2019 Memorial Magazine

THE BISHOP McDONNELL

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

INSIDE WINTER 2019 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? BISHOP MCDONNELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS REUNION 2018

OUR BISHOP’S ALUMNAE COMMITTEE

Bishop McDonnell Alumnae Committee members (from left to right): Catherine L. Diehl-Palladino ’60, Phyllis Murphy-Howell ’67, Maryann Stahl-Demaso ’60, Mary Collins-Macchiarola ’58, Mary Ellen Lavelle-Murphy ’59, Kathleen J. McCarthy ’58, and Margaret Dougherty-Russo ’69.

Dear Memorialites, Kudos to us — the Bishop McDonnell Alumnae­— for the very generous support to the scholarship program at Bishop Loughlin. Know that our generosity is so very much appreciated by Loughlin, the recipients, and their families. It is with our support that Loughlin can continue its mission to assist young women in pursuit of a quality education and to help them fulfill their hopes and dreams.

I think about donating to Loughlin as a way of sharing the gift of education that was given to me at Bishop McDonnell.

I was fortunate to attend Bishops at no cost. I received a great education that perhaps I wouldn’t have had if circumstances were different. The dedicated, passionate, and gifted faculty at Loughlin remind me of the wonderful

teachers of our high school days. How lucky were we! How lucky are the Loughlin students!

Let us continue to give to the Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund and support these amazing young women and Loughlin in its mission to champion strong leaders for our future. Your financial support is necessary and makes an impact. Every gift, no matter the amount, is significant.

Your donation matters!

Gratefully, Kathy McCarthy ’58

The Bishops alumnae committee work to keep the legend alive. They research fellow graduates, send emails, and make phone calls to make sure all alumnae are invited to the reunion. Their work is a labor of love and they would be delighted to have more alumnae join the committee. Contact Morgan Allison at Bishop Loughlin if you are interested in being a part of this amazing group.

IN THIS ISSUE

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? SR. JEAN AQUINAS, OP

2018 MAKING STRIDES AGAINST CANCER WALK

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? LINDA INEUS ’18

LEARNING ABOUT ELISABETH INALEGWU ’19

THE ANNEXES — PART III

2018 BISHOP McDONNELL REUNION

15 Reunion 2019 Registration Form 18 Class Notes 18 In Memoriam

ARTICLE SUGGESTIONS If you have suggestions for future Memorial newsletter articles, please contact Morgan Allison ı Development and Alumni Events Coordinator at 718-857-2700, x2252 or mallison@blmhs.org.

THE BISHOP McDONNELL

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

WINTER 2019

ADMINISTRATION Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC ı President Edward A. Bolan ’78 ı Principal Cecila Gottsegen ı Assistant Principal Nicole Maxwell-Freeman ’95 ı Dean of Students Luis Montes ı Dean of Students

BOARD OF GOVERNORS I 2017 - 2018 Thomas F. Van Buskirk, St. A. ’70 ı Chair Mary T. Macchiarola, Bishop McDonnell ’58 ı Vice Chair Thomas J. McLaughlin ’72 ı Secretary Brother Robert R. Bimonte, FSC Connell Christopher Cannon ’65 Frank K. Cheswick ’66 Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC, President—ex officio Ja’von Jones-Delgado ’01 Robert A. McRae ’03 Rev. Joseph Nugent Joseph F. Perez ’70 Lenue H. Singletary ’87 Pamela Sloan, Esq., Bishop McDonnell ’73 Brother Robert J. Wickman, FSC

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS John E. Klemm ’65 ı Director of Development Morgan Allison ı Events Coordinator Joan Hotalin-Cramer ı Gift and Data Entry Coordinator Edward Bowes ’60 ı Alumni Associate Andrew Leary ı Major Gifts and Estate Planning

BISHOP MCDONNELL ALUMNAE COMMITTEE Kathleen Carney-DeVito ’62 Mary Collins-Macchiarola ’58 Catherine L. Diehl-Palladino ’60 Margaret Dougherty-Russo ’69 Roberta Eisenbrg ’58 Mary Ellen Lavelle-Murphy ’59 Kathleen J. McCarthy ’58 Phyllis Murphy-Howell ’67 Maryann Stahl-DeMaso ’60

EDITOR Morgan Allison ı Development & Alumni Events Coordinator

DESIGN EP Graphic Design ı Manchester, CT

Front Cover: Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19, Franssiely Mateo-Silvestre ’19, Celines Garcia ’21, Helena Huete ’21, Kayla Archibald ’19, Rose Walsh ’21, and Naiya Freeman ‘19 in front of The Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School building.

