LIFE CARE

LEADE2013R Edition

Writing His Own Playbook Kenneth Honea The Sky Is Dancing in Not the Limit Quicksand Vera Rost Jeanne Gorce

A PUBLICATION OF LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA FORREST L. PRESTON

A Sweet Serenade

the audience quieted, and only For 43 years, since the then did they notice the boy first nursing center opened in up on the bench, innocently Cleveland, Tenn., associates picking out Twinkle, Twinkle dedicated to serving others, Little Star. unpolished though we may be, His mother gasped, but have been surrounded by the A mother, wishing to before she could run to the Master who whispers in our encourage her young son’s stage to retrieve her son, the ears, time and time again – progress at the piano, bought master appeared on the stage no matter how hard the job or tickets for a performance and quickly moved to the what the circumstances facing by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a keyboard. He whispered to the us, personally or professionally – Polish pianist and composer boy, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” and a favorite of concert Leaning over, Paderewski And as we do, He augments audiences around the world. reached down with his left and supplements as a work of When the night arrived, they hand and began filling in a amazing beauty is created. It is found their seats near the front bass part. Soon his right arm a serenade of love and service, of the concert hall and eyed the reached around the other sweet to the Master’s ear. majestic Steinway waiting on side, encircling the child, stage. Soon the mother found to add a running obbligato. a friend to talk to, and the boy Together, the old master and slipped away. When 8 o’clock the young novice held the Forrest L. Preston arrived, the spotlights came on, crowd mesmerized. Chairman 2013 Edition

A PUBLICATION OF LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA

Lasting Resolve Edgar Breault...... 2

Dancing in Quicksand Jeanne Gorce...... 6

Life Care Leader is published annually by Life Care Writing His Centers of America for our residents, the corporate family Own Playbook and friends of Life Care. Kenneth Honea...... 10

Chairman FORREST L. PRESTON Redefining Family Joann Baker...... 14 President BEECHER HUNTER Editor The Personal LEIGH ATHERTON Touch Associate Editor Knox Taussig...... 18 DARA CARROLL

Art Director BOB GRAYSON A Friend of Fame Permission to reprint any portion of Life Care Leader text Doloris Driskel...... 24 or photographs may be granted upon written request. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please address them to: The City Life LIFE CARE LEADER Percival Everhard Ashby.... 28 Life Care Public Relations P.O. Box 3480 Cleveland, Tennessee 37320 (423) 473-5533 The Sky Is An equal opportunity employer Not the Limit © 2013 Life Care Centers of America Vera Rost...... 32 LASTING RES LVE By Ryan Faricelli

T he sun had yet to rise, but the early morning fog began to appear across the French countryside of Château-Gontier. The dew-covered grass left dark marks of moisture on the boots of three American soldiers as they quietly marched through the darkness just before dawn.

Photo by Dana Lane Photography “Instead of taking a right, we kept on going, taking the left,” remembered Edgar Breault of Aug. 7, 1944. He and another soldier from the U.S. Army, 5th Armored Division, followed their lieutenant. “We met the Germans.” There were four Germans and only three of them. Yet, Edgar Breault somehow, Breault and his two companions managed to

2 capture two of the Nazi soldiers. “He was very devoted to my Striking his left arm, a huge In the fight, the other two Nazis mother,” said Breault’s oldest son, chunk of flesh was blown away, managed to run into the forest. David. “But she wouldn’t marry almost completely severing the “’If you don’t come out, we’re him because she came from a very appendage. gonna shoot these two,’” Breault strict Italian family – escorts on “I was disgusted,” noted recalled shouting to the Germans dates and stuff like that. But they Breault of what was going hiding in the woods. knew how to duck out of that. through his mind the moment After a few tense minutes, Don’t tell anybody!” he realized he was shot. His the other two German soldiers Min’s parents had issues with perseverance and patriotism emerged, surrendering to the Breault. Her parents were born brought tears to his eyes as he three Americans. in Italy and were unhappy that finished, “I got shot, and knew I Taking their prisoners, Breault was not an Italian boy. wouldn’t last through the war.” Breault and his fellow soldiers They also didn’t like that Breault In the moments before Breault went back the way they should was seven years older than Min. was rushed back to base, the have originally gone. They made David explained: “He was 30 when decision was made to leave his it about a mile before coming they married, and my mother was arm behind – it was too mangled across an area with a hedgerow only 23.” to be saved. Breault refused to standing roughly 20 feet high. The While still stationed locally, let them, and he held his arm to lieutenant signaled them to stop. having volunteered to serve his keep it attached the entire trip As the lieutenant quietly conveyed country in 1941, Breault married back to base. to the others that he thought he Min on May 22, 1943. heard something on the other He married her while side of the hedge, Breault turned proudly wearing his his head to look at his superior Army uniform. Shortly officer. thereafter, while Min “I turned my face,” Breault was pregnant with recollected clearly, “and the David, Breault was bullets went flying.” shipped to Europe to join the 5th Armored Division. Breault was born April 12, 1913, in Fitchburg, Mass. The second of 11 children, he quit school at The first bullet a young age so he could work ripped across the construction to earn extra money right side of Breault’s face, to help his parents care for his tearing his cheek from chin to brothers and sisters. ear. An instant later, a second When he was in his late 20s, bullet struck his back. A third Breault met Erminia Palumbo, or struck a toe on his right foot, Min, as she was called, at a dance severing the tip, as a fourth hit at City Hall. the ground beside him. That “I liked her,” said Breault. bullet broke in two, and both “Then I loved her. She was my pieces were flung into his groin. everything.” The fifth and final shot, Courting her wasn’t so simple. however, was the most serious.

3 “I got shot and they flew me to In January 1945, Breault England,” explained Breault. “Not was allowed a brief visit to much fun. I waited there until his home. Min had never been they flew me to the United States. allowed to bring David to visit You could say I did some traveling, his father in the hospital. It was but it did not feel too good.” the first time Breault met his Min waited anxiously to see 7-month-old child. Breault for nearly six weeks Later that year, on Aug. 2, after receiving a telegraph 1945, Breault received an informing her of her husband’s honorable medical discharge horrific injuries. In September, from the Army. Two days later, the severely wounded Breault just three days short of a full reached Cushing Veterans year from that fateful morning Hospital in Framingham, Mass. in Château-Gontier, Breault Breault received 33 stitches was released from the hospital. on the right side of his face. He was awarded the European/ Another 23 stitches were sewn African/Middle Eastern Ribbon into his back, near his spine. with one service star, the Medics had, at his insistence, Combat Infantryman Badge, somehow managed to salvage the American Defense Service his arm, though it would always Ribbon, a Good Conduct Ribbon have a malformed cavity from and a Purple Heart. the wound and be significantly shorter than his other arm when fully healed. Left with lingering pains and a Osteomyelitis, a type of weakened left arm that was now inflammation and infection noticeably shorter than his right, of bones and bone marrow, set Breault didn’t let his injuries affect in, requiring skin grafts from his life. With some adjustments, he both of Breault’s legs. Finally, continued to work, play and would he was placed in a body cast, even have two more children, which he remained in for nearly Jeffrey in 1948, and Sylvia in 1949. nine months. Countless hours of “As a youngster, I couldn’t therapy lay ahead of him. wrestle with him because of his Photo by Dana Lane Photography

