This memorial page is dedicated to all our deceased classmates listed
alphabetically by maiden name
Barbara Allen Harring
Marjorie Ahlberg Henry
BetsyAndrews Jauss
Ann Arnold White
Fleda Asbury Dean
Mary-Alana Baker Ellis
Anne Austin Mazlish
Nancy Bair Peacock
Ginny Barbour Shope
Carolyn Barstow Pledger
Adrienne Becker Zausner
Jane Beebe Turner
Doris Berger Berkstresser
Patricia Berlin Corelli
Rhoda Ann Bierstedt
Alice Blomquist Crotty
Valerie Bloomstein Sickle
Eleanor Bookstein Gorodetzer
Carolyn Brastow Pledger
Margaret Broughton Tenney
Liz Butler Bailey
Margorie Braverman Green
Anne Buttrick Irwin
Patricia Cannon Sprague
Gay Chaffee Hartman
Bette Marie Christ
Francoise Christiaen
Ann Clark Wolff
Burr Clevenger Henahan
Ann Cole Berquist
Joyce Cudlipp Wiggin
Anne Bush Lemp
Susan Colby McGreevy
Judith Cooper Healy
Kathryn Coram Gagnon
Carol Costello Leary
Margaret Cranston Parsons
Mary Anne Croft Osborne
Susan Danielson Wood
Connie DeMuzio Kehoe
Constance de Toulouse Lautrec
Ellen Dobbie Full
Suzanne Donaldson Poor
Nancy Drum Price
Denny Edgar Gordon
Marcia Eigen Evans
Thelma Englander Goldberg
Clarita Erlandsen Davis
Rhoda Ernst Babcock Bannon
Frances Eskridge Guttmacher
Jane Estey Peters
Jane Fauver Montgomery
Deborah Fenbert Weiss
Ellie Fischel Ruben
Sandra Fitch Stakeley
Anna Fogelberg Verret
Nancy A. Finck
Sandra Fitch Stakeley
Judith Fuld Miller
Janet Galley Peckham
Anne Garcin Wasson
Anne Goodrich Raynor
Jean Gordon Tompkins
Joan Gotwals Schaefer
Eleanor Graham Claus
Lois Graham Tingler
Barbara Grant Deedy
Barbara Grave Storms
Janice Stephens Hagen
Margaret Hale Kunhardt
Heather Hamilton Thwarp
Cynthia Hannah Jones
Pat Hassick Bolton
Deborah Hazzard Nash
Jean Hopkins Sargent
Joyce Howard MacFarland
Elizabeth Humphries Richardson
Naomi Isquith Moessinger
Helen Jacobs Altman
Cynthia Jennison Harnett
Margot Johnson Grubb
Mary Louise Johnson Pinkham
Elise Karas Kenney
Martha Ann Kelleran
Phyllis Kenney Gaffney
Pamela Kenworthy Harer
Barbara Klickstein Rubenberg
Phyllis Klietzen Campbell
Janice A. Krusen
Linka Kruysman Lee
Nancy Leech Mohr
Dorothy Lefkowitz Litwin
Beverly Lindholm Kelsey
Florence Lockhart Nimick
Wendy Loye Hall
Sally Manly John
Rima Maxwell Segal
Bebe McClure Anderson
Nancy Maginnes Kissinger
Ann McGregor Graaskamp
Joan McGuire Voight
Barbara McReynolds Dubee
Liliane Mejean Morrison
Nancy Merrell Swertfager
Elizabeth Miller Jenkins
Catherine Miner Murphy
Sally Morton Duncombe
Joan Morrison Mason
Myra Mullins Baker
Barbara Muehrcke Allen
Patricia O'Keeffe Brodt
Anne Orvis Lucas
Judith Ortlieb Noyes
Mary Jane Parker Young
Evangeline Papantones Callahan
Polly Paradise Russell
Margaret Paschen Stewart
Virginia Perkins Fraser
Cynthia Pinney Hammar
Marion Phear Strandberg
Jean Piser Zuver
Nancy Powers Taylor
Betsey Pratt Marlowe
Nancy Prins Johnson
Ann Prosswimmer Pratt
Barbara Raye Lockert
Elise (Butch) Raymond Wallace
Nancy Reid Faulhaber
Jane Robinson Reiss
Jeanne Romieux Uhlich
Margot Rusch Allison
Jane Sanborn Ergood
Stevia Sargent Lesher
Lois Schmidt Shie
Jan Scott
Juli Shea Towell
Henrietta Simler Buch
Suzanne Sitterly Nelson
Eda Small Mayer
Shirley Smith Smith
Mary Sommer Seasword
Constance Spence Powell
Elizabeth Spofard DeGraw
CA St John Gebhardt