Memorial is published by the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Development Office.

Correspondence and address changes to: Bishop Loughlin MHS Development Office 357 Clermont Avenue ı Brooklyn, NY 11238 718.857.2700 x2250 or jcramer@blmhs.org

FROM THE

PRESIDENT BRO. DENNIS CRONIN, FSC

Dear Memorialite, The most significant commonalities between Bishops and Loughlin are our common roots and shared mission.

Both schools were part of an incredibly sophisticated and ambitious Diocesan school system that encompassed the elementary and secondary levels. On the secondary level its aim was to provide quality Catholic education to anyone who demonstrated a high level of academic ability. As it came at low or no cost, the system was accessible to all who qualified. Some diversity was built into the system as seats were allocated to young people from every parish not offered to a student simply based on an absolute test score although that was valued. It is this commitment to diversity that is absent from specialized public schools. The claim is that the high quality of the education would be watered down. I have never heard a graduate from Bishops or Loughlin say their education was watered down. I am quite sure it met the very highest standard.

On the surface, one difference between our schools was staffing. Loughlin was staffed by one order of Religious Brothers and Bishops was staffed by five orders of Religious Sisters. However, three of the religious congregations of women had French roots, as did the Brothers. These orders were most often founded to respond to a particular need: the education of the poor who were too often neglected and could not acquire the basic skills to lead a good life. The Sisters of Mercy,

founded in Ireland, served poor women and children providing shelter and education. In our Diocese, the Sisters of St. Dominic were historically Germanic in origin, but committed to educating generations of immigrants of any nationality. Anyone in Brooklyn knows something of the melting pot.

What united both schools was the faith our teachers had in each student’s ability to work hard and achieve goals. They knew that education would make us better persons not only intellectually but spiritually and morally as well.

Congratulations to Sr. Jean Aquinas and to all those who were committed to this noble, exhilarating, and daring enterprise that was Diocesan education. Congratulations to the graduates of our three schools — Bishop McDonnell, St. Augustine, and Bishop Loughlin — who all remain committed to the legacy of quality Catholic education accessible to all who have the desire and grit to pursue excellence.

Sincerely,

Bro. Dennis Cronin, FSC President, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School

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WHERE IS SHE NOW?

SISTER JEAN AQUINAS, OP ’48 Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67

A family at the beginning and the end of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School Sr. Jean’s mother, Margaret Sheehan, was a member of Bishop McDonnell’s first graduating class in 1927 and Sr. Jean Aquinas ’48, remained at the school until the day it closed in 1973. remained in the school until the day it closed in 1973.

As her mom said to her, “Our family opened and closed Bishops.”

After the school closed in 1973, Sr. Jean went to Bishop Loughlin to assist in the transition of Bishops girls to what was then an all-boys school. Sr. Jean continued teaching secondary education until 1994 and then transferred to Molloy College, where she taught math for 13 years.

Sr. Jean retired at age 77.

Sr. Jean Aquinas ’48, attending a Bishop McDonnell reunion.

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n June 1948, Margaret Lanahan, a member of the basketball team for four years and a member of both the French and Math Clubs, was one among many Bishop McDonnell graduates.

Margaret has known about the school for most of her life as her mom, Margaret Sheehan, was a member of the first graduating class in 1927. In 1944, she followed her mother’s example and began her high school education at Bishops. Twenty years after graduation, as Sr. Jean Aquinas, OP, she returned to Bishops as part of the teaching faculty. In 1972, she was appointed Assistant Principal and Sr. Jean 4

When I decided to write the History of Bishop McDonnell, Sr. Jean shared her wealth of knowledge about the school with me. She loaned me her mom’s original Laurel copy from 1926. It was there that I was able to learn so much about the early years. Sister explained to me how the school began to increase enrollment and many of the day-to-day scheduling procedures that kept the school running smoothly. To this day, sometimes I find myself with a question about the school, and I give her a call. She has always been helpful to me and I look forward to our conversations.

