Couple’s Journey Spanned Continents Over 50 Years

A chance encounter between Sangmie and William “Bill” Schellstede in Seoul in the 1960s led to a marriage that has endured over 50 years and included globetrotting over several countries and continents.

Sangmie and Bill have lived at Kendal at Lexington since 2016, but their story begins decades before.

Born and raised in Korea, Sangmie moved to America for graduate school. She went on to receive two master’s degrees, one in East Asian studies from Harvard University and another in International Education from New York University.

Sangmie’s Harvard degree led to her serendipitous encounter with her future husband, Bill.

Bill was working in Korea when he met Sangmie at the annual meeting of the Havard Club of Seoul in the 1960s. Their interaction was originally one of interest rather than love, but a spark ignited as they continued to navigate the halls of the club together.

Their courtship faced several challenges, including Bill’s relocation to Vietnam, but heartfelt letters exchanged across many miles only fueled their love, making it grow stronger.

In 1968, back on the streets of Seoul, Sangmie and Bill exchanged their vows during a simple but beautiful wedding ceremony.

Bill worked in international health, so the couple frequently traveled around the world; they moved to India, Costa Rica, Liberia, Belize and Sri Lanka. Sangmie and Bill briefly moved back to America, this time in the New York area, until the couple relocated to Bangladesh for four years.

Sangmie and Bill welcomed two daughters along the way and now dote on their four grandchildren.

During these years, Sangmie held a teaching position in Bangladesh and also taught English as a Second Language at the American International School in Dhaka.

In 1984, Bill and Sangmie returned to America for good. Sangmie taught Korean at the State Department School of Languages and worked as a freelance interpreter at Duke University and Harvard for international visitors and dignitaries. She had three assignments at the White House as a Korean/English interpreter for the presidents of Korea and the first ladies.

After years of traveling the world and fulfilling professional lives, the couple had a difficult time finding the right place to spend their retirement years. They toured communities in Washington, D.C., Virginia and North Carolina for two years before deciding on Kendal at Lexington. They were drawn to its Quaker values and the promise of a vibrant community. At Kendal at Lexington, Sangmie has immersed herself in Korean literature while Bill has indulged in hobbies like fly fishing, cooking, and folk singing.

For those embarking on their own path of love, Sangmie and Bill offer this advice: “Take your time, meet new people, and never stop learning.”

Editor’s note: This story was written by Meaghan Airey with AKCG – Public Relations Counselors for Kendal at Lexington as a Valentine’s Day love story.