News

Alumni Notes | February 2025

Publications & Celebrations

Lyn (Tomc) Sonnenberg ‘96 (Biology) together with her co-authors, launched the first book of their series entitled, Equity in Action on January 31st. The book, Carefully Chosen Words: Language for Inclusive Care, is a practical guide that equips healthcare professionals with actionable strategies to build trust, promote equity, and cultivate meaningful relationships through the transformative power of intentional language.

Authored by Dr. Lyn K. Sonnenberg, MD, and M.V. Jade Alcantara, BN, MSc—renowned experts in health equity and communication—this book addresses the critical need for inclusive practices in healthcare. By seamlessly blending theory with practical application, it empowers professionals to transform their approach to connecting with patients, families, and colleagues.

Obituaries

Wesley Vanderhoof '62 (English)

Satyendra Huga ‘66 (Psychology)

He leaves his wife of 20 years, Irene Huja; his son Uday Singh Huja of Australia and his wife Sarah and daughter, Paige; his son Ajai Singh Huja of Oregon, wife Christin, and their children Meera and Simran; his brother Dr. Birendra Singh Huja of Hawaii and his wife Sushil. His eldest brother, Commodore Rabinder Singh Huja, passed in 2019 in Pune, India.

Born in Kohat, India (now in Pakistan) in 1942, to Jai Singh Huja and Shanti Devi Huja, he immigrated to the United States in 1960. He received his undergraduate education at Cornell University and Roberts Wesleyan College in Architecture and Psychology respectively. He received his BA in psychology with honors. He earned his graduate degree in City Planning from Michigan State University.

He was a follower of the Sikh religion, but attended the Unitarian Universalist Church in Charlottesville.

He was elected the Mayor of the City of Charlottesville and served two terms from January 2012 to January 2016. He was also a member of Charlottesville City Council from January of 2008 until finishing as Mayor in 2016. He was the first Indian Sikh mayor of an American city.

Prior to that he worked for the City of Charlottesville for 33 years as the Director of Planning, Director of Community Development and finally as Director of Strategic Planning. In his time working for the city he was a strong advocate for the construction of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, Historic Court Square revitalization, University Corner revitalization, and Starr Hill neighborhood revitalization. In addition, he initiated the construction of Northeast Park, Star Hill Park, River View Park and the Rivanna Greenbelt. He advocated for housing for the elderly, people with disabilities and people living in poverty. He was responsible for the first adopted comprehensive plan for the City of Charlottesville, which included physical, social and economic factors in a holistic manner.

As planning director he initiated many social programs, including Meals on Wheels, the Mediation center, and Alliance for Interfaith Ministry. He supported the Art In Place program. Finally he was a strong advocate for the preservation of nature-particularly trees.

In addition to his work for the city, he was a lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning Division for 40 years.

He served as deputy Director of Planning and Chief Planner for the City of Portsmouth, Virginia. He worked on many projects, including Portsmouth Marine Terminal. From October 1969 to December of 1970, he was the executive director of RNED model cities in Rochester NY and advocated for low-income families. From May 1968 to October 1969, he was a City Planner with the Rochester Bureau of Planning, major tasks included attitude research, and Genesee River plan.

His most rewarding job was serving in soup kitchen for 40 years.

He was the author of 6 books, including Poems in Prose and Line; Some Thoughts for Friends and Friends to be; Porch Swings to Patios; Community Planning and Development Outline; Add a Little Spice to Your Life; and Sikhism prayer in action.

He received many honors and awards including first in class for his Master's program; Bachelors of Arts Cum Laude; Distinguished Service Award at Wesleyan College; Outstanding Young Men of America (1972 listing); President's Committee on employment of handicapped; President of India Association; Honors from Virginia Society of American institute of Architects; Who's Who in America (2001 listing); Pew Foundation recognition for Downtown revitalization; Piedmont Council of the Arts Special Recognition Award; and Fellow of American Institute of Certified Planners.

He was a member of or served on many community boards, including Board of Monticello Area Community Action; Jefferson Area United Transportation; Piedmont Housing Alliance; Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center; Jefferson Area Board for Aging; and Art in Place.

His major interests were community building, planning, nature, design, art, travel, international affairs, and religion in its broadest terms.

He challenged himself and others to think out of the box - to find creative solutions.

