Thursday, February 5, 2004

Sandra Knecht Shipman I have just learned from Judy Vicars Van Hagen that Sandra Knecht Shipman died in Springfield on Wednesday, February 4, 2004. The cause of death is unknown at present. I will post the obituary as soon as it reaches me. Sandy attended Harvard Park School, where she became fond of Miss Annie Laurie Webster, like so many of her classmates. At SHS she was involved in music and the drama club. After the death of Miss Webster, Sandy wrote me a note: 12/30/03 Thank you for the info. I get to Springfield about once a month, I do scan the newspaper but things like this fall through the cracks unless my Dad picks up on the fact it might be something I would like to know. I am just catching up my E - mail from the holidays. I spend a lot of time on computers at work and so do not always hop on this one when I get home. In fact, they are getting ready to put a 3rd one in my office. They hook me up with all the bedside testing going on in the Hospital. I sit there and watch what everyone if doing in their departments. Big Brother is here. Hope the holidays were good for you. Sandy Knecht Shipman I responded by asking her what life is like in Marion, her hometown in the heart of southern Illinois. This was her response: 1/4/04 I noticed in the last reunion booklet how many we went to high school with are already retired. Sometimes, when I'm feeling my years (HA!), I think about retirement with longing. Then I wake up. I will probably stay where I am. My family assume I will come back to Springfield, but really, with the 7 years I have spent in Mt. Vernon and here, this is where my friends are. Plus, when I was recruited to come to Marion, I brought a brand new home on and acre and a quarter out in the Lake of Egypt area. They call it God's Country down here and I can certainly see why. Rolling hills, lots of ponds and small lakes, woods, the roads flood so sometimes you have a hard time getting into town. At first there was only one house across from mine but there are about 15 here now. There are only 5 or 6 lots left. I use to have a herd of deer that slept in my backyard every night but now there are 2 houses so I only see then occasionally. After a trying day at work it is nice to come home, go out on the deck, survey the woods, have a drink, and listen to the cows and frogs. If my kids saw this they would say boorrrring. It was nice to hear from you. I moved around so much I did not do a very good job keeping in contract with friends from High School. Sandy Sandy never hinted at her illness. I'm glad to know that she enjoyed her home and sorry that her time with us ended so early. 11:47:50 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2004 William Howarth. Last update: 3/6/04; 10:03:28 PM.