Contributions to the tribute of Leonor E. McAlpine

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In Memory of

Leonor E. McAlpine

1918 - 2009

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Allan Barnes posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I am saddened to learn (some months later) of the death of Professora McAlpine, but I am not surprised that she lived such a long and fruitful life. It was a lifetime ago that I met her as a second year student at Wayne State University. It was in her class that my interest in learning the Spanish Language (up til then it was just a requirement) was awakened. After her class, I went on to study abroad, Spanish became my second language, and my life became infinitely richer. I also eventually became an educator, and Leonora McAlpine was also an inspiration for me as an educator. I had the good fortune to run into her 20 years ago while walking through the GM Building and thank her for being such an inspiring presence in my life. I thank her once again, and I am sure that there are thousands like me who remember her as an inspiring educator and an inspiring human being.

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Frances Rowe Spedding posted a condolence

Monday, January 18, 2010

My sister sent me the obit very recently. I attended Greenfield Park and Pershing High School in Detroit. Lenore and her sister, Luz, were schoolmates of mine. I have good memories of those years.

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Thomas Boufford posted a condolence

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Leonor and her colleague and dear friend, Harriet Wojtowicz, were teachers of Spanish at Denby High School in Detroit when I had the great good fortune to be one of their students in 1954-56. Now, more than half a century later, my personal Hall of Remembrance contains no images more refulgent than theirs.. How wise and good they were, so strong, yet so gentle and kind! They inspired me.

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David Watson posted a condolence

Monday, November 16, 2009

When I became a lover of Mexico and Spanish (in that order) in my senior year at WSU in 1975-76, Miss McAlpine was my teacher. When I left for Mexico after graduation, she offered me the use of her house in Durango, Mexico, when I traveled there. I stayed a month, and was welcomed by her cousins there in the city and the family who watched over her house. When I returned to WSU to earn my M.A., she was a big supporter and helped me to get into the program. I was fond of her and grateful to her. I am sorry I lost contact with her later in her life. She was a gracious and generous lady. She also had a tough and pragmatic side that I admired. Que descanse en paz.

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Kathy posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Ms. Leonor. Though our conversations were brief, I learned that she was an intelligent, caring and proud woman. She will be remembered lovingly and respectfully.

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Paul posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

Professor McAlpine was my spanish professor for 2 years (1980-82)and was a wonderful teacher. I still greatly value the knowledge that she passed to me.

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William Shelton posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

I remember Ms McAlpine very well from my student days at Wayne State. Que descanse en paz.

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Roslyn Schindler posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

I first met Leonor when my late husband Marvin Schindler became Chair of the Department of Romance and Germanic Languages and Literatures in 1974. Since that time, I saw her around the department and, then, after she retired, at department events or, sadly, at funerals. I remember her as a lovely, gentle, caring person, and I know that my husband was very fond of her and respected her greatly as a professor of Spanish. I offer my deepest sympathy to Leonor's family and friends.

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Louise Speed posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

With sincere condolences to Leonor's family. She was a wonderful, gentle, elegant lady.

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Don Haase posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

Leonor was one of the kindest and most generous colleagues I have ever known. When I first came to Detroit, she invited our young family to spend time at her own family's cottage on the Canadian shore of Lake St.Clair. We have always been grateful for this and other expressions of her kindness.

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Pierette Domenica Simpson posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

I am sad to learn about the passing of one of my rescuers on the Atlantic ocean, July 26, 1956. As I struggled to enter a small window at the top of the French liner, Ile de France, Leonor McAlpine was there helping Andrea Doria shipwreck survivors. I discovered her identity years later at Wayne State University. Profesora MccAlpine was my Spanish instructor. As I recounted my frightful story, she watched and listened intently; I thought she was impressed with my Spanish speaking abilities. Instead, when I had finished, Profesora McAlpine remarked, I was one of the people who was pulling survivors into that little window on the Ile! I don't know which one of us was more shocked. The proverbial 6 of separation became 2 when I learned that she had taught at my high school some years earlier, and that she was living less than 2 miles from my home. This encounter taught me that we are all interconnected and all in need of one another. Gracias, Profesora McAlpine!

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Carol Wojtowicz Bimberg posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

Leonor and my cousin Harriet Wojtowicz were both my role models when I was growing up. Both encouraged me to study, read and attend college in a time when women were not encouraged to do so. I will always remember and be thankful to both these wonderful women.

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Penrith Goff posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

Leonore was a wonderful colleague, always a smile on her face. My condolences to all the family she leaves behind.

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Susan Franceschi posted a condolence

Monday, November 9, 2009

A loving and kind cousin as I looked up to her and the warmth that surrounded her for as long as I can remember. There is a special place for people like her, as I know she is there. Her light shined brightly on many people and her heart touched many. What a wonderful life she shared.

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