The Spring 2024 Memorial

MEMORIAL

INSIDE

REUNION 2023

REMEMBERING THE SISTERS OF CHARITY

INTRODUCING THE LEGACY BRUNCH

HIGH SCHOOL

24

2023 REUNION

Honoring excellence from 1926-1973 as alumnae celebrate the Class of 1973.

STAY CONNECTED

The Bishop McDonnell Memorial Diocesan High School

Katrina Greene ’23 (Bishop McDonnell scholarship recipient) thanking reunion attendees for their continued support. Katrina is currently pursuing a degree in political science at Cornell University.

We share some history and some updates on the Sisters of Charity as we fondly remember our own Sisters of Charity that taught and guided the many students that entered and graduated from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School.

THE BISHOP McDONNELL

2024

ADMINISTRATION

Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC ı President

Edward A. Bolan ’78 ı Principal

Cecilia Gottsegen ı Assistant Principal

Luis Montes ı Dean of Students

Elisa D. Randall ‘10 ı Dean of Students

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Lenue H. Singletary ’87 ı Chair

Robert A. McRae ’03 ı Vice Chair

Tom Van Buskirk ‘70 ı St. Augustine ı Secretary

Frank K. Cheswick ’66

Brian C. Connolly ‘73

Rev. Alonzo Cox

Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC ı President — ex officio

Ja’von T. Delgado (Jones) ’01

Kenneth Lewis ‘87

Maureen Moss McInerney ‘66 ı Bishop McDonnell

Hal Nichter ‘64

Brother Edward Shields, FSC

Benjamin Ventresca

BISHOP McDONNELL ALUMNAE COMMITTEE

Kathleen Carney DeVito ‘62

Mary Collins Macchiarola ‘58

Stephanie Cyrus '73, ’75

Catherine Diehl Palladino ‘60

Margaret Dougherty Russo ‘69

Roberta M. Eisenberg ‘58

Mary Ellen Lavelle Murphy ‘59

Kathleen J. McCarthy ‘58

Phyllis Murphy Howell ‘67

Maryann Stahl DeMaso ‘60

Josephine Santos McKenna ‘90 — Committee Liaison

DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

Andrew Leary ı Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Josephine Santos McKenna ‘90 ı Associate Director, Institutional Advancement

Tiffany Perkins P’25 ı Associate Director, Institutional Advancement

Mitch Turner ı Database Manager, Institutional Advancement

Madison Bonnick ’22 ı Assistant, Institutional Advancement

EDITOR

Josephine Santos McKenna ‘90 ı Associate Director, Institutional Advancement

DESIGN

EP Graphic Design & Marketing Services ı epgraphicdesign.com

Memorial is published by the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Office of Institutional Advancement. Please send correspondence and address changes to: BLMHS Office of Institutional Advancement, 357 Clermont Avenue – Brooklyn, NY 11238, 718.857.2700 ext 2250 or jmckenna@blmhs.org

Front Cover: (left to right) Robert 'Bo' Howell, Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67, and Brother Dennis Cronin, President.

Photo by Matt Stokes Photography (© 2024)

FROM THE PRESIDENT

I think the secret to Bishops’ vitality is contained in that deep respect and genuine appreciation the graduates have for each other.

Dear Alumna,

Easter joy filled the cafeteria at Bishop's this April 13 as various classes gathered for the first ever Legacy Brunch—a simplified version of a reunion. The women gathered were able to maximize their time together sharing memories and catching up. Laughter and good cheer echoed off the walls. Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67 became the sixth Bishop's alum to receive the Lion Heart Award. I think the secret to Bishops’ vitality is contained in that deep respect and genuine appreciation the graduates have for each other.

This issue of Memorial is chock-full of interesting material—story, history, reminiscence, and news. Imagine a time when an 'all girls' Catholic High School had an annex. Oops, not one annex, but four! How times have changed. There is a tinge of sadness reading about the Sisters of Charity. In the past, I referred to myself as a dinosaur and we all know what happened to them. So, I took to referring to myself as an endangered species. After reading the sobering news on this historic American-founded community, I can’t help but think I am being a bit optimistic. There is consolation in knowing the good work the Sisters did lives on in their students.

I trust you will read with pleasure how the Bishop's legacy lives on in the two students profiled in these pages. The great news is that there are more Bishops’ scholars than these two accomplished students. Your support for scholarship and tuition assistance allows so many good things to happen for the young women at Loughlin. The volleyball, softball, and track girls teams have all had extraordinary seasons. The young women assisting and tutoring in Honors Calculus nods to the breadth of their participation. Loughlin’s young women excel in all areas taking advantage of the extraordinary educational opportunities available to them.

Enjoy the rest of the read; relish the memories, the recall of familiar neighborhoods, and the tidbits about classmates. Bishops’ legacy of Catholic education for young women thrives at Loughlin because of your support. The Loughlin community—Lions, Lancers, and Memorialites—remains grateful.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.

Br. Dennis Cronin, FSC

President

Seldom does one work in a place they truly love, and the people they work with become friends. After almost four years at Bishop Loughlin, I have built relationships and friendships with you—often unseen faces, but familiar and well-known voices.

Over these past few years, I’ve spoken to, learned about, interviewed, written about, laughed, and even cried with many Memorialites. I’ve loved every minute. Thank you for letting me in.

I love walking the halls and exploring, accidentally, the nooks and crannies of St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf. It’s a beautiful building, and the auditorium with all its intricacies is breathtaking. The chapel is intimate and serene. I’ve peeked into classrooms, and in my mind’s eye, I transport the space to the numerous images in your yearbooks and what it looked like and felt like to be learning in that classroom in a Bishop’s uniform. I understand the devotion; I feel the same way about my school. I’m also sad your school closed in 1973. However, it allowed me to attend a school I’m devoted to. Pioneers, that’s what you are, and I hold you all close to my heart. The members of the alumnae committee have become family, and my life is richer because you’re all a part of it.

Bishop’s girls and I have always been connected. I was invited by John Klemm ’65 to your very first reunion at Bishop Loughlin in 2007. I sang the National Anthem and during the Mass—and led Memorial, Memorial to close the day. So really, we’ve been friends from the start.

What was instilled in you is instilled in me. What was begun, I’d like to continue. Your legacy is alive and thriving in the halls of Bishop Loughlin, and you should be extremely proud. I am and will forever proudly wear and display my honorary Bishop’s girl crest.

God bless you all. Thank you for your continued support of our school’s young ladies and for all the memories we’ve created together. I hope we make you proud as well!

— Josephine Santos McKenna '90

FROM THE ALUMNAE COMMITTEE

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, FOUNDRESS OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY

This year's magazine features information and updates from the Sisters of Charity as well as sharing fond memories of two members of the Sisters of Charity that taught at Bishop McDonnell. The Sisters of Charity were founded by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Born on August 28, 1774 to William and Catherine Bayley, a wealthy Episcopalian family in New York City, Elizabeth Ann enjoyed the comforts of her family’s wealth. Her mother, Catherine, died in childbirth when Elizabeth was three.

Her father William remarried. Elizabeth’s stepmother, Charlotte, an active member of her church, brought Elizabeth along while she did her charitable deeds with the poor, needy, and ill.

At the age of 19, Elizabeth married William Magee Seton. Between 1795 and 1802, fi ve children were born. After William’s father died, William and Elizabeth took in his six younger siblings.

Continuing in the footsteps of her stepmother’s ministry, Elizabeth served the poor, sick, and needy in her community. She and her sister-in-law, Rebecca, her dearest friend and confidant, were known as the “Protestant Sisters of Charity”.

While in Italy as a measure for her husband to convalesce from tuberculosis, Elizabeth was surrounded by Catholicism. William died in 1803 and she returned to the United States. In 1805, she was received into the Catholic Church. After many trials and tribulations in New York she moved in 1809 to Maryland.

She opened a school by a chapel at St. Mary’s Seminary where she was able to enjoy and practice her religion. Others arrived to fulfill their religious vocations and as the small school reached capacity, a Virginian convert and seminarian in Emmitsburg purchased a farm to serve as their new school. Along with other postulants and two of her daughters, the new community was

formed. She took her vows privately in Baltimore. In 1809, in Emmitsburg, she founded the Sisters of Charity. This community was dedicated to the care of the children of poor families. “It was the first congregation of religious sisters founded in the United States, and its school was the first free Catholic school in America. This modest beginning marked the start of the Catholic parochial school system in the United States.” (A Short History of the Sisters of Charity, Emmitsburg Area Historical Society). They, the sisters, were originally known as the Sister of Charity of St. Joseph’s and after some time, against her will, she was made superior of the order.

Others joined the mission and in 1817 Mother Seton, as she was now known, sent several sisters to New York to continue their work there—opening schools and missions, orphanages, and hospitals to care as she had all along for the poor, needy, and sick.

Mother Seton died at the age of 47 on January 4, 1821—her feast day. She is the first citizen born in the United States to be titled saint—beatified by Pope John XXIII on March 17, 1963, and canonized on September 14, 1975, by Pope Paul VI.

National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD

SISTERS OF CHARITY SERVED BROOKLYN BEFORE THERE WAS EVEN A DIOCESE

by Paula

The sisters’ service in Brooklyn lasted for more than 130 years — from 1831 until 1964 when Cardinal Francis Spellman of New York called them back to the Archdiocese of New York.

The Sisters of Charity of New York, who announced in April they would no longer accept new members, enjoyed a long history of service in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In fact, the sisters started working in Brooklyn two decades before the diocese was established in 1853.

The sisters taught in schools, cared for children in an orphanage, and served in local churches, including the parish that is now the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn.

“If you look back, it really is a rich history. And I think it parallels the influx

of immigrants to Brooklyn who at that time were mostly Irish and German,” explained Sister Regina Bechtle, SC, of the congregation’s Charism Resource Office.

Here’s just a sampling of the sisters’ legacy of service in Brooklyn:

• The sisters administered to the needs of hundreds of patients at St. Mary’s Female Hospital, which opened in 1868 to care for women and infants. The hospital’s School of Nursing, established in 1889, was the first Catholic training school to be accredited in New York State.

• In 1873, the sisters established the St. Joseph’s Female Half Orphan Asylum

on Willoughby Street in BedfordStuyvesant for girls who had either lost both parents or had parents who simply could not care for them. “Orphanages were prevalent in the era because children were often either abandoned if families could not support them or if one parent died, the other parent had to work and so could not be around to supervise the children,” Sister Regina explained. By 1909, more than 600 children were living there. And by the 1950s, the facility had expanded in size to take up an entire city block. Its name was later changed to St. Joseph’s Hall.

