Life After Tappan Zee

Patricia Trubiroha VanderBeek

1955 Graduation Picture	Recent Picture

Two days after graduation I was working at Lederle. I started as a messenger, transferred to a typist position, then clerical, and then secretary. Then did some night classes at RCC. Lederle offered many opportunities for promotions and advancement and I took advantage of these promotions while building up many benefits without having to commute or relocate. I was a Production Planner, Market Analyst, then transferred to the Research Division of Cyanamid as Supervisor in the Clinical Research Information Center. In May of 1993 I was offered the 'golden hand-shake' or an excellent retirement package. . I took the package and after 38 years retired.

While at Lederle, I belonged to the LERA Board which is the Lederle Employee Recreation Association; they oversee the various clubs available to employees. I organized the LERA picnic for two years. Some 4000 employees and family turn out for this event. I was President of the LERA Travel Club for 10 years and planned trips to Atlantic City, shopping, dinner theaters, weekends, cruises, Caribbean islands, USA and European trips. I belonged to their softball, bowling and golf leagues. These were never part of employment; they were all volunteered time.

My mother died when I was 20; I helped my father raise my two young sisters and our nine month old brother. In 1967 I met the love of my life, my husband, Jay VanderBeek from Sloatsburg. We were married in July of 1968. I lived in Suffern until 1983; then we moved to Blauvelt next to great neighbors, Deenya & Bill (class of 55) Soman. My husband passed in January of 1994. In addition to traveling with the Travel Club, my husband and I spent many vacations on Cape Cod, went to New Orleans Mardi Gras, Las Vegas and most states in the USA. Our goal was to visit every state in the USA. We were never blessed with children; although, had as many as seven cats at one time. All strays or homeless from shelters. Happy to say only two now.

In the Spring of 1995 while reading the obits in the Journal News I discovered that my high school best friend, Ruth Gradnauer Trainer's brother had passed away and that she was back in New York living in Pearl River. Ruth and I got together; enjoyed traveling, laughs and lots of reminiscing. Ruth had scleroderma and when her health deteriorated she moved near her daughter in Maine. She passed away June 19, 1998.

Today, I enjoy maintaining my gardens, travel, golf, cooking, dining out, and spending time with the many friends I was fortunate to meet over the years. In 1997 I met a very special friend and am now First Mate on his boat. We spend time cruising the Hudson River to the Catskill region and Long Island Sound. I also enjoy knitting/crocheting mittens for charity and lap afghans which I donate to Helen Hayes Hospital.

I am looking forward to the 50th Reunion of the class of 1955.

Contact Information

EMAIL: KADIDEL74@aol.com

Snail-Mail: 74 Leber Road, Blauvelt, NY 10913

Phone: 845.359.9497