Sr. Jean currently resides at the motherhouse in Amityville with Sr. Leo Francis and Sr. Maria Carmel, who also taught at Bishops. She attends reunions whenever possible.

WHERE IS SHE NOW?

LINDA INEUS ’18 Linda Ineus ’18

“Doors will close and obstacles will be there, but you can overcome them.”

Linda Ineus ’18

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t Loughlin I was surrounded by people who had my best interest in mind. I was surrounded by an incredible family, and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

As a senior, I was captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, President of Lasallian Youth, a member of the House System, and so much more. Every single one of those positions helped me become more confident and taught me the importance of teamwork.

Loughlin also gave me the wonderful opportunity to participate in a program at SUNY Downstate, called Arthur Ashe Institute of Urban Health, which broadened my knowledge of the medical field, honing my understanding of what I want to do in the future.

In this same year of high school I learned that doors will close and obstacles will come — but you can always overcome them.

Loughlin did its very best to prepare me for the biggest change of my life — adjusting to college. I learned valuable life lessons that have carried me to far places in my life — the importance of leadership, loyalty, trust, and commitment.

Loughlin did so many great things for me and had an important impact on me. I am hoping that Providence College will be the same. I do not expect it to be easy but Loughlin prepared me well enough to handle any situation.

I want to hold leadership positions at Providence College and participate in many different clubs once I’m fully adjusted to the workload.

I am working to be a pediatrician, but most importantly, to be successful. Loughlin paved the way and I know Providence College will make it so.

The transition to college was hard and I’m still finding my way — but I still have the amazing support of everyone at Loughlin!

Loughlin will forever be my first home away from home, a place where I know I’m loved and cared for.

I would thank all of the Bishop McDonnell Ladies that helped make going to Loughlin possible. Because of you all, I am on the path to a successful future. I will always remember your generosity. Thank you!

Linda Ineus ‘18, pictured above, is currently a freshman at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. She stands here in front of a college building.

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THE ANNEXES — PART III excerpt from Memorial, Memorial — The History of Bishop Memorial High School Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67

There were four annexes where many Memorialites began the first two years of their high school journey. In Part One, we explored St. Bartholomew’s. In Part Two, we looked at St. Barbara’s and Queen of All Saints, and here, in Part Three, we will hear about The Flushing Annex, aka ‘Little Bishops’.

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hen the Sisters of St. Joseph began to outgrow their original motherhouse in Williamsburg, they purchased a building on Kissena Boulevard in Flushing.

Through the years, it was used for many different purposes — an Episcopal school, its motherhouse and noviate, an academy — and at one time, it even served as an orphanage. During 19401948, it was used as a Juniorate, a preparatory high school for women thinking of entering the congregation. However, as the enrollment of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School grew, it was necessary to add additional annexes.

In 1948, the Bishop McDonnell Memorial Annex in Flushing, Queens opened — able to accommodate 400 new Memorialites and fondly referred to as “Little Bishops”.

The girls, though, referred to themselves as McDonnellites.

The school had a jukebox, a rare privilege that few schools enjoyed, and the newsletter, Laurelette, shared stories about basketball, softball, and cheerleading. The fourth-termers (graduating sophomores) also published a newsletter called LePetite, printed completely in French, to encourage students to improve their foreign language skills. In 1949, a new library, with 780 books adorning the shelves, officially opened. The newsletter proudly boasted of a Halloween assembly and a play for November’s biggest holiday, The Modern Thanksgiving.

Even Bishops Laurel congratulated Little Bishops on sending 50 girls to the main school. The 1950 Laurelette wrote of the increase in the number of annex students who were admitted to the Leo National Honor Society, and also spoke of softball fever.

In May, the first dramatic production, Pinafore, was favorably received and in December, the Drama Club presented its first comedy, There’s One in Every Family, with the Glee Club performing Christmas carols during intermission. In 1954, Little Bishops could boast a Varsity team and even enjoyed games with alumnae. This was also the year a student

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council, consisting of officers and a president from each class, was formed.

