Peri Axness (Di Crescentis)

My memory is so sketchy, I hesitate to write. I wish Sue had written about herself on these pages so we could have known more about her and her life. I remember her as a quiet, shy girl; very nice, very kind. I had no idea she had 9 siblings!  I think I do remember that she had a brother younger than us. 

It is amazing, don't you think, that we spent so many hours together over so many years at school and that, in the end, we knew each other so little? Or is it just forgetfulness after the nearly  half century has passed....?

Andrew Husak

I rememnber Sue from school but I did not know her well at all. My sympathy goes out to her surviving family and may she rest in peace. 

Andrew Husak

Jan Canfield (Nofziger)

I knew Sue when we were sophomores at Mountlake Terrace High.  The next year, when many of us were sent to the new Meadowdale, she transferred to Blanchet.  She was back at Meadowdale for her senior year.  I, too, did not know her well, but we did know each other. Sue was friendly and kind, but like myself, one of the many who would never stand out in high school.  You are right, Peri, about knowing so few people in high school, and probably remembering even fewer.  I do remember you, however - we started kindergarten together in Mrs. Coble's class at Alderwood Manor grade school, and then graduated together from Meadowdale. I remember knowing and playing with you in elementary school, but not after that. I wish school could be a more pleasant experience for the many people, like myself, for whom it wasn't.  I have absolutely no idea as to how that could be accomplished!

Fern Rostad (Miller)

I do remember Sue as a very sweet and sincere girl. Jan, I was in Mrs. Coble's kindergarten class at Alderwood Manor Elementary too. I'll have to see if I can find our class photo and identify our Meadowdale classmates, and especially Sue.

Peri Axness (Di Crescentis)

Oh my gosh! I was in Mrs. Coble's class, too. I had no idea that we all went back that far together!

Jim MacDonald

I was also in that class at Alderwood and I believe Mr. Coble was principal.  What I remember about kindergarten was taking naps on our own little throw rug and here we are some sixty years later taking mid-day naps in our easy chair .   

Jan Canfield (Nofziger)

There must be quite a few of us graduates from Mrs. Coble's kindergarten, but we wouldn't have all been in the same class.  I was in the afternoon class starting in 1952.  I don't know if we went the whole year, or just half the year, but I was certainly there the first half of the year, because I remember a Santa decoration we made. Those of you who went to Alderwood might be interested in visiting the Alderwood Manor Heritage Association behind Lowes on Poplar by the Wickers Building, which is now a visitors' center.  I volunteer there as a host every Tuesday afternoon (except the 4th Tuesday) from 1 to 3.  The cottage is open from 11 - 3 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.  We have albums full of class pictures from Alderwood, dating back to 1922.  We are especially interested in acquiring more of the baby boomer pictures.  If you have any, you can bring them in, we will make a copy, and return the photo to you.  If you know the names of your classmates, that's even better.  I also remember Mrs. Collard-first grade, Mrs. Briggs-second grade, Mrs. Pearsall-third grade, Mrs. Coble(again)-fourth grade, Mr. Pearsall-fifth grade, and Mrs. Utigaard-sixth grade.

Fern Rostad (Miller)

Jan, that is good information about the Alderwood Manor Heritage Association. I will plan to visit it and take some photos in when I come up from Arizona for the reunion. Is the Wickers building the old tudor style structure that was near the elementary school site?

I don't remember which session of the day I attended but I remember making gingerbread men and a project with ivory soap. I also remember our huge room with the steps on either end and the figures in the linoleum floor. There was a large sailing ship in the middle of the room and other animal tiles throughout. Ask me about the lamb tile (my favorite) at the reunion because our classmates may not share our enthusiam for this walk down memory lane!

Jim MacDonald

Good point Jan, I honestly don't remember if I was in the morning or afternoon class.  I have visited the Alderwood Manor Heritage Association,  found it quite interesting, especially for those of us who grew up in the old Alderwood Manor neighborhood and remember the wooden side walks, Wickers,  Manor Hardware, etc. 

George McLouth

Always a sad and reflective time when we lose a classmate.  While I cannot claim to have known her well, Sue's name and face immediately came to mind; a friendly, quiet and smiling girl.  I join with all expressing thoughts of condolence for Sue and her family.

I know I attended kindergarten at Alderwood Elementary but, as with Jim MacDonald, I cannot recall the details as sharply as Jan.  My greatest memories of kindergarten was a crush on my softball pal, Kathy  Jenkins (Echelbarger) and finding a desiccated cat under the crawlspace of the school building.  My first of many trips down dark and ominous holes in the ground.

Ron Drozdowski recently sent along an interesting book titled "Images of America-Alderwood Manor".  I was astounded at how little I knew of my home town's history.  Ron acquired this at the Alderwood Manor Heritage Association where Jan volunteers her Tuesdays.  For those who are no longer local, you can purchase this book at:  http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738531014/Alderwood-Manor.

Looking forward to seeing all in September.