Alice Rew

We've all heard stories about quiet people working quiet jobs who somehow manage to save a fortune-and then leave it to a worthy cause. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of librarian Alice Rew, who died in May, the CMTA is the grateful recipient of a seven-figure gift.

Alice was born in Atascadero, Calif., in 1938 and lived there her entire life. She was diagnosed with CMT at the age of 3, but it didn't stop her from leading a full, productive life. She was the head librarian for the Atascadero High School for 35 years. She was active in the Atascadero Historical Society for many years and served on the board of the Friends of the Library.

Alice loved books and reading, which led directly to her profession. One day she escaped the mess of a home renovation by going to the library, where they put her to work. Although she didn't have a library degree, the principal offered her a job at the school library on the condition that she get one. She did it in three summers at San Jose State.

Alice first brought technology to the school library. In 1980, she took her own computer to work and used it for recordkeeping. Soon afterward, the school district established computer labs in the classroom.

When she wasn't reading or teaching, Alice loved to cook, sew, quilt and crochet. She also found time for a CMT support group. Of that group, she said, "It makes life easier to have someone to talk to who understands what you're going through."

Alice's friend Sharon Turner recalls that when Alice shared her plans to donate to the CMTA two years ago, she was very happy and a small smile played across her face. As Sharon observed, her legacy will live on in many places, including the CMT community.

Jeana Sweeney, the CMTA's chief engagement and gifts officer, fondly recalled Alice's long-standing commitment to the CMTA: "Every year since 1994, Alice would send a gift to the CMTA to ensure that she received The CMTA Report in the mail. With each report, Alice read about the impressive growth of CMTA-STAR research and stories about others living with CMT. She recognized that she could help by leaving a gift to the organization leading CMT research. I feel very fortunate that I was able to thank Alice personally for choosing to leave behind a legacy for the CMTA," Sweeney added.

If you'd like more information about leaving a legacy for the CMTA, contact Jeana at [email protected].