Francis T. Nicholls High School
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Virgie Ann Stringer Schmidt Duncan
Why so many names, you ask? Well, because I got married at the end of our junior year, you may know me by my maiden name (Stringer) or by my previous married name (Schmidt), which is the official name on my diploma. “Virgie” is an unusual name to say the least so I might have been able to be another “Cher” and use just one name, except I didn’t believe I had the looks or talent to pull it off. My son, Cecil III, was born in 1962; my daughter, Monica, was born two years later. My husband was in the Navy for 20 years, causing us to move every few years: first to the Philadelphia area, then back to New Orleans, up to Minneapolis, out to San Diego, back down again to New Orleans, then up to Chicago (coldest place I ever survived), down to Memphis, and once again to the Philadelphia area of Bucks County. We retired to Memphis where we still had a home. These adventures were an education in themselves, and we all thrived, exploring each city and surrounding country and all it had to offer. Travel became our number one hobby. I was divorced in 1980 and remarried in 1985 to Robert (Bob) Duncan. We live on the outskirts of Memphis. It used to be the country but is growing rapidly. Bob is still working; he had planned to retire this May (2009); however, as we are all too aware the economy dictated otherwise. I am semi-retired. After more than 20 years in Human Resources, I quit my job to take care of my first granddaughter – one that I never thought I’d have. Ansley is Monica’s daughter. She’ll be seven in June and is my heart. I’ve also been sewing, something I’ve loved since I was a child sewing doll clothes with Janice May (’61). I have a small home decorating business; I sew for two designers and by referrals only. Both my children are late bloomers in the “having children department” (unlike their mother). My son Cecil married in January 2008 and I now have another granddaughter, whom we call Mena. Unfortunately, my son and his family live in Los Angeles, so I won’t be able to take care of her. My life is full. I’m healthy, and so is Bob. My family is doing well. I still love to travel, play bridge, serve as Service Chair of my sorority chapter, AND I have Pro status on the Wii Sports bowling (ha-ha). Okay, I do Wii Fit, walk two miles almost daily, and Zumba sometimes. I’d love to start back playing tennis, but my friends all complain that it hurts their knees or shoulders or . . . Note: Virgie Duncan is on Facebook and welcomes contacts from her classmates. |
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