4 arm,” said David. “We couldn’t however, another result of his States flew in to attend the event. touch him on his left arm.” fondness of walking. Old neighbors, local veterans “It didn’t bother me one way or Retiring at the age of 62, Breault and town officials shared in the the other,” said Breault. “I found spent his later years exploring celebration of Breault’s life – and jobs with just one hand, since my the hobbies he loved with Min. his military history. other hand was no good. I worked They were fans of bowling and Leominster Mayor Dean construction work, and I used square dancing, and also enjoyed Mazzarella presented Breault to like to do that. But I was very traveling. Breault and Min spent with an official city certificate limited in what I could do.” three months each winter in wishing him a happy 100th birthday. Eventually, Breault settled into a Brookfield, Fla., spending all of Breault also received a certificate job at Banner Mold in Leominster, their time together. from the city recognizing him Mass. He worked as a die finisher, Breault was incredibly proud as a centenarian. Another putting the final touches on die of his service to his country, congratulatory award was molds used to cut plastics. but carried great “I remember Dad as being a disappointment at being really busy guy, but he supported unable to fulfill his duty us in our sports as much as he could,” said David. “He just felt part of his life was helping “I liked her,” said Breault. us do more than he did.” “Then I loved her. She was Breault spent what free time he did have constantly my everything.” working on his house. In fact, a neighbor living across the street to serve through the revealed Breault was climbing up entire war. Ironically, on the roof to do repairs even when these emotions kept the source of he was in his 70s. his injuries and his service record presented on behalf of Richard An avid walker, Breault would secret for nearly five decades. Voutour, the city of Leominster’s walk five or six miles a day, rain “I decided to start walking director of veterans’ services, or shine. Usually, his stroll would with him,” David said of how he by Robert Grudziecki, the post end with a trip to his local hangout, first learned of his father’s service commander of the Veterans of Tim’s Diner, followed by daily Mass in the mid 1990s. “Until then, I Foreign Wars. at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. hardly knew much of anything “I’ve been through a lot of He attended Mass every day he [about his service]. My father things, but I’ve still lasted,” said was able. was very private. He was not one Breault with a heartfelt smile. “They were both very involved who wanted anyone to pay much “Life’s not easy. You can’t plan in their church,” said David about attention to that. He did his service anything to go the way you want. his parents. “Their faith played an and that was that.” You can try to change it if you important role in all facets of their Breault couldn’t escape want, but if you plan one thing it’ll life together.” recognition forever. do just the opposite. You just got Breault and Min also became On April 12, 2013, Breault to go with it.” excellent golfers, playing nearly celebrated his 100th birthday at every day. Breault was even Life Care Center of Leominster, named Club Champion on multiple where he now resides. Family occasions. They never used a cart, members from all over the United

5 Photo by Michelle Ellis by Photo

Jeanne Gorce

By Dana Williams T he human body – mind, children amidst imminent snapshot of her life story, nervous system and danger, enduring wrongful a glimpse into her reality. emotions – offers an amazing interrogation and suffering Born and raised in Lyon, show of strength and the tragic death of loved France, Gorce dreamed of endurance, but there is a limit ones would be too much dancing. She took gymnastics to what many people can to bear. throughout grade school and handle. For most, hiding in Yet for Jeanne Gorce, 103, wanted nothing more than to bomb shelters, waking to the a resident of Life Care Center become a ballerina. Gorce end of a gun barrel, raising of Richland, Wash., this is a couldn’t have known the

6 struggles, threats and tragedies her Although her parents didn’t foresee the darkness and turmoil journey would present nor all the support her passion for ballet, that would soon threaten their ways in which she would need to they tried to make up for it by status-quo suburban life. Gorce move gracefully to navigate her chaperoning her to dances and her family were living in way safely through. From a young throughout her teenage years. one of the world’s most unsettled age, songs played in her mind – a At one such dance, a young nations at the time – just after collection of nearly 100 tunes Vietnamese man, Nguyen Van Dan, World War II and amidst opposing which she absorbed on her walks who was living in France to study political interests, killings and to school as a child. Holding the pharmacy, asked her to dance. bombings – on the brink of the hand of her nanny, she would stand Gorce often recounted the First Indochina War, later known on the street corner and listen to story to her daughter, including the as the Quicksand War, the artists beginning their careers with impressive details of his dancing precursor to the Vietnam War. street performances, earning what skills. The two soon wed and had For a time, Gorce was forced pay they could from the morning their first child, Alfred. Once to move to the city as the Japanese passersby. Nguyen completed school, he occupying Vietnam required all As the daughter of store owners, transplanted their young family to Europeans to be quarantined. Gorce spent her days after high his home in Vietnam – to the city During this time, Gorce lived at school graduation shining the of Saigon. They opened a the house of Madam Daede, who silver, arranging the glassware and pharmacy and soon had their was a woman with a forthright selling numerous household items. second child, Ann. manner. For a brief time, Gorce’s Perhaps those childhood tunes Living in Saigon, raising two daughter stayed in Madam Daede’s helped her pass the time, or maybe children and helping her husband home with her mother, and she she thought about her dreams of run a pharmacy came with remembers the sight of blood becoming a ballerina. challenges, but no one could all over the floor after a young

7 Viet Minh boy cut the throat Japanese and wrongfully and was never reunited with of Madam Daede, who had accused of being a spy. While his family. He died of colon confronted him, inquiring the she was incarcerated, Nguyen cancer in the early ’60s. reason for his presence in her found a way to get his wife out While in Paris, Gorce and attic. of jail. Ann learned that Alfred would For Gorce’s family, the Nguyen and Gorce did their be continuing his education at actions of the Viet Minh – best to protect their children the University of Michigan in Vietnamese nationals who from the scary realities they Ann Arbor. Gorce had money wanted self-governance were facing. The children in savings to send Ann to the and independence from were told their mother was university for one year along France – meant complete away visiting friends, and with Alfred. Realizing both of uncertainty. There was no through the years, her time in her children would be in the way to know day by day prison was never a topic of United States, Gorce decided whether your gardener was conversation. However, she she’d like to try living in San in fact part of the Viet Minh. shared with her daughter that Francisco. She had heard “When I was riding a after spending a length of time glamorous stories of California bicycle once, I almost ran in the same cell as several but had no knowledge of the over the decomposing hand other women, they all began to English language or any idea of a corpse,” Ann shares of periodically burst into fits of how she would support herself a childhood memory. laughter from the stress, fear once she arrived. “Underneath, it was very and uncertainty of it all. Nevertheless, a tragic, but on the surface, Once French troops conversation with a kind everything seemed to be OK. liberated Vietnam from the Frenchman on the airplane I never felt that there was Japanese, Gorce was able to ride she took solo marked the something terrible going on, return home. Ann remembers beginning of her adventure but when you run over the of her mother’s return home in the United Sates. He gave hand of a corpse, you realize that she seemed very much her the address of a hotel in reality. There were two plains the same as before she had San Francisco, but she was of people living.” left. Despite the trauma of unable to communicate once Indeed, suburban life went such an experience, Gorce she arrived. She only ate on as normally as possible, maintained her poise, her hamburgers for the first but just below the surface, grace and her ability to hold several weeks until she began violence and fear were her family together. learning the names of other running rampant – and the By 1955, the conflict and entrée options. Eventually, situation seemed to be sinking overt violence had subsided Gorce got a job as a stock girl in on itself. temporarily, allowing Nyugen and started to acquire some During Gorce’s time in the a window of opportunity to command of English. city, she and the others living provide safety for his wife and The hopes she had of with Madam Daede retreated daughter. He sent them to live escaping the turmoil of war to the bomb shelter daily while in Paris. Alfred had previously and devastation in Vietnam American B-29 planes flew joined the U.S. military and were met with unexpected overhead, bombing the city, was already in France. The threats not long after her seeking to demolish Japanese plan was for Nyugen to tie arrival in California. One day, war installations. During one up some loose ends with the while taking a walk in the of the Japanese house raids, business and join his family in park, a man pointed Gorce was arrested by the Paris. However, he became ill a knife between her eyes