Donations may be given to Meals on Wheels or the Charlottesville Municipal Band in his honor. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 1st at 3:00 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Church on Rugby Road.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyprogress/name/satyendra-huja-obituary?id=57589160

Brian E. Clickner O’Donnell ‘81 (Music)

On February 6th, 2025, BRIAN, passed away peacefully in the loving care of staff at Marymount University Hospital & Hospice. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends in the U.S., his kind neighbours and his many close friends both here and afar.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/brian-odonnell-clickner-cork-bantry-584708

C. Decker Spotts ‘57 (Mathematics)

C. Decker Spotts passed away on January 28, 2025 at his son's home in PIttsford, Vermont. He was born in North Chili, NY on September 9, 1930. He was the son of Charles F. and Lois Ann (Whitford) Spotts. He received his teaching degree at Roberts Wesleyan College and his masters in administration at the University of Rochester. He served in the US Air Force as a Chaplain's assistant during the Korean War. He married Ann Senchuck on December 5, 1953 in Youngsville, PA. He started his career by teaching math in Rochester, NY, then upon moving to Maryland, he was the vice principal at North Carroll and Westminster HIgh Schools. He then was an administrator at a Chrisitan school in York, Pennsylvania and Greenville, SC. He was very involved with Youth for Christ in Rochester, NY and Hampstead, MD. He was an active member of the Gideons. He was very active in directing and participating in several choral groups. He was passionate about serving Jesus with his musical abilities and spreading the love of Christ. In his later years, he enjoyed driving tour buses. Ann and him enjoyed 10 years of full time motor homing throughout the country. After completing their motor home treks, they settled in Lakeland, FL., until February 2017 when they moved to Vermont to live with their son. He is survived by his daughter Charann Creech of Greenvilee, SC and son Brian and his wife Tina of PIttsford, VT. He is survived by five grandchildren, Carrie and Luke Creech, Krista (Spotts) Desabrais, Kendra (Spotts) Seavey and Kelsey (Spotts) Magnuson and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Hillary, and Hayden Desabrais, Malcolm and Piper Seavey, and Sophie and Levi Magnuson. He was predeceased by his wife Ann and his son Keith Alan. A private burial will take place at a later date in North Chili, NY. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to BAYADA Hospice, 190 South Main Street, Suite 2, Rutland, VT 05701. Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/c-spotts-obituary?id=57418285

Marcella (Fairfield) Butler ‘73 (English)

Marcella R. Butler, 73, of Addison, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Corning Center for Rehabilitation following a brief illness.

Born in Corning on April 26, 1951, Marcella was the daughter of the late Frank and Waneta Dann Fairfield. Raised in Tuscarora, she was a graduate of Addison Central School. Following high school, Marcella studied at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, earning a degree in elementary education. She enjoyed a 36 year career as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher at Greenwood Central School.

On June 30, 1973, she and Howard E. Butler were married at the Freeman Baptist Church in Tuscarora.

Marcella was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Tuscarora-Woodhull Chapter in Addison. She was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes to share.

She is survived by her husband of over 51 years, Howard Butler of Addison, her son and daughter-in-law, Andrew Ray and Emily Butler of Denver, Colorado, her granddaughter, Margot Claire Butler, her sister, Rose Gillespie of San Angelo, TX and her nephew, Matthew Gillespie of Houston, TX

Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Waneta Fairfield and by her son, Jeremy James Butler on May 19, 1985.

Following her wishes, there will be no formal services.

Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/marcella-butler-obituary?id=57389303

Shirley (Hume) Hanley ‘70 (Social Work)

Shirley Ann Hanley (Hume) was born on October 19, 1948, to Hayden and Harriet Hume in Warsaw, NY. She passed away on December 31, 2024, at the age of 76 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Shirley was the oldest of 6 girls.  She attended Filmore Central School in Filmore, NY from kindergarten through 12th grade. She attended college at Robert’s Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY graduating with honors in 1970, getting her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Work.  During college she was editor for her school newspaper. Upon completion of college, Shirley was 1 of only 35 people nationwide selected to serve as a home missionary in the United Methodist Church’s US-2 program. During which, Shirley served as program director at York’s Epworth Village in York, NE and then worked for a children’s home in Georgia. Later she moved back to Lincoln, NE and became a caregiver for an elderly woman, Mrs. Davis, which led to the introduction and beginning of the relationship between Shirley and Jerry. She later attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln, getting her Master’s degree in Gerontology.

