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Remembering Eunice Schleif (1932-2008)..
December, 2008
Rotarians were saddened and shocked when Eunice died on November 17. Just the Friday before she had graciously stepped in to take over as President of the Club, urging us to finish each of our meetings with the recitation of the Four Way Test On Friday, November 21, Rotarians took that meeting to share their memories of Eunice. David Hoopes from the Wantastiquet Club joined us to pay tribute to a unique and remarkable individual who gave much to the community in many ways. As David O'Brien said she was always in the community; even in her retirement she was contributing in many ways. Doug Krause remembered how Eunice was able to find a friendly pub in Rutland after a dry Rotary Meeting. Doug suggested that Rotary donate to the Spirit of Sharing. Kevin Thivierge also pointed out that we should do service for this organization in her memory. Jerry Albert remembered Eunice';s infectious smile. Ron Knapp remembered her work in helping BROC get established. Sally Sugarman first met Eunice when Eunice was helping to establish the Bennington Day Care Center. Among the other aspects of Eunice's work in Rotary, Wendy Chennaille remembered how comfortable Eunice made her feel when she first came to Rotary. She was a mentor and a friend. Patricia Michael recounted all the work that Eunice did for Park McCullough House. When Eunice said she would do something, it always got done. Many others talked of all that she did. There were also some funny stories of Eunice on her golf cart in the rain at the Car Show. Whether it was taking Betsy Gunn to her car in the rain or hitting her head on a tent pole that was where it shouldn't have been, Eunice was everywhere in that cart.
Besides serving the club on the Board, and as President, Eunice had also been an Assistant Governor in Rotary. She started the Spirit of Sharing Program and in her retirement was on the boards of United Way, The Oldcastle Theatre Company, the Coalition for the Homeless, the American Red Cross and others. She was also a Deacon of the Second Congregational Church. Before her retirement she was District Director in the department of Social and Rehabilitative Services. Her loss will be deeply felt in the community, as it will be by her children and grandchildren who were so much a part of her busy, productive and community oriented life. She exemplified Service Above Self in all that she did.
By: Sally Sugarman - Bennington Rotary Club Member
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