Meredith------Alice Anne (Waugh) Kallmerten, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2013.
Mrs. Kallmerten was born December 20, 1926 in Clarksburg, West Virginia where she lived with her brother Lewis and her parents Lulu Brenice (Rohr) and Lewis H. Waugh, Sr. until she was 10. Upon the death of her grandfather, the family moved from the city to the rural countryside of Alum Bridge, W. Virginia, a move she would later say was a culture shock but helped shape her life. Alice attended high school during WW 2 and then went on to West Virginia University where she joined the Delta Tau sorority, became the ‘sweetheart of Sigma Chi’ and met her future husband, James H. Kallmerten. Alice graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education and Biological Science in 1948 and then taught school before marrying on August 1st, 1949. Over the next 15 years, Alice and Jim relocated to several different states pursuing his accounting career and in the process had 4 children, all boys, a fact she would later joke nearly drove her crazy. In the 1960’s, the family settled in Framingham, MA where Alice ‘refused to budge’ until the boys were out of school. Alice and Jim retired to Charlotte, NC in 1987 and Jim passed away 10 years later. Alice remained in Charlotte until 2005 when she moved to ‘cold’ NH to be closer to family.
Alice was smiling, fun loving, humorous and open to new adventures. She felt strong family connections, especially with her cousins, uncles and aunts from her mother’s extended family, the Rohrs. Throughout her life, she pursued a path of self improvement. Part of this process involved writing and journaling, which she did extensively. Her writing evolved into a passion for poetry which she began studying at the age of 64. Alice became a recognized poet with publications in Charlotte Poetry Magazine, Flame and Weston Democrat News. Her poetry received awards from North Carolina Poetry Council, Fields of Earth and The Charlotte Writers Club. When not writing, she enjoyed senior activities and was a member of the Silver Foxes Swimming Club, competing in the Carolina Senior Games in 1988 and 1989 and winning multiple medals. She was a fan of the Carolina Panthers (and not shy about trash talking), an avid reader and loved old western movies.
Alice was predeceased by her parents, husband and brother. She is survived by her sister in law, Pong Ak Waugh of Cragsmoor, NY, and her four sons and families: Jim Kallmerten, Carol Borg and their daughter Jane of Syracuse, NY; Dan and Pam Kallmerten and their children Amy, Sam and Julia of Gilford, NH; Tim and Traci Kallmerten and daughters Kelsey Hyndman and Taeler Kallmerten of Houston, TX; and John Kallmerten and his children Jesse Abrams-Kallmerten and Grace Abrams-Kallmerten of Framingham, MA.
A celebration of life is being planned.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246. (centralvna.org).
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.