1930s

36 Connection

 

Joe Newman recently connected with an alumnus whose parents were clients and good friends of Joe’s in South Bend. Dave read about Joe in the January issue and remembered meeting him. At 105, Joe is still doing great and takes frequent trips around town in his red convertible. Let us know if you have any news or stories about the members of the Class of 1936. Go Irish. — Maureen McGinn; jwn176@aol.com

 

37 Class Secretary — Kathleen Coverick ’08;

 

 kathleen.coverick@gmail.com

 

38 Class Secretary — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD;

 

 11 E. 36^th St., No. 603, New York NY 10016; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com

 

39 Passing On

 

James (Jim) Joseph Raaf peacefully passed away at his Colorado home in May. He had celebrated his 100^th birthday a week prior, surrounded by daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. His daughter Maria Elena Medlock forwarded a copy of his obituary, which details an amazing life. Jim grew up in Missouri and joined W.R. Grace and Co. following graduation, selling machinery and living in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador. During WWII, he spent time in the South Pacific as a Navy supply officer. He married Angela Courter ’39SMC on campus in 1945. South America was their home for more than 40 years while raising six daughters. Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC, asked Jim to assist the first Peace Corp group that was sent to Chile under President Kennedy in the 1960s. Periodically Jim would bring his family back to the USA via motorhome. The 1969 Reunion alumni notes recount one of these trips back to campus. Following retirement in the 1980s, he was appointed Honorary Bolivian Consul for Colorado. Jim and Angela returned to the USA and settled in Snowmass Village CO; he became an avid skier, golfer, bridge enthusiast, neighbor, and active community member. His daughter, Susie Raaf ’82SMC was his longtime caregiver. His legacy is one of love and family unity, virtues we all should live for. — Seth O’Donnell ’04; 17 Marion St., East Greenwich RI 02818; 603-828-7335; seth.odonnell@gmail.com