Virginia Starr Pope
Ellen Steiner
Sue Steinharter Friendlander
Ann Stevenson Berman
Susan Stien Maire
Carol Stover Murphy
Catherine Suarez Szap
Kristen Swanfeldt Sergienko
Joanne Thomas Pope
Joan Throckmorton Folger
Joan Thorton Baldridge
Paula Titiev Steuer-Davis
Barbara Toman Mundy
Martha Tuttle Ickler
Ann Underhill Rosenbaum
Fleur Varney Chandler
Gail Voelker Barrnett
Gail Wainwright Tseckares
Phyllis Walsh Crocker
Anna M. Washburn
Dorrit Werner Purdy
Barbara Welt Alessandro
Mary Weaver Wilson
Mary Ellen Wesseler Monroe
Liz WInship Periale
Gwendolyn Weirnick Herzig
Elizabeth White Saunders
Nancy Whittum Steen
Joan Williams Stern
Janice Arline Wilson
Mary Winship Periale
Betsy Winters Horton
Beth Whitaker Maker
Helene Yeager Peters
Nancy Young Duncan
Loraine Zellan Greenspan
June 5, 2004
November 30, 2011
April 4, 2024
October 19, 2021
October 22, 2017
July 29, 2022
November 28, 2023
September 9, 2009
December 15, 2019
July 8, 2021
January 22, 2013
October 26, 2007
April 20, 2017
October 24, 2020
June 26, 2009
October 27, 2005
November 8, 2011
December 15, 2019
December 27, 2016
June 30, 2017
December 11, 2019
February 21, 2006
November 11, 2019
June 7, 2020
July 26, 1954
November 30, 2019
July 12, 2017
January 27, 2025
October 4, 2023
February 21, 2010
March 31, 2010
May 9, 2022
December 5, 2018
December 20, 2004
February 12, 2012
November 27, 2006
March 16, 2026
December 24, 2008
January 11, 2008
October 10, 2017
March 12,2022
January 17, 2021
October 16, 2019
May 29, 2012
September 13, 2018
March 14, 2015
November 17, 2019
November 21,2022
May,18, 1999
June 2, 2017
April 25, 2018
September 16,1991
March 5, 1987
April 6, 2022
May 26, 2013
April 25,1996
March 1986
March 2005
March 21,1999
July 4, 2020
January 24, 1990
June 6, 2018
November 2, 2020
October 23, 2025
February 10, 2022
March 26, 2021
December 11,1991
April 4, 2024
October 11, 2004
March 13, 2016
June 1, 2004
December 16, 2008
March 17, 2025
February 21, 2015
May 13, 2022
October 21, 2016
June 20, 2003
December 30, 2013
June 9, 2025
January 13, 2000
June 4, 2014
November 9, 2023
December 24, 2022
November 25, 2016
July 1, 2014
August 16, 2007
May 12, 2024
June 27, 2016
May 16, 2017
August 14, 2021
January 22, 2018
September 12, 1976
May 25, 1981
October 20, 2025
December 28, 2013
October 20, 2022
September 8, 2017
August 20, 2026
October 21, 2015
June 5, 2017
May 11, 1990
February 23, 2014
January 29, 2017
April 21, 2023
September 2, 2010
July 9, 2005
June 30, 2010
September 10, 2010
November 26, 2017
August 8, 2023
May 25, 1982
June 2, 2011
November 1. 2009
September 6, 1982
March 5, 2006
August 19, 2019
October 13, 2004
January 29, 2017
April 15, 2017
December 22, 2017
December 8, 2017
November 14, 2011
December 27, 2024
March 8, 2017
March 2001
May 22, 2019
June 10, 2022
March 30, 2008
October 12, 2025
January 15, 2019
September 22, 2022
February 25, 2020
September 12, 2015
August 31, 2025
August 1, 2025
November 3, 2023
October 8, 2013
February 13, 2012
January 23, 1998
May 24, 2023
December 30, 1993
November 23, 2021
February 5, September 25, 2022
May 1, 2016
December 6, 2005
September 11, 2023
December 17, 2022
September 10, 2021
May 26, 2014
June 10, 2014
May 19, 2020
September 4, 2025
September 8, 1980