The “senior students” of the annex performed a program for incoming freshmen highlighting the extra-curricular activities open to them. Members of the Laurelette portrayed a typical staff meeting, the Glee Club and Orchestra performed several numbers, the Drama Cub performed a scene from its current play, and the basketball team and cheerleading squad featured their activities with an entertaining skit. Certainly, in reading about the annexes, it is apparent that Bishops school spirit was undoubtedly alive and well in the annexes, as well as at the big school.

While, for some, it was the norm to attend two years at an annex and then transfer to “Big Bishops,” one alumna attended both St. Barbara’s annex and the Flushing annex.

When she was in the eighth grade, her family had moved from Washington, D.C. to Middle Village, Queens. She began her freshman year at St. Barbara’s. During the summer after her freshman year, her family moved again, necessitating a transfer to an annex located closer to her home. She began her sophomore year at the Flushing annex or “Little Bishops.”

Although she could walk to school, it was hard being the “new girl” all over again. At Little Bishops, because it was a neighborhood school, most girls lived nearby, enabling them to walk to school and, thus, create a more “cohesive” atmosphere. People were friendly, and it seemed “more like a community.” However, by the time she entered Bishops on Eastern Parkway, she had made friends at both annexes, and truly enjoyed finally arriving at Bishops.

She became very active while attending her “third” Bishops school, participating in the Drama Club and working on the Laurel. Bishops standards were high, and competition among students gave her an excellent foundation which was later enhanced by Marymount, Manhattan and Fordham, the colleges she attended afterwards. She noted that interacting with the various orders of nuns teaching at Bishops prepared her for meeting and working with people from different walks of life as she got older.

In 1961, it was school mandated that students participating in the commencement ceremonies wear blue chintz dresses that had a star carved out in the back. They also were required to wear a handmade, crocheted hat with a brim. The threeinch brim was supposed to be heavily starched and look like an Easter bonnet. However, one alumna’s mom had misread the directions and used a double-crochet stitch, making her daughter’s brim twice as large as the brims on the hats of the other students. She can find humor in it now, but it was not so funny at the time. Her bonnet was later used as a doily! As was typical for most of Bishops’ events, the girls went to Manhattan afterwards to celebrate.

The Annexes: from the book Memorial, Memorial — The History of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School. Books can be ordered contacting Phyllis Howell by calling 718-627-2145, emailing howelldogs@aol.com, or on eBay.

In addition to students arriving from annexes, there were always transfers of some type from school-to-school because of students moving or other reasons. In 1965, students from St. Francis Xavier High School transferred to Bishops for their senior year because their beloved home for “Xaverites” closed when the Diocese opened six new regional high schools.

Students entered annex schools as typical “lowly freshmen.”

However, in one year, though they were only sophomores, they felt like upperclassmen because sophomores at two-year annexes enjoyed a status equivalent to seniors at a four-year school. Each annex had its own identity, including its own newsletter, and each was staffed by only one order of religious.

It was no wonder that, when they transferred to Eastern Parkway, they were amazed at both the size of the building and the many orders of religious teaching there.

Once the wonder and bewilderment subsided for these new juniors, the students began to adjust and find their way. The most common complaints were the existence of the many lockers, the seemingly large cafeteria, and the possibility of getting lost and never making it to class on time. The students had never changed classes before at the annexes. It was the faculty who changed.

Sadly, the enrollment at Bishop McDonnell began to dwindle.

There was no longer a need for the annexes once used for the overflow in student registrations. One-by-one they began to close, and by 1966, all annexes ceased to exist.

With the addition of 250 annex students, who transferred in January 1959, the final phase of accelerated groups was terminated. Started in 1957, the program was initiated to put all high schools on an annual admission basis. Bishops’ graduating classes, under this system, usually exceeded the 800 mark.

No matter where their origin was, most graduates left with a tear in their eye and a lump in their throat when passing through the doors at 260 Eastern Parkway the final time.

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Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST CANCER WALK 2018

Naiya Freeman ’19

The Bishop Loughlin cheerleaders at the Making Strides Walk in October 2018.

Naiya Freeman ’19 & Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19

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reast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Although it may occur in both men and women, it is more common in women. Nearly 250,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. That could be a member of your family, a close friend, or even yourself.

The America Cancer Society Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk raises awareness and money to fund research, support services, and early detection.