• The sisters were one of five religious congregations that taught at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, an all-girls school that opened in 1933 and closed in 1973.

• Other schools on which the sisters left their mark included: St. Paul’s, St. Mary—Star of the Sea, St. Peter’s; St. Paul’s Industrial, Assumption, St. Stephen’s, St. Charles Borromeo, and St. Joseph’s.

“Their influence in Brooklyn as far as education and care for the children and the poor was just remarkable,” said Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, SC, episcopal

Sr. Teresa Miriam Rafferty, SC, Guidance Department,

1953.

Katinas — reprinted with permission from The Tablet

delegate for religious in the Diocese of Brooklyn. She is a member of the Sisters of Charity-Halifax.

The sisters’ service in Brooklyn lasted for more than 130 years — from 1831 until 1964 when Cardinal Francis Spellman of New York called them back to the Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal Spellman had the authority to do so because the sisters were originally established as a congregation of the archdiocese. But even after they were summoned back by Cardinal Spellman, a small group of sisters were allowed to remain in Brooklyn, Sister Regina said.

“Our sisters taught at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School all the way up until it closed in 1973,” she added.

While the sisters served Brooklyn, they also found the borough to be a fruitful harvest of vocations, according to Sister Regina.

“We’re certainly proud that we’ve had many vocations from Brooklyn,” she said,

adding that Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, in particular, produced many of the new nuns.

The congregation announced on April 27 that after “a long and painful discernment process,” it would no longer accept new members — a move that signals the beginning of the end of its existence.

The Sisters of Charity of New York were originally part of the Sisters of Charity, a larger group founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) in Maryland in 1809. The New York congregation was established as an independent community in 1846.

But even before then, in 1817, Mother Seton dispatched three sisters to New York City — where she was born and raised — to help orphans and work with the poor.

From 1817 until 1831, the sisters worked exclusively in Manhattan. But starting in 1831, they would regularly travel by ferry

to Brooklyn to teach children in the Parish of St. James — which would eventually be designated as a cathedral.

From St. James, they spread out to other locations in Brooklyn to do God’s work.

“The sisters came and opened schools all along the whole waterfront because that’s where the need was,” Sister Maryann said. “Immigrants would get jobs working on the docks and settle in communities near the waterfront with their families.”

She praised the work of the Sisters of Charity of New York and said their focus on education made a difference in the lives of generations of students.

“They taught in all of those schools, and then they spread out through the diocese. And they had quite a legacy at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School,” said Sister Maryann, a Bishop McDonnell graduate. “Their influence in Brooklyn as far as education and care for the children and the poor was just remarkable.”

Several sisters who were graduates of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School gathered together for this photo, taken in 1946.

—Photo courtesy of the Sisters of Charity Archives

WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT NEW MEMBERS

by Carol Zimmerman — reprinted with permission from The Tablet

The Sisters of Charity of New York announced in April 2023 that they will no longer accept new members to their congregation.

A news release from the congregation said the decision was “not an easy one” and was made “after a long and prayerful discernment process” just before their general assembly. At the 2023 annual gathering, delegates voted unanimously to accept this recommendation from the congregation’s executive council.

The public announcement about this change stressed that the congregation “will continue to promote vocations and redirect inquiries” to other congregations or to the Religious Formation Conference, a national Catholic organization serving women’s and men’s religious institutes.

The congregation’s executive council also asked delegates to

affirm that they would “continue to live our mission to the fullest while acknowledging that we are on a path to completion.”

The announcement said the sisters will “continue to grow in love” and “continue to deepen our relationships with each other, with our associates, and with our ministry partners. We will continue to deepen our relationship with our God.”

It noted that after more than 200 years of service to the Church, the Sisters of Charity of New York “will continue to pass the torch of charity.”

“This is not the end of our ministries,” the statement stressed, saying the sisters’ mission would continue through their associates and partners, “expanding what it means to live the charism of charity into the future.”

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S.-born saint, formed the Sisters of Charity in 1809 in Maryland. She sent three sisters to New York City in 1817 to establish orphanages.

Many congregations of sisters in the U.S. are discerning their future viability due to smaller numbers, an aging population of sisters, and the personnel needed for particular ministries, especially formation of newer members.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, foundress of the Sisters of Charity. "Her legacy now includes religious congregations in the United States and Canada." (Seton Shrine) Elizabeth Seton was canonized in 1975.

Artwork courtesy of the Elizabeth Seton Shrine.

In the 1950s and early 1950s, high numbers of women entered communities of Catholic sisters across the country. We are now at a time when the numbers of Catholic sisters in the United States and in many other parts of the world are dramatically decreasing.

Currently, there are 154 Sisters of Charity of New York based on the main campus of the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale—a college the sisters founded and continue to sponsor.

These sisters currently sponsor the Barbara Ford Peacebuilding Center in Guatemala, which offers spiritual, social, and educational programs to individuals, families, and community groups.

They are involved in a Bronx program called POTS—Part Of The Solution that provides food, clothes, medical care, free legal services, and pastoral counseling to those in need, and they sponsor the Sisters of Charity Housing and Development Corporation, which develops affordable and supportive housing programs in Manhattan, Staten Island, and Nanuet.

Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, a Sister of Charity of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the episcopal delegate for religious in the Diocese of Brooklyn, told The Tablet that many congregations of sisters in the U.S. are “discerning their future viability due to smaller numbers, an aging population of sisters, and the personnel needed for particular ministries, especially formation of newer members.”

Sister Maryann, who is also president of the National Conference of Vicars for Religious, has been involved in many facets of welcoming new members to religious life and assisting those in formation ministry.

She said she had not spoken directly with the Sisters of Charity of New York since this development, but she said that the congregation likely understood “that they cannot sustain the needs of forming new members here in the United States.”

She added that the congregation’s “growing formation community in Guatemala, where they have served for many years,” may have a stronger possibility for new members.

A statement emailed to The Table t from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an association of the leaders

of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States, indicated the challenge faced by the Sisters of Charity and other congregations.

“In the 1950s and early 1960s, high numbers of women entered communities of Catholic sisters across the country. We are now at a time when many of those women have died or are nearing the end of their lives, thus the numbers of Catholic sisters in the United States and in many other parts of the world are dramatically decreasing,” the group said.

The umbrella organization of women religious noted that the increase in the median age of sisters has led “several communities to the realization that young women are unlikely to seek membership with them.”

It also said many communities have felt that it wouldn’t be just to welcome younger women where they would primarily be with people in the last stage of life.

The LCWR statement said, “Women are still drawn to religious life, though not in the high numbers of earlier decades. Today, Catholic sisters still assist women with their discernment of religious life and often introduce them to communities where these young women will find more companionship with others nearer to their age and will have a stronger future ahead of them.”

Several comments just below the announcement by the Sisters of Charity of New York posted on its website thanked the sisters for their ministry over the years and said they were sad about this development but also that they believed the sisters were acting with courage and grace.

Sister Gemma Simmonds, a sister of the Congregation of Jesus and director of the Religious Life Institute in Cambridge, England, wrote that she was “praying with and for you, dear sisters, and honoring your courage at this moment and all that you have so generously given to the church and to the service of God’s people over more than 200 years.”

OUR OWN SISTERS OF CHARITY

SR. RITA KING & SR. CECILIA M. REEVES

There are two living Sisters of Charity that taught at Bishop McDonnell. We highlight them, their time at Bishop's and the years after.

A Yonkers native, Sr. Rita attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and St. Barnabas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, and a master’s degree in American History from Catholic University of America. She entered the Community in 1948.

Between 1961 and 1965, Sister Rita (formerly Sr. Rita Regina) taught history at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, becoming the Chair of the History Department and later, Assistant Principal. These four years were a time of many changes that impacted the lives of the young students: Vatican II, the space program, the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, and the Civil Rights movement are some of the highlights of the time. Sr. Rita recalled exactly where she was on November 22, 1963 when the news of President Kennedy's death was announced. Her class was taking a test when the PA system broke the news. The Sisters of Charity proudly marched in a rally to support the Civil Rights Act. Sr. Rita asked the other religious communities at Bishop's to join them. She recalled it was a wonderful day. "In unity, there is strength."

In December of 1964, Sr. Rita's classes presented her with a WMCA Good Guys sweatshirt. Her students had called the radio station to win a sweatshirt for a teacher they admired and Sr. Rita was on the top of their list.

After Bishop's, she served as Assistant Principal and later Principal at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School in Staten Island, then as library administrator at Trinity High School in Shiremanstown, Pa. She also served as Assistant Principal at St. Barnabas High School in the Bronx. Her last teaching assignment was at Cathedral High School in Manhattan.

In 1990, Sr. Rita was selected to work as an intern to Congregation Archivist. During this time she avidly pursued coursework in archival educa tion and quickly adapted.

By 1993, when computers became essential in the Archives, Sr. Rita pioneered creating a database of records, entering information for over 4,000 sisters’ records. Sr. Rita demonstrated a lively approach to teaching during her tenure as Archivist, serving as inhouse Museum tour guide to school groups and to freshmen during orientation week at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Sr. Regina with her newly-won WMCA sweatshirt!

During an oral history interview in 2018, Sr. Rita described her days as Archivist: “It was very interesting, … researching requests, putting together information; it was a day-to-day process. I put together an internship program. I wrote down everything that should be taught to an archivist: appraisal, arrangement and description, acquisition, provenance, original order, finding aids, preservation, conservation and reference services. I taught this class at workshops.”

Sr. Rita retired in 2008 and enjoys her retirement at Mount Saint Vincent, Sr. Rita welcomes questions about Congregation and Mount Saint Vincent campus history. She is the vital institutional memory.

Excerpts courtesy of Visions, the Sisters of Charity magazine. Written by Mindy Gordon, Archivist, and excerpts from Memorial magazine by Kathy McCarthy ’58

Sister Cecilia Reeves, Sister John Maria, was born on March 11, 1930, in the Bronx, New York. She was the eldest of three daughters of John and Teresa Doherty Reeves. Cecilia attended St. Anselm's School, Bronx, and Cathedral High School, Manhattan before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York

Sister Cecilia M. Reeves (Sr. John Maria)

Sister Rita King, SC (Sr. Rita Regina)

Sr. Rita Regina

on September 8, 1949. Sr. John Maria earned her BA in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MA in History from Seton Hall University, NJ. She later earned NYS permanent certification in elementary school Administration.

