Friday, February 24, 2012
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(Feb. 24, 2012)-Jaclyn Smith, one of the celebrity guests scheduled to appear at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore 2012 Gala, March 3, is unable to attend.
Smith’s mother-in-law, Maxine Allen, 81, died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Funeral services will be in Rochester, N.Y., the weekend of the UMES Gala, her publicist said. Smith is married to Bradley Allen, a Houston cardiothoracic surgeon.
“Jaclyn and her family are going through a difficult time dealing with the loss of a loved one,” her publicist said. “She truly regrets having to cancel her appearance and hopes that gala guests are understanding.”
“We are sympathetic of Ms. Smith’s loss,” Dr. Veronique Diriker, director of development at UMES and event coordinator, said. “It is hoped she will be able to visit our campus at a later date.”
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.