Making Strides events are held to save lives. Survivors and caregivers are not only an inspiration to us all, but they are also a beacon of hope for those currently undergoing treatment. Many people from all over come to the Breast Cancer Walk to show support for those who are affected by this fatal illness.

This past October, the school’s cheerleaders participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of

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Brooklyn at MCU Park, Brooklyn. Excited to cheer for the cause and for such a large crowd, they wore purple Nike sweat suits and breast cancer themed bows in their hair.

Led by three captains Danielle Loadholt ’21, Naiya Freeman ’19, and Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19, the cheerleaders cheered from the beginning of the walk to the end. Their cheers were words of encouragement for the walkers to not give up and to make it to the finish line.

The cheers also showed support for those affected by breast cancer.

In 1974, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School welcomed girls from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School as freshmen into their all boys school — which made it co-ed. These girls and their success stories are still remembered at Loughlin to this day. As cheerleaders and young women we strive to continue that legacy of success.

We aim to accomplish all our goals just as the Bishops girls did. Being a part of the Breast Cancer Walk is just the beginning

of what we will accomplish. The Breast Cancer Walk opened our eyes — anything is possible when we work towards greatness.

While cheering, we met many people, survivors, and family members of those who have suffered from this terrible disease.

Many people throughout the day thanked us and told us how much they appreciated our participation, love, and support. A lot of survivors came to us and shared their stories of how they battled breast cancer. It was heartbreaking to hear what they went through. It really makes us feel wonderful to know how much we’re impacting lives, even with just our one small act of service.

We had the opportunity to interact with so many amazing people who are so kind, loving and genuine. This Brooklyn walk raised $446,906 for the American Cancer Society to fund innovative breast cancer research. People from all over, and with many different backgrounds and stories, came together in one space for this cause.

Such a beautiful moment!

LEARNING ABOUT ELISABETH INALEGWU ’19 — A BISHOP MCDONNELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

allowed. At Loughlin, there are so many academic and athletic opportunities. There is always something to do!

As basketball manager, I realized I love basketball and the entire behind-the-scenes of the game that no one pays attention to. I’m looking to major in physical therapy and minor in sports medicine at college, and hopefully, one day in the future I’ll be working for Nike or the NBA. Working with athletes is something I’m extremely passionate about; I truly can’t see myself doing anything else.

Now as a senior, the college application process has begun, and it is more than I anticipated. However, I am prepared and excited to get started. I’m looking into Division 1 colleges where I will be able to get hands-on experience working with athletes.

This will prepare me for a career as an athletic trainer and conditioner. St. Francis College, St. John’s University, and Seton Hall University are three of my top college choices.

Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19

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am 17 years old and from Queens, New York. My mother is from Panama and my father is from Nigeria. Although my parents divorced when I was six-years-old, they have given me a strong support system at home. I have an older brother and an older sister. For as long as I can remember, my family has stressed the importance of being a strong student academically and being involved in school. Before Loughlin, I attended Queen of All Saints — right across the street. I knew Bishop Loughlin would be the high school I would attend. I loved the way it looked and how students seemed so happy, I wanted to be a part of that.

When Bishop Loughlin accepted me, I was ecstatic. From my first day, I made it my business to become involved. I became a cheerleader and a basketball manager. I joined the performing arts program and tried to do anything else my free time

In April, I had the honor of attending the 2018 Bishop McDonnell Reunion. I was able to meet many influential women who gave me words of encouragement and advice.

One woman that left an impression on me was Mrs. DoughertyRusso. Mrs. Russo was the first female to attend St. Francis College. Her story encouraged me since the field I hope to enter is also a male-dominant field. Mrs. Russo showed me that it is possible to make my own way and create a legacy for females where one has never existed, or is just beginning.

The reunion truly was an amazing experience for me. I was able to meet many women that grew up just like me — even from the same neighborhood. These women were presented with the same opportunities and challenges as me and are now extremely successful. They chased their dreams and achieved their goals. Since the reunion I’ve felt very motivated and inspired. The Bishop McDonnell alumnae were all welcoming, nice, and inspiring.

Bishop McDonnell scholarships are distributed and kept for excellent students with financial need who hold an average of 90 or above in middle school, submit recommendations from former teachers and principals, maintain a 90 or above average at Bishop Loughlin, take the TACHS exam for admission to BLMHS, and participate in extra-curricular activities throughout high school.