Sister John began her ministry in education on the elementary level. She first taught in Ascension School, Manhattan, followed by Visitation School, Bronx. She was then transferred to Saint Peter's School, Poughkeepsie, where she taught second grade for three years. Returning to the Bronx, Sister was stationed at Saint Barnabas School and Our Lady of Angels School. She then taught seventh and eighth grade, first at Saint Stephen's School and then at Incarnation School, both in Manhattan.

In January, 1968, Sister John was transferred to Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn where she taught History until August, 1975.

Following Bishop McDonnell, Sister began 23 years of service as the Principal of Saint Denis School in Yonkers. When Sister left Saint Denis School in 1998, an article in the Catholic New York said, "Sister John Maria, a Sister of Charity of New York, has motivated her students to excel and her faculty to prove itself to the outside world, most notably in a recent accreditation process." Sister said that one of her proudest achievements was attaining accreditation by the Middle States Association for Saint Denis School. After a year's sabbatical, Sister Cecilia was on the Administrative team of Sacred Heart High School, Yonkers, and then assumed the role of Administrator of Sacred Heart Elementary School for two years before her retirement.

Sister Cecilia moved to Saint Patrick's Villa in 2007 and continued her volunteer services at both Saint Patrick's and the Convent of Mary the Queen. She moved to the Convent of Mary the Queen in 2013, and was among the first group of Sisters to move to the Jewish Home Lifecare, ALP, in the Bronx in 2014, where she still resides.

Sr. Wilda Asfour '50

Sr. Mary Jane Fitzgibbon

Sr. Jane Iannucelli '57

Sr. Anna Marian Lascell '46

Sr. Mary Lou McGrath

Sr. Josephine Rog

Sr. Helen Scoltock

Sr. Florence Speth '56

Sr. Mary Tommasino '60

Sr. Monica Wood '56

Courtesy of the Archives at Sisters of Charity of New York.

Sr. Cecilia Reeves (Sr. John Maria)

Living Sisters of Charity that graduated from Bishop McDonnell

WOMEN AROUND LOUGHLIN EXCEL...

…IN THE SCIENCES

The sixth annual Biomedical White Coat Ceremony was held on November 21. Thirty seniors, including 22 young women, recited the Biomed Oath (the school’s version of the Hippocratic Oath) and received their lab coats, recognizing two to three years in the Biomedical Science sequence. Keynote speaker Jendaya Workman ’14 spoke to the students, telling them, “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Try new things. Don’t limit yourself. People will put limits on you but it is up to you to define what your limits are.”

Jendaya, a Bishop McDonnell scholarship recipient, was the keynote speaker. Among other things, at Loughlin, Jendaya participated in the prestigious Arthur Ashe Academy Health Science Academy at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She graduated from St. Elizabeth University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. For the past fi ve years, she has worked for NYC Health and Hospitals and was recently promoted to Senior Hospital Care Investigator.

…ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD

Sophiemarie Hill '26 plays tackle football for the New York City Lions—one of two female athletes on the team. A wide receiver and leftside corner, she says, "I love playing football— to play, it took calls to many teams until my mom found one that accepted female athletes. My experience has been rewarding; I am respected by my (mostly male) teammates. Even though I am usually very nervous playing because opposing players are usually taller/bigger than me, I get myself pumped up, and the adrenaline helps me play

…IN THE BIOMED PROGRAM

Throughout the six-years of Loughlin's Biomedical Sciences Program, young women have excelled. A breakdown of gender statistics of graduating seniors in this prestigious three-year program:

• 74% of students that have completed the Biomed sequence are young women. (130 young women and 46 young men have graduated from the program).

• Since the program's inception in 2019, nine of 12 top students have been young women.

• All but one of the alumni medical professionals that have returned to the school to speak to the program's students have been women.

Keynote Speaker and Bishop McDonnell scholar Jendaya Workman ’14.

…AS TEACHERS

Honors Calculus teacher Mrs. Carol Conte takes learning math to a completely different level. Above are young women taking turns in class, actually “teaching” their peers the steps to reach the correct answer, work out problems and equations, and assist one another with more complex theories and solutions.

…ON THE COURT

Since the program’s inception 32 years ago, the JV girls volleyball team has never won a league championship—there were several second-place finishes. That changed this year. In an even match with the game on the line against St. Jean Baptiste, Amelia Eisenhuth ‘27 earned fi ve straight points on her serve to secure Loughlin’s victory and Loughlin’s first volleyball intersectional championship!

…ARE TOP SCHOLARS

2023 Valedictorian, Jocelyn Serrano Atienza (pictured top) and 2023 Salutatorian, Jelissa Jonas (below). Jocelyn and Jelissa follow several years of Loughlin women valedictorians and salutatorians!

from left, Kimorah Smith ’24, Saniah Reid ’24, and Dakota Johnson ’24 in Mrs. Conte's calculus class.

Le Mont Saint Michel

A TRUE CATHOLIC

by Giedré Maria Kumpikas, Ph.D. ’58 Lady, Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Reprinted, with permission from Bridges Magazine, the LithuanianAmerican News Journal

There are many reasons why I love the Catholic Church. I was raised in this faith of my parents. From early childhood, I loved the mysticism, the rites, the sacramental vestments, the statues of the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and the prayers in Latin which seemed more spiritual than what we have today—in all national languages. Yes, granted, it is more comprehensible; people understand what is being said, but I, having been accustomed to Latin rites, find it less inspiring, more like rote recitation. The Latin language, which was for most incomprehensible,

We were known as “Bishop’s Girls.” Every morning we would recite The Memorare , which I can still recite today. Our teachers inspired us, not only educated us. We were taught truthfulness, politeness, manners, respect for them— and for each other. We were modest young girls who wore crisp white blouses and dark skirts.

seemed to speak more to God and to our souls. It gave me time to drift into my own thoughts, to meditate while the priest prayed.

As a teenager, I believed that if I prayed very fervently, my prayers would be answered, and some were, but I also knew that I had to do my own part: “God helps those who help themselves.” My education from the

age of nine until seventeen was by Sisters. At first, they were Dominicans with white habits, then the Sisters of St. Francis and St. Joseph. Many were lovely, sweet, kind, and excellent teachers. Going to Catholic school was a great advantage because the education was first-class and free. At that time in the Fifties, the Diocese of Brooklyn took the two best students from each parish school in the graduating eight grade and placed them into girls’ and boys’ Catholic high schools. I attended Queen of All Saints in Brooklyn for two years, then Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, near Prospect Park, also in Brooklyn. Queen of All Saints was a beautiful old building which also housed a church and small chapels. Every morning Mass was celebrated and if I came early enough, I attended. We had discounted bus passes to school. There were no private bus companies for us. Bishop McDonnell had a stellar reputation academically. We were known as “Bishop’s Girls” and were highly regarded. Every morning we would recite The Memorare, which I can still recite today. Our teachers inspired us, not only educated us. We were taught truthfulness, politeness, manners, respect for them—and for each other. We were modest young girls who wore crisp white blouses and dark skirts. No sleeveless dresses were permitted. The Sisters lived in convents and wore the habits of their particular order.

Then, the times changed, and Sisters became modernized. Convents were closed. They no longer wore habits, but rather jeans, and had short hair.

To me, it was less spiritual, less inspiring. I could no longer distinguish them from the populace. It lost something holy, self-sacrificing, and exceptional. One day, not so many years ago, I saw an elderly Sister with a lady companion walking towards me on a busy street near my home. She was wearing a black habit, with a traditional head veil and had a large cross hanging from a long chain on her chest. I stopped and almost with tears in my eyes, I managed to say: “Sister, I am so happy to see you wearing a habit.” She looked at me and said sweetly, “Thank you, my dear.” I told her that I had attended Bishop McDonnell. She smiled and again, in her sweet, old voice, said, “Stay well my dear, and pray. Goodbye.” I continued to look after her, as she slowly floated away in her garb, which she had kept as a sacred tradition. The nostalgia of my young days flooded over me; those were such innocent times. Somehow, they seemed so pure. This chance encounter made me think of a petite French Sister who was my teacher at Bishop McDonnell. She belonged to the Order of the Sisters of Charity,

and would have me practice speaking French with her during my lunch hour. She even gave me a gold medal in a little box containing a card with her name—Soeur Marie-Françoise.

Sometime later, as I was waiting for my car to be serviced in an auto shop, there was another woman also waiting for her car. She was dressed in everyday clothes, but there was something distinguishing about her, so, I began a conversation. She said that she was a Sister. I realized that something in her quiet bearing was so familiar. I asked her why Sisters no longer wore habits and she said that very often they were harassed and insulted; in Québec a Sister had even been attacked. I was shocked and saddened. So, they went about their charitable duties quietly and unobtrusively.

The world had become so secular and disparaging toward religion, especially toward Catholicism. In New York, a man created a vulgar painting of the Blessed Mother, and it was considered “art.” There have been too many of these sacrilegious and derisive incidents to enumerate. When Muslims or Jews are attacked in their religion, they react; we, Catholics turn the other cheek. Catholicism is a very difficult religion—it teaches us to forgive our enemies and to love our neighbors as ourselves. I have been observing the increasing attacks on the Church with dismay, but the prophetess Jeane Dixon, who was a devout Catholic, predicted fi fty years ago, that the Church would have to go underground, and that by the year 2020, this country would be under a Totalitarian regime. We are not yet at the moment of returning to the Catacombs of Ancient Rome, but attacks against religion are more and more frequent and virulent.

The great French writer René de Chateaubriand wrote about The Genius of Christianity. It is a romantic presentation of the beauties of Christianity,

Queen of All Saints, Brooklyn

but also, he describes very eloquently its spiritual, consoling, and uplifting message. What is man without a belief in God? He becomes an egotist, believing only in himself, that he is allknowing, having no indebtedness, moral or other, to anyone. Victor Hugo wrote in his poem “Et nox facta est,” (“And It Was Night”), referring to Cain fleeing the guilt of his fratricide, his conscience following him as an all-seeing eye from which he cannot escape or hide, even though he states, “It is forbidden for God to enter.” Perhaps in today’s secular world, conscience is no longer a strongly limiting factor for many people, but denying it is also morally and emotionally impossible for a thinking person, as Raskolnikov tries to do in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment

When I was in France some years ago and visited Le Mont St. Michel as well as other churches and cathedrals, I was dismayed to see that these churches were, for the most part, no longer houses of worship, but had become tourist attractions. One such example was Les Enclos bretons, small Medieval parish churches encircled by stone walls to keep the cattle out. There were many of these all throughout Brittany built in each town in competition with its neighbors. They were quite similar, many in need of renovation, which the French Government has been undertaking systematically. However, these as well were mostly tourist sites. It seemed that faith had fallen asleep and was waiting to be reawakened within these stone sanctuaries.

gather, and the drama is played out. And now, it too, has been partially destroyed. The devotion and belief in God have inspired the creation of this beautiful Gothic architecture, as the author Ken Follett calls it “The Pillars of the Almighty.”

