MEMORANDUM
TO: The Hamilton Community
FROM: Eugene M. Tobin, President
It is with deep personal sadness and heartache that I write to inform you of the death of Marge Dandridge, the former long-time secretary to the dean of students. Marge died this morning after a relatively brief illness.
Marge was a woman of extraordinary warmth whose grace and heart put everyone at ease. She was the consummate executive secretary -- efficient, discrete, extraordinarily able in her ability to manage crises and daily routines with equanimity, and always available for a kind word. Marge was also masterful at centering conversations on her friends, family and co-workers. She was a devoted, loving and equal partner in 42 years of marriage to her late husband Bill, and no daughter ever had a more loving mother or better role model for her children and grandchildren.
During her 29 years on College Hill, Marge served as secretary to the academic deans at Kirkland College and then Hamilton, and from 1980 to 2002 as secretary to the dean of students. When she retired last May, Dean Flossie Mitchell described Marge as "the voice of calm and reason, the model of competency and compassion, and a strong anchor for the deans and the students whom she served." During her nearly three decades of caring and kindhearted service to students and colleagues, she earned from all of us an unequaled place of honor and respect.
I am certain that expressions of sympathy and memories of Marge's special contributions to our community will be welcomed by her daughters: Kimatha (and Gerry) Griffin, 5706 Hilo Ct., W. Richland, WA 99353; Pam (and Jack) Denison, 19 Utica St., Clinton; and Susan Dandridge, 1208 Rippey St., El Cajon, CA 92020. Please keep the Dandridge family in your thoughts and prayers. We will share information about services when that information becomes available.
--E.M.T.