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REUNION 2018

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More reunion memories continue on next page 11

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More reunion memories continue on next page 13

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2019 REGISTRATION FORM

Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School

2019

REUNION

Saturday, April 13, 2019 former Bishop McDonnell Building, 260 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY

Anniversary Classes: 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974

ALL ALUMNAE ARE WELCOME! Please make ____________ reservations at $90 per person for Saturday, April 13, 2019 (spouses and guests are welcome to attend!) ________ Yes, I will participate in the Class Gift. Enclosed is my gift of $ ________ ________ I am interested in joining the Reunion committee. Please contact me with how I can help make this a great reunion for my class. ________ Yes, I will participate in the monthly Class Gift. Enclosed is my gift of $_________ for ________ months.

• PLEASE RSVP BY APRIL 1, 2019 • Credit card types (circle)

VISA

MC

AmEx

Check (payable to Bishop Loughlin MHS)

Credit card # _________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date _______________ Total Amount _______________

Signature ____________________________________________________________________

Name _______________________________________________________________________ Class of ____________ Name of Guest(s) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Graduation name (if different than above) _____________________________________________________________

Clip and return

Address (street, city, state, zip) ______________________________________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________ please include your email so you can stay up-to-date with alumnae news throughout the year Guest(s) Name ___________________________________________________ Class of (if an alum) ____________ Please mail completed registration and payment to: BLMHS Development Office, 357 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238. You may fax this form with credit card information to 718-857-2833 or register by phone at 718-857-2700, x2250.

TO REGISTER ONLINE VISIT LOUGHLIN.ORG/ALUMNI/BISHOP-MCDONNELL 15

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YOUR SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS ARE HARD AT WORK! THANK YOU from all of your recipients.

Scholarship recipients not pictured: Britney Fulton ’19, Franissiely Mateo-Silvestre ’19, Shelley Peebles ’19, Celines Garcia ’21, Elissa Johnson ’21, and Ashley Pyatt ’21

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2018 - 2019 BISHOP MCDONNELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Standing (left to right) is Bliss Moran ’20, Naomi Henry ’20, Rose Walsh ’21, Asha Griffith ’20, Marielis Nunez ’21, Ashley Bido ’20, Destiny Oyelade ’19, Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19, Shiva Anglade ’19, and Ashley Orellana ’21 Sitting (left to right) is Helena Huete ’21, Naisha Couamin ’20, Jasmine Hooker ’21, and Abigail Branch ’20

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CLASS NOTES NEWS FROM OUR ALUMNAE

1945

At 17 1/2 Maureen Morris DeGeorge graduated. She was not happy leaving a place that she had spent four happy years.

Her mother was able to get time-off to attend her graduation.

She assures us, that was a big deal. Later, over a celebratory dish of ice cream her mother told her a story. “Fanny, my mom was a convert; it’s not easy living with them you know. Fanny thought nuns were like sisters of the Blessed Mother — she held them in high esteem. So when they showed up at our home one day asking for a pledge for a new girls school, she made a pledge.”

A short time after that visit, Maureen was about to be born.

Her mother reminded her father to remember the pledge. He said “Don’t worry Fanny we will take care of it when you get home.” “No, no,” said her mother, “Please do it tomorrow and he did.” She adds that her sister Frances Morris Boyce ’43 was the first Morris to attend. She is alive and kicking in NJ.

1946

Sr. Joanna Ohlandt, CSJ says she has great gratitude for her years at Bishops. It led her to life as a Sister of St. Joseph, serving in Brooklyn, Puerto Rico, Colombia, South America — and now on Long Island. She thanks her teachers and friends from Bishops.

1948

1949

Antoinette Martorana D’Angelo shares her memories of Bishops “Oh, the excitement of the class trip to Rye Beach, lunch in a small shoe box, and a quarter for carfare and a drink.

How many times in my 87 years have I quoted Bishop Sheen when he said, ‘There was a time in your life when you were poor and you didn’t know it.’ ” Mary Olbeter-DeMott enjoyed the article on the annex schools but says there was not enough written about St. Barbara (where she was a student from 1945 - 1947, before attending Bishops).

