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Alumni Notes | April 2024

Publications & Celebrations

Bethany Welch ‘00 (Communications) professed first vows as a Sister of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia on February 25, 2024. Several alumni attended the liturgy and celebration, including Stephanie Prevosti ‘00, Jessie Spressart ‘00, and her brothers Daniel Welch ‘05 and Kyle Welch ‘08. Sister Bethany is now serving as the director of a transitional housing program for college students experiencing homelessness and conducting a national research study on this model through a fellowship from Villanova University.

Obituaries

Donald (deceased) Brokaw ‘56 Donald Dorr Brokaw was born on April 14, 1932, to Dorr Eugene Brokaw, Jr. and Helen Grace (Burris) Brokaw in Elmira, New York. Donald grew up in the Corning/Elmira area of south-central New York graduating from Corning Northside High School in 1949. He attended Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, where he met his future wife, Marian Lee Jones. They were married on November 21, 1953, at Freeport Gospel Tabernacle in Freeport, Pennsylvania, and started their life together living in the Rochester area. 

Donald was employed by Rochester Products Division of General Motors and transferred to their shop at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan, in 1959 moving his family to Brighton, Michigan. During his 35 years with Rochester Products, Don advanced from Production Worker to Quality Control to Research and Development. Since Don did not have a Bachelors Degree, Rochester Products was hesitant to give him the title of Engineer, even going so far as to create a new title for what he did, eventually he was granted the title, retiring from Rochester Products in 1988.

Upon moving to Michigan, Don became involved in the Howell Assembly of God in Howell, Michigan, and over the years served as Youth Leader, Song Leader, Music Director, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and even fill in speaker. For a period of about ten years in the mid 1970s to 1980s the Brokaw family attended Oak Grove United Methodist Church where again Don served as Music Director and Sunday School Teacher.

Donald and Marian Lee raised five children together, moving from Brighton to Howell in 1966. Family life was mostly centered around church activities but also involved family vacations to New York state, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Grand Canyon, Florida, as well as, other destinations. Camping was the means of all these trips starting with a pop-up trailer and gradually moving up to tag a longs and a fifth wheel. After Donald’s retirement, he and Marian Lee started spending the winter months in Florida where they established a winter church home and developed new friendships. Marian Lee passed away in 1992 from a heart condition.

Donald married Catherine Slauter, a friend from the winter home church in Florida, in 1993 at Mount Dora Assembly of God in Mount Dora, Florida. Donald then moved to Florida where he and Catherine became involved in various ministries including Teen Challenge. They spent several years ministering at the Teen Challenge Training Center in Jacksonville, Florida, with Don teaching and Catherine managing the kitchen and counseling. During this time, Donald received his ministerial credentials with the Pentecostal Holiness Church and did fill in speaking at several churches in Florida. During the summers they would travel to Michigan to be close to Donald’s children and worked at both FaHoLo and Lost Valley Camps during the season. Donald also did fill in speaking during these months whenever the opportunity arose. Eventually Donald and Catherine moved to South Carolina where they continued to travel but also served as transitional pastors at numerous churches during their time there. Later, they were in Virginia and finally in North Carolina. Wherever they went they would find a church home and try to be of service to the Pastor and the church.

Donald loved the Lord and he loved Gods Word. One of his greatest joys was to be able to teach the Word of God and see peoples lives changed by it. He also loved his family, a family that almost doubled in size when he married Catherine, and one of the things he was most thankful for was to be able to say that all his children were serving the Lord. And he loved Catherine, she has been a firm support for him most especially during these last couple of years when he has suffered physically. He never tired of saying what a blessing she was to him and how thankful he was for her.

Donald is survived by his wife Catherine of Wilmington, North Carolina, daughter Marcia Novak, (Ernest) of Allen Park, Michigan, son Randall Brokaw, (Deb) of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, son Richard Brokaw, (Amy) of Farwell, Michigan, daughter, Michele Perri, (Dominic) of Lynn Haven, Florida, son Rodney Brokaw, (Tammy) of Brighton, Michigan, stepdaughter Candace Carter, (Ron) of Leland, North Carolina, stepdaughter Cindy Waters, (Wesley) of Four Oaks, North Carolina, stepdaughter Penny Silvers of Leland, North Carolina, 26 grandchildren and stepgrandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and stepgreat grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren and step great great grandchildren, and brother Paul Brokaw of Canton, Michigan. And several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marian Lee Brokaw, and stepson Rick Smith.

