Another classmate checks in with her mini-biography

Martha M. Fernandez - Signum '68

"Hola Alberto, I'm one of the "lost souls" on your list. Susana Cortazar (Garcia) mailed me the info about the reunion. I'm still trying to decide about going (I'd have to fly to Miami), but I didn't want to continue being "lost." Also, you might want this information to help you locate a couple more. Josefina Calzado is now Burroughs, and the last I heard from her, she was living in Vermont. Maria Victoria Fernandez is now Danger, and she's still in Miami. I emailed Henry Vicente Gomez about the reunion, but he said he's not going.

About me:
I was Martha Maria Fernandez. In school, I was also known as Peter. I've been Martha Maria Russ for the last eighteen years. (Well, it'll be eighteen years the week after our reunion, so maybe this can be a reunion/anniversary trip for us.) Actually, since I'm still a Cuban citizen, my passport still says Martha Maria Fernandez.

I'm married to Robert, and we have four children, Philip 38, Linda 29, Alan 27, and Esteban 24. The three oldest have given us six grandchildren: Brian 18, Zac 12, Diamond 9, James 6, Miss Megan 5, and Gabriel 1.

As to any other biographical, and/or opinionated comments, I can't believe you're asking a Cuban person for opinionated comments. You know we have an opinion on just about anything. OK, I'll keep it short. My opinion is that IT'S ABOUT TIME! After the 20 year reunion, I waited for the 25 year one, but it didn't happen. I thought, okay, they'll have a 30 year one. Nope, that didn't happen either. So I want to thank you, because we really needed this. I'm sure it's a lot of work, and probably a big pain in the neck, but we appreciate it.
Biographical: Are we all fat, or is it just me? I weighed 90 pounds when I graduated, and most of that was my long hair! I cut it short, but it didn't help. I have been very fortunate. I have a great life. I love my husband, I love where I live , I love my job, I love the beach, I love having my family nearby (although having raised them Cuban, they can get underfoot - They're always here!) My biggest accomplishment was publishing a book, in 2001. It's called "Beans and Rice - Growing Up Cuban". Bueno, m'ijo, quizas te vea pronto.

Martha Maria Fernandez (Russ)
The photo attached is me and my youngest granddaughter Miss Megan, in Ocean Isle Beach."

That would be Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina - for those who would like to know. You've got a very cute grandkid, Martha, and no doubt she is spoiled...but seems it would be difficult not to spoil her. Our classmate has subsequently contacted us since we first heard from her - the good news is she and her husband will be joining us May 16th, and we hope for the picnic at Crandon as well. Perhaps in the meantime, you can work your charm on Henry Gomez, Martha, and he will change his mind about coming to the Reunion. The more the better! Thank you for sharing your story with the readership.