Elizabeth Gallaher von Klemperer

I walked into that experimental freshman English class in September 1959 the daughter of immigrants, thinking that it was surely a mistake that I had landed in the seminar room with only ten seats around a big table, at the head of which was Professor von Klemperer. A year later I walked out with confidence that I could express my ideas effectively, could support my ideas with evidence and could present them persuasively--- to a great extent due to the meticulous and caring attention that...

She asked me a question in 1963 that (although I did not know it at the time) changed my life.

I only met "Betty" late in life but she was always welcoming. We share many interests- cooking, France, culture - which we got into together a bit. Even as her body failed her, she remained intellectually inquisitive, with an electric sparkle in her eye and an energy of curiosity and joy.

A life well lived!

As one of the many students whose minds and lives were expanded by this remarkable woman, I am very sorry to learn she has died. She was kind enough to exchange Christmas cards with me for decades after my graduation (1984), and the one time I saw her again in person she remarked how lovely it was to keep in touch with many women she regarded as almost nieces. My sincere sympathies with her immediate family as well as her academic family at large. She will be missed.

The Von Klemperers were amazing people who lived amazing lives, and I remember them with so much love and affection. Cathy's mom taught through example, and anecdote, and humor, and warmth. And she taught all the time--I was never in a class with her but I learned so much--about history, politics, values, and behavior, among other things. I love her and think of her with joy.

To Kathy and Jamie, I extend my sorrowful sympathy. I had been planning another letter to your wonderful mother, with whom I have maintained a desultory correspondence since she went to live in Chestnut Hill. As a slightly younger colleague in the Art Department, I learned so much from your mother:she introduced me to the world of William Morris and the Aesthetic Movement and we taught seminars together on the Pre-Raphaelites and Aestheticism and Decadence. We shared our fascination with...

The von Klemperers were wonderful teachers and delightful people who made electric my time at Smith. May her memory always be for a blessing.

Dear Kathy, Jamie, and Mr. von Klemperer:

What a surprise to open up THE DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE this morning and learn your dear Elizabeth passed away. I remember all of you fondly from our years at the Smith College Campus School before we moved on to secondary school and the opportunity to pursue interests and passions.

I can't help wondering what our lives would have looked if we could have packed as much into our lives as your wife and mom did! Anyone who had her for a...

I miss her home baked bread and vegetables from her garden at Conway. She will be missed by all who knew her.