Scrabble Ladies - 10/7/2012 Print this page

On October 7, 2012, the families of eight "Gooseberry Beach Scrabble Ladies" gathered at the beach for the unveiling of a bronze plaque which contains their first names in 'Scrabble format'.

Present for the celebration were 22 of their 30 surviving children. Two of their 32 children have died. There were also many in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family friends present for this celebration which took place under a canopy in the misty rainy weather.

The women being honored, mostly "Fifth Ward" residents, and long time Gooseberry Beach members, are: Jean Conheeny, Gert Flack, Alice Kerins, Esther Martin, Rachel O'Donnell, Ad Schanil, Eileen Solecki and Ursla Quarry.

In the spring, this plaque will be permanently attached to the large rock formation next to where they sat and played their games."The following is a list of the Eight Scrabble Ladies being honored by the installation of a plaque at Gooseberry Beach and their children.

Click on the names to see the life accomplishments of these ladies.
  • Jean Conheeny [1921 - 2009]
      [family photo]
    1. * Tom Conheeny [Linda]
      • Adam (Jonna) Addie, Anna, Adam Jr.
      • * Jared (Jennifer ) Elise, Carson, Tristan
      • * Taryn Hurd (John) John, Jr., Thomas, Fallon, Kyle
    2. * Deanna Conheeny Casey
      • Niall (Kara) Niall, Jr.
      • Brendan
  • Gert Flack [1920 - 2007]
      [family photo]
    1. * Maureen Flack McEvoy
      • James McEvoy (Jim) [Cameron McEvoy(13 years old) & Aidan McEvoy (12 years old)]
      • Robert McEvoy (Rob) [Leah McEvoy (4 years old) & Kate McEvoy (2 years old)
    2. * Patricia (Pat) McLean (Bruce)
    3. * Kathleen (Kathy) Updegrove (Richard)
  • Esther Martin [1916 - 2006]
       [family photo]
    1. * Christina 'Tina' Martin
    2. * Peter Martin
      • Michele [Peter Webb] [Alex (8) Nicholas (6)]
      • Christine
    3. * Michael Martin [Patty]
      • Michael, Jr. [Laura] Tori (14), Devon (8), Donovan (10)
      • Amy Quinn [Frank] Annie (8), Kelly (5), Brigid (3)
    4. Nancy Gavin [Jim]
      • Jim, Jr. (Carson, Raeann)
      • Alison
      • Andrew
    5. * Steve Martin [Mary]
      • John
      • David
  • Rachel O'Donnell **
      [family photo]
    1. * Bob O'Donnell [1943-2015] (Betty)
    2. * Tim O'Donnell [Barbara]
    3. * Kathleen Clair [ ]
    4. * Maryann Cross
    5. * Michael O'Donnell
  • Eileen Solecki [1923 - 2009]
      [family photo]
    1. Peter Solecki (Nancy McKinnon)
      • Paul
      • Kevin
      • John
      • Patrick
    2. * Paul Solecki (Katie)
      • Aniela - (Hannah, Ryan)
      • Brian (Brooke)
      • * Brendan
    3. Brian Solecki (Bets Needham)
      • Kenyon
      • Nina
    4. Mary Solecki-Steege (Dave)
      • Jonah
    5. * Eileen Ruhl (John)
      • * Jocelyn
      • Sarah
      • Kathryn
  • Ursula Quarry **
      [family photo]
    1. * Rick Quarry [1943-2015] [Nancy]
      • Jill Reed [Lyle] (Peter, Leo)
      • Phillip [Jessie Austin], Jack
      • Maggie
    2. * Peter Quarry
    3. * David Quarry
    4. * Mary Devlin [Brian]
      • Patrick
      • Lindsey
      • Kelley

* Those who attended are marked with an asterisk.
** no obituary found on Internet
Family photos were sent by Kathy Updergrove