In December 1973 she married Jerald Hanley. They had 2 children, Shawn Patrick Hanley born June 4, 1977 and Kevin Jerald Hanley born June 29, 1982. Shirley and Jerry also raised their grandson Kaeshawn Hanley born May 16, 1998. Shirley was very supportive and extremely proud of the three boys in everything that they did. She never missed an opportunity to brag about them and their talents.

After she married, Shirley worked as a rehabilitation home teacher for the state services for the visually impaired in Omaha, NE. Then when her children were younger Shirley worked for the Red Cross for many years.  While working for the Red Cross she received the Service to Mankind Award for her hard work and dedication.

Shirley had a strong talent for helping others.  She did extensive volunteer work with various youth activities, PTO and schools. She was an active member of her church, most recently Aldersgate United Methodist Church.  She loved to cook, listen to her audiobooks, and help organize and contribute to social events.She was an active member of various clubs including book club, extension club, card club, and was a member on various church boards.  She enjoyed doing activities with her friends, especially going to musicals and plays.  She encouraged her children and grandchildren to enjoy performing arts also.  

In her free time Shirley enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandchildren.  She loved to hear all about school events and extracurricular activities.  Shirley was always up for playing games with her grandchildren, after she made sure they had a snack.

Shirley was continually willing to help others.  Despite being blind the majority of her life, there was nothing she couldn’t and wouldn’t do to be of service.  She loved knowing that she could make a difference by helping others.  She took pride in her faith and put a great deal into helping her church flourish.  She took her passions and talents and passed them on to others.  She will be missed dearly by all of her family and friends not only for her kind heart but the impact she made on many lives.  

Shirley is survived by her husband Jerry Hanley, her sons Shawn Hanley (Rachelle) of Lincoln, NE and Kevin Hanley (Lacey) of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren Kaeshawn Hanley, Kaeden Ginger Hanley, Austyn and Caleb Hanley, Crosley and Fulton Hanley and one great grandchild Kalani Green-Hanley. Her sisters; Jean Totsline (Bill) of Portageville, NY, Linda Hopkins (Donnie) of Mt Morris, NY, Betty Youmans of Nunda, NY and Cathy Ayers (Thomas) of Pike, NY. And many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Hayden Hume and mother Harriet Hume. Sister Bonnie Savory. Mother-in-law Elsie Beau, Father-in-Law John Beau, and brother-in-law Donald Beau.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/journalstar/name/shirley-hanley-obituary?id=57180238

Linda (Fulks) Moore ‘69 (English)

Linda Ann Fulks Moore, 77, a resident of Lapeer, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, surrounded by family.

Linda grew up with her three brothers in a loving home in Montgomery County, Maryland, the youngest and only daughter of the late McKendree and Mildred Fulks. In her youth, she took a keen interest in astronomy, geology, and making floral arrangements, hobbies she would enjoy for the rest of her life. Linda graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1966. She later attended Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, NY, where she cultivated a passion for teaching and made many lasting relationships, including with her former husband Bradley J. Smith, with whom she had three sons.

Linda went on to teach science and enrich students’ lives in four different states during a career that spanned nearly twenty years, the last ten of which she would spend in Ann Arbor Public Schools. Linda also had a heart for missions, and spent time in several states and Haiti providing education to underprivileged children. Her teaching career culminated in a Science Teacher of the Year award and a candidate designation in NASA’s “Teacher in Space” program.

After retiring from teaching, Linda moved out west to Fountain Hills, Arizona. There she could be found winning trophies for her ballroom dancing skills, enjoying the desert heat in her backyard pool, and teaching her beloved Bichon “Sophie” new tricks. Linda enjoyed many great years in Arizona before returning to Virginia and Michigan, where she was closer to family.

Linda was a proud mother to her three sons, all of whom survive her: Andrew Smith (Fredericksburg, VA), Timothy Smith (Columbiaville, MI) and Jeremy Smith (Concord, MI). She adored being “Nana” to her seven grandchildren, Jackson, Hughston, Hannah, Eva, Aiden, Bradley, and Henry and took great joy in the time she spent with them.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents McKendree & Mildred Fulks and her brother Charles Fulks, with whom she is now reunited in Heaven.

She will be laid to rest in Maryland next to her dear parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, a charity she loved supporting for much of her life.

https://www.lynchandsonslapeer.com/obituaries/Linda-Ann-Fulks-Moore?obId=34260693

Carol Lombard ‘72 (Music Education)

Carol Ann Lombard, 79, of East Rd., passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Youngstown, OH on December 31, 1944 the daughter of Earl and Mildred (Klinger) Woods.

