"My Memories of Jean" by Willie-Mae Perry, Council Member
One of the Welsh Congregational Church’s long time members, Jean Williams Peetz, died February 16, 2018. She was 96 years of age.
I came on the scene to the Welsh Church in the early 1990’s. I remember her as an intelligent woman; good-natured, dedicated, capable and proud to be Welsh. She was a great support to the church not only financially but served as the Head officer of Communion, on the Finance Committee, and Treasurer. Of course, she was a member of the Welsh Council as well as active with the Welsh Women’s Club.
Academically, Jean could be considered a woman ahead of her time. She had a degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, came to New York City upon graduation and worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 40 years. She was proud of her accomplishments at Met Life. She was equally proud of being a Handwriting expert (Certified Document Examiner). A career she took up after retirement. If a document was forged she would spot it. As a young woman upon meeting Jean, I thought she was cool! She was smart, non-conventional, caring, and a sharp dresser.
Jean Williams was born in Oak Park, IL on September 14, 1921 and grew up in Hibbing, MN.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR Rev. Dr. Philip R. Newell
We celebrated the life of our former pastor, Rev. Dr. Philip R. Newell through the readings of eulogies, poetry and scripture, with Colleen Kennedy, David E. Morgan, Willie-Mae Perry, Simon Owen-Williams, Caroline von Reitzenstein, Don Farrow, James W. Thomas, Thomas E. Bird and Mary Lynne Bird and Dr. Madeleine Tramm.
NANCY WILLIAMS HAS DIED
Longtime friend of the Welsh Congregation, Nancy L. Williams passed away quietly at home. No arrangements have been announced.
OUR CAROLINE VON REITZENSTEIN'S SON HAS DIED
Caroline von Reitzenstein's beloved son, Paris has died in an accident. Friends and members who attended the December 13th Advent Service may remember Paris who attended worship as well the te bach and Carol Sing after the service.
The congregation hosted a memorial for Paris at the January gathering of the Welsh Congregation of New York City.
The Rev. Dr. Philip R. Newell returned from his retirement to give the homily and offer the prayers. David Morgan provided worship leadership and worked out the order of worship and Mary Nelson directed an extraordinary music program.
Paris with Rev. Dr. Philip R. Newell