8 The hopes she had of escaping the turmoil of war and devastation in Vietnam were met with unexpected threats not long after her arrival in California.

and began to tear apart her dress. Gorce found work in Fortunately, the noise of an department stores wherever approaching vehicle scared the she lived until she retired in attacker away, and the driver came the late ’70s. Upon retirement, to Gorce’s aid. That same year, a she enjoyed her three dogs, 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck. collecting flower pots, planting During the earthquake, Gorce and her favorite flowers and traveling some friends decided to make the with friends to see the sites. Ann most of a perilous moment by speaks highly of her mother’s enjoying a drink at Top of the ability to seek solutions despite Mark, a rooftop bar. unspeakable obstacles and Through the years, Gorce continues to be an active part and Ann followed Alfred of her mother’s life and care. wherever his work took him. An occasional song will come After San Francisco, Gorce to Gorce’s mind from those days relocated to San Diego, then on nearly a century ago when she to New York, Miami and, finally, walked the streets of Lyon, holding Richland, Wash., where Alfred her nanny’s hand. Having endured began to fulfill his dream – a life of challenge with poise and establishing his own vineyard. grace, Gorce attributes her Sadly, he died of a heart attack longevity to dancing and in 1987, just 10 years after moving sweet vermouth. to Richland.

9 10 PLAYBOOKWRITING HIS OWN Kenneth Honea By Tim Moore

A s a young man, Kenneth Honea had Honea attended City High no idea where life would take him. School in Chattanooga, where He didn’t aim for goals that were in he played running back on the the distant future. He didn’t want to football team. limit himself to just one option. During his senior year, he He lived life one day at a time, would often come home to find with excitement and energy. college football coaches waiting in He would scope out what was his living room with his parents. right in front of him, taking the Coaches at universities such opportunities that seemed best at as Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss the time. and Tennessee had noticed his It’s only fitting that much of abilities on the field and were Honea’s life was spent on the offering him full scholarships. football field, where every play Photo by Vick Laney Of all the options given to is different. With each snap, you Honea was the only child born him, Honea chose the University must be prepared and ready to to Paul and Precious Honea. The of Tennessee, and he arrived on take whatever comes your way. family tried farming in Ider but campus in the fall of 1960. He If anyone was born with a mind couldn’t make a decent living. briefly played as a running back for to play football, Honea was. He While Honea was still young, they the Volunteers, but then played the lived and played in very much the moved north to Chattanooga, rest of his college football career as same way. Tenn., where his father started a a blocking back, or fullback. Honea was born in Ider, Ala., career in combustion engineering, Even today, Honea remembers in 1942. Ider was a small town, and his mother worked as a some of the most intense games centered around its farming secretary at a law firm. of his college career. In 1962, community. Honea describes it as Growing up, Honea spent more the Volunteers faced off against one of those towns that has only time playing outside than he did the Ole Miss Rebels, who were one of everything: one gas station, inside. In junior high, he began in the midst of a perfect season. one grocery store, maybe even playing sports. Tennessee, stuck in a losing just one stoplight. It is to Ider that “It seemed like I was involved in season, managed to bring on the Honea can trace back his earliest every sport that was going on,” said biggest fight Ole Miss had seen in memories, which are full of cows, Honea. “I would go from basketball its conference that year. Although wood and hard work. to football to track to baseball.” Tennessee lost the game 19-6,

11 Honea still smiles at how great a After one year with the Jets, year at Clinton, we beat ’em,” said battle it was. Honea moved to Virginia to play Honea with a big smile. Honea also vividly for the Richmond Rebels of the The next destination for Honea remembers playing Kentucky American Football League. He was Cookeville, Tenn., where he the day after John F. Kennedy played for the Rebels at night, and continued his career as a physical was assassinated. The he taught physical education and education teacher and a football Volunteers won the game, but coached football for Richmond coach. Soon, however, Honea it is the historical significance High School during the day. discovered that Cookeville had that Honea will never forget. Soon, another opportunity even bigger opportunities waiting In 1964, Honea graduated arose. After just two years for him. from UTK with a bachelor’s in Virginia, Honea moved to One day, Honea became degree in physical education. Clinton, Tenn. curious as to what other Not long after graduation, Honea spent five years teaching positions were Honea joined the New York teaching and coaching at Clinton available. He scanned ads in the Jets. During his time with the High School. He was one of the newspaper and saw available Jets, he was fortunate enough most successful coaches in the positions in mathematics and to play alongside football school’s history, and one year, history. They didn’t interest him. legends like Joe Namath. he won the Coach of the Year But then he came across an ad “He had the biggest mouth I award. To this day, he enjoys for a special education position, ever saw,” said Honea. “But he reflecting on his coaching and Honea recognized an also had the quickest throwing experience in Clinton. exciting window of opportunity. release I ever saw. He zipped “Oak Ridge, at the time, was With Tennessee Technological passes right in to you.” the best in the state. In my first University just across town,

12 “ I guess my mom and my dad inspired me the most [[ in life],],” Honea said. “ They were always hardworking, religious and trying to help people.”

Honea decided to pursue a sold his house and moved in “Coach Honea was a really master’s degree in special with them. He retired from knowledgeable and hardcore education. Impressively, he Sparta High School in Sparta, guy,” said Walker. “He was did this while teaching and Tenn. highly disciplined, and I think coaching simultaneously. “I guess my mom and my dad for me today, that means a lot.” After completing his inspired me the most [in life],” Even while Honea was master’s degree, Honea got a Honea said. “They were always achieving great things on position in special education in hardworking, religious and the football field and in the Cookeville. Quickly, a simple trying to help people.” classroom, he always made time pursuit of a new job became a Like most coaches, Honea for his children: Kirk, Annette lifelong passion. loves to brag about his players. and Mike. “These kids were always ‘left He can remember dozens of “I’m most proud of my kids. behind’ kids,” said Honea, “and names, as well as the years and They never ran into any kind of to see them start succeeding, positions that they played. trouble, always good kids, always doing good, that thrilled me.” One player that he working hard,” said Honea. After several more years in specifically remembers is Bart Now living at Life Care Center Cookeville – including another Walker, who is now the senior of East Ridge, Tenn., Honea has Coach of the Year award – vice president of operations for a lot of past experiences to look Honea left to teach and coach Life Care Centers of America. back on and smile about. His at other schools in both Georgia Walker played on the defensive longing for adventure and new and Tennessee. line for Honea while attending opportunities helped him achieve In 1996, with his parents’ White County High School in greatness not only on the field, health declining, Honea retired, Sparta, Tenn. but in his life overall.