Frequently, I hear references to the Inquisition, to the forced conversions imposed by the Crusaders as they rode to free the Holy Land from the Turks, to their sometimes-rapacious behavior. However, that seems to be unequal to the 80,000,000 people killed by the various communist regimes in the Twentieth Century as in Russia under Josef Stalin, in China under Mao Tse-Tung, and in Cambodia under Pol-Pot. The idea of balance must be considered as well. The message of Christianity is a good and uplifting message, in spite of the human failings of some of its representatives; the message of communism is a lie; it is repression in the name of equalization and a disparagement of good, moral virtues. So, it depends on which one chooses to accentuate - the positive or the negative.

As the Archbishop of Bourges, Armand Maillard, wrote in his article about the death of the cathedral—“Cathedrals are mortal in fact, not only in their body of stone, of glass, of wood and iron which man, nature and circumstances can destroy. They are also mortal in their soul, as men are, when one no longer understands them; when one makes them say what they do not say and when one thus violates their spirit. When one denies their grandeur and their mystery; when one deprives them of their wellspring which is faith; when one reduces them to their appearance.” (La Cathédrale de Bourges Arts Sacrés, HorsSérie No. 6, Translation by Giedrė Maria Kumpikas)

Since the Middle Ages, the Church has been a focal point in every town. After all, who is the main character in Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame? It is not the Hunchback, it is the Cathedral itself, strong and majestic, around which the mortals

I prefer to accentuate the positive.

Many years ago, I visited Lourdes in southern France, the famous town where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl. The resplendent Basilica on the hill, the Grotto, the Spring with its purported miraculous waters, the evening candlelight processions of the faithful chanting “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria” were awe-inspiring. Such faith cannot be mistaken. If anyone has any doubts about the existence of God, they should visit Lourdes. It is a place where one can feel the presence of God. For the readers of this article who do not know the story of Saint Bernadette, it is quite moving. Franz Werfel, a Czech-born Jew who was running from the Nazis, came to the Grotto and prayed to the Blessed Mother. He vowed that if he escaped the Nazis, he would write the story of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette. His prayers were answered, and he kept his vow. His book The Song of Bernadette was published in 1941 in German and made into a film in 1943 starring Jennifer Jones. Of course, Bernadette was interrogated, questioned, and examined by both town police and the clergy. The doctor in the town admitted that he had seen such miraculous cures that science could not explain, and his statement is appropriate with which to end this article: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible.”

Jennifer Jones in Franz Wefel's The Song of Bernadette, 1944

A NEW TRADITION

THE BISHOP McDONNELL LEGACY BRUNCH

On April 13, Bishop McDonnell graduates gathered to launch the school's newest tradtion, the annual Legacy Brunch! In spite of an unseasonably cold day, a bus that broke down, and limited parking, Bishop's girls from near and far gathered at 260 Eastern Parkway—and just like every occasion, there was joy in the air. Thank you to our Bishop McDonnell Alumnae Committee who worked hard to make this day happen!

Eleanor Miley ’54

Mary Ellen Lavelle Murphy '59

TRYING TO GET TO BROOKLYN

by Elizabeth Manning Mancini '67

After an hour and a half of phone calls, texting, and emails to the bus company trying to contact someone on the Saturday morning of the Legacy Brunch, I finally reached them. There would be no bus! They suggested Uber. NO! I was not going to have these girls lay out any money. I felt a huge responsibility to get these girls to the brunch—no matter what. We take care of each other, we always have, and we always will.

Suffolk County had fi ve girls, so Elaine Kelly Thompson '67 picked up her sword and her car keys, and drove them all into Brooklyn. Teresa Oropallo '63 told me she could get me into Brooklyn; if I followed her we would all get there. So, off we went! And, we made it!

It may sound easy, but—for 40 years, my husband did all the driving; every time I asked him to let me drive he would say "oh no, I have it." When he became sick and could no longer drive, I had to grow up and handle it. Every morning for months, my husband took me out for driving lessons on the highway— how to get on, how to get off, and how to be comfortable on the road. Now, whenever I go long distances, I know he’s sitting right next to me guiding me.

Marie Verhoff Hinners '53

(l to r) Mary Lynne Bennett Duff y ’59, Dolores Howell Bittel ’59, Dorothy Mastranadi DeMaria ’59

Paula Geiger Conway ’45

Mary Lyons McHugh ’50

DANISHA JOSE ’ 23

Scholarship recipient Danisha Jones ’23, a proud member of the U.S. Air Force, knew for a long time that she would join the armed forces— something not a lot of young women think about in high school—and one reason she wanted to do it. She was excited to take the risk and be different from those around her, who were mostly heading to college.

she spent three

for Basic Military Training (boot camp). She spent over eight weeks in physical, mental, and emotional training intended to provide the tools and skills required to fulfill roles that will be assigned to each service member. She knew she was there by choice and wanted to make the most of her training.

She says, "Boot camp wasn’t easy; my many years in Catholic school prepared me. I knew how to respect authority, how to walk the straight and narrow line, and I never wanted to be 'the one' that gets into trouble. I grew up used to having more expected of me; I knew strict rules."

Although college was not an interest for Danisha, she did go through the process during her senior year, applying to the Air Force and Naval Academies. She was invited to a candidate visit weekend at the Naval Academy, where she spent three days. She also received a nomination from Hakeem Jeff ries (Minority Leader of the House of Representatives from the Eighth Congressional District of New York) for the Air Force Academy. At the same time, she explored the opportunities and benefi ts that could be gained from enlisting directly in the service. Several of Danisha's friends and family are in the U.S. Marine Corps and she grew up hearing how their experiences in the service prepared them for success in life.

Hakeem Jeff ries (Minority Representatives District of New same she explored the opportunities and and up

Danisha is currently serving in the Air Force and she recently returned to Bishop Loughlin and spoke to students about her experiences joining the armed forces.

Danisha's parents, her greatest supporters, came to the United States from the Dominican Republic. An education and giving back is what they wanted for their children and they worked hard to provide for Danisha and her sister. Their motto is: education and service equals success.

Then, Danisha met with Air Force and Navy recruiters and immediately felt most comfortable with the Air Force.

most comfortable with the Air Force.

Several months later she was in Texas at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio

At Loughlin Danisha was a student ambassador, softball and volleyball player, and was in band (piano). She says, "Softball was my sport. I played for three years and it is what kept me grounded. I loved it." She was also part of the school's Project Lead the Way biomedical program completing advanced science courses.

A SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

STEPHANIE IDOLOR ’ 24

Stephanie Idolor '24, from East Flatbush Brooklyn, is a recipient of the Mary Kelly Ryan '51 Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund.

Grateful for the scholarship, she is "indebted to the Bishop McDonnell women who came before her." She knows that it is because of this scholarship that she was able to attend Bishop Loughlin, where she has found a home. "I began to understand the significance of the Bishop McDonnell legacy as I learned about how my scholarship was funded. Knowing I am here because of a loyalty to the sprit of Bishop McDonnell is special." And she has not taken one moment for granted—fully embracing all that Loughlin offers—academics, extracurriculars, athletics, and sense of community.

“Your support gave this 'Loughlin girl' the opportunity to have a fantastic education and create lasting friendships in a school I love. Thank you!”

She takes the B 12 route to the 5 train and transfers at the Atlantic Avenue stop to the C train, and at Lafayette Avenue,walks to Bishop Loughlin. The 40-minute commute begins a day where she has a rigorous academic schedule, time with friends, opportunities to play the alto-saxophone, manage the baseball and volleyball teams, and practice with the step dance team and band. She says, "Bishop Loughlin loves us, accepts us, and for that I am blessed."

Outside of school, Stephanie is involved in her church—The Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministry Pentecostal Church. She sings in the choir (and often accompanies with her saxophone) and participates in Praise Dance.

Stephanie will study biology at Temple University in the fall. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatrician and opening her own practice. Bishop Loughlin is proud of its own 'Bishop's (Loughlin) girl'.

8

STRAIGHT SEMESTERS ON THE HONOR ROLL

4

YEARS AS A BISHOP McDONNELL SCHOLAR

EXTRA-CURRICULARS

BAND and SMALL BAND STEP TEAM • SPORTS TEAM MANAGER (BASEBALL, VOLLEYBALL) • STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATOR

CALCULUS • SCIENCES

SELF-DESCRIPTORS

HELPFUL • ENGAGING PASSIONATE

2023 REUNION

BISHOP’S GIRLS COME TOGETHER!

Despite the unrelenting rain on Saturday, April 29, 2023 hundreds of alumnae— including religious and former faculty, celebrated the class of 1973 on their 50th anniversary. The classes of 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, and 1968 were also honored.

Alumnae also commemorated 50 years since the closing of their beloved alma mater, where it all began and ended—260 Eastern Parkway.

Memorialites from the first co-ed graduating classes of Bishop Loughlin (1974 and 75) also attended.

It was a lovely day of reconnecting, reminiscing, and walking the halls of the school that still means so much.

The success of the day is a tribute to the tireless work of the Alumnae Association and the Class Coordinators for their outreach, continuous updates, and Elizabeth Manning Mancini ’67—for coordinating the bus from Long Island.

Many thought that the reunion of 2023 would mark the last of the gatherings for Bishop’s Girls in the former Bishop McDonnell building. But, the story didn’t end in August, 1973 so how could it end in

April, 2023? Your time at Bishop’s prepared you for most of what you’ve been able to contribute to your communities and our society; your legacy continues to grow and thrive at Bishop Loughlin.

After much discussion and consideration, the Legacy Brunch you read about here was born. It was different from a reunion in some ways (no traditional welcome program or Mass) but it was a true attempt to continue gathering to connect, laugh, and create new memories. We look forward to building on this new tradition for years to come!

AN ALUMNA POSTED A QUESTION ON FACEBOOK...

the dances and taught the Tango. I also remember walking two-by-two from QAS to the Knights of Columbus down by Prospect Park for the Spring Dance. Great memories!

Krystyna Gutt

Camille Colavita-Lovetere

I went to Queen of All Saints, Brooklyn. The school was above a beautiful church, across the street from Bishop Loughlin. We had to walk up fi ve flights of stairs to access the school. Had a great time and met my forever friends there. Loved those two years before Bishop’s. We used to attend after-school dances in the cafeteria of Bishop Loughlin. Great memories.

