Mystery Classmate 095

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, Paula Recchio Joseph, Mike Williams, Amy Petrina Tarantini, Beth Chufo Nichols, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Scott Silverman, Greg Markantone, Paul Rodgers, Tommy West, Bill Stout, Betsy Raible Ford, Jim Thompson, Megan Mahoney, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Karen “Scottie” Campbell Ricci, and Jeff Buchanan, all of whom correctly identified Barbara Bender (’87) as Mystery Classmate #95 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Barbara Bender Pietro lives in Columbus, Ohio and has been married to her husband Joe for seven years. She holds a Ph.D. from Ohio University, was previously Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at Franklin University (Home of the Fightin’ Clock Towers), left that post to have her twin sons Nick (l) and Alex (r), and is now an adjunct professor at Franklin teaching Global Cultures.

Thanks to Mary Bender Knight for taking the photo.

Many classmates had fond memories and nice comments about Barbara.

Amy Petrina Tarantini wrote that Barbara is very nice and her babies are cute. Lori Haas Baccari didn’t recognize Barbara but thought that the babies were absolutely beautiful. Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Ann Broadberry Johnson, and Karen “Scottie” Campbell Ricci all agreed that her twins are adorable.

Mike Williams disagreed, writing, “Wow! Those boys are Benders through and through.”

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “I loved getting Barbara to laugh (which was usually very easy to do) and she would often get to the point of tears!! That was hysterical.”

Jim Thompson remembered that Barbara always used to wear her cardigan sweaters backwards. Jim added, “She probably doesn't do that anymore.”

Ann Broadberry Johnson wrote, “Barbara was one of my very first friends -- we grew up just a few streets away and our moms were in the Bryn Mawr Mothers’ Club together. When we were about 9, I brought her a souvenir bracelet back from a beach vacation engraved with her name. The engraver was probably a hungover college student. Much to my dismay, it looked like it read "Barfra." I gave it to her anyway, after all, it's the thought that counts. I don't believe she ever wore it.”

Megan Mahoney shared a poignant story: “When we were still at Woodside Barbara’s mom and mine were our Brownie Troop leaders. We went to an overnight camp somewhere and it was my very first time sleeping anywhere but at home. I was very frightened and began to cry lying there in the dark. Barb, who was in the cot directly across from mine, heard me so she went and got her mom. She came and sat on the edge of my bed and stroked my back and talked to me until I fell asleep. It was mortifying and comforting at the same time. Nobody said anything to me about it the next morning as I recall, and I was so relieved. Now almost 30 years later I'm not sure if I ever thanked Mrs. Bender, but still count it as one of my most vivid Woodside School memories. So, be sure to forward this to her with my very belated thank you!”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Karen Bonvalot. Jennifer Buchanan Machovec guessed Mary Comtois. Mark Koutavas guessed Stephanie Kartsonas, noting that she is of Greek descent.

Stu Cohen didn’t remember Barbara, nor did he remember Suhail Baloch for that matter, and isn’t sure where he went to high school.