She remembers St. Barbara’s had a basketball team and glee club. And it was there that Sr. Grace Regina (who recently died at 101) started an orchestra and taught her the violin. “We all loved Bishops, even though we were referred to as the annex girls.”

Mary Ward Friszolowski writes that with parochial schools constantly closing, it is welcome news that Bishops is still going strong. Have you considered reprinting the “Bishop Girls” essay?

1950

Ellen T. Brown loved her time at Bishops and is still in touch with two classmates and their children and grandchildren. She loved Sr. Joseph Patricia and Sr. Miriam Loretta.

Kathleen Sullivan-Collins writes, “God bless and success to all.”

Bishop Loughlin extends heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of:

IN MEMORIAM

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Rosemary Hayden-Butschere ’35 Loretta Donnelly-Jannaco ’37 Sr. Mary Isabel Sullivan, RSM ’37 aka Rita Patricia Sullivan Dorothy Dodd-Shelley ’38 Anna Bloechle-Scheer ’39 Anna Russo-Rodrigues ’41 Josephine DiBiase-Renga ’42 Margaret Treacy ’42 Annette Ruppel-Conway ’43 Ruth Cervini-McCarthy ’44 Dorothea Bartkus-Whelan ’45 Catherine Canning-Walsh ’45 Catherine Dougherty-Gillen ’46 Joan P. Kelly-Cannon ’46 Blanche McNulty-Bragoli ’46

Lillian Miller-McGoldrick ’46 Genevieve Walsh-Johnson ’46 Jacqueline G. Wilson ’46 Sr. Theresa Kilcommons, OP ’47 Sr. Joan M. Quinlan ’47 Mary Molloy ’48 Madeline Sartori-Ferro ’48 Irene M. Cote-Nyquist ’49 Helen Driscoll-Boyle ’49 Patricia Grant-McCormack ’49 Anne Hogan-Davis ’49 Alyce Nazaroff-McLaughlin ’49 Marguerite “Peggy” Phillips-Keating ’49 Dorothy Youck-Murawski ’49 Annamae Campbell-Reilly ’50 Mary Healy-Fitzpatrick ’50

June Fleckenstein-Donnelly enjoyed the article on St. Barbara’s Annex. She remembers that basketball was played in the basement with a very low ceiling. “Rules 70 years ago had three forwards on one side of the court and three guards on the other. Only a double dribble was allowed. UConn women we weren’t, but it was fun!”

Theresa Gaffney–Pinto writes “Hi to all of the ’50 grads!

Wonderful memories!”

Joan P. Gott-Nelson informs us of the deaths of her sisters, Louise Gott-McNiff ’46 in 2012 and Grace Gott-Spano ’53 in 2015. She and her husband Jim retired in 1998. They have no children but enjoy 48 nieces, nephews and grands. They were active showing Saint Bernard dogs for 45 years.

Joan Ryan-Stillwell remembers the senior boat ride was a perfect ending to four great years at Bishops.

Nancy Weir-Introcaso has many wonderful memories from Bishops — boat rides to Rye Beach, riding the BMT subway, and meeting handsome boys from Brooklyn Prep. “Great nuns helped me get through Regents with reviews in math — esp. Sr. Jean Clare, OP. God bless!”

1951

Margret Cunningham Pigott is a mother of five boys and a girl, and a grandmother of 10. She lives in St. Martin of Tours Parish

Mary Jeanne Hughes-Zenchoff ’50 Maria Krause–Sullivan ’50 Mary A. Noonan-Fritz ’50 Joan Burke-Schimoler ’51 Helen Green-Vought ’51 Mary McLaughlin-Baker ’51 Elizabeth Cavanagh-Karsa ’52 Annabelle Oliver-Courtney ’52 Ann Rafferty-Mackey ’52 Alice McGrath-Skinner ’53 Jean Gartner-Seidl ’54 Lyn (Evelyn) Falzone-Scheuring ’55 Margaret Joy-Upton ’55 Caroline M. Schmidt ’56 Anne C. Miles-Guidry ’57 Sr. Mary Jareth McElhinney, RSM ’57

in Bethpage, NY and is friends with Elaine Toomey ’48 and Helen Kurlewicz ’43 — Bishops Triumvirate. She lost classmate Joan Griffin-Diffley in