Joan Gibbons Thomas

They were great memories! We were so young—14-15?

Rosemary Pike

I also attended Queen of All Saints between 1952 and 1954. There was a dance teacher who came to Loughlin at

I went to Queen of All Saints (as did my aunt in the 40s) right across the street from Loughlin (all boys then). One of our nuns had us open the windows and inhale deeply the fresh air. We loved it, because we would watch the boys running track.

Mary Hegener Parker

I mainly remember the beautiful skirts some of the girls had. Plus, all the bus and train travel to get back and forth to school.

Marie Trupiano DeLillo

Same here, I went to QAS for one year before Bishop's in 1963. I have nice memories of freshman year with the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Eileen Farren

I was at St. Barbara’s between 1960-62. There were four student classrooms—

two for each year, and a small lab for Biology class. Two or three-day retreat the first week of school. You entered as a freshman and the next year you were a “senior.” As I remember it, each of the seniors picked (adopted) a freshman the first week and on Fridays they treated them to ice cream at a local shop.

Josephine Monte Soriano Sr. Illuminata!

Camille Colavita-Lovetere

Sr. Illuminata was something!

Marie Trupiano DeLillo Yes, with her clicker!

Mary Bell Squire

Sr. Illuminata taught me in 1947. About 25 years later, I discovered she was my neighbor's aunt. She came to visit one time in full habit. That surprised me, but she said she worked with the blind and they always recognized her the way her rosary beads jangled. She was a remarkable woman.

Carolyn Vignola Taylor

I went to Bishop's and was in the accelerated class. As a freshman I was

trying to get my locker open and having a hard time. I was so mad I was talking to myself. A couple of seniors came by and wrote me up for talking. I had to go before some group and my punishment was I had to come up with 32 words out of Constantinople. I laugh when I think about it now, but back then I embarrassed myself. Loved my time there.

Georgette Wallace Carolyn, you know what I am doing now, right? Yup—writing out words from Constantinople, which I visited three months ago.

Marianne Mancini Seibel

I was at St. Bart’s 1960-62. Anybody else remember the lunches….$1.35 a week…. white bread with margarine, baloney, and a container of milk? Spirit Night at Sunnyside Gardens? Sr. Olympia for Latin? She also taught Art. We spent a lot it time cutting out magazine pictures and drawing/coloring frames around them.

Maryanne Kruszewski

I went to Queen of All Saints for two years. Loved the experience and being across the street from Bishop Loughlin. I met my husband of 56 years on the corner of Vanderbilt and Clinton Avenues on my last day of school there in 1962.

Michael Glangevlin McGovern

My wife, Mary Lou Vierling-McGovern, attended St. Barbara’s Grammar School and graduated June 1958, then attended the St. Barbara’s Annex until June 1960.

Geraldine Moratti

I attended St. Barts in 1951 and still see some of my classmates. I had Sr. Paraclete, Sr. Rose Catherine, Sr. Olympia, and Sr. Terese Catherine. Then, the long trek to Bishops. I graduated in January, 1955.

Jeanette Potts

I entered in 1959 and left for Bishop’s in 1961. Does anyone remember the name

of the Ice Cream Parlor a few blocks away (DeKalb Ave?)....or Sr. Beata Virginia?

Rosalie Gaeta

I went to Queen of All Saints on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn from 1963-1964...then to Bishop's.

Darlene Esposito

Went to Little Bishop's in Flushing 19611963—and then off to Big Bishop's.

Maryann Stahl DeMaso

I went to St. Bart's from 1956-1958 and loved it. I made some of my best friends there; many I have lost contact with. Does anyone remember Sr. Olympia who taught Latin and Art, Sr. Catherine who taught Science, ...and the “hind leg of the bee!?” What fun. She said some funny things. I loved the gift I received.

Jean Horn Caron Flushing—the best!! We were in the cheerleading group—Ginny Law, Maureen McMahon, Mary Kozik, and me!

Sharon Wilson

We were so blessed to be part of that experience. So many incredible memories!

Barbara Elizabeth Pozniak

I was at Little Bishop’s 1955-1956…so young to be riding the train from Flushing to the main building on Eastern Parkway!

Miriam Thomas

I went to St. Bart's in Elmhurst, Queens and still remember the hour-and-a-half commute to Bishop McDonnell during my junior and senior years.

Jacqueline Downey Angelone ’53

Many of us who were fortunate enough to attend the Bishop McDonnell actually spent our first two years in one of the school’s annexes, rather than in the main building on Eastern Parkway. My journey to Bishop’s began in the Flushing, Queens Annex in February, 1949—in what I can only describe as a little country school that we lovingly called Little Bishop's.

Flushing at that time was a very rural community, and the tree lined area surrounding the school building was always quiet and peaceful. The Sisters of St. Joseph taught us and the Mother House for the order was on the corner of our school block.

The friends I made there became friends for life, and we still share the memories that are particular to that annex. Such as performing HMS Pinafore —under the tutelage of Madam Ballantyne, singing in the Glee Club under Sr. Rose Matthew's guidance (and attending with her a dress rehearsal of the opera Aida, at the Metropolitan Opera House when it existed on Broadway and 39th Street), listening to one of my fellow students playing Heart & Soul on the piano in the lunchroom practically every day, Sr. Faustina's algebra class, weekend trips to the Botanic Gardens in order to complete projects for Sr. Cecelia Madeline's biology class, and on and on.

My start at the Flushing annex was a wonderful beginning to my years at the Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School— the best school that ever existed!

ı CLASS NOTES ı

THE 40s

Catherine Sterzer Knett ’49 published through Dorrence Publishers in 2021 the novel Rosamunde: So Goes the Life in America. It is the story of an immigrant girl, the hardships she faces in her new country, and her attachments to the supernatural—which helps her through it. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

THE 50s

Marie “Maureen” Lawn Morris ’51 (from her daughter Patricia Morris) Marie passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023. Predeceased by her husband of almost 70 years Joe, she was a longtime resident of Greenwich, CT. She is survived by fi ve children and seven grandchildren. Her time at Bishop McDonnell was remembered fondly her entire life. The friends she made remained friends for a lifetime, and the education she received was second to none. She always felt that her life had been blessed, and one of those greatest blessings was her time at Bishop’s.

Geraldine Forte Otto ’52 (from her son Greg Otto) Geraldine passed away on January 4, 2020. She was a nurse in the Navy, where she met her husband, Ronald, during a tour of a ship in port. She was a nurse for 42 years and retired in 1998. She is survived by two sons and a daughter.

Jacqueline Downey Angelone ’53 attended elementary school, high school and college, obtained two master’s degrees, and taught for 42 years in the NYC Public School System. "But of all those years in the field of education, my years at the Bishop McDonnell High School on Eastern Parkway were the

A BISHOP'S GIRL

WHAT'S IN A NAME…

by Catherine Sterzer Knett ’49

Dedicated to all the Bishop's Girls, whoever and wherever they may be, and to Sister Miriametta Zehnter, OP (pictured left)—a great teacher and beautiful person who taught at Bishop McDonnell for many years. She passed away in 1992 and will always be remembered.

Down through the ages man has always had his own individual name with which to be identified. Some were pleasant names; some not so pleasant. Some were easy to pronounce, some not so easy. Most had meanings. Many had derivatives. Take Catherine—also from the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. From it we get Kate, Kathleen, Cathy, to name a few. But there's one name we all have in common to our own individual name. It wasn't given to us at birth or baptism…the name is Bishop's Girl.

What does it mean, Bishop's Girl? It means many things. It means getting up early on a bitter cold winter morning when you're still so tired from going to bed late the night before because you were studying and doing homework. You could really use an extra hour of sleep as you shiver and yawn while getting washed and dressed, and if you are lucky, grab a little breakfast. It means hurriedly dashing out the door and down the street to the subway or bus stop for the hour-long (or longer) trip to school. It means arriving at school early enough to go over last night's Latin and geometry homework with some of your classmates to see if you did it correctly—or studying your notes again for the history quiz you would be having that

day or, if you were Commercial, catching up on the week's steno assignments.

Bishop's Girl means saying prayers as a group with Sister before beginning each class. It means standing up from your seat when called on to give an answer (and hoping your know the answer!). It means carrying Sister's books once in awhile for her, if you had the privilege of doing so. It means dragging yourself up four flights of crowded stairs from the lower level cafeteria if your first class after lunch was on the fourth floor. It means sitting in the classroom and using every ounce of your brain power to concentrate on new work that is being taught while Sister goes over it again and again until a little door in your brain finally opened up and let all that new knowledge pass through and you realize that once you finally understand, it isn't that hard after all. It means that you finally know a right angle is different from a hypotenuse and you become more confident in your Latin reading of Jason and the Argonauts. It means that you are grateful that the good Sisters never gave up on you as they bombard you with every piece of knowledge and wisdom they have to give, both academically and morally, as you try to absorb it all. It means as a Bishop's Girl you get from them not just 100%, but 110%—every day. It means as a Bishop's Girl, these good Sisters are your surrogate parents from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, as they try to mold you into intelligent Catholic women of the future. Our success was their humble reward and they do it willingly and generously because you are a Bishop's Girl and you have to strive to be the best that you can be.

But being a Bishop's Girl comes with responsibility. It means that you are a 'cut above the rest', not with snobbery or conceit but rather with gentle humility and decorum. It means that you recognize you have a duty to represent your school in the best way possible at all times.

Being a Bishop's Girl also means that you have a responsibility to your parents to make them proud of you by achieving scholastically as best you can. Many parents never had this wonderful opportunity that you have. It means that at your graduation, through the tireless efforts of the good Sisters, you have received an education that is equivalent to four years of high school and one year of college—all rolled into one. It means that you have learned to win a scholastic

medal humbly and lose graciously. It means that as you leave your school's hallowed marble halls forever, you are armed with God' grace and the Sisters' teachings to face the world as the women of tomorrow pro Deo et patria —for God and country.

Being a Bishop's Girl means all of this, and more. It will always be your name, now and forever, no matter how old or sick or infirmed you may become as you live out your life. It is a beautiful name and that is why I am proud to say I am a Bishop's Girl.