Carolyn (deceased) M. Hale ‘10 went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday (April 4, 2024) in Wellsville at the Hart Comfort House. She was born Aug. 7, 1963, in Owosso, Mich., a daughter of Robert and Carol Thomas Brown. On Nov. 27, 1982, she married Andrew Wayne Hale, who passed on March 31, 2022. Carolyn was the executive secretary to President Lewis at Houghton College and throughout the years held other various positions. 

She earned a Bachelor of Science from Houghton College in 2008 and a Master of Science from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2010. She was a loyal and supportive military wife and mother during her husband's service in the air force from 1982-2001. Carolyn was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary in Cuba, a member of the Erin Church of the Nazarene in Erin, Tenn. and attended the North Park Wesleyan Church in Cuba. She was a devout Christian, actively participating in her church and small group. She had a large following on Facebook where she often shared her testimony and her continued faith throughout her fight against cancer. Most knew her for her cheeky coffee memes and inspiring posts. Seeing her witness and testimony for Jesus was an encouragement to many. Carolyn was an avid camper, loved hunting, anything NASCAR, gardening and the beach. She was often known for her independence and ability to tackle difficult challenges such as caring for her husband during his battle with ALS and after his passing running a successful Airbnb on their large property in Friendship.

It wasn't uncommon for Carolyn to pack up her camper and head out to various campgrounds in New York and Pennsylvania with her Labrador retriever, Kimber, to spend quality time with family and friends. Surviving are her four daughters, Nicole (Andrew) DeMersman of Henrietta, Elise (Lorin) Hinson of Erin, Aubrey (Matthew) Tranter of Brighton, Mich. and Lauren (Jake) Anderson of Richmond, Va.; six grandchildren, Isabella and Adelyn Hinson, Blake Andrew and Charlotte Tranter, Andrew Jacob and Chole Anderson; her mother, Carol Brown; siblings, Sandra Christie (Bill) Warnken and Jennifer (Ron) Nesbitt; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Andrew Wayne Hale; her father, Robert Brown; and brother, Robert (Bob) Brown Jr.

Megan Hennekey ‘10 (Nursing) Born April 21, 1979 and passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2024. Megan was blessed with a big, beautiful heart and an infectious laugh. She always loved spending time with family and friends. In her presence, others couldn’t help but to laugh with her silliness. She was beautiful inside and out and would light up a room. Megan was kind, smart, lovable and caring. These qualities made her an excellent mother, daughter, sister and nurse. Everything Megan touched was done with unconditional love. This was evident through her relationships with family, friends, coworkers and patients.

As a young girl, Megan was musically inclined. She could pick up any instrument and start playing. She had a love for sports and loved playing softball and soccer. Megan graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a degree in BSN RN. Nursing was her passion and took pride in caring for others, especially the most difficult cases. She loved the emergency room at Unity Hospital. Through Covid, she worked in telemedicine and saved a man’s life in NYC. Due to this, she received high honors and was sent to Connecticut to describe this event in a town hall address across the nation. Megan’s greatest moment was the birth of her daughter Ava. She loved her so much and showed her off to everyone. Ava was her world and her whole heart.

Megan is predeceased by her Uncle John Wais, grandparents Alan and Eva Wais, Jack and Joan Hennekey and her best friend Mia Guzman. Megan is survived by her daughter Ava Hennekey, mother Diane Hennekey, father Thomas (Stacy Lynaugh) Hennekey, sisters Carrie (Juan) Rodriguez, Lauren (Casey) Ault, nephews Julian, Jon, Gage, Casey and nieces Lillian and Audriana. She had many close friends - so many to name.

Annis (Burdick) Rea ‘57 Annis went home to be with her Savior Jesus April 11, 2024 at age 89. She is survived by her children Thomas (Leslie) Rea, Stephen (Shirley) Rea, Donna Rea; grandchildren Justin, Amarissa (Kristen), Dorinda, Matthew; 5 great grandchildren; brother James (Fran) Burdick; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Donald F. Rea: sisters Isabel Crosswhite, Marjorie Bickford, Dorothy Hall; brothers William, Harold, Kenneth, and Rodney Burdick.

