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In Memoriam
Classmates Share Memories of
Angela Renee Lykes ’82
(June 16, 1964 – July 10, 2008)
by Donna Pazdan Friedman ’82, Nora Margolis, and Virginia
Phillippi ’82
A Remembrance by Donna
(Pazdan) Friedman ’82:
It is with deep sadness that I am writing of
the loss of one of our dearest classmates. In
this time of hope and change, I am struck
by the tragedy of Angela’s death in the
same year that the people of the United
States elected their first black President.
Angela too accomplished many firsts in her
life. She was the first African-American to
graduate from CCES, where she was voted
our senior class President; and she was the
first in her family to attend college.
I met Angela in the third grade at St. Mary’s
Catholic School. We became friends
immediately at a time when it was uncommon
for whites and blacks to play together. I loved
her sweet nature. I left St. Mary’s to attend
CCES, and later Angela joined CCES for
grades 10-12. Her parents wanted her to have
a wonderful education, and Angela took every
opportunity and advantage of the education
she received at CCES. She was an honor roll
student and involved in all aspects of student
life. She was a member of several clubs and
played varsity field hockey.
It was no surprise that Angela was deemed
the “Friendliest” in our graduating class.
She was always sweet, kind and brave,
and received the Citizenship Award at our
high school graduation. Angela moved
valiantly through her life. She will be
missed.
A Remembrance by Nora
Margolis, MD:
Angela was a quiet leader and role model.
With her bright smile and sweet voice, she
always had a certain magic about her that
made everyone around her feel welcome and
happy. In college she continued to have this
magic, and continued to serve others in many
leadership positions. At Emory University
she served as a Resident Advisor for three years
and took an active role in her sorority, AKA.
Angela is survived by her mom and five
brothers and sisters. Her family and friends
were very important to her, and she gave
much of her time to make sure they were
happy. She had always wanted to be a
mom, and although she never had children,
she became a favorite aunt.
Angela also did much charity work for the
Junior League, an organization that helps
children and families at risk. The Atlanta
Junior League named her a “Woman to
Watch,” an honor given to her because of
her enthusiasm for working with others to
improve the community. She was a caring
and dedicated volunteer with the League’s
Political Affairs Committee and Nearly New
thrift shop. In her professional life she was
a manager for State Farm, where she worked
for over 20 years.
Angela lived in many cities and towns
(Atlanta, Washington, DC, Daytona,
36 | Highlights