Catherine Sterzer Knett ’49 was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived most of her life in Queens County before moving to Virginia in 2016. She is the author of Rosamunde: So Goes the Life in America.

happiest, and the most memorable. That is where I received the best education, taught by outstanding Sisters from fi ve different orders of nuns. Because of those women, Bishop’s is where I matured as a teen-ager, learned about life and reality, became stronger in my faith, and made friendships that thankfully, have lasted through the years. I am very proud to say, I am definitely a Bishop’s Girl, now and forever.”

Marie Brescia ’53 remembers Bishop's Ring Days. "We so looked forward to receiving our senior rings. It was a prized possession, presented to each one of us at a special assembly. In anticipation of this event, I finally stopped biting my nails! I wanted beautiful fingers with which to show off this beautiful ring with its faceted amethyst stone, circled in

2024 THANK-A-THON

This year's thank-a-thon was a HUGE success! Almost 20 Loughlin scholarship recipients, grateful for your continued support and contributions over the past year, called over 1,500 alumnae and alumni from Bishop McDonnell, St. Augustine, and Bishop Loughlin. The thank-a-thon is a yearly initiative that seeks to promote connection and conversation between current students and our loyal, generous alumnae and alumni. It is a very special way our students say “thank you” for the opportunities your support provides. It is a rewarding experience for the students and we hope, for you it is as well.

gold with the Bishop's insignia and our graduation date engraved. Because I wanted to preserve its pristine beauty, I took it off every time I washed my hands, took a shower or washed dishes! I have it still (although because of arthritic fingers, I can no longer wear it). So that it will be available for posterity, I plan to donate it to the Memorial Hall (museum)."

Sr. Kathleen (Catherine) Stagnaro ’53 says " This year I am celebrating my 70th Anniversary as a Franciscan Sister of Allegany. Most of my years in the convent have been in education in NY, NJ, NC, and FL. It is a very fulfilling life. God bless all Bishop's graduates!"

Kathryn Campbell Gibbons ’54 writes, " Finally, after eight kids and 15 grandchildren, I will be a greatgrandmother in November."

Judith Meaney Callahan ’54 is moving to Virginia.

Denise Giordano Clark ’55 is "happy to say I am still in contact with my Bishop’s friends after all these years and until last year we met for an annual luncheon." She has moved to senior living in Catonsville, MD to be near family. "I am still in contact with fi ve of my classmates in NY, PA, and FL. Wonderful memories shared and friendships formed!"

Roberta Paul Molaro ’55 writes, "At age 87, I've just received my first prescription for a med I need; my doctor still calls me 'medically boring'. I'm driving and active in my parish, as well as secretary of our HOA. Since graduation from Bishop's, I've written quite a bit with the encouragement of my husband who died fi ve years ago (we celebrated our 59th anniversary two weeks earlier). My first poem was published in Modern Bride and over the years different poems, articles, and interviews have been published in

various agricultural and roller skating national and regional periodicals. Yes, this girl from LI farmed and then owned a roller rink! Who knew? In between, I self-published the first ever cloth-bound dairy goat products cookbook Compleat Caprine Cuisine and have also designed and edited fund-raiser cookbooks for our last two parishes and another for our county fair. Through it all, Don was the most wonderful husband, always The Wind Beneath My Wings allowing me the freedom to be me, while acting as an anchor to keep me well grounded! Sixtysix years ago, when I timidly suggested we send our first of four daughters to Catholic school, he immediately said 'yes because if they turn out as good as you, it'll be a good investment.' As it turned out, all four girls, plus our son, each had 12 years of Catholic education!"

Kathleen Von Der Linn Donovan ’56 "married in 1958 a Bishop Loughlin boy, Jim (who graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn as an aeronautical engineer). He was recruited by the Boeing Company. We lived in the Seattle area and raised fi ve children. Sadly, Jim died in 2021. I live in Issaquah, WA, except for the winter months when I am in Scottsdale, AZ or visiting children and grandchildren around the country. Living on the West Coast makes it difficult to keep in touch with my high school friends. Jim and I did attend our 50th class reunions. Helen McMahon ’56 and I keep in touch and have managed a few visits over the years. Where are you Maureen Dorer ’56 and others who are no longer on the alumnae lists?"

Patricia Connelly Moore ’57 lives in Spring Hill, FL and is busy as a retiree. "I’ve been a member of the National Council of Catholic Women over 54 years serving as an officer on the District CCW and State CCW and recently completed a two-year term as FCCW treasurer

and presently on the FCCW Protocol Committee. I am a member of my community Drama Club—appearing in 24 plays, mostly musicals, singing and dancing over the past 24 years."

Anne Egan Cunningham ’58 attended Queen of All Saints for two years and Bishop McDonnell for two years. "I loved both schools! Retired for over 20 years, my husband and I live at the Four Seasons Adult Community in Columbus, NJ—we affectionately call our community the wrinkle ranch. It's a great place to keep active and make friends! I'm on the bowling league, play golf (plus help run our league), volunteer for the newsletter committee, chorus, Scarlet Ladies, etc. I am also involved in our parish church with our Welcoming Committee and being a Eucharistic Minister. It all keeps an old lady out of trouble."

Rita Pobanz Grady ’58 was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement in Nursing from Mt. St. Joseph’s University, Cincinnati, OH.

Anita Rau Minnick ’58 lives in Montvale, NJ. She has three children and six grandchildren. Her husband, Howard, died in 2015. "I have wonderful memories of Bishop McDonnell and keep in touch with classmates Vera Segreto Schwartz ‘58 and Ann Pfuelb Lucas ‘58 . I have met many Bishop's graduates over the years in various places, but the best story is how I met Dorothy Devlin Gallagher ‘58 , Barbara Flynn Harkin ‘59, Bernadette Zeng Klein ‘59, and Cathy Flynn Flynn ‘62 . We are all 'Queens NY Girls' who went to Bishop's, college, got married, moved to New Jersey, and met in the 1970s when our children were in the same elementary school, Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge, NJ. Our friendship has lasted over 50 years through many happy and sad events. We are all grateful for the education we received and are all proud to be Bishop's Girls."

Joan Kowalsky Pertusiello ’58 lives in NC near her son and family. She has two grandsons, Taylor and Ethan. "Both bring me such joy. My husband, Daniel, developed Alzheimer’s and is in a memory care facility so that makes being near family so important to me. I am also in a wonderful community that offers many opportunities to socialize. I sing in our community choir. We have two concerts a year, and by request from our Veterans Club, sing for Memorial Day and 9-11 ceremonies. I keep in touch with several of my Bishop’s friends and when I visit family, I try to see them. We always reminisce about our wonderful years together at Bishop’s. Thanks for great memories."

THE 60s

Nancy Seklir Reilly ’61 would love to hear from anyone who also rode the 7:34am #7 train out of Flushing Main Street!

Joan Carmody Tiffany ’62 retired in 2000 after 32 years as a career counselor. Her husband Bart (Cardinal Hayes High School ’57) died in 2017.

Christina Scherer Malina ’62 writes "the Class of ’62 Timeless Ten, now the Elite Eight because two of the ten have died, have been meeting since graduation at each other’s homes, at restaurants, at Bishop’s reunions and on Zoom during COVID. We love reminiscing about our time at Bishop's."

Joann D’Antonio Cetera ’63 retired from Nursing in 2016.

Patricia Kenney Tuzzi ’63 (from daughter Nancy DeMuro) My mother passed away in September, 2023. She was very honored to have attended Bishop McDonnell and ironically, in the last few days of her life at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home, a woman who works at the Home is also a graduate of Bishop

McDonnell. Mother told us of her high school years many times and was very grateful to have received a Bishop McDonnell education.

Nancy Toomey-Senger McVeigh ’63 writes of Lorraine Kennedy Brady ’63: Lorraine died June 5, 2023. She enjoyed celebrating her 60th reunion recently. Lorraine was passionate about many things in life but was especially focused on coaching tennis. She coached at John S. Burke Catholic High School and for the Hudson Valley NY State Empire Games—winning six gold medals during a 12-year run as the Empire States Games Coach. She also coached at Mount St. Mary College for ten years (2002-2012) and is the all-time leader for women’s tennis coaching wins there. Her teams won six Skyline Conference Titles, made several NCAA tournaments, and compiled a perfect 17-0 season in 2007. After retiring from Mount St. Mary's, she was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. Overall, her teams reflected her passion for the sport, her commitment to competitiveness and hard work, and the overriding care she had for her players’ success both on and off the court. Her own tennis game was exceptional and her crafty backhand for many years confounded both her opponents and her three sons—who never could figure out how to play against it. But, while tennis was her profession, above all else she was a dedicated wife and mother. She doted on her husband, Bernie “the Attorney”, supporting him in his journey through law school, his deployment to Vietnam, and return in 1970. They were married 48 years and raised three boys."

Nancy Toomey-Senger McVeigh ’63 works part time at St. Mary's Church in Kirkwood, NY. "My husband and I have a Christmas tree farm and enjoy the beauty of country living.

Bishop Louglin was very happy to host Bishop McDonnell alumna Joan Carrick Murray ‘61 and her husband Nick Murray ‘61 BL recently. Nick, a former Board of Governors member, and Joan are longtime supporters of Loughlin.

Joan and Nick established the Joan Carrick Murray ‘61 and Nick Murray ’61 Scholarship Fund with the Loughlin Foundation during the Three Schools, One Foundation Campaign.

On the visit, they were able to see the new courtyard and their family bench, and they were pleased to meet with students that are currently recipients of their named scholarship. Nick has been a financial services professional for more than 50 years and is one of the industry’s most respected writers and speakers.

Joan owns and runs Tapestry House, the largest bed and breakfast on Long Island’s North Fork. It is an oasis of relaxed elegance in the heart of historic, thriving Greenport—a classic Revival Style 1908 mansion, miraculously preserved and lovingly restored.

Blanche Soucheck Aberg ’63 fondly remembers Kathy Clancy ’63 and still misses their train trip to Annapolis and Washington, DC. "I've tried unsuccessfully to locate her and renew our friendship. If anyone has information about her, I would love to know."

Fran Boccella Piscopo ’64 has three children and fi ve grandchildren. She lived in Wanaque, NJ for fi ve years,

Ft. Lauderdale, FL for 30 years, and now is in Cumming, GA. She would love to hear from anyone who went to St. Barbara’s annex school and Bishop’s.

Patricia Ciarlegio McKiernan ’64 and her husband travel to Texas often to visit her two sons and two grandsons. We are happily retired and since 2016, "snowbirds in Stuart, FL".

Rosemary DeFrank Mazzorana ’64 says, "Let's meet at the reunion so we can laugh, cry, reminisce, rekindle old friendships, etc. If you really want to know what's happening try to make it."

Pamela McPhail LoCastro ’64 is still retired and living in peace and harmony in PA, communing with nature every day. A far cry from Queens and Brooklyn. She is beyond proud of both of her grandchildren. "The Lord has been good to us."

Marianne Seibel Mancini ’64 says, "My husband and I retired to Virginia Beach from Baltimore, MD. We also lived in Richmond, VA but I always consider myself a New York girl at heart. We enjoy the beach in the spring and summer and look forward to our yearly excursions to other countries."

Patricia Tripo McNeil ’64 writes that Fran Lertora Gales '64 "passed away suddenly in September, 2022. Both Johanna Santangelo '64 and myself were especially saddened by her passing. For more than 20 years we met monthly and enjoyed each other's company. Fran had a delightful way about her, kept us laughing, and eager to meet again the next month."

Maryann Winter Penachio ’64 lives outside of Atlanta near her daughter and her family.

Karen DeVora ’65 turned a SUNY Orange teaching experience into an adjunct teaching Elementary Algebra.

Linda Freebes Cotellessa ’65 says, "Thank you for the most wonderful time of my life at Bishop McDonnell. I have been searching for classmate Antoinette Favicchio ’65 for years.

JOAN CARRICK MURRAY ’61

Heather Reynolds ’65 writes, "The experience of COVID offered an opportunity for several of my classmates meet monthly via Zoom. Although we live all over the country and Canada, it has been such a blessing for all of us to engage with each other."

Patricia Morris Doran ’66 has recently moved to Absaroka Senior Living in Cody, WY.

Donna Coriaty Munks ’67 and her high school boyfriend, Anthony, have been married for 54 years. As an activeduty Air Force family, they raised four children and now have six grandchildren. Donna enjoyed her years as a stayat-home mom before becoming a paraprofessional. For the past 30 years Donna and Anthony have been active in Kairos Prison Ministry and Donna is currently a coordinator at the local soup kitchen.

Peggy DeLuca Krapf ’67 has moved to Island Park and is in touch with Maryann Lawlor May ’67 and Maryann Griffin Dyne ’67.

Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67 writes of Christine Dougher O'Rourke ’67 "This week, the word Memorial took on a new meaning. I saw a Facebook post saying Christine had passed away on March 23, 2024. We had made plans to see each other at this year’s reunion to celebrate our upcoming birthdays. She was always a big supporter of our school and looked forward to a bus filled with Long Island Bishop’s girls to reconnect once again for our 57th anniversary. Christine worked for the NYPD, and then went back to school, became a teacher, and taught at Bishop Kearney for 25 years. A wonderful grandmother, she leaves behind her son, EJ and two grandchildren. She also leaves behind a group of 1967 classmates that gathered

Justine DeVito Tenney '64 is "retired as partner of a large national CPA firm. I still provide consulting services to a few clients. As director and treasurer of the Francesco and Mary Giambelli Foundation, Inc., I am fortunate to provide needed support to many charitable organizations— including scholarships for Bishop Loughlin students. My husband and I recently moved from New York State (it’s hard to believe we left Brooklyn!) and are now living in the D.C. area close to our two grandchildren. I always think about the wonderful education I received at Bishop’s and all the great times had with my friends, and the hours spent with the orchestra. It was truly a life-enriching experience and I’m happy that the tradition lives on at Loughlin."

together monthly when possible—all who will miss her zest for life and heart of gold. The lesson I learn is not to take today for granted because for some of us, there will be no tomorrow."

Donna Zero Tacconi ’68 is enjoying semi-retirement in Colorado and currently works with new teachers and administrators after retiring as a principal from the Los Angeles Unified School District after 36 years. "I don't get back to Brooklyn much but I still consider myself a Brooklyn girl.”

Diane Grannum Pankey ’69 writes, "My husband Michael and I celebrated our 52nd anniversary in March, 2024. We've lived in Baldwin, LI, NY for 34 years and have both been realtors with Exit Realty Premier in Massapequa Park for 16 years. Prior to that I last served in

the NYC Board of Educationfor over 30 years in various titles—teacher, reading coordinator, and Director of Early Childhood.

Deborah Price Randolph ’69 "free-tired in 2017 and founded a coaching business (D.A.R.E. to ReImagine You!) guiding women to embrace midlife as a time of awakening to endless possibilities, ditching the cliché of getting old. I also created Soulas, a community of women using sisterhood as a catalyst for personal and professional transformation. I live in NY with plans to relocate to the MD/DE area. Thriving in this life's chapter!"

Christine Williams ’69 says "After 46 years in healthcare, I am working part-time at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The work is very rewarding in the areas of pediatric urology, neurosurgery, pediatric trauma, and orthopedic surgery."

Justine DeVito Tenney ’64 with classmates.

INSIDE A ı CLASS NOTE

CLASS NOTE

…was awarded the prestigious Bishop Loughlin Lionheart Award at the first Legacy Brunch, held this April.

The Lionheart Award is one of Loughlin’s most prestigious— usually presented to exceptional Loughlinites who continue, years after graduation, to be involved and remain connected to the school, its mission, vision, and its students.

Phyllis is always Bishop’s proud. A founding member of the Alumnae Committee, Phyllis loves her alma mater and she loves Bishop Loughlin— the success of its students; she is proud of the legacy begun at Bishop McDonnell.

Phyllis has spearheaded many efforts over the years. One of them was to write a book titled Memorial, Memorial —The History of

Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School (the book is still available; for those who are interested, contact Phyllis or Bishop Loughlin). As a result of her work, and the work of all the committee members, Bishop's girls contribute more than $100,000 each year supporting the Bishop McDonnell Scholarship.

in 2009.

On occasion, the decision is made to present the Lionheart Award to individuals who did not graduate from Bishop Loughlin—but hold the school close to their hearts. Phyllis is in great company. Bishop's girls Mary Collins Macchiarola ’58, Noreen McCarthy Haff ner ’63, Jane Cozzi Murray ’65, Maureen Moss McInerney ’66, and Pamela Sloan ’73 have also received the Lionheart Award.

Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67 (center) with 1967 classmates. They all turn 75 this year and brought a cake to the Legacy Brunch to celebrate! Inset, Phyllis in 1967.

Phyllis Murphy Howell's book, published

PHYLLIS MURPHY HOWELL '67...

FROM PHYLLIS:

Doing Bishop McDonnell “work” is almost a daily thing with me. I love talking to alumnae, from all years, all the time. I recently found out about a reunion in Florida, which was near us. My husband and I picked up Roberta Paul Molaro ‘55 and we went together. It was a great day. It doesn’t matter if you were in the same year or not, Bishop’s girls always enjoy being together.

This is more than a school to all of us. When Bishop’s girls turned Loughlin “coed”, women were given the opportunity to attend a truly up to date, state of the art school with almost a 100% rate of going to college. This year 11 girls have benefi ted from some type of scholarship provided by the support of Bishop McDonnell alumnae. We do what we do because the schools we serve are the schools we love. And the people in them care about each other deeply.

Bishop Loughlin was our brother school, but it is now the school who makes our reunions possible and keeps our legacy alive. They maintain a database of our alumnae alive as well as those who passed. They house our memorabilia. Without them, Bishop McDonnell would have ceased to be relevant. The girls of Bishop Loughlin know who Bishop’s girls are. They will always remember there were women who made it possible for them to attend this amazing school and receive the best education possible.

I am fortunate to have discovered my niche at Bishop Loughlin and it is nice to be appreciated. Receiving the Lionheart Award and planning and attending the first legacy brunch was a day I will treasure forever.

Thank you, Phyllis

YOUR CLASS COORDINATORS

Abigail Bousted ’72

Katherine Dawkins Burnett ’72

Roxanne Fagan ’73

Sheila Fleming Clancy ’59

Denise Fox Coppola ’67

Christine Layne Waters ’73

Taryn Lewis Siddiq ’73

Marge Norton Hack ’57

Deborah Randolph Price ’69

Xiomara Santa Cruz Olazagasti ’69

Dorothy Taylor Doyle ’67

THE 70s

Mary Ellen Horan Borgia ‘70 is currently working part time.

Jeanne Brown Bannan ‘70 writes, "I had a career in banking, specializing in commercial real estate. I met the many interesting people and traveled a bit. I moved from Brooklyn to Northern CA, back to Brooklyn, then NJ. My husband Gary and I retired and moved to central FL. We like the weather and lifestyle. I am a member of the League of Women Voters, two book clubs, and a genealogy club. Just doing what I want when I want!"

Virginia McClean Perniciaro ’71 retired after 30 years as an insurance broker and 25 years as the retail-business owner of Have You Heard?, Inc. "I am past President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmore’s and 1st Vice President of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. I moved from Long Island to Delaware in 2019 with my husband, Roger, past President of C. F. Peter’s Corporation. He passed away June, 2023. I have three children and two grandsons."

Lorraine McGinn ’72 moved to NC after retiring and lives next door to her family.

Phyllis Brooks Collins ’73 was promoted to Associate Dean in the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences as of March, 2024.

Catherine Dubrino ’73 published a book One Tuesday Morning which recounts her experience working as a nurse on and around 9/11.

Marcia Gilliard ’73 had the opportunity to share her beading craft with the members of the NHS. "I was elated to see how much the activity was so enjoyable for the students. I look forward to doing this with them again in the future. Beading requires focus and patience. There was plenty in the room!

Lorraine Plescia Sosnicki ’73, retired for fi ve years, "worked for 35 years at Veteran Administration Medical Center in Brooklyn and Northport, LI. Married 41 years, I have lived in Massapequa Park, for 38. I have one daughter and two granddaughters. I now live in a 55+ community in Dover, DE.

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS!

Your gifts ensure we can continue to host reunions, publish Memorial magazine, and continue, and enhance, the Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund. Thank you to all who have made contributions this year. No gift is too large or too small. Together we can make a difference! You can donate online at loughlin.org/giving/donate or send your gift to the school.

DEBUT NOVEL PUBLISHED!

MARGUERITE STURGES ’71

There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and feeling as if you’re not alone in your experiences. Maggie Hill's debut novel, Sunday Money will take you back to places, spaces, sights, and people anyone from Brooklyn will fondly remember. For the book's main character, Claire, it was the 1970s.

An excerpt from Sunday Money

Sunday Money is a novel about girls’ basketball, roughly at the outset of Title IX’s Education Amendment passage in 1972 prohibiting sex discrimination in any educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. It’s a story of a Brooklyn girl, Claire, who learns how the skills of dribbling, passing, shooting, and guarding help her navigate off the court too. (maggiehill.com) Released in May, you can order Maggie's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.