February 18, 2013
March 3, 2018
January 14, 2021
August 23, 2023
October 25, 2025
June 17, 2013
April 23, 2021
April 28, 1978
December 8, 1994
November 2024
April 6, 2014
January 12, 2026
November 20, 1989
May 31, 2016
July 26 1990
February 28, 2014
March 6, 1994
May 22, 1986
May 31, 2016
April 24, 2013
March 7, 2016
Jan 4, 2021
December 22, 2000
May 7, 2022
July 19, 2016
Eleanor Graham Claus
October 23, 2025
Fleur Varney Chandler
October 25, 2025
Fleur Elizabeth Varney Chandler, age 92, passed away peacefully at Pennswood Village, in Newtown, PA, where she and her husband of 70 years, [Dr. James John (“Jay”) Chandler] lived since 2016, following 50 years as residents of Princeton, NJ.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Fleur’s family moved several times so her father could pursue his Army career, but upon his retirement after WWII, they settled in Rocky River, Ohio. It was there, in her hometown high school, that Fleur caught the eye of a handsome upperclassman, Jay
Chandler, who became the love of her life. Their seven decades-long love story was a partnership marked by mutual respect, an enduring affection for each other, a commitment to give back to their community, their shared faith, delight in their daughter and grandchildren, and in discovering new places and cultures.
Fleur earned a scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where she nurtured her lifelong commitment to learning but also cultivated an elegant curiosity about the world and a blossoming love for Jay, who was attending Dartmouth College, 115 miles north in Hanover, NH. Soon after graduation in June 1955, Fleur donned her wedding dress, and the family dog promptly leapt through her veil. Undeterred, the high school sweethearts said, “I do,” vowing ‘to love and cherish each other ‘til death do us part, and that they did.
Early in their marriage, while Jay pursued his medical degree at the University of Michigan, Fleur loved teaching first graders in Saline, Michigan, and later was a substitute teacher in other communities where she lived. Jay’s career in medicine and as a Navel Officer brought them to Boston, Massachusetts, Newport, Rhode Island, Portland Oregon, and to Newfoundland, Canada, where Fleur hosted a radio show on the Naval base every Friday, and where their daughter, Jennifer Fleur Chandler, was born.
When Jay completed his surgical residency in 1965, the Chandlers settled in Princeton, New Jersey. Fleur loved living in Princeton where she dove into serving on the Women’s Auxiliary of the Princeton Medical Center as President and on the hospital’s board. Along with other doctors’ wives she enthusiastically committed to baking hundreds of strawberry shortcakes for the Strawberry Patch at the famous annual “Hospital Fete.”
Pursuing her commitment to education and service she created an endowed scholarship at her alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, and valued her volunteer work for the Mount Holyoke Club of Princeton and as well as fellowship through her membership in the Present Day Club. Alongside Jay she was a strong supporter of Princeton Day School, All Saints Church, in Princeton, and WomenSpace, as well as other nonprofits in Mercer County, NJ.