13 Photo by Evelyn Images Boston

Joann Baker

By Tanya Bumgardner

14 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. – Matthew 18:5

A young Joann Baker was more than blood. It was choosing adored. … We got really involved in seeking child-rearing advice from to care for and be cared for by counseling and witnessing. There the leader of a conference. He anyone who was around and in was a man in Boston named John answered her question, and then need. Our ‘family’ was a constantly DeBrine, and he was running a added, “You know, you can’t save growing and evolving life force, teenage meeting at a temple once every child in the world.” adapting to whatever was needed a month. We started taking our At 81, she reflected on that at any specific time.” girls. We started counseling, and moment with a chuckle. “I have Baker isn’t sure exactly what then our girls started counseling. never forgotten that,” she said. influenced her inviting, caring It just mushroomed. We learned “But I would like to save every one.” spirit. Perhaps growing up in more and more and more. It’s been Baker has directly impacted the Haverhill, Mass., near five families a major part of our lives.” of relatives had something Two years later, at a local to do with it. Her extended showing of a Billy Graham family was supportive movie in Medford, Mass., Baker when her parents lost counseled two middle-school-aged their home during the girls. One of them was Michelle, “I went home and said to my Great Depression. And who had a troubled childhood and ‘ maybe it has been her a record of running away from husband, ‘That girl needs a place to faith in God, which has home. She would become a foster been the foundation for child to Baker and her husband, live where things are stable. I think most of her adult life. Irving. ’ So we did.” Regardless, she shrugs “I went home and said to my we should look into it. it all off in a humble, yet husband, ‘That girl needs a place matter-of-fact manner. to live where things are stable. I “It’s just what you do. think we should look into it.’ So That’s about it.” we did. And her social worker was Faith has no doubt very happy to have a place to put lives of 15 children – including her been a factor in Baker’s generosity, her where she would stay put, she three biological daughters – and has magnifying her already charitable hoped. And she did not run away influenced countless more through nature. Prior to 1968, Baker had while she was with us.” her time as a foster parent, day reached out to children care provider, home economics primarily through teacher, Girl Scouts troop leader, teaching. But a turning 4-H volunteer and spiritual point in her personal life counselor. To Baker, the definition and a few Billy Graham of “family” goes beyond traditional events led Baker to open expectations. her heart even further. “I learned early on that ‘family’ “In 1968, a friend was all-inclusive,” said Jennifer visited me, and she had Jones, Baker’s youngest daughter. been at the same Billy “This wasn’t something that Graham convention,” was told to me. It was taught by Baker said. “She example. There were always ‘aunts actually introduced me and uncles’ around that I never to Jesus as a personal realized had no blood relationship; savior rather than that didn’t matter. Family was just a person you

15 When Michelle arrived at home – there were always choices can lead to an their home, Baker and Irving extra plates at the dinner extraordinary life.” had been married for nearly 14 table. And with Baker’s in- Other members of Baker’s years. Their oldest daughter, home day care, their house “family,” like Joy and Corrie, Betsy, was a freshman in high was certainly a lively one. started out in her day care, school while Jennifer and However, it wasn’t long eventually moving in full middle daughter Lee were before they heard from time. Joy wanted to finish in middle school. Michelle Michelle again. out her senior year of high had to adjust to the Bakers’ “Michelle went home in school in the States until her structured home, and the June and ran away from her parents, missionaries in Papua Bakers had to learn how to mother shortly after that New Guinea, returned on cope with an expanded family. and disappeared,” explained furlough. Corrie’s mother was “Adding new members Baker. “The police found her a single parent working for to our family wasn’t always in Cambridge, which is the Massachusetts Institute maybe 20 miles from of Technology, trying to her home. And she was juggle raising a child and a pregnant, walking the demanding job. Baker offered streets at 1 o’clock in the to help out, and Corrie lived morning.” with them until she started Michelle gave birth to school. “She has a knack of noticing a girl that she named To survive with such a full Rene. She decided she household, everyone helped somebody needing something, or being wanted the Bakers out, especially the teenagers to raise her daughter when it came to caring for the person next to them, talking to because she knew toddlers Rene and Corrie. As them, welcoming them.” they would give Rene a result, long-lasting bonds the same love and formed. guidance they gave her. “It was like they grew Rene lived with the up in two families – the Bakers for most of her three teenagers and the two easy,” Jennifer said. “There childhood and still considers toddlers,” Baker said. “But now, were lots of challenges that them family. they are like sisters. Rene is the Cleavers and Brady Bunch “When I think back to my extremely close to my middle never imagined, but our childhood and what influenced daughter. They’re constantly parents guided us through, me in my life to become who I getting together. ... The fact teaching us the value of am today, I would have to say that they are still family makes working together because that my biggest inspiration me feel real good because you will always be family. would be my mother,” Rene I’d hate to see them off by When there is a need, we work says of Baker. “Not the mother themselves with no family to together to support each other that brought me into this lean on.” and fill the need because that world, but the mother who Baker offered her home to is what families do.” gave me life. … I feel [Baker] any child who needed one. After Michelle’s nine-month truly saved my life, and I Fifteen children were cared stay, many other children feel that she is living proof for under her roof. But as passed through the Bakers’ that making extraordinary Jennifer recalls, these children

16 weren’t the only ones who claimed babies of expecting associates or monumental. For her, caring for the Bakers as surrogate parents. by just being a friend. others is second nature – just “When we moved from Maynard “She has a knack of noticing a part of life, part of who she to Bedford and lived next door to somebody needing something, or is and part of what God has our church, our house actually being the person next to them, called her to do. But the fact that became an annex of sorts for all of talking to them, welcoming them,” she was surrounded by both the kids in our youth group. And said Jane Brigham, chaplain at Life biological and adopted children our youth group included about Care Center of Acton. “It seems to and grandchildren at the facility’s 80 kids. A vast majority of them be an innate quality of perception.” recent Mother’s Day celebration is referred to my parents as Mom Baker’s example has become a testament to her legacy. and Dad.” a legacy. Jennifer is proof of that. “She’s got a big heart and Eventually, Irving’s health Jennifer adopted her godson as an wants to help,” Jennifer pointed declined, leading the Bakers to infant, knowing her future would out. “She’d take in the whole stop their child-caring efforts. change overnight and she might world if she could.” But that didn’t put an end to have to raise him as a single parent. Baker’s desire to help others. Thankfully, she met and married a Even now, Baker, as a resident of man named Eric who has helped Life Care Center of Acton, Mass., raise her son as his own. mothers those around her, often Of course, Baker, with her showing love by crocheting baby easygoing nature, doesn’t think

blankets and sweater sets for the what she’s done for so many is Photo by Evelyn Images Boston Images Evelyn by Photo

17 18

Photo by Clark Woolsey Photography The Personal Touch Knox Taussig By Dara Carroll

B abe Ruth. Lou Gehrig. play. And Lou Gehrig. I remember “Going to games was a lot Grover Cleveland Alexander. watching him, too.” different then,” said Taussig. “We Rogers Hornsby. These are just a The Series was exciting, but didn’t have the beautiful stadiums few of the Cardinals and Yankees it wasn’t Taussig’s first trip to we’ve got now or all of the extras. who took the field during the 1926 the ballpark. We sat in wooden chairs that were World Series. The team very uncomfortable, and we rosters for that Series just watched the game. The are scattered with hall game would start at 2 o’clock of famers, players whose and be over by 4:30.” legendary careers found Through his adolescent immortality in record years, Taussig’s love for the books and inked the game became as passionate annals of baseball history. as his father’s. He eventually The Cardinals won the took to the field himself Series 4 games to 3 – and made it all the way to clinching their first ever playing first base in a semi- World Series pennant. professional league. For most, the details It’s easy to guess who of that Series are etched the southpaw’s all-time in baseball lore. But for a favorite Cardinal is: 94-year-old resident at Life Stan “the Man” Musial. Care Center of Bridgeton, “Because he was a left- Mo., the Series is more than handed first baseman too!” legend. It is a memory. exclaimed Taussig. “I copied Knox Taussig clearly Stan’s style of play.” remembers attending the Taussig found inspiration Series with his father back in Musial’s example on and off in October 1926. Young Taussig “I went to ball games almost all the field. Musial played his entire was only 7 at the time, but the St. of my young life because my dad career with the Cardinals – 22 Louis native proudly tagged along was a baseball nut,” said Taussig. years with one team. It’s a loyalty to Sportsman’s Park with “He used to take the afternoon that’s rare in sports and in life, his father to cheer on the off, and he’d come pick me up, and but Taussig’s commitment to his hometown team. we’d go to a ball game.” family and career mirrors Musial’s “I remember the players,” Baseball hasn’t changed much devotion to responsibility. said Taussig. “Babe Ruth. That’s in the last century. But watching A focus on responsibility was the last time I saw Babe Ruth the game has. first instilled in Taussig by