Davis L. Rogers ‘52 David Lee Rogers, age 93, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away on Feb 6, 2024. Predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Nancy (MacPherson) Rogers, parents Charles and Marjorie Rogers, and his sister Sharon (late Darwin) Palmiere. Survived by his daughter, Julie Rogers Varland of Savannah, GA, and sons Lynn of N.Chili, NY, Lee of Brookfield, WI and Lance of Spring Arbor, MI; 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter. Also survived by special step-daughter Holly MacPherson and several other step-children and step-grandchildren. David is survived by brothers Vince (Carolyn) of Rochester, NY and Chuck (Sandra) of Winter Haven, FL, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Born in Syracuse, NY, David shared a passion for fishing, boating and duck-hunting with his father and brothers, and seashell collecting and music with his sister and mother. During his tenure at Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, NY he was a Financial Aid officer, Campus Engineer, and occasional Physics instructor. He served as a class advisor and hospitality host and was an active supporter of RWC men’s and women’s athletics, cheering loudly for the Roberts Wesleyan Raiders. He also attended concerts and programs as a music lover. Mr. Rogers drove a school bus for the Churchville-Chili school district before retiring to Ft. Pierce, FL. An avid seashell collector since childhood, he volunteered and worked alongside world-class marine biologists at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, where he helped identify and catalog 1000’s of specimens. David possessed an immense vocabulary, ready wit, and talent for meticulous detail. Even as David’s health was failing, he gave glory to God, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Over the years, David Rogers and his family attended Pearce Memorial Church in N. Chili, NY.

S. Noel Smith ‘68 (History) S. Noel Smith, 78, of Overland Park, KS went to his heavenly home, April 15, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was born in Olean, NY, December 25, 1945. He married Winnie Rogers in Batavia, NY, April 5, 1969. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Louise Eaton Smith of Batavia, NY, mother and father-in-law Grace and Harold Rogers, formally of Darien, NY and daughter-in-law, Kristi Smith, and his beloved dog, Smokey.

Noel is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Winnie Smith of Overland Park, KS, their children, Craig Smith of Parker, CO, Marla (Gerald) Holland of Shawnee, KS and his 5 grandchildren Ashley, Samantha and Justin Smith and Grace and Caroline Holland. He is also survived by his sister, Marsha Flagg of Asheville, NC, and sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Dan) Kelsey of Alexander, NY and Patricia (Robert) Chmielowiec of Byron, NY, along with nieces and nephews.

Noel loved playing baseball and basketball as a kid. Noel’s Batavia High School basketball success earned him a scholarship to Roberts Wesleyan College where he earned his BA. He was named Outstanding Genesee County Athlete of the Year in 1968 and his Roberts Wesleyan College team later entered their Sports Hall of Fame. Noel enjoyed a long career at Eastman Kodak, beginning in 1969 and held management positions in several cities. His career was interrupted for three years while serving in the US Army in Nuremberg, Germany. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, his church, Sunday school class and working and volunteering transporting and helping assisted living residents.

He nurtured his lifelong friendships by sending them cards, playing jokes on friends and family and laughing about memories. He loved watching Kansas City Royals Baseball and NAIA basketball games. He was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s sporting events and theater performances. He greatly enjoyed his Lionel train collection and doing jigsaw puzzles with his sister, Marsha. And few could out guess him in Rock ‘n’ Roll history trivia. Noel and Winnie loved traveling ‘Blue Highways’ as much as going on Viking Cruises. Noel loved planning their Broadway theater trips to NYC as well as Midwest productions. Noel was a loving, kind and loyal man. He was loved by so many, will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Katie (Briggs) Waltermire ‘05 (Nursing) Katie M. Waltermire, age 44, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She had the love and support of her family at her side when her passing occurred. Katie was born in Ilion, NY on Sept. 18, 1979, daughter of Larry S. Briggs and Janet Stevens. Katie was educated in Ilion schools, graduating from Ilion High School, Class of 1998. She went on to graduate from Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She was last employed at KabaFusion as a Registered Nurse. Katie’s passion for Nursing lasted 20 years. She continued to work while receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments and would get frustrated anytime it was suggested that she should stop working. Her children meant the world to her and some of her most cherished time was spent being a mother, daughter, sister and aunt.

Survivors include her devoted family; her parents, Larry (Patricia) Briggs of Ilion, Janet Stevens of Jordanville; her adored children, Ethan, Timothy, McKenzie Waltermire and the father of Katie’s children, Daniel Waltermire; her loving sister, Joanna Marshall and husband Brian of Jordanville; niece and nephew, Brianna and Jaxson Marshall; uncle and aunt, Lynn Briggs, Sandra and James Mallory; many cousins and dear friends, including John Monette. She was preceded in death by her uncles, Clayton and Wayne Stevens; maternal grandparents, Arlowene and Gordon Stevens; and paternal grandparents, Sherwood and Pauline Briggs.

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