of body and spirit... Mi Shebeirach

-Pook

Roni Cojac Mintz

Roni Cojac (1965) Mintz and Alan Mintz celebrated their 53rd anniversary, June 2018 at one of their favorite Atlanta restaurants- Kyma.

SOLOMON FAMILY UPDATE

Posted on the GoFundMe site on March 27, 2018 by Laurie Chase Spiegel

https://www.gofundme.com/ericsolomonmedicalemergency

“The Solomon family has been so moved by your kind, thoughtful, and loving wishes for Eric’s recovery, and by your overwhelming generosity. Knowing that you care has been a tremendous boost at this difficult time. Although Eric remains in a coma, he has now been cleared for medical transport back to the U.S.  NYU Langone Medical Center has offered to take him into their facility in Manhattan, so he’ll finally be home! I want to thank each and everyone one of you - over 350 strong - for supporting the Solomon’s in so many ways. You have touched them forever.  Help spread the word!”

------------------------------ 
4/9/18 UPDATE:  Eric, along with his parents, flew back to the United States (medical evacuation) on Sunday, April 1.   Although there is no change in his condition, he is now a patient at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital in Manhattan.  Donations continue to be accepted through GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/ericsolomonmedicalemergency

 

THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, AND DONATIONS NEEDED FOR RUTH GERSON SOLOMON'S SON

Dear Theta Sisters,

Eric Solomon, son of Ruth (Gerson) and Gene Solomon has been hospitalized due to a traumatic brain injury. His parents and brother are with him in Colombia.

A GoFundMe page has been set up on his behalf to offset medical expenses. Please keep Eric and his family in your thoughts and prayers, and consider opening your hearts by making a donation to help them through this difficult time.

Sincerest thanks,
Laurie Chase Spiegel ‘75
Gail Shultz Adler ‘73
Holly Anderson VanSuch ‘75

LINK :  https://www.gofundme.com/ericsolomonmedicalemergency

“Eric Solomon was on a trip in Colombia, South America last week (March 10, 2018) when he was in an accident and suffered severe head trauma. He remains in a coma, with his parents, Ruth and Gene, and his brother Lee at his bedside. As lifelong friends and sorority sisters of Ruth, we are asking the Solomon’s friends and family to help fund the extraordinary expenses that Ruth and Gene are undergoing. We know that all of our love and prayers are with them at this difficult time. On behalf of the family, we thank you for your generous support.” 
- Laurie Chase Spiegel