19 “Face-to-face,” said Taussig. “That’s how I got to know people. I had a good gift of the gab, I guess. I was a people person. I loved other people, and I let them know it.”

his parents, both from well- Ord, Calif., and Washington, 1943. Peggy originally went established St. Louis families. D.C. At each base, Taussig to D.C. to be near her His father was a Harvard- mingled with troops and husband. When she learned educated insurance broker civilians from around the he wasn’t coming home, who worked hard to provide U.S., but at heart, he longed to she stayed in the city to for Taussig and his two return to the Midwest. It only commiserate with girlfriends younger sisters. made sense that he would fall and continue working.

After graduating from the in love with a Missouri girl. “She was working for the University of Missouri with a Taussig met Peggy Herold Navy, and I was in the Army,” degree in journalism, Taussig Landis through a friend from laughed Taussig. “We had a had a chance to model his own back home who shared a few fights about that!” devotion when he enlisted large, five-bedroom house The hometown connection in the Army in December with Peggy and several other was a perfect fit for Taussig 1940. He served for five years, girls in the nation’s capital. and Peggy, and they married spending most of his time “She was a St. Louis girl,” in July 1946, settling back into on the frigid outer banks said Taussig. “Her home in St. Louis and reestablishing of Alaska, protecting the St. Louis was about four or their roots. Western edge of the United five blocks from where my Along with marriage, ’46 States from the constant family lived, but we didn’t brought Taussig his first threat of Japanese invasion. know each other.” newspaper job, with the St. After the war, transitioning Peggy was a recent Louis Star-Times. out of the Army included widow. Her husband, a Navy “I was entertainment stints in Seattle, Wash., Fort pilot, was lost at sea in July editor. I did stories about

20 people who had big parties and St. Louis Globe-Democrat, Taussig personally visited his women, the hoi polloi.” another local paper, so customers to discuss their ads Taussig soon transferred he worked hard to build and do rough sketches for them. to another local paper, the St. relationships with his potential “I drew up an ad for them Louis Post-Dispatch, where clients and regular advertisers. based on what size they wanted he spent the rest of and what they could afford,” said his career, more than Taussig. “I’d 25 years promoting ask them local businesses and how they the fledgling St. Louis wanted the entertainment industry. ad to look “Sometimes I sold and what they advertising; sometimes wanted to I did storytelling,” advertise, and recalled Taussig. “It I would do a depended on what the little artwork editor wanted.” right there at Most of Taussig’s the table with days were spent them. Then, selling advertising I would give for the entertainment my idea to the section of the Post- artists at the Dispatch, and he newspaper, excelled at it. and they would “I remember him draw it up and coming home on publish it.” Friday nights and Taussig saying, ‘Well, I was repeated this the top seller for creative process the month. Nobody over and over came close to again, sometimes me!’” said oldest driving more daughter, Judy than 100 miles Alles. “I think it a day as he happened quite crisscrossed often. He sold the city. more ads in the It wasn’t paper than the unusual for other [eight] Taussig’s work to advertising salesmen keep him out until at the Post.” “Face-to-face,” said Taussig. 10 o’clock at night, Most of Taussig’s ad sales “That’s how I got to know sometimes later. It made family came from nightclubs, theaters people. I had a good gift of time a premium, but his wife and other local entertainment the gab, I guess. I was a people and three daughters understood spots. He was in competition person. I loved other people, the pressures of maintaining a with ad salesmen from the and I let them know it.” comfortable lifestyle. 21 22 “My dad knew the said Templeton. “Mom was born pitch to him overhand, and responsibility of bringing home a to dance. Mom used to tell me he would catch with his first paycheck every week,” said Alles. they would be up until the wee baseman’s mitt.” “And that was his responsibility – hours of the morning, dancing Like many driven by an to do a good job.” the night away.” innate sense of responsibility, Life was not all work and no The three Taussig girls – Taussig finds it difficult to find play, though. Even as an adult, Alles, Martha Taussig and pride in any one particular Taussig was an enthusiastic Templeton – were encouraged to accomplishment. He sees every Cardinals fan and athlete, endeavor equally – all and he and his wife stayed had to be completed with active with a broad circle excellence. of friends. While their girls “I’m not prouder of enjoyed weekends with one thing than I am relatives, Taussig and Peggy of another,” explained found plenty of ways to Taussig, “because relax and have fun. they were so equal in “On Friday night, they importance. They were would play golf,” said Alles. all a job for me to do, and “It was called the Twi- I did my job as well as I Niters. They would play knew how. In the end, nine holes and then come they were all connected back for dinner and bridge. in some way.” Then, they played 18 holes Whether he was on on Saturday and 18 holes the diamond, walking the again on Sunday.” golf course or pounding “We had to be good, or the pavement for the we weren’t allowed on the Post-Dispatch, Taussig’s course!” added Taussig. commitment to his In 1965, Taussig and responsibilities never Peggy were selected to be wavered. And, he never marshals for the 11th, 12th and stay as active as their parents. lost sight of what was most 13th holes of the U.S. Open at the Alles fondly remembers ice important: people. Bellerive Country Club, which skating in the winter months and “What made me sign with Gary Player won in a playoff. swimming, golfing and playing the Cardinals?” Stan Musial The couple was comfortable softball in the summer months. once asked. “Because they used on the links, but they knew And when he had time, Taussig salesmanship, the personal how to glide around a dance was eager to share his love of the touch. Where others wrote, they floor, too. They even won a few game with her. talked. Where others waited, ballroom dancing competitions. “When [Dad] would come they acted.” “They were very, very smooth,” home at a decent hour in the Sounds a lot like Knox remembered Alles. summer,” said Alles, “he would Taussig. Where others wrote, he Taussig’s youngest daughter, have me out in the backyard. I talked. Where others waited, he Jill Templeton, thinks dancing is was probably 8 to 10 years old, acted. He used salesmanship. He what actually drew her parents and I would have to strike out had the personal touch. together so many years ago in D.C. three imaginary batters before “Dad used to teach dancing we could go in to dinner. Mom at an Arthur Murray studio,” would get so mad! I would 23 A Friend of Fame Photo by Charles Summerhill Photography

Doloris Driskel

By Julia Wilhelm

“I f you’re ever in a jam, here I am.” father and three older sisters quickly found the balance between This has become one of the immediately accepted Driskel as a working hard and having fun, but classic sayings of Doloris “Tootie” cherished member of their family. little did she know the greatest fun Driskel, and it is known by the To this day, the children of her was yet to be had. associates of Life Care Center of adopted sisters consider Driskel to Driskel’s athletic ability went Vista, Calif., where she currently be the matriarch of the family. beyond cheerleading. Soon after resides. While completing high school, dementia may take she played shortstop memories of the past, One of her many duties included for the Kansas City innate characteristics stocking wealthy filmmaker and Quartermasters softball such as a love for avid aviator Howard Hughes’ team. She describes people can overcome personal plane before taking off. her team uniforms any obstacle. A desire as exactly like the to be a friend to costumes from the 1992 others is nothing new to “Tootie,” “Family is the most important filmA League of Their Own. and her life story reflects her thing to my mother,” said Dona With her teenage years coming spunky personality. Mara, daughter of Driskel. to a close, the excitement was just Driskel was adopted at infancy The value of hard work was beginning for Driskel. She, along by a family living in the same instilled in Driskel at a young age. with her adopted family, moved apartment building as Driskel’s She worked many jobs during her to Los Angeles. The move began a biological mother in Kansas teenage years, when she was not new chapter of life filled with fun City, Mo. Her adopted mother, at cheerleading practice. Driskel and friends for Driskel.

