Harriet “Holly” Schroeder, Smith College class of 1953, recently attended her 70^th college reunion. Along with 14 other classmates, the class celebrated the festivities at a weekend highlighted by an alumnae parade, in which all the graduates were dressed in white and carried special signs with meaningful phrases.

A government major, Schroeder was always interested in helping refugees and immigrants. During her junior year, she volunteered in France, digging ditches at the Collège Cévenol to help build the school in the aftermath of World War II. After graduation, she embarked upon an impressive career, working closely with refugees and immigrants. She was employed by the Church World Service for several years.

She met her husband Peter on a layover stop for a transatlantic flight from Amsterdam to New York City. He overheard her speaking fluent Dutch and, according to her daughter Alexandra Risley Schroeder, knew immediately that she was “someone he wanted take out for coffee.” The couple married in 1962 after a brief courtship. Holly and Peter had two daughters – Alex and her sister, Susanna.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Alex attended Smith College, graduating in 1986. While she has attended other Smith College reunions with her mom, including her mother’s 65^th at which she and Alex were joined by her granddaughter, Avery, Alex noted that this year felt different. 

“In the Ivy Day Parade, the oldest alums march through a path of increasingly younger alumnae – there were so many cheers and high fives for mom and her classmates!”

A young 91 years of age, Schroeder is now a resident at Ruth’s House Assisted Living, where she is adored by staff and residents alike. 

“We have really enjoyed having Holly as a resident at Ruth’s House Assisted Living.” said Christina Tuohey, Executive Director at the assisted living. “She is always teaching us about different plants in our garden and telling us about all her adventures, which are considerable! She is friendly, outgoing, and very personable. In fact, we love watching her foster new friendships with other residents and staff.”

The reunion proved to be everything Holly and Alex expected —and more. Schroeder summed up the weekend, saying, “That was such fun, but how can it be my 70^th reunion?”

For more information on Ruth’s House, call (413)b 567-6212 or visit JGSLifecare.org.

For more information on Jewish Geriatric Services Lifecare, call JGS Lifecare at (413) 567-6211 or visit JGSLifecare.org.

PHOTO: Schroeder

CAP: Holly Schroeder and her daughter Alex at the Smith College Alumni Parade