1940s

45 Class Secretary — Melissa Erkins Rackish ’77; 1224 Campbell St., Williamsport PA 17701;
570-971-2296; mrackish@comcast.net

 

47 Loyal Sons of ND

I hope this summer issue finds all 1947 grads and their families doing well. I don’t have any updates to report this time around, and I look forward to hearing from you with your memories and stories from campus. Go Irish! — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; emzander@gmail.com

 

48 A 101st Birthday Celebration

A hearty happy birthday to John D. Cahill of Salt Lake City who turned 101 on April 11. I heard from my pen pal John back in February, and he remarked that “the years fly by.” John stays busy and active and makes it a priority to keep moving, including routine trips to the gym near his condo. John wrote that he hasn’t visited ND for decades but has fond memories of his time there. John recalls study hall in Brownson with 186 desks and a “constant buzz from 186 boys trying to study.” John adds that after one year of “the buzz,” he “learned to concentrate with noise surrounding me.” (As an aside: I’m still working on mastering that with my toddler, preschooler and elementary kiddos. I need some pointers, John!) John writes that “all is well here” in SLC and signs off with his characteristic positivity and good humor. Thank you for your loyal updates, John. Go Irish! — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; emzander@gmail.com

 

49 Rest in Peace Jim

We are saddened to hear that Jim Murphy passed away in June 2024 surrounded by family, including his wife of 68 years, Corinne. He was a devoted, loyal and sentimental husband, father, son, brother and friend; devout Catholic; hardworking and business savvy attorney. While at Notre Dame, he was named to the All American College and University Cross Country Team. When asked in his 90s what he felt was his greatest accomplishment, James said it was the family he and Corrine created, which includes nine children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. The class is in search of a volunteer to assist with the quarterly class notes. If you would like to volunteer, please contact beth.thomas@nd.edu.