Kathy Spicer was a very sweet girl. Kathy and I went to Our Lady of LaSalette in Berkley together. Then we transferred over to Shrine High. We were both raised in Berkley. Kathy always had a stuttering problem as long as I knew her. I always tried to make her feel comfortable.
I'll never forget I sold my 1960 red Chevrolet Impala to Kathy's brother, Kevin. Frank said to sell at the time as it was getting rusty underneath. My dad had gotten me a new convertible top! Kathy and I took quite a few spins down Woodward Avenue in that car! Oh, how I wish I had it now! (It's still a sore spot with me and the hubby!)
After graduation Kathy became very sick. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I believe one of her uncles also had it. Kathy had to be taken down to the Lafayette Clinic in Detroit and I went with her. We kept in touch after she left the Clinic. As years went by Kathy ended up in a Group Home in Lake Orion, and I lived in Ortonville, so we were never too far from one another. I would visit her when I could. Sometimes I would take my small children and take Kathy out to the McDonald's in Lake Orion.
I lost track of Kathy when she told me she was getting married and was going to move out of state.
I was shocked when I heard she had passed. May she rest in peace! (Mary Mach Dolinshek)
Thanks Lucia and Mary for some background on Kathy. I'm glad to hear she came from a loving family and her affliction was not due to abuse. I don't recall any classmate ever making fun of Kathy. We all seemed protective which just goes to show what a great group we were! I really can't recall anyone being mean or a bully.
Arlene, God Bless you for speaking up in Cathy's defense. Believe me, if I had been in that class, I would have backed you up 100%. If I had to guess what priest it was, I would pick Father Murphy. Always thought he was a little different. Never had a personal problem with him but he made me uncomfortable. I didn't really know Cathy but always thought that she was a very sweet, quiet person. I remember when she had to read or recite something in class, you could tell she was terrified. My heart used to break for her when that happened.
But, Bless her heart, she used to stuggle through it, do the best she could, and finish what she was asked to do. Most of us can't even imagine how difficult that must have been for her. I give her credit and admire her for always completing a request no matter how uncomfortable it was for her.
One of the many great things about Shrine High was. In my four years there, I never heard about anyone being criticized, bullied, made fun of, called names, or anything like that. Not that everyone was best bud's with everyone else, and of course there were disagreements, but usually everyone treated others with respect. This was not unusual for Shrine. There have been 10 or 12 Wischmans who have attented Shrine HIgh since the 50's and we all feel the same. Shriners stick together. If a classmate needs some assistance, they are more likely to get that assistance rather than be hummiliated over it.
The elementary school I attended before Shrine was just the opposite. Bullying, criticism, being laughed etc. were a daily way of life. There were several special needs children there and I often think about them, what happended to them.. How things would have been so much easier and constructive for them if they would haved attended a school that was sensitive to thier needs.
I sincerely hope that Cathy is at peace with herself and is in a better place now. She deserves it.
I am touched to read your caring comments and even prouder to know I was a member of such a wonderful class. May you all be blessed with good health and much happiness in the New Year.
I am so pleased to know you and Kathy had such a relationship. You are so correct that she was so sweet, as are you dear lady. Loved the pic of you and your "boys" you posted in the gallery.
Thank you so much Lucia! We had so much fun at the Reunion and want to thank you and the whole committee for all the "preparation" work. We wish everyone a Happy New Year! As Grandma used to say, "Love and Prayers"! Mary and Frank
I agree with Arlene. I am so glad I grew up at that time. Kids were much more grounded and kind. Not that I dated a lot, but any Shrine guy I went out with was a perfect gentleman. I went to college with Kate Kehoe, Sue Kelly, Charlotte Porter, and Pam Morey. How I wish we had been friends in high school. I dated Jerry Schwartz for a while. He was pure gold as a person. There were so many great people in our class.
On a different note I have to tell you about my granddaughters, Kaelin (10) and Avery (6) or the rocket as she calls herself Both r into gymnastics and r taught by Russian Olympians. My daughter was told that Kaelin might not make the team, well through hard work and dedication she us the State of North Carolina. Division 3 champion for 2013, in the over all competition she finished 7th out if a thousand kids. Ms Avery who is probably more athletic of the two, in 4 meets this year in division 1 she has 2 seconds over all and the last 2 she finished 1st over all. She called me up to tell me how she did and she said that she and Kaelin have so many medals and trophies that they will have to buy a bigger house and make a trophy room. They r also straight A students, and. Last summer I was voted the best. Papa if the summer and they took me to dinner. I will send some pic of the girlie girls.
Lucia very touching thoughts on Kathy. You mentioned Cummings in Berkley , our family was on Thomas one street over. Moved to Royal Oak in 1955 crooks and 13 area.
My Sister Patti class of 64 reported Francee Borgo who started Borgo School of dance passed away she was 95. Borgo sisters is the second oldest business in Royal Oak, Sullivan and sons funeral home is the oldest. So any of you sent your daughters and granddaughters to Borgo was probably taught by Patti, she was there for over 40 years.
Mary Mach (Dolinshek)
Kathy Spicer was a very sweet girl. Kathy and I went to Our Lady of LaSalette in Berkley together. Then we transferred over to Shrine High. We were both raised in Berkley. Kathy always had a stuttering problem as long as I knew her. I always tried to make her feel comfortable.