Carol attended Eastern Nazarene College, received a Bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and took graduate courses in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

She married James Lombard on August 8, 1964 in Niagara Falls, NY.

Survivors include her husband James of Plattsburgh; sons Matthew (Kim) Lombard of Roanoke, VA, Andrew (Cindy) Lombard of Phoenix, AZ; sister Shirley Wooden of Scottsbluff, NE, grandchildren Jacquelyn Lombard, Kyrie Strickler, Madison Walker; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/carol-lombard-obituary?id=57079552

William Nilsen ‘67 (English)

William H. Nilsen Jr., 85, of Cleveland, Tennessee, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 8, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by loving family. Bill was born on October 13, 1939, to William Nilsen Sr. and Elizabeth Nilsen (Livingston) in Englewood, New Jersey. After graduating from Worcester Central School in 1957 in Worcester, NY, Bill enlisted in the Navy. He was always proud of his service to his country. It was after the completion of his service that Bill accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and enrolled in Eastern Bible Institute. It was there that he met his first wife Helen. They were soon married and began their life together. He then went on to further his education at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. After graduating, Bill became an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. During his nearly 50 years of ministry, he pastored churches in Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. For ten years while pastoring, Bill also preached and taught the word of God through multiple missions to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and other foreign lands. This verse served as a guide for him as he ministered: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10) God’s hand stayed on Bill’s life, even through sorrow. Following the passing of his wife Helen, Bill found love again with Earlean, herself recently widowed. That their hearts might be comforted, they enjoyed 34 years of marriage, being knit together in love. (reference Colossians 2:2a, KJV)

Bill was an avid bass fisherman who loved the outdoors. On his days off he could often be found fishing on one of the Finger Lakes in New York with his son, Dan, daughter Ruth, or his best friend in ministry. He found solace in fishing. His favorite spot was in on the Connecticut River in Vermont.

Bill is predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Helen. He is survived by his wife, Earlean Nilsen, his son, Daniel Nilsen (Karen) of Macedon, NY; his daughter, Ruth Haviland (Doug) of Plainfield, CT; stepson, Jonathan Reneslacis (Meg) of Camp Hill, AL; stepdaughter, Rachel Reneslacis, of Cleveland, TN; and sisters Elizabeth Frisbee, Dorothy Terrell (Charlie), and Janice Howlett. Bill has ten grandchildren: Sarah Walker, Rebekah Nilsen, Leigha Kelley, Dylan Haviland, Kelsie Haviland, Kiersten Haviland, Katelyn Larson, Anne Reneslacis, Julie Reneslacis, and Michael Reneslacis. Bill was also blessed to have eight great-grandchildren. Bill was a kind, funny, gentle, faithful man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Bryant Fellowship Hall at the North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Street Chapel has charge of the arrangements. We invite you to share your memories and condolences with Bill’s family by going to his memorial page at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.

https://www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/william-nilsen-4/obituary

Grant Carey ‘63 (Comprehensive Science)

Grant Eldon Carey passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on December 5, 2024 at the age of 89. Grant is predeceased by his parents, Allen and Erma Carey, sisters Joan (Babcock) and Dorothy (Smith), son Brian and granddaughter Alison Rose (Waclawek). He is survived by June, his loving wife of 67 years, sons, Allen (Amy), Peter, grandsons Matthew (Evalise), Michael, Asa, grandson in law Justin Waclawek, great grandchildren Ada Rose Waclawek and Madison Rose Carey, brother Glenn (Helen) and brother in law Lorne Babcock.

Mr. Carey was a gifted and enthusiastic chemistry teacher at Churchville-Chili High School for more than 30 years where he was admired for his dedication for excellence in education. His exemplary teaching earned Mr. Carey two "High School Teacher of the Year" awards. In addition, following a workshop at Princeton, Grant was honored with the distinction of "Master Teacher" from the University. Always a teacher, in his retirement years, Grant, accompanied by June, taught chemistry for three years in Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Grant was active in both community and school activities and was a longtime member of Pearce Church. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the competitive nature of a round of golf with his dear friends. He also loved playing golf with his son and especially, with his grandsons. Grant modeled the character and integrity that every good golfer should display and instilled those attributes with whomever he played with. One of Grants fondest memories was playing a round of golf at Bay Hill Country Club with his son and grandsons.

Grant often described himself as an imperfect but faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. His dedication to his faith and his desire to bring light to those in need as well as being an encouraging friend to fellow pilgrims was evident in Grant's everyday life.

https://www.jamesrgray.com/obituary/GrantEldon-Carey

Kenneth Demster ‘75 (English)

Kenneth Morton Demster (77) was born July 25, 1947, in Niagara Falls, New York, and passed away October 3, 2024, in New Caney, Texas. He is preceded by; his wife, Karen Demster of 44 years of marriage; his son, Jonathan Demster; and parents, Morton & Lorraine Demster.

Kenneth is survived by: daughter-in-law, Diane Demster, Suzanne Few (husband Ronnie), Michael Demster (wife Sherry), Peter Demster, Rebecca Loyd (husband Jacob), Deborah Tellier (husband Michael), David Demster (wife Julie), and, his brothers-David Demster (wife Mary Jane), Randy Demster, Alan Demster (wife Kayrene), and Brian Demster (wife Bobbie), his sister, Diane Wood, twenty-eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

He was an active and involved Dad. In his younger years Ken attended a one-room primary school house and worked on a farm. He ran cross country in high school and college with state and time records while obtaining his MBA. He served his country on the USS Midway aircraft carrier in Vietnam as a Navy cook and later served the Defense Contract Management Agency and retired from there in 2010. Ken loved his homeland, worked hard, enjoyed cooking, loved God, loved his family and was an ‘I can do it’ kind of guy. 

https://www.riosfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries/kenneth-demster

Cheryl (Shaffer) Walter ‘79 (Religion-Philosophy)

Cheryl Walter, 66, of Galion went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 28, 2023, surrounded by her family at home. She was born on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1957, to Eugene and Yvonne (Graham) Shaffer. Her mother survives to mourn the passing of a second child this year.

Cheryl left behind her husband, Paul, whom she married on June 23, 1979. She shared 44 years with him as a friend, a lover, a counselor, and a confidant supporting him in ministry at Grace Point. She is also survived by five amazing children (and their spouses) for whom she has always provided love, nurture, wisdom, and a listening ear: Andrew and Erica; Elizabeth and Mark; Amanda and Josh; Sarah (her significant other: Jason), and Michael. Her most important role in recent years, as Mommo, has been sharing life, love, and a legacy of faith with her twelve grandchildren: Ethan, Aidan, Grady, Lilah, Lainey, Jacob, Claire, Miles, Evie, Maggie, Wesley, and Chloe.

Cheryl retired from Galion City Schools as a Kindergarten teacher, having previously taught first grade in Nicholasville, KY and at St. Paul Pre-School in Galion. She was an unassuming evangelist. Everywhere she went she left a path that people could follow to Christ.

She understood that her primary mission field was in her home where she loved the Lord fervently and loved her family fiercely. She was the quintessential woman of noble character described in Proverbs 31. Indeed, her children (along with many others) “arise and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:28)

https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Cheryl-Walter?obId=30212698

Harvey Shaffer ‘76 (Religion-Philosophy)

Harvey Eugene “Skip” Shaffer 70 of Apollo, Pa. passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was born on Friday, May 22, 1953 in Apollo,Pa. the son of the Yvonne LaRue Graham Shaffer of Apollo, and the late Orville Eugene Shaffer. Skip was employed by Monroeville Chrysler and Kia as a service underwriter. He enjoyed watching all of his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams; the Pirates, the Steelers and the Penguins.  Skip also enjoyed watching TV, eating out, spending time with his four-footed companions; Sophie, Willow and Hope, but most of all he was a proud grandfather to four very energetic grandsons, who kept him busy. In addition to his mother, he is survived by the love of his life for over 25 years, Christine “Chrissy” Marie Davis, his daughter; Jessica Sadler and her husband, Larry, of Apollo, four grandchildren; Noah, Preston, Jonathan, and Landon, two sisters; Mindy Shaeffer and her husband, Robert, of Hershey, Pa., and Cheryl Walter and her husband, Paul,  of Galion, Ohio, his brother; Sam Shaffer and his wife, Elizabeth, of Concord, Michigan, 9 nieces and nephews and 21 great nieces and nephews, and his “New York” family;  Kim, Rob, Alyssa and Joshua and Mom Marie.

https://www.corridonifuneralhome.com/obituary/Harvey-Shaffer

Share: