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 Karen and Rich |
If some people's lives are a direct path in a logical direction, I would liken mine more to a walk through aEuropean hill town. Sometimes on my way I have come to dead ends. More often I have turned a corner and been thrilled with new friends, adventure and a fresh view of the world.
After high school I studied English/Education at Purdue University, graduating in 1966. I began teaching in Griffith, Indiana. That fall I married Rich Fleming, a pharmacist graduate from Purdue who now works in generic pharmaceutical sales for Barr Labs.
When Rich was drafted into the army in 1967, I followed him to Fort Bragg, NC. There I taught 8th grade in a self contained classroom. It was the first year of integration and a time of great turmoil in the South. After returning to Northwest Indiana, I again taught English until we adopted our son, Michael,in May of 1972.
In 1981 I returned to work at NIPSCO, our local gas and electric utility. In a training capacity I worked in generating stations, sub-stations, purchasing, district operations. Later I was assigned to district operations within an in-house consulting dept. For several years I enjoyed going between district offices revising systems, doing the dreaded efficiency studies and updating the company 'shut off' procedure. Shutting off the wrong customer is not only nasty PR, it can be deadly. When the department I was in was eliminated, I landed in Data Security. No longer happy in my work, I quit in late 1991.
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The AIDS epidemic became very personal to me while helping a friend manage a small art gallery. Moved by the bravery with which those suffering faced the quiet devastation of their lives, I dedicated much time to raising money for their needs, taking them to the doctor, befriending them. In order to preserve their lives and let others know what life had meant to them, I wrote several of their oral histories.
During this time I also returned to school at Valparaiso University and received a Master of Art and Liberal Science degree. By doing so I updated my teaching license.
Today I am very involved with the Brauer Museum of Art at VU and am study chairman for the Northwest Indiana Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago. I'm an avid, but duffer golfer, my league's tournament chairman. I enjoy cooking with my herb garden, and, as always, reading and music. I am very active in the Episcopal Church. My adorable grandchildren live in LaFayette; I see them at every opportunity.
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 Rich, Michael and his family |
High School was the sunniest of days, and I look forward to seeing you again.
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209 Fox Chapel Court Valparaiso, Indiana 46385 |
Fax: (219) 477-4950 Valparaiso, Indiana E-mail: kjfleming@msn.com |