I'll never forget I sold my 1960 red Chevrolet Impala to Kathy's brother, Kevin. Frank said to sell at the time as it was getting rusty underneath. My dad had gotten me a new convertible top! Kathy and I took quite a few spins down Woodward Avenue in that car! Oh, how I wish I had it now! (It's still a sore spot with me and the hubby!)
After graduation Kathy became very sick. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I believe one of her uncles also had it. Kathy had to be taken down to the Lafayette Clinic in Detroit and I went with her. We kept in touch after she left the Clinic. As years went by Kathy ended up in a Group Home in Lake Orion, and I lived in Ortonville, so we were never too far from one another. I would visit her when I could. Sometimes I would take my small children and take Kathy out to the McDonald's in Lake Orion.
I lost track of Kathy when she told me she was getting married and was going to move out of state.
I was shocked when I heard she had passed. May she rest in peace! (Mary Mach Dolinshek)
Arlene Vachon (Forrester)
Thanks Lucia and Mary for some background on Kathy. I'm glad to hear she came from a loving family and her affliction was not due to abuse. I don't recall any classmate ever making fun of Kathy. We all seemed protective which just goes to show what a great group we were! I really can't recall anyone being mean or a bully.
Tom Wischman
Arlene, God Bless you for speaking up in Cathy's defense. Believe me, if I had been in that class, I would have backed you up 100%. If I had to guess what priest it was, I would pick Father Murphy. Always thought he was a little different. Never had a personal problem with him but he made me uncomfortable. I didn't really know Cathy but always thought that she was a very sweet, quiet person. I remember when she had to read or recite something in class, you could tell she was terrified. My heart used to break for her when that happened.
But, Bless her heart, she used to stuggle through it, do the best she could, and finish what she was asked to do. Most of us can't even imagine how difficult that must have been for her. I give her credit and admire her for always completing a request no matter how uncomfortable it was for her.
One of the many great things about Shrine High was. In my four years there, I never heard about anyone being criticized, bullied, made fun of, called names, or anything like that. Not that everyone was best bud's with everyone else, and of course there were disagreements, but usually everyone treated others with respect. This was not unusual for Shrine. There have been 10 or 12 Wischmans who have attented Shrine HIgh since the 50's and we all feel the same. Shriners stick together. If a classmate needs some assistance, they are more likely to get that assistance rather than be hummiliated over it.
The elementary school I attended before Shrine was just the opposite. Bullying, criticism, being laughed etc. were a daily way of life. There were several special needs children there and I often think about them, what happended to them.. How things would have been so much easier and constructive for them if they would haved attended a school that was sensitive to thier needs.
I sincerely hope that Cathy is at peace with herself and is in a better place now. She deserves it.
Tom Wischman
Arlene Vachon (Forrester)
I am touched to read your caring comments and even prouder to know I was a member of such a wonderful class. May you all be blessed with good health and much happiness in the New Year.
Lucia Lenhard (Johnson)
Mary,
I am so pleased to know you and Kathy had such a relationship. You are so correct that she was so sweet, as are you dear lady. Loved the pic of you and your "boys" you posted in the gallery.
Mary Mach (Dolinshek)
Thank you so much Lucia! We had so much fun at the Reunion and want to thank you and the whole committee for all the "preparation" work. We wish everyone a Happy New Year! As Grandma used to say, "Love and Prayers"! Mary and Frank
Mary Ann Shirk (Hribar)
I agree with Arlene. I am so glad I grew up at that time. Kids were much more grounded and kind. Not that I dated a lot, but any Shrine guy I went out with was a perfect gentleman. I went to college with Kate Kehoe, Sue Kelly, Charlotte Porter, and Pam Morey. How I wish we had been friends in high school. I dated Jerry Schwartz for a while. He was pure gold as a person. There were so many great people in our class.
Tom Scott
On a different note I have to tell you about my granddaughters, Kaelin (10) and Avery (6) or the rocket as she calls herself Both r into gymnastics and r taught by Russian Olympians. My daughter was told that Kaelin might not make the team, well through hard work and dedication she us the State of North Carolina. Division 3 champion for 2013, in the over all competition she finished 7th out if a thousand kids.Ms Avery who is probably more athletic of the two, in 4 meets this year in division 1 she has 2 seconds over all and the last 2 she finished 1st over all. She called me up to tell me how she did and she said that she and Kaelin have so many medals and trophies that they will have to buy a bigger house and make a trophy room. They r also straight A students, and. Last summer I was voted the best. Papa if the summer and they took me to dinner. I will send some pic of the girlie girls.
Tom Scott
Lucia very touching thoughts on Kathy. You mentioned Cummings in Berkley , our family was on Thomas one street over. Moved to Royal Oak in 1955 crooks and 13 area.Tom Scott
My Sister Patti class of 64 reported Francee Borgo who started Borgo School of dance passed away she was 95. Borgo sisters is the second oldest business in Royal Oak, Sullivan and sons funeral home is the oldest. So any of you sent your daughters and granddaughters to Borgo was probably taught by Patti, she was there for over 40 years.