About Us

If you want to meet an extensive network of fantastic women, FAN is the club for you. Many are retired nurses, teachers, business owners, and executives; some still work or operate their businesses, and most volunteer in the community.

FAN has remained a respected women's club since its inception in 1979. Early on, FAN was established and is still guided by a set of Bylaws. In addition, an Executive Board is elected annually to oversee the club's goals, charity, membership, events, and financial decisions. The Board ensures that all activities align with FAN's three primary purposes of the club.

EXECUTIVE BOARD 2026-2027

FAN purpose

To provide an opportunity for members to become acquainted with others in the community in an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill, and helpful information.

To undertake and to promote charitable and humanitarian projects within the community.

To form enduring friendships.

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PRESIDENT

Marybeth Magallanes

Marybeth moved to Houston from Atlanta where she was active in a local women's club holding various board positions and volunteered at Forsyth County Alzheimer's Respite group. She grew up in Chicago, married and raised her two sons in upstate New York, and over the next ten years lived in Japan, Korea, Argentina and Mexico. She retired in 2013 after working 35 years for GE as a Human Resources Manager. Upon joining FAN in 2023, she quickly got involved as Secretary and in many activities. She was most recently held the 2nd Vice President of Membership position, and leads two activity groups. Her passion for community service and avid interest in reading and playing games makes her a great addition to FAN.

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1st VICE-PRESIDENT of PROGRAMS

Kathy Didieu

Kathy moved to Spring in 2000 after living in McAllen Texas for 28 years where she was actively involved in community service, including the American Red Cross of the Rio Grande Valley (President) and United Way RGV (Chairman). A retired HR Director in banking, she joined FAN in 2023 and became more involved in 2025. Originally from New England, Kathy has also lived in Mexico for 10 years. She is a devoted mother of 3 children and grandmother of 8. Her hobbies include reading, playing cards, meeting new people, and learning Mah Johngg.

2nd VICE-PRESIDENT of MEMBERSHIP
Liz Gilmer

Liz received her BBA in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin and spent her entire career improving the operations of Accounts Payable Departments with 3 different companies. She is a bean counter to her core. She is currently the Treasurer for the Continental Airlines Retiree organization of which she has been a member since 2011. She has been on that board since 2015 in positions of Membership Secretary and
Treasurer. She was also just elected assistant Treasurer of her Square Dancing Club of which she's an avid member. Liz enjoys many of the game activities FAN has to offer in addition to the Antiquers & Junkers and other groups. She is delighted to share her organization and record keeping skills with FAN.

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SECRETARY

Barbara Pack

Barbara is a retired Klein ISD employee where she served as a Special Ed secretary. She loves to crochet. She plays Canasta, Bunco, National Mah Jongg, and Mexican Train. Barbara served two terms as FAN Secretary and then was the 2024-2025 Directory Chairperson. This will be her second year holding the Secretary position.

TREASURER

Laurie Nimberger

After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, Laurie worked as a marketing specialist in the Oil & Gas industry for 24 years before becoming a local business owner. She enjoys decorating, traveling, spending time with her family, and being a Dog Mom to her labrador. Laurie loves playing Railroad Canasta, Mah Jongg and Mexican Train, and she co-hosted one of FAN's Spring Luncheons. She joined our club in 2020 and created a new FAN website while serving as the Social Media Chair (website and Facebook) for two years. She has most recently been the FANfare Newsletter Editor for the past two years. This will be Laurie's second year as Treasurer.

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AUDITOR

Idalia Skates

Idalia graduated from the University of Houston and retired from Aldine ISD. Her daily life centers around her grandchildren. She enjoys playing Mexican Train, supporting the Astros and the Texans, and working in her yard. She has been a member of FAN since 2011 and has served as Treasurer, Auditor and Historian. This will be Idalia's second year as Auditor.

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Sherry Jordan

Sherry moved to Texas in 2022 from Albany, Oregon and Daytona Beach, Florida to be close to her son and his family. She joined FAN in 2025. Sherry has 30 years experience in the financial services industry before founding Sherry Jordan Coach, LLC and The Northwest Coaching Group, Inc. in 2005. Originally the firms specialized in working with small business owners, private practitioners, and executives to create successful businesses and careers. In 2025 she added a focus of Life After 60 issues including encore career, retirement, living well as we age, retirement, and grief and loss. Sherry began creating the FAN newsletter early in 2026. Sherry has a Masters in Family Counseling with a specialty in Human Relations. She lives in Spring with her husband Dennis. This will be Sherry's second year as Newsletter Editor.

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HISTORIAN

Mary Papageorge

Mary has been a FAN member for 4+ years and has served as the Charity Chairperson. Originally from California, she's been a resident of Texas for 55 years. Mary retired 5 years ago from being a Mortgage Banker of 23 years and Producing Branch Manager of AmCap Mortgage. She's a past President of Cy-Fair Business Networking International (BNI) Chapter; past Board Member of Cypress Assistance Ministries, Women's Council of Realtors, TREPAC, and 290 Networking Group. Mary currently volunteers at REACH Unlimited. She recently joined the Yiayia/Grandma Club with a new granddaughter, Emyra.

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ADVISOR

Sandy Darst

Sandy graduated from the University of St. Thomas and received her Master of Education Leadership from Lamar University. She is a retired educator. Sandy has been married to her husband, Tommy, for 55 years and together they run a successful business. She is an active member of the community through her memberships and board positions in various organizations. Sandy joined FAN in 2019 and served two years as the Directory Chairperson, two years at the 1st Vice-President of Programs and one year as President. Sandy enjoys being a member of First Thursday Lunch Bunch, and she plays Mah Jongg and Mexican Train.

EXTENDED BOARD

Activities

Charity

Day Trips