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Gordon R. Paterson '47
April 5, 2018, in Stamford, Conn., at 93. He arrived at Colby at 16, studied for two years, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for four years, including at the Battle of Okinawa. He returned to Colby, and in 1950 he earned a law degree from Fordham University. He practiced law for six decades in Connecticut, specializing in commercial real estate law, and later was an attorney trial referee. Volunteer service included time on the City of Stamford's Board of Representatives and Charter Revision Commission and as president and chair of the board of the Stamford YMCA. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Jean Whelan Paterson ’47; five children, including Nancy Paterson Salit ’78 and Kathryn Paterson ’86; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Mary Louise Coulombe Boddy '48
Aug. 23, 2018, in Lawrence, Mass., at 92. Although home and family were her foremost concern, she gave of herself through community service and volunteerism as a Girl Scout leader, a class officer and reunion organizer for her high school, and an activist in a neighborhood association. She was most proud of her work on the Bellevue Cemetery board of directors, serving as chair for 16 years and getting the cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places. She is survived by three children, including Charles D. Boddy Jr. ’84, four grandchildren, including Sean Boddy ’20, and four great-grandchildren.
Beverly Holmes Center '48
June 4, 2018, in Portland, Maine, at 91. She transferred from Colby to D.T. Watson School of Physical Therapy and practiced as a certified physical therapist in three states. Later in life, she earned a B.A. at Western Connecticut State College. She was active in the confraternity of the rosary at her church. Her husband of 67 years, Daniel, three daughters, three grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters survive her.
Carol Carpenter Bisbee '49
July 26, 2018, in Belfast, Maine, at 92. Before attending Colby, she supported the war effort as a draftsman at the Glenn L. Martin Company. She married and had children, then became a classroom teacher for 32 years. She earned her bachelor's in 1963 and a master's in 1968, both from the University of Maine, Orono. While actively engaged with her community in Belfast, she also loved to travel, eventually visiting all seven continents. Predeceased by her sister, Edith Carpenter Sweeney ’52, she is survived by four children, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Mary Bauman Gates '49
July 15, 2018, in Manchester, N.H., at 90. After raising her family, she established a tag and estate sales business called Mary of Westchester, which she ran for more than 20 years. She enjoyed skiing at Sugarloaf, summering on Lake Winnipesaukee, and wintering in Longboat Key, Fla. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Alfred “Bud” Gates ’50, seven children, 13 grandchildren, including Caitlin Gallagher McDonald ’07 and Kristen Gates ’10, and seven great-grandchildren.
Anne Houston Stiller '49
Sept. 13, 2018, in East Haven, Conn., at 91. She earned a degree in medical technology from Central Maine Hospital and worked in labs and for an allergist while moving with her Navy husband. She volunteered with the Altar Guild at her church and with Orchard House, a nonprofit providing day care for seniors. Anne loved to read, enjoyed history, and continued to drive a sports car, an activity that began at Colby. Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Bertram, three children, including Leslie Stiller Kissner ’78 and Elizabeth Stiller Fahey ’81, her son-in-law Kevin Fahey ’80, four grandchildren, including Emily Kissner ’08, and a sister.
Mary Jordan Megargee '50
June 5, 2018, in Tampa, Fla., at 89. She devoted her life to her family and her home while becoming an accomplished seamstress, baker, needleworker, and artist. A reader and Anglophile, she planned trips to England and also enjoyed traveling through Europe, Canada, and the United States. Predeceased by her twin brother, Hugh Jordan ’50, she is survived by her three children and a granddaughter.
Henry W. Gray '51
June 10, 2018, in Scarborough, Maine, at 92. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy, after which he enrolled at Colby. He became a civilian employee at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he worked as a nuclear power engineer until he retired in 1974. He belonged to the York Golf and Tennis Club and the South Berwick Rod and Gun Club. Four children, two grandchildren, and a sister survive him.
John A. Baum '52
March 18, 2017, in Wales at 86. A musician, philosopher of education, and potter, he earned a second bachelor's at the New England Conservatory of Music in 1956, a master's from the University of Colorado in 1959, and a doctorate from Stanford University/University of Cuzco in 1964. He was a Fulbright scholar who published two books and several articles. His ceramic sculptures were exhibited in Peru, Israel, and England. In retirement, he opened Ridgeway Pottery in Wales, where he lived with his wife, Ingrid.
Carol J. Leonard '52
Aug. 2, 2018, in Dover, N.H., at 88. She entered banking right after graduation and established her career in the field, retiring as a vice president of the Bank of Boston after 30 years with the bank. Carol gave back to her community through service to the Wentworth Home and the Women's Club of Somersworth. An expert bridge player, she earned the rank of Bronze Life Master. Gardening, opera, and travel were her other pleasures. Two nieces, a nephew, and their families survive her.