Maggie writes in a familiar voice with a sense of nostalgia—recalling life as a young Brooklynite.

Maggie Hill’s essays and non-fiction have been published in The New York Times, The New York Daily News, and Scholastic professional magazines.

Bishop has a unique twist on girls' Catholic high schools, because its faculty consists of four different orders of nuns: St. Joseph, Dominican, Sisters of Charity, and Sisters of Mercy. Each of the different orders is in charge of certain subjects. The sisters of St. Joseph teach religion and English—they're usually nuns who look loverly preoccupied and stern. Dominicans teach math, science, and history— they're nuns who look like they run businesses, because they're crisp and clear. Charity nuns teach home ec (cooking,

Current publications include Lakeshore Literary Review (2023 Pushcart Prize nominee), Cleaver Lit Mag, Embark Literary. She has been the recipient of several artist fellowships and residences, including Yaddo Residency and Ragdale Foundation.

sewing, family living)—they look like they barely passed their own high school courses but are on a mission to tidy up. The Sisters of Mercy do all the administrative work in the school, like the office, detention, and nurse's station. Laypeople teach gym, usually women who ref over the weekends at CYO games. These are the brutes of Bishop— no mercy, no fooling around, get moving is their collective attitude. There is no palling around with teachers here. We go to class, do our work, and that's that.

SEND US YOUR MEMORIALITE MEMORABILIA

We want to add your memorabilia to our historical collection! Please send photos and memorabilia you would like to donate to our archives—especially yearbooks and Laurals, to the Bishop McDonnell Alumnae Association: BMMHS Alumnae Association at BLMHS, c/o Josephine McKenna, 357 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Author Maggie Hill (Marguerite Sturges ’71)

AND, 52 YEARS AFTER TITLE IX

EVIDENCE OF ITS STRENGTH

KAYLAH BARR ’24 SCORES BIG!

During the 2023 play-off s, Kaylah Barr ’24, Bishop McDonnell scholar, joined an elite few in the school's history when she scored her 1,000th career point against Archbishop Molloy High School.

Basketball was popular in 1926 when Helen Lennon (Bishop McDonnell's first lay teacher) introduced the program to the school. By the 1960s, the varsity basketball team was part of Bishop's history.

Honor student Kaylah Barr '24, from Morningside Heights, Manhattan is a recipient of the Patricia McCarthy Burke ’67 (BMcD) Scholarship Fund. She a three-year varsity basketball starter and this year's team captain. The Patricia McCarthy Burke Scholarship is awarded annually to a female student at Bishop Loughlin who is involved in basketball.

Averaging 14 points per game and seven rebounds this year, point guard Kaylah led the team at the 2023 Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational in December and holds the record for scoring. At the end of the season in March, she won the Nugent Brothers trophy for Christian Character and Athletic Achievement.

Kaylah will be attending Marymount University in Arlington, VA in the fall. She plans to major in Psychology.

Thank you Bishop McDonnell alumnae for making it possible for so many Bishop Loughlin young women to have the opportunity to excel.

Patricia McCarthy Burke ’67

Kaylah Barr ’24

IN MEMORIAM

THE 20 s

Ruth Mendez Bryson ’29

THE 30 s

Evelyn Reuter Tosti ’30

Catherine Layden Leitmeyer ’31

Margaret McCartney ’31

Irene Slingland Lavin ’31

Arline Becker Strickland ’32

Sr. Anne R. Curley ’38

Dorothy Murphy Piller ’38

THE 40 s

Patricia Scroope Connors ’43

Marie Cardone Hickman ’44

Sr. Agnes Stumpf, CSJ ’44

Virginia Evangelista Chiantella ’45

Elizabeth M. Gushue Burley ’45

Patricia McKenna Butler ’45

Regina A. Coll ’46

Mary Coyne Devaney ’46

Margot Schinzel McDermott ’46

Ursula Ward Godfrey ’47

Alice Gormley Argo ’48

Adele Hollack Ivans ’48

Teresa Kaufman Buckley ’48

Marion Murtha Munisteri ’48

Sr. Claire Pfundstein, OP ’48

Sr. Alice Wheeler, CSJ ’48

Joan Zablotowicz Maslowski ’48

Ann Marie Lydon Lynch ’49

Janet M. Seckendorf ’49

THE 50 s

Ellen T. Brown ’50

Eileen Ford ’50

Eileen King Ryan ’50

Mary O’Dea Peter ’50

Claire Schaedler McMahon ’50

Stephanie A. Swiercczek Cosgrove ’50

Marie Lawn Morris ’51

Margaret McCormack Ramos ’51

Paula Van Horn Dineen ’52

Elizabeth Ballantyne Beaver ’53

Geraldine Forte Otto ’53

Alice Hanretty Cowan ’53

Eileen Long Carolin ’53

Sr. Marion D. McLinden, OP ’53

Carol A. Reichenbach Panza ’53

Margaret Schmitz Hargreaves ’53

Joan Sweeney Hoffelder ’53

Annamae Zipay Gibas ’53

Sr. Marie Anna Macklin, CSJ ’54

Jean Carey Hopkins ’55

Pauline Cuccia Marchese ’55

Ann M. Flynn Franchina ’55

Elizabeth Keller Sternau ’55

Margaret Murray Fitzgerald ’55

Elizabeth Ann O’Brien ’55

Helen Williams Goldstein ’55

Marie Gallagher Curley ’56

Mary Holst Hofmann ’56

Margaret Nunn Murray ’56

Patricia O’Neill Loughlin ’56

Lillian Tucci ’56

Patricia Carroll Baxter ’57

Rosemary Federico Kaufmann ’57

Sr. Ellen Glavey, RSM ’57

Roseanne Kelleher ’57

Elizabeth "Betty" McCann Ryan ’57

Angelina Assante Riccardi ’58

Kathleen F. Bardon Sheehan ’58

F. Arline Blaney Pavlochik ’58

Frances I. Buehlmeier ’58

Regina Byrnes Matich ’58

Lois Colasonno McCarthy ’58

Eileen Clune Daly ’58

Helen Daley Fries ’58

Mary Doyle Lane ’58

Norma Fairchild Alger ’58

Suzanne Fincken Syers ’58

Lorelei Finno Quirk ’58

Judith Gallagher Harron ’58

Patricia Glennon Previdi ’58

Sr. Frances Karovic ’58

Barbara Misak Persichilli ’58

Mary T. Musto Solimine ’58

Inez Quinn Beyer ’58

Dorothea Rogers Bannon ’58

Jessica Salisbury Maher ’58

Patricia M. Schissel ’58

Helen Smith Reyes ’58

Cynthia Stone Mussavage ’58

Bonnie Toal Shea ’58

Barbara A. Towey ’58

Josephine Treacy Flatley ’58

Susan Walsh Shultis ’58

Mary Lou Wengren Lindsay ’58

Karen Willert Costello ’58

THE 60 s

Sr. Lucille D’Amelio ’60

Jeanne M. Fastook, MD ’60

Erika C. Lipovec ’60

Patricia McLellan Caren ’60

Joanna F. Schlosser ’60

Patricia M. Vautrin Nolde ’60

Dorothy G. Vilardi Cosentino ’60

Barbara Noe Perro ’61

Anne Marie Von Bartheld ’61

Kathleen J. Wall ’61

Carole A. Collins ’62

Judith Medvec Whritenour ’62

Lorraine Kennedy Brady ’63

Patricia Kenny Tuzzi ’63

Kathleen A. Loughlin ’63

Marcella Mazzucco Berger ’63

Maryann Zipay Tomczak ’63

Frances M. Lertora Gales ’64

Jeanne Coppinger Olson ’66

Sharon O’Connor Ryan ’66

Carol A. Bairan ’67

Carlotta Cilione Fotinatos ’67

Christine Dougher O’Rourke ’67

Angela Gibbons Gianni ’67

Patricia McCarthy Burke ’67

Rosalie Tesoriero Urso ’67

Yvonne Vargas ’67

Lorraine Ambach Montemurr ’68

Karile E. Baltrusaitis ’68

Frances Giammona Graziano ’68

Teresa Rosa Asaro ’68

Joan DiTucci ’69

Patricia A. Gilmartin Mahrle ’69

Joan M. Rowley ’69

THE 70 s

Catherine Ashley ’72

Rosanne Taormina Chudy ’73

This memorial listing includes notifications of alumna deaths the school received up to April, 2024. Some deaths are not recent. If we have failed to include an alumna or have made an error, please contact Josephine McKenna ’90 at jmckenna@blmhs.org.

THE McDONNELL SOCIETY

is named for the beloved Bishop Charles McDonnell, the second Bishop of Brooklyn. McDonnell was zealous in establishing religious schools and Bishop Thomas Molloy believed that naming the school was an appropriate recognition for his efforts. The Society was created to celebrate the generous friends who have made planned or estate gifts to Loughlin in support of Catholic education in Brooklyn.

INFORMATION YOUR FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVISOR WILL NEED Legal Name : Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Tax ID: 11-2294328 Incorporated in: Brooklyn, NY

AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE McDONNELL SOCIETY @ LOUGHLIN

Help Loughlin maintain its commitment to affordable excellence. Estate gifts are an integral part in assuring that a Lasallian education remains accessible to all qualified students, regardless of family means. If you have included Loughlin in your charitable plans, or intend to do so, or would like to find out about the benefi ts of giving wisely, please let us know. We’re happy to speak with you and welcome you to the Society. Sharing your designation with us will ensure your gift is used as you intend, and your recognition may inspire others to do the same. Contact Andrew Leary, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, at 718-857-2700 ext. 2251.

 I would like to learn more about joining the McDonnell Society.

 I would like to become a recognized member of the McDonnell Society.

 I would like to remain an anonymous member of the McDonnell Society.

 I haven’t made plans for Loughlin in my estate, but I am considering it.

I AM MOST INTERESTED

 The Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund  A specific program

 Where need is greatest/unrestricted

Detach here and return to Bishop Loughlin. Thank you!

BISHOP LOUGHLIN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL I 357 CLERMONT AVENUE I BROOKLYN, NY 11238

ANYTHING GOES

A BROADWAY AFTERNOON AT LOUGHLIN

On March 15, alumni and alumnae of our three schools—Bishop McDonnell, St. Augustine, and Bishop Loughlin—were invited to a luncheon and a performance of this years' school musical, Cole Porter's Anything Goes. Guests met members of the cast, crew, and directors and were even treated to a sing-along while they ate. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their generous contributions in support of the musical this year!