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First child born.
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As a child of the Silent Generation, she learned children are to be seen and not heard. She grew up in a loving and supportive family with strong women as models including her mom and two influential aunts.
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As a third and fourth grader, she was given the freedom and opportunity to ride the bus to the library on her own to get books to read which was the start of her passion for reading and learning.
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She had early experience with independence and leadership. She recalled feeling proud to be responsible for younger neighborhood children when crossing the street to school as a 5-6 year old.
She traveled every year with her family throughout her childhood and adolescence to various states throughout the country. -
She lived in Millersburg with her family from 5th until 8th grade.
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She developed very strong friendships in Millersburg some of which became lifelong relationships.
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Her family moved back to Harrisburg for her father's job right before she started high school.
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In 9th grade (1956-7), Mrs. Neilly, her Home Economics teacher, encouraged her. She was permitted to work extra hours in the Home Economics classroom during study hall to work on sewing projects. This led to her declaration that she wanted to go to college and become a teacher. However, her father told her she would not be supported, but they were saving for her younger brother to go to college.
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She earned money babysitting and was motivated to work hard in school to apply for college. She also met her husband as a freshman in high school and later began to date him in 12th grade.
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She was accepted to and attended Penn State University. Her father paid for her tuition and room and board while she used money saved for other expenses. Her father assisted her in getting a job with his company during summer vacations. She maintained an active church life and went on spiritual retreats which were influential her commitment to church and service.
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She taught after college and as a newlywed from 1964-1967.
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She graduated from Penn State University Bachelor's degree.
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She married her high school sweetheart.
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She had three children including two sons and a daughter at 26, 28, and 33 years of age.
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She was married with children and thought she wanted to stay home, but then found she needed to work for her well-being. Her husband supported her need to work outside the home, and she began substitute teaching.
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At age 30, she went to a workshop and realized children and family are her mission in life. She recalls this discovery "hit her to the core".
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Her husband and their family relocated to Anderson, Indiana from Pennsylvania for her husband’s job. She left family and friends. She had to develop new friendships among a tight-knit community. She was able to get a job as a pre-school teacher at a local church through her husband's connections.
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She attended Marriage Encounter workshops and retreats with her husband. She recalled the experiences to be significant in creating Christian relationships, influential in her spiritual growth, and contributing to a healthy marriage.
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Her Dad died suddenly from a heart attack.
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She graduated from Ball State University in Early Childhood Education with Master's Degree.
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Her husband lost his job and then went back to school for his doctorate. This event caused stress on the marriage and family. She became the primary income earner for the household for a period of time.
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At age 55, she completed her dissertation and graduated with her doctorate from Ball State University. The advanced degree opened many doors professionally and led to national involvement, leadership, and advocacy for early childhood education.
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She held positions as President elect and President for Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children as well as served on numerous committee and councils for her National Association.
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Her first grandchild was born in Ossining, NY.
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She became a grandmother at the age of 58. She had 6 grandchildren from 2000-2009. After her husband's retirement in 2006, they began to travel to visit children and grandchildren who lived in Illinois, California, and New York.
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Her third granddaughter was born on the day her first grandson nearly died at four months of age due to a congenital condition with multiple health concerns.
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Her husband was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and given a poor prognosis.
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She has become more conscious of being the matriarch but does not relish and would not chose the role. Her emphasis during this decade has been on spiritual growth and trying to establish a life without her spouse. She had never lived alone in her life prior to her husband dying. She continues to travel for vacation, mission work, and to visit family.
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Her husband and best friend of 49 years died at age 68. She coped with this devastating loss by continuing to visit family and friends, traveling, and serving her mission.
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She began traveling to Kenya to work with the principal and teachers of a school to improve the education provided to its students. She has had the opportunity to return every 1-2 years to provide teaching resources and consultant services.
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She retired from full-time position.
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She returned to teaching as an adjunct professor after being retired for only one semester.
