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Ann Ryan Pierce '52
Aug. 1, 2019, in Portland, Maine, at 88. Books and horses defined a large part of her post-Colby life, which initially involved marriage and raising children. She later earned an M.L.S. from the University of Maine and worked as a law librarian at the Cleaves Law Library in Portland for 16 years, where she published A History of Maine’s County Courthouses while serving as state court library supervisor. Her love of horses began as therapy following a divorce and grew to include the care of animals at her Field Farm and the opening of Whispering Pines Tack Shop, which she ran with her daughter. In retirement, she worked as a children’s librarian while pursuing her passions of piano playing, gardening, dressage, writing and illustrating, and birding. Four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive her.
Beverley Prior Small '52
May 13, 2019, in West Springfield, Mass., at 88. After two years at Colby, she left to pursue her interest in business, spending a year at the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School before working as a secretary in the law department of Mass Mutual. Later, she did office work for Architects of Packaging, a business she started with her husband. She volunteered in her community, played bridge and golf, and enjoyed sports. Two sons and four grandsons survive her.
Alan J. Baer '53
Dec. 4, 2015, in Wynnewood, Pa., at 84. He considered himself a Renaissance man who loved music and the arts, rode horses, and treasured his Jewish heritage. In his professional life, he was a Philadelphia insurance executive. His wife, Anita, four daughters, six grandchildren, and two sisters survive him.
Leone A. Knowles '53
April 2, 2019, in Rockland, Maine, at 87. She earned a master’s in reading instruction from Columbia University in 1954, which prepared her for the 37 years she worked in the Rockland school district, teaching remedial reading for 25 years and then coordinating elementary reading instruction. In retirement, she served two terms on the local school board and was active in her Congregational church as a trustee and on the board of Christian education. Her good friend, Marilee Robinson, survives her.
Loretta Mearns Setter '53
Oct. 2, 2019, in Wilmington, Del., at 88. She became a certified medical technologist in 1954 and spent her career in that field, first with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and then with DuPont Company. She retired to San Diego, where she was active with local organizations such as the cancer society, a senior center, and the Kiwanis Club. She returned to Wilmington to be with her sister and her five nieces and nephews, who survive her.
Leslie Van Nostrand Shaffer '54
Aug. 21, 2019, in New Haven, Conn., at 87. She married in 1956 and devoted herself to raising her family. Later, she worked as an executive secretary for the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk for more than 20 years. Described as eternally optimistic and energetic, she donated her time to local organizations, including the Ladies’ Benevolent Society, two garden clubs, an aquarium, and a retirement home. She was also a bird watcher and golfer, enjoyed kayaking, and relished annual family reunions. Her husband of 63 years, Russell, four sons, including Wendell ’82, and seven grandchildren survive her.
C. Freeman Sleeper '54
Sept. 28, 2019, in Roanoke, Va., at 86. An ordained pastor with the Presbyterian Church, he earned a B.D. in religion from Yale Divinity School in 1958 and a Ph.D. in religion from Vanderbilt in 1963. His career in higher education began at Trinity College as an associate professor and associate dean of academic affairs. In 1970 he began working at LaGuardia Community College, designing curriculum, hiring faculty, and teaching at the newly established college. His career concluded at Roanoke College, where he served as vice president and dean of the college before stepping down to focus solely on teaching Biblical studies, ethics, and the sociology of religion. He retired in 1995, having authored four books and numerous academic articles. Survivors include his wife, Mamie, four children, three stepchildren, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a brother.
Katherine Riley Wagner '54
July 24, 2019, in Gorham, Maine, at 87. She transferred from Colby to Fisher Junior College. Her life centered and the 18th-century farmhouse she and her husband, Russell, restored. Kay enjoyed camping, antiquing, her dogs, and summers at the family cottage on Peaks Island. She leaves four children.
Elizabeth Weymouth Hayden '55
May 18, 2019, in Westerly, R.I., at 86. Wanting to use her Colby sociology degree, she moved to Southern California hoping for a career in social work. Instead, she transferred to San Francisco and worked in insurance before starting her family. Later, together with her husband, she ran a double reed business, traveled, savored fine wines, and enjoyed her pets. Two daughters and a granddaughter survive her.
Sue Biven Staples '55
April 7, 2019, in Langhorne, Pa., at 85. Married the same day she graduated from Colby, Sue moved around the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Once settled in New Jersey, she became an elementary school teacher in the town of Irvington; in retirement, she was a substitute teacher. Described as kind and friendly, she was devoted to her church, played bridge, and enjoyed conversation. She also loved to read. Her Colby friendships were long lasting, and she nurtured them through correspondence, by attending reunions, and volunteering with the Colby Fund. Predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Selden ’55, she leaves five sons, including Spencer ’81, 15 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
