In Memoriam

Thank you for enriching our lives through Toastmasters.

Brian Woolf

Brian Woolf of Blue Moon Advanced Toastmasters passed away on September 21. His wife Maria Woolf wrote:

With a broken heart and never-ending sorrow, I must tell you that my beautiful brilliant Brian passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024. After he took his last breath, I felt his generous loving spirit soar to heaven and I find solace knowing he is with our Fiona.

A few short weeks ago, Brian was the picture of health living life at 100%, ever positive, ever inquisitive, ever wonderful, ever Brian. Then he developed a pain in his side and after many tests and scans, it was determined that he had a very aggressive form of melanoma.

Brian faced this, as he did everything, with hope, courage, and acceptance. The Lord could not have made a finer man. He was my love, my hero, and my life for 50 years. I was blessed.

Dear Family and Friends

As Hamlet soliloquized, I have escaped life’s mortal coil. My time has come to be reunited with our beloved Fiona. 

Thank you for being a part of my life and, in many cases, of Marie’s and Fiona’s too. Our lives were richer and fuller because of the times, the memories, the laughter, the chats, and perhaps even a few heartaches and tears, that we shared along our common journey.

Ecclesiastes describes the four seasons of a full life. Marie and I were blessed and thankful to have participated in all four. And now I go to join the author of Ecclesiastes and our Creator.

I chose  not to have a service to memorialize my moment of time here. I would rather you smile as you recall some moment when our paths crossed. That would be honor enough.

With love forever,
Brian Woolf

Francesca “Fran” Allegri

District 37 is sad to share Francesca “Fran”Allegri passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 26, 2024 at the age of 70. Forever a kind spirit, caring mother, wife, and sister, Fran spent her life making the world a brighter place. She enjoyed gardening, painting, playing with her dog, and most of all, the company of those around her.

A librarian by trade, Fran worked for UNC’s Health Sciences Library for over 30 years. Fran dedicated herself to serving others and had a passion for research and improving healthcare. She is survived by her husband Richard, children Chris and Mary Ann, and her German Shepherd Adie.

Always with a smile on her face, Fran leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. To have known her was to have a friend for life and someone who always had your back. The members of McDowell NC Toastmasters will miss her greatly.

Kathryn P. McKinney

District 37 mourns Kathy McKinney passed on June 9, 2024. Kathy was a member of WEC Express Toastmasters in Division E, in Winston-Salem.

Remembering Kathy, Former Division E Director and Club Coach Kayren Cathcart, DTM said:

Kathy loved sharing colorful stories about her family and her experiences growing up. She lit up whenever she gave a prepared speech about her Dad, The Aviator. Through the years, Kathy pressed on through physical challenges to attend our meetings and she was always willing to take a meeting role and add her spin to it!

Our condolences go to her family, friends, and fellow Toastmasters.

Naomi Takeuchi, DTM

Past District 37 Governor and Past International Director Naomi Takeuchi, DTM passed away on May 4, 2024.

Naomi joined Toastmasters in 2005 and has been a passionate and dedicated Toastmaster for almost 20 years. She was District 37 Governor from 2012 to 2013 and led the District to Distinguished Status. She served as International Director from 2019 to 2021. Throughout the years, Naomi sponsored, mentored, and inspired countless Toastmasters.

Outside of Toastmasters, Naomi was a big fan of LEGO and was a creator of “The Brickanista Broadcast Network” which has been live-streaming educational LEGO content since 2020. Naomi made friends with many Toastmasters from all over the world. She was an unforgettable soul who will be deeply missed. We truly appreciate her contribution and commitment to Toastmasters.

Our sincere condolences go to her family, friends, and fellow Toastmasters.

Gina Lovick, DTM

District 37 mourns Gina Lovick, DTM, who passed March 2, 2024. Gina was a former member of K9 Keynotes and most recently a member of Ridgefield Toastmasters.

A two time Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), Gina served in all club officer roles, Area Director, Division Director, club coach, club mentor, founded two new clubs, and was Public Relations Manager (PRM) for District 48. She received the District 48 Director’s Choice Award for her outstanding service as PRM.

In her day job, Gina owned her own digital marketing company focused on web design, content development, and social media.

Most recently, Gina was PRM for District 37 for the 2023/2024 year until she had to step down in October ’23 for health reasons. She was part of the 2023 District Conference committee working tirelessly to design the conference magazine and make the conference such a sucess. She also redesigned the district newsletter and did a complete rebuild of the district website, including this page.

A model Toastmaster, we will miss Gina and our condolences go to her family, friends, and fellow Toastmasters.

Hudson W. Griffin, III

1966 – 2023

Hudson W. Griffin, III, 57, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Wesley Long Hospital, of cancer.

Hudson III was born at Ellsworth AFB near Rapid City, South Dakota, on April 8, 1966, to Hudson W. Griffin Jr and Silva Madkins Griffin.

Upon graduating from Health Profession High School in Dallas (TX), he attended Texas A & M University (College Station) where he met his wife, Lori Ann Middleton of Lubbock, Texas. Upon leaving Texas, they relocated to Greensboro (NC) in 1998 and have resided in McLeansville, NC for over 20 years.

Hudson III was employed with AT&T, until the couple became self-employed and established IT Training & Solutions, Inc., a computer software training company.

Hudson was an active member and shepherding elder of Grace Community Church; member and officer of two Toastmasters clubs, Greensboro Toastmasters and Mprovmasters, and attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) where he once was in leadership. He is remembered for his constant endeavors and bringing joy to everyone he meets. His was “a good and faithful servant.”