24 It was there in Los Angeles flight attendant’s kitchen. Driskel Desert is in close proximity to where she began a nine-year career recalls spending nights with Los Angeles, many celebrities had as a flight attendant for Trans World stewardesses and servicemen vacation homes or permanent Airlines domestic flights. Before eating popcorn while listening and homes in the area, so having merging with American Airlines in dancing to records. famous neighbors was quite 2001, TWA was considered one of After working as a flight common. Mara recalls babysitting the “big four” airlines in the United attendant, Driskel transitioned children of celebrities who lived States, with hubs in Los Angeles to sales of airplane parts. Her down the street. and Kansas City. career change was fortunate, as The move to the desert also Driskel saw firsthand why TWA it led to the meeting of her late meant career changes for the was nicknamed “airline to the husband, Don Driskel. Don was couple. The Driskels transitioned stars” in the 1950s. One of her many a design engineer with his own from the air travel industry to real duties included stocking wealthy firm, Haskell Engineering, which estate. The couple began selling filmmaker and avid aviator Howard is still in business today. The two homes and managing properties Hughes’ personal plane before were married for 40 years and for various real estate agencies. taking off. Driskel went beyond her were said by Mara to be the perfect “My mother was always required duties and was always example of the phrase “opposites volunteering at school and was on careful to pack extra oranges on attract.” Driskel and Don had three fun committees,” said Mara. “She Hughes’ plane because she knew daughters: Diane, Mara and Doreen. was a very active member of the they were his favorite snack. Mara recalls her mother and desert community.” Driskel was never in short father dressing up as Santa Claus Driskel’s love for sports supply of friends, and TWA and Mrs. Claus and driving a golf resurfaced once again in a love of extended her circle of friends even cart at a local event. “She got him golf. She had a 12 handicap and further. She shared an apartment to do the most ridiculous things,” won many golf tournaments over for a time with a TWA instructor Mara said, including dressing up as the years. Golf not only provided named Barbara. It was common for Nelson Eddie, a Canadian mountie, Driskel with enjoyment, but also groups of airplane servicemen and for her bridal shower. many opportunities to meet flight attendants to watch movies The couple was married in amazing people. together and enjoy each other’s 1952. They relocated to Palm While working at the Bob Hope company. The servicemen were Desert, Calif., in 1960. The Palm Classic Golf Tournament one year, easily enticed by the opportunity Desert area in the 1960s was full Driskel was able to meet former to eat a homecooked meal from a of chance encounters. Since Palm president Gerald Ford. Ford spoke

25 of partner: “Mousie” Desert for memorable senior "If you’re ever up a tree, Powell. Better known citizens. Former actor Howard as actress Diane Lewis, Keel hosted the event. Driskel count on me." Mousie and Driskel were approached the microphone on an unstoppable duo. stage after Keel welcomed her. at the event and later mingled with Mousie was the wife of Hollywood “You know Mr. Keel, we’ve met the crowd, allowing Driskel an actor William Powell, who starred before,” she said as Keel looked on opportunity of a lifetime: shaking in The Thin Man. The Ladies perplexed. “Yes, through Walter hands with a former United States Professional Golf Association and Anne Burkemo. My husband president. currently gives an annual award and I were invited to go to a party Meeting Ford was just one in the couple’s honor, the William with you guys one night, and we of many such encounters with and Mousie Powell Award. The decided not to. The next thing I iconic individuals. George Gobel, award is given to exemplary LPGA know, I hear a voice singing outside a famous actor, was a close family players. my window that night.” friend of the Driskels and would Other close friends of the The crowd listened intently. often golf with them. Gobel was Driskels were their neighbors “I have a confession to make,” known for his comedy show The Walter and Anne Burkemo. Walter Driskel continued. “I know that George Gobel Show, appearing as was the 1953 PGA Champion. was you singing, and it was me that a regular on Hollywood Squares It was through her relationship threw the shoe at you to get you to and for a memorable appearance with the Burkemos that Driskel shut up.” on The Tonight Show with had an experience that grew into The crowd erupted with Johnny Carson. one of her most amusing stories. laughter, including Keel. Driskel’s skill on the golf Just a few years ago, Driskel Other famous friends of the course was obvious in her choice was honored at a banquet in Palm Driskels included New York

26 Yankees manager Casey Stengel and his wife, Edna. Stengel did business with Don, and since Edna had no children of her own, she enjoyed spending time with Driskel’s daughters. While Driskel was always glad to have many friends, the Stengels’ friendship was especially exciting because Driskel and her husband were able to attend several World Series. In addition to traveling with friends, the Driskels loved to travel across the United States with their children. Mara recalls many trips to Michigan to see her paternal grandmother. These trips often involved picking up a new car from a family friend’s car dealership in Detroit. Other memorable family vacation destinations were Yellowstone National Park and Catalina Island. “My mother was all about making things fun for people,” said Mara. “She always wanted people to have fun and be happy.” “If you’re ever up a tree, count on me.” Another classic saying of Driskel, these words display her love for people – especially her family and friends. Combine her love of people and her spunky personality, and a lifetime of friendship and happiness is the result.