An animated presence and gardener of note, Fleur knew the name and temperament of every flower in her garden which she nurtured as intentionally as her many friendships.
Everyone marveled that she never forgot to send greeting cards to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Fleur was also known for her gracious manners and ability to make everyone feel appreciated, including those who cared for her at the end of her life. She
loved a good party and took great joy in cooking, setting a beautiful table, and making sure everyone’s plate was full.
Fleur shared her love of learning and interest in the history and cuisine of different cultures with Jay. Together they often entertained in the home they adored designed by noted Princeton-area architect Rolf Bauhan, and traveled widely, but Fleur’s favorite spot in the world was their summer cottage in Quebec, built by Jay’s grandparents in the 1930’s. There, on an island in the middle of a large Canadian lake, Fleur celebrated being in harmony with family, friends, and nature. Canada was where she honeymooned with Jayin 1955, bonded with family, celebrated many of her own birthdays and wedding anniversaries, loved listening to the loons and watching the moon rise, hosted dinner parties and porch “wine tastings,” caught fish, and expertly cooked them. It often seemed that for Fleur, the rest of the year was waiting to return to Canada.
For loving and being loved by Jay for 70 years, Fleur’s life was blessed, and when adversity faced her, that love and her faith, as well as the support of family and the skilled caregivers at Pennswood Village, gave her comfort and strength.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Dr. James John (Jay) Chandler, who resides at Pennswood Village in Newtown, PA; her daughter, Jennifer Chandler Hauge (Potomac Falls, VA) and treasured grandchildren, Camden Chandler Hauge of (New York, NY) [Lucas Sin] and Michael Lansdowne Hauge (Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia); her younger brothers, Dr. James (Jim) Varney [Ruth], also of Princeton, NJ, and Tom Varney [Linda Martin] of Hilliard, Ohio, as well as her sons-in-law, Stephen B. Hauge (Morristown, NJ) and Steven N. Berk (Potomac Falls, VA), As an extra bonus,Fleur was lovingly “adopted” by two wonderful “bonus” children and their families, Emily
Bakemeier (Guilford, CT) and Dylan Hogarty (Princeton, NJ and New York, NY).
A memorial service will be held at All Saints Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers,
please consider a donation in Fleur’s memory to the Fleur Varney Chandler ’55 Endowed
Scholarship at Mount Holyoke College; to Pennswood Village, Newtown, PA; or
Womanspace, in Lawrenceville, NJ.
The Class of 1955 proudly dedicates our 50th Reunion Book to Eleanor Graham Claus. We can think of no one in any class who has done so much for Mount Holyoke.
Ellie was an Alumnae Trustee from 1987-1992 and then served on the Board for another ten years beginning in 1994. For the last four years she has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mount Holyoke College. At the same time she was also Co-Chair of the college ’s highly successful Comprehensive Campaign, which raised over $257 million. In addition, Ellie has been a member of the Investment Committee of the college and a major gifts volunteer.
Wherever she has lived, local Mount Holyoke Clubs have benefited from her loyalty and efficienty. In California she helped to run the San Franciso Phonathon and was the Conference Coordinator for the state. She was an Admissions Representative when she lived in Omaha, Nebraska and is currently a member of the Mount Holyoke Club of Cape Cod.
The Class of 1955 has always been a priority. Over the years she served as the Mary Lyon Society Class Chair, as Vice-President of our Class, as a Reunion Gift Caller, and as the Cornerstone Representative. She is currently on the committee for the class Oral History Project and is the Social Assistant for our 50th Reunion.
It is hard to believe that our classmate could have done so much for Mount Holyoke and still have found time for a successful professional career. After graduating from college, she earned a RN from Hartford Hospital School of Nursing and a MSN from the University of Pennsylvania. Ellie worked in the medical field throughout her career, advancing to executive positions as President and CEO of Alta Bates-Herrick Hospital in Berkley, California, and Senior Vice-President of the Catholic Health Corporation in Omaha, Nebraska.
She and her husband, Clyde, are now enjoying a well deserved and active retirement on Cape Cod. They have become expert weavers and engaged in numerous community activities.
We are indeed fortunate to have this lovely, talented and accomplished lady as a member of the Class of 1955. Ellie epitomizes the true spirit and complishments of an uncommon Mount Holyoke Woman.
This is a copy of the dedication in our 50th Reunion Handbook
which was dedicated to Ellie
Eleanor (Ellie) G. Claus died October 23, 2025 at her home on Cape Cod. She was the beloved wife of the late Clyde R. Claus, who passed away in 2016. Born in Paterson, NJ, Ellie graduated from the Dwight School in Englewood, NJ in 1951, and Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in sociology / physiology in 1955. Ellie earned an R.N. in 1956 from Hartford Hospital and a Masters in Science of Nursing from the Graduate School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania in 1969.
Ellie spent the bulk of her career in healthcare where she held executive positions during a time when there were few women in these jobs. Early in her career, Ellie was President/CEO of Hunterdon Medical Center in NJ. In 1978 she went to Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, CA where she rose to the position of President/CEO. In 1990 Ellie became President/CEO of Catholic Health Corporation in Omaha which later merged with Catholic Health Initiatives, resulting in the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system. Under Ellie’s leadership as President of the Central-Midwest Region, Catholic Health Initiative, she was responsible for multiple acute care hospitals, longterm care facilities, retirement housing, and rehabilitation facilities located in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Nebraska until her retirement in 1998.
In December 2004, after serving on the Board of Trustees of Mount Holyoke College for 17 years, (including five years as Chair of the board) Ellie stepped down from trustee work but remained active in the affairs of her college. Ellie said, "My tie with Mount Holyoke College has been a large part of my life, preparing me for a satisfying and useful career. I met my husband there and was married on the campus, developed many lifelong friendships and was privileged to participate in the governance of the college.”
Ellie, Clyde, and their much-loved dogs moved to Barnstable, MA in 1998 where they immersed themselves in the community and developed a wide circle of friends. During this time, Ellie served as a trustee of Cape Cod Healthcare and Sturgis Library in Barnstable, Barnstable Neighbor to Neighbor, and advisory member of Cape Cod College’s Nursing program. In 2008, Ellie began a rewarding career with Kinlin Grover Realty.
Ellie is survived by her brother, Theodore K. Graham of Hardwick, VT, Kinne McBride (niece) of Jamestown, RI, Kate Graham (niece) of King Ferry, NY, and Peter Graham (nephew) of Washougal, WA.
In keeping with Ellie’s wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date in Barnstable to scatter her ashes. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Thirwood Place and Beacon Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.
With gratitude and sadness, we announce the passing of Joanne Thomas Pope (née Thomas), 92, who died peacefully on September 4th 2025 from complications of pulmonary disease. She was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on October 9, 1933, and spent many formative summers at family cottages on Georgian Bay, She attended Mount Holyoke College and graduated from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (Cleveland) in 1958. She married Charles E. Pope II MD and was blessed with two
children.
Jo's nursing career involved psychiatric, operating room, and hospice work where her compassion and care touched many lives. She was a tireless volunteer with both Providence Hospice in Seattle and Lopez Island Hospice. She was a member of Epiphany Parish of Seattle (where she served on the vestry), and Grace Episcopal Church, Lopez Island. She was an active member of the Women's University Club.
Her interests were varied and included collecting recipes and cookbooks and cooking gourmet meals for friends and family. She was an avid reader and traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. She even had to add extra pages to her passport! Jo enjoyed art and specialized in small watercolor drawings.
Jo is lovingly remembered by her husband Charles E. Pope II MD; her daughter Mary Katherine (Kathy) Pope (Ed Bacco); her son John Thomas Pope (Mary); and her adored grandchildren Katherine (Katie) Brooke Pope and Charles (Charlie) Carver Pope.
Services will be held at Epiphany Parish of Seattle. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to your local humane society or a charity of your choice.
Mary Anne (Croft) Osborne Passed away on March 16, 2026, surrounded by all of her children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and deep devotion to her family.
Mary Anne was a trailblazer in the best sense. After attending Roycemore School in Evanston, Illinois, she earned academic honors at Mount Holyoke College and went on to complete the Radcliffe Management Training Program, part of a pioneering group of women who attended the year before Harvard Business School officially opened its doors to women.
She worked in finance at Loomis Sayles before finding her stride in real estate, starting with Century 21, where she became one of the top fifteen brokers in the country and eventually, founding her own firm, Prime Properties, in Westwood. She brought the same determination and high standards to everything she took on.
Mary Anne was so much more than her professional life. She taught Nantucket basket weaving, loved a good game of Canasta, and enjoyed reading and watching the latest shows and movies, always eager to discuss them with friends and loved ones.
She gave generously of her time, volunteering with Family Services of Dedham, the New England Home for Little Wanderers, the Dedham Exchange and the Dedham Historical Society, to name just a few.
Curious, resilient, and committed to remaining engaged, relevant, and doing things well, she left her mark in more ways than one. Most of all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love made a deep and lasting difference in the lives of those closest to her.
She was the beloved wife of Robert "Bob" Osborne, who preceded her in death in February 2007, and with whom she built a life and a family she treasured. She is survived by her children, Timothy, Robert and Julia Osborne Porrazzo, her grandchildren, Casey, Matthew and William, Alexandra, Emma and Caitlin.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 3:00 PM, at the First Church and Parish, in Dedham, 670 High St., Dedham. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mary Anne may be made to the Dedham Historical Society.
Joanne Thomas Pope
September 4, 2025
Jane was my college roommate. We met on our first day at MHC and remained friends forever. Jane was a Philosophy major and a member of the Judicial Board at MHC. Soon after graduation she married Bob Reiss and, after a tour in the Army, they settled in Chatham, NJ where they raised their 2 sons. While in Chatham Jane was a legal advocate for battered women and a member of the Environmental Commission in Chatham long before it was "fashionable" to be "green." She loved the out-of-doors and was often found canoeing or ice skating. As an alumna Jane served several times as a Class Agent and as a Nominating Committee member. The Reisses and the Kellers shared, many vacations, dinners and, most notably, decades of ringing in the New Year together. She was a wonderful friend and I will miss her.
Sue Nutter Keller
Jane Robinson Reiss
November 12, 2025
Mary Ellen (Chirpy) Wesseler Monroe
January 13, 2026
Mary Ellen Monroe (nee Wesseler), or Chirpy, as she was called by her friends and family, passed away on Tuesday January 13, 2026 at Beverly Hospital in Massachusetts.
Chirpy was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933 and grew up in Scarsdale, NY and Ridgewood, NJ. After graduating from Mount Holyoke College she married Denis Monroe and then moved to St. John’s and later Topsail where they raised three children.
She enjoyed sailing across the bay with the family, tending to the snapdragons in her flower garden in Topsail, hiking and swimming on Topsail Beach. Chirpy and Denis recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were very close.
She leaves behind her husband who recently turned 95, her three sons (Tim, John and Daniel), eight grandchildren (Nick, Katie, Sam, Helen, Molly, Lindsey, Dana and Tate), 16 great grandchildren (Charlie, Lola, Maggie, Luca, Juliet, Max, Zoey, Hunter, Ellis, Jack, Theo, Madison, Julian, Sydney, Nellie and Georgie) spread out in Houston, Toronto, Danvers, MA. and Florida.
She will be cremated and ashes will be spread into Conception Bay this summer. The family will miss her dearly.
Condolences can be sent to; TimothyMonroe@Outlook.com
Chirpy and I had been classmates together for a very long time since we both went to Scarsdale High School as well as Mount Holyoke. She was a great friend, and we shared so many memorable times. After Junior year at MHC Chirpy and I and two other friends drove 12,000 miles across our country visiting all our National Parks and even up into Banff and Lake Louise. It was a wonderful trip, and she was a wonderful happy companion who was full of fun and so easy going.
I think the maddest I ever saw Chirp was when she saw her freshman room at Pearsons. It was on the first floor behind the bell desk, and she was, understandably, not a happy camper.
She married Denis Monroe shortly after graduation and moved to Newfoundland, which was quite an adjustment, but being Chirpy she coped very well and learned that women in Scarsdale and women in St Johns were not really thought of in the same universe. I’m not sure many of us could have made that transition. They had three boys, and after the boys all moved to the U.S. Denny and Chirpy also returned to the states. I’m sure she was glad to be back.
Somehow I remember graduations from high school and college as we sat listening to the speakers. WE, WI, WI all in a row. Chirpy, Joan Willenbrok (Willie) and Wink both for high school and college, chuckling about the cute little old ladies back for their 50th Reunion at MHC. And here we are twenty years older than those cute little old ladies.
Chirpy”s nickname was her personality. I will miss my most cheerful friend.
Wink
Mary Anne Croft Osborne
March 16, 2026
Philanthropist Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, onetime foreign policy researcher and wife of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, has died. She was 92. She died Thursday at her home in Kent, Connecticut, Robert Johnson, manager of the property, told The Associated Press. The cause of her death was not disclosed. Johnson said she will be buried next to her late husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
The daughter of a New York City lawyer, she met Henry Kissinger while working for New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. The couple wed in1974. She was described by one profiler as a brainy, Blass-bedecked blonde. She was often seen at high fashion openings and was a strong presence on the New York philanthropy scene.
Nancy Kissinger can pick up the phone and get right through to the CEO. Nobody keeps her waiting, philanthropist Judy Peabody said after chairing a successful hospital charity event in 1989. Michael Bloomberg the billionaire founder of the Bloomberg financial-news empire, former New York City mayor and a friend of the Kissingers said in a social media post that Nancy Kissinger was a powerhouse of ideas and insights that she put to work throughout her life in government and philanthropy and as Henry’s most valued and trusted advisor.
He added she was the ultimate diplomat as wise as she was discreet and I know how completely Henry admired and loved her. Diana and I were fortunate to call her a dear friend, and to see their extraordinary partnership in action over the decades. We will miss her greatly.
The Kissinger’s met in the mid-1960s when he was a consultant for Rockefeller, and she was on the staff of Rockefeller's Commission on Critical Choices for America. Henry Kissinger had joined the Nixon administration and was Secretary of State when he and the former Nancy Sharon Maginnes married on March 30, 1974,
in a civil ceremony in Arlington, Virginia.
After leaving Washington, they returned to New York and lived in homes in Manhattan and Kent, Connecticut. The daughter of an Episcopalian Park Avenue lawyer, Nancy Kissinger grew up with two brothers and a horse on an estate in White Plains. She attended Good Counsel Academy, a Catholic girls school in White Plains, and the
exclusive Master's School in Dobbs Ferry, from which she graduated in 1951. She returned to the school to teach history for two years after graduating from Mount Holyoke in 1955. Graduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley followed before she went to work for Rockefeller.
Memories from M. C. Bachmann Churchill
As you likely read our classmate Nancy Maginnes Kissinger died August 20 in South Kent, CT after more than 50 years as the wife and devoted partner of Henry . The NYTimes and other news media described her as a very important, able confidant and advisor to Henry, accompanying him on many of his diplomatic missions. She is survived by several step children.
A history major at MHC, Nancy was low-key and fun with a dry wit. When we were in No.Rocky our sophomore year, Nancy roomed with Jeanne Romieux nearby and would often come to my room to listen to funny letters from my later-to-be husband John Churchill. We laughed and laughed.
Later in NYC, I ran into her several times, once at a benefit when she was very friendly and quickly took me over to meet Henry. She led an amazing life, both as a diplomat and as a socialite in Manhattan, always beautiful dressed in designer clothes.