27 Photo by BG Pictures

Percival Everhard Ashby

The

City LifeBy Leigh Atherton 28 A dancer with many memories The work he found was in New to share lives at Life Care Center York City’s garment industry as a of New Port Richey, Fla. While delivery boy for a company that Percival Everhard Ashby’s dancing made graduation caps and gowns as shoes may be a bit dusty, his well as various religious robes. One imagination is not. To listen to him interesting delivery was to the Dean speak, it feels as though he is back of Canterbury, who was visiting the in those dance halls, reliving the city and had requested a custom glory days of one of his loves: robe, formally called Latin dancing. a cassock. Ashby was not born with a “They made me deliver it to the love for dance. But life took many Dean, who was living in the Waldorf twists and turns to introduce him Astoria,” explained Ashby. “When I to the passionate pastime. went to the Waldorf Astoria, I was Born right in the middle of the all dressed up. They saw I had a Great Depression, Ashby’s parents package, so they told me to take the decided to send him to Jamaica service elevator – which I paid no when he was 1 to stay with his attention to whatsoever. I went on wealthy aunt and uncle. His uncle the passenger elevator. I went to his was a governor general of the “My name was Percival – not floor, and one of his managers or British West Indies. a good name to have in a tough whatever said to give him the box. Ashby’s memories of Jamaica neighborhood,” said Ashby. “They I’d been told to make sure it fit, so I are vague since he was so young, asked me what my name was, and told him, ‘No, I have to see the Dean but one memory does stand out: from the movies and the comic in person.’ He tried on the cassock, “I remember having to get up, put books, the tough guys were always and it fit. I was given a thank you, on all my white clothes and go out named Lefty. So I told them my and that was that.” on the veranda. Somebody would name was Lefty.” While Ashby was working as a blow a little bugle, and they would Ashby is not left-handed, but delivery boy, his boss noticed his run up the Union Jack.” he did go by Lefty for the next interest in the sewing machines and At the age of 6, he returned to 25 years. taught him to sew. his parents in New York City. Ashby was drafted into the In 1940, Ashby and his parents “I remember having to Army to serve in the Korean War moved out of the city to the Bronx. get up, put on all my white when he was 21. Leaving his job At this time, the Bronx was more clothes and go out on in the garment industry, he served of a suburb of Manhattan and still the veranda. Somebody in Korea for 11 months before he maintained a country atmosphere would blow a little bugle, was honorably discharged. Ashby with vendors selling their wares in and they would run up the describes his time serving in the the street. Union Jack.” war as the low point of his life. The neighborhood was mainly Returning to his beloved Bronx Irish-Catholic, which varied greatly With a love for the Bronx, after the war was refreshing, and from the Episcopalian background specifically his neighborhood, Ashby also returned to his job. of the Ashby family, and the Ashby graduated from Samuel Except, this time he was working as neighbors were a bit rough around Gompers High School, an electrical a tailor and making good money. the edges. Ashby quickly began trade school, and chose to stay in A career change occurred a short trying to make friends. the area but work in the city. time later, when Ashby

29 transitioned to a job as an Mambo and Latin music as a nights. With expensive dance electrician with the New York whole were taking over the shoes and friends who loved to City Transit Authority, the dance clubs in most major dance, Ashby lived for dancing company that oversaw all cities. Until this time, Cuban into the wee hours of the subways and busses within and American jazz had never morning. the city. been melded. But when they Popular and up-and-coming Soon after, Ashby’s path were combined, a sassy Hollywood stars were also finally led him toward dancing. and intricate Latin dance part of the craze. Ashby emerged. Many dances gained encountered many famous

A man named Daniel people, including Marlon Acosta was the first Latin Brando, Eva Gardner, to move into Ashby’s Wally Cox and Robert apartment building, and he Duvall. and Ashby became quick One such encounter friends. Acosta frequently involved a beautiful young invited Ashby to go dancing. popularity during this time, actress: “I didn’t know who Eventually, he convinced including the mambo, the she was,” explained Ashby. Ashby to give it a try. merengue and the cha cha. “She asked me to dance, and “I had to pay to go in,” said The mambo maintained I wasn’t very interested. But I Ashby. “As I approached, extreme popularity, and it was danced, and she fumbled her the music was going, and I Ashby’s dance of choice. The way through. And, I behaved thought, ‘Oh boy, I like this mambo danced in the 1950s myself – very well. I didn’t music.’ Then when we went in, is not the mambo Americans want to show her up.” I saw people dancing, and that are familiar with today. The It wasn’t until two weeks became my marijuana.” kind Ashby learned involved later that Ashby learned he’d Ashby had found his new “feeling the music” and large danced with Mitzi Gaynor, one hobby, and as he explained, he amounts of improvisation and of the stars of the movie worked his day job so he could intricate steps. South Pacific. fund his weekend dancing Latin dance halls were Ashby lost all interest in adventures. popping up all over New York beautiful young actresses and Ashby’s love for dance City, and Ashby could be found other dancers when he met a began in the 1950s during in one of the popular ones on woman named Maria Torres. the height of Mambo Mania. Friday, Saturday and Sunday

30 “I met her in a dance hall, and to offer, Ashby and Torres liked to During their retirement she was sitting with some woman give back. On one such occasion, years, both Ashby and Torres I knew,” Ashby shared. “She was they took in a young woman and encountered various health gorgeous. And, I used to have this her newborn baby. They tracked problems and decided it was time trick: when I liked someone, I gave down her family and encouraged to move closer to family. them my number.” her to return home. While they did Liz and her husband, Ken, lived Much to Ashby’s chagrin, Torres coax the girl into going home, the in Florida, so Ashby and Torres never called. bond among the four of them was relocated. The Skellys were helping “I saw her a few times after the already formed. Ashby and Torres a young family friend raise her initial meeting and finally asked treated the baby, Daniel, as their daughter, and Torres and Ashby her out,” shared Ashby. “She said grandson and enjoyed spending quickly joined, creating more yes. Later on she said I was too weekends with him, watching him “members” of their family. much of a playboy; she thought grow up. Sadly, Ashby’s lady passed away I was married. That’s why she on May 6, 2006. wouldn’t go out in the beginning.” “It was a matter of 40 Ashby’s humor and spunk That first date was all it took for years of laughing and are still evident in conversation. Ashby to call Torres “his lady.” loving – like the things you He loves spending time with his Ashby and Torres enjoyed see in the movies.” family, engaging in intellectual dancing and visiting the local conversations and showing museums and theaters together. Ashby worked for the New compassion toward fellow They never married but were York City Transit Authority for residents and associates. committed to each other until 39 years and 16 days. He only “I want to go to Harrah’s again,” Torres’ death. Ashby jokingly retired then because he had so Ashby shared as he laughed about shared that they became engaged much retirement built up that it his memories. after they’d been together for 18 was actually costing him money It is those memories and years. Maria had one daughter to work. Ashby did not complain; imagination that inspire Ashby from a previous relationship, Liz it was his excuse to spend more most days. Memories of the Torres Skelly, that Ashby proudly time with Torres. She retired from moments of joy. He relives again calls his daughter, too. the International Ladies Garment and again his love for the mambo, “It was a matter of 40 years Workers Union, where she had but especially, his love for his lady. of laughing and loving – like the held a job for many years. “I have a great imagination,” he things you see in the movies,” said Ashby also enjoyed visiting explained. “I go back to Harrah’s Ashby. “When I look back, I can’t casinos. In fact, he spent so much in the morning in my mind. And I really believe it. We never had time at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic might go dancing in my head in the a fight.” City that the casino would send a afternoon.” In addition to enjoying all the car to pick him up. He was known entertainment New York City had to be lucky and won quite a lot.

31 By Heidi Tompkins

Ver a Rost Photo Dustin by Kunze Photography

A little girl pumped diligently Born in a small Texas These were on the treadle sewing town in 1919, Rost was drawn the years of the machine, taking her original to math and design as early as Great Depression. clothing designs from paper to elementary school. She loved After a short time her family’s wardrobes. learning and expanding her in Texas, the There was delight in horizons, thirsty for more. couple moved creating. There was delight in At age 17, Rost graduated to California, having an outlet to express her from high school and started the land of love to the ones closest to her. working for a local school opportunity, And that was just the system to make money for so that Earl could work beginning of a passion that college. There, she met, fell while Rost studied math and has continued Vera Rost’s in love with and married Earl engineering at the University of entire life. Arthur Rost. California in Los Angeles.

32 As war raged oversees, the be paid much less than her settled down United States began preparing, and male counterparts despite her on a ranch near Earl got a job building ships for experience and the leadership Giddings, where the Long Beach Naval Shipyard at roles she took on different they owned Terminal Island. projects. Still, there was some- a drugstore. Soon, they had a After the bombing of Pearl thing exciting about being a daughter, Sylvia. Then, in 1951, Harbor, Douglas Aircraft Company pioneer for women in her field. they relocated to Fort Worth in Long Beach put out a call for The other satisfaction Rost so Rost could work for aircraft draftsmen, and Rost jumped at the found in her job was knowing manufacturer Convair. opportunity, taking a day job there she was contributing to her “The U.S. Air Force had awarded while continuing her classes at country’s security. Convair a contract to design an UCLA at night. aircraft able to deliver a nuclear Those were long days for Rost, weapon at supersonic speeds,” who didn’t have a car due to ...there was something Rost explained. “I was selected to rationing. She rode with a friend to exciting about being be one of the engineers to work on work, then took the bus to school the B-58 Hustler for the next nine and home from there. a pioneer for women years, working on all phases of its “When I got off the bus, I walked in her field. development.” six blocks in total blackout to our Sylvia Petersen remembers apartment,” Rost remembered. “One morning I went into her mother working long hours. “It was midnight when I got home, the factory to check on some However, on the weekends, Rost and I had to leave for work at 6:30 parts,” Rost remembered, “and always made time for church the next morning.” as I was walking through there, and family. Even sleep was often interrupted I was stopped by some Secret “When my mom was home, by air raid sirens and the sounds of Service men. There, riding in his she was strictly family, family, planes overhead. convertible, was President Franklin family,” said Petersen. “She was “You always prayed it was our D. Roosevelt and Donald Douglas, cooking and having people over. planes you heard,” Rost said. president of the company, checking We’d always have my relatives Rost loved her job at Douglas, on production of aircraft. I could come up from South Texas, putting her learning to practice have reached out and touched him, and we’d have barbecues in the in a time when doors were often he was so close.” backyard. She gave 110 percent, closed to female engineers. Indeed, After the war, Rost and her no matter what she was doing, throughout her career Rost would husband returned to Texas and whether it was work or with us.”

33 On Nov. 11, 1956, the B-58 Actor and bomber pilot “I worked on the nose aircraft took off for the first Jimmy Stewart starred in cones for the Scout missile, time, the culmination of Rost’s and narrated a film about which was being launched and her team’s dedication. the Hustler, Champion of from Cape Canaveral,” Rost “I shall never forget the Champions. said. “The Scout missile day it took the maiden flight,” “Believe me, that’s quite an used solid propellant rockets Rost said. “It is an experience airplane,” he said to introduce with different payloads in you cannot describe, only feel.” the aircraft. the nose cones. We were The B-58 Hustler changed When the nine years of also researching different history, breaking records work on the B-58 were over, materials as heat shields for for speed and altitude and Rost’s insatiable hunger to the nose cones.” becoming a forerunner of learn more led These Scout bombers for years to come. her to the next rockets put small It was a powerful, fast (able to project. Going satellites into break the sound barrier) and to work for Ling- orbit. During complex machine, and Temco-Vought the U.S. Air Force called on in the missile the most experienced and division, she took elite crews to fly it. The her engineering Strategic Air Command beyond the ordered 86 of the aircraft clouds and into between 1960 and 1970. the space age.

34 the Space Race, the Department “[At General Dynamics,] we In 1970, the contract for the of Defense used the satellites for designed a severance system using F-111 was canceled, and General scientific research and for national pyrotechnics to remove the side Dynamics had to lay off employees, security. panels and nose cone for the Atlas including Rost. Petersen remembers her Centaur missile, which was still Her aircraft engineering career mother’s work at this time being used in the 1990s,” Rost explained. continued with Bell Helicopters highly secret. She worked behind Rost also worked on installing in Fort Worth, where Rost started high-security fencing and was given weapons on the F-111 Aardvark. as a senior engineer. Helicopters top clearance for the project. Interestingly, the F-111 bomber were a new and exciting challenge Rost found the work satisfying, replaced the B-58 Hustler. for her. but the office was near Dallas, During this time, Earl developed “The most fun was designing the keeping her away from her family cancer. Even while he was in the wing, tail boom and empennage more than she wanted. In 1963, hospital, Rost stayed by his side, (tail assembly) of the new light twin Convair, then renamed General caring for him during the night and turbine helicopter with retractable Dynamics, was hiring again, and then going in to work after staying tricycle landing gear,” Rost said. Rost jumped at the opportunity to up late with him. He passed away “This was the 222 Helicopter, which work closer to home. in 1967. was used in the TV series Airwolf.”

35 accomplishments came to light Dustin comes to see her within the family. every day. “My mom never bragged Petersen shared that her much about what she did,” mother’s biggest sources of said Petersen. “She was more pride are her family, her concerned about being with the ability to change with the family and helping everybody times and her role in proving In the 1980s, Rost was get their education. She always that women can excel in one of the first engineers said that education was engineering careers. to begin using computers something that nobody could “Many women would come for the aircraft designs. She take away from you.” up and tell her how she opened approached the transition as Stefanie recalls that Granny the doors in the engineering another opportunity for growth was “the glue that kept our field to women,” Petersen said. while her team designed an family together.” “Because of her work ethic, all-composite helicopter for the It was always Rost’s house because of her ability to do U.S. Army, the ACAP aircraft. where the family gathered for everything, employers gave In 1990, Rost decided to holidays. Rost loved to read more women the opportunity retire and dedicate her time and would share passages to fit in to some of these jobs.” to her family, especially her from her personal devotions For Rost, life has always grandchildren: Derek, Dustin that she thought could inspire been about following her and Stefanie. While their her family. passions and expanding them mother was at work, “Granny” At age 89, Rost was still to the next stage. From sewing was the one looking out for the babysitting her greatgrand- her family’s clothes to sending kids, whether she was picking daughter Avery. Until recently, rockets into space, she has them up from school or taking she was able to enjoy traveling proven that the sky is definitely them to various practices. to Galveston to visit her not the limit. She created wonderful youngest great-grandson, It is only the beginning. memories by taking the entire Easton. family to South Padre Island Today, Rost is a resident Editor’s note: Vera Rost passed every summer. at Life Care Center of Haltom away as this publication It wasn’t until Derek and in Fort Worth. Her family now was being finalized for print. Dustin were in high school returns her dedication and This article is printed in her and writing a paper about their love, remaining active in her memory, with the permission grandmother that all of Rost’s life and visiting frequently. of her family.

36 BEECHER HUNTER

Worth More than Knives and Forks

vacation in Europe each valuable” of more worth summer and leave her with a than knives and forks? nanny. All across the country, in One year, when the girl was the centers Life Care operates, 11, the housekeeper suddenly folks are entrusting their quit shortly before the parents family valuables – mothers were to leave for Europe. The and fathers, grandmothers A medical student went parents were upset that their and grandfathers, and, in many to see a counselor about vacation was jeopardized, but cases, children – to our care. whether she should complete a few days before departure, They do it because they medical school or drop out to they found a replacement. have respect for, and trust raise a family. The counselor When the daughter noticed in, the work we do and the suggested that she could do her mother wrapping up all the commitment we show for these both with a little outside help. family silverware and jewels, loved ones. They are their – The student explained she asked why, since it had and our – great treasures. that she had vowed never never been done before. Her And accordingly, the service to entrust her children to a mother responded that she we render is of great worth. housekeeper. The counselor could not trust the new maid asked why, and the young with the family valuables. woman explained that That insensitive remark when she was a little child, stabbed the daughter in the Beecher Hunter her wealthy parents would heart. Was she not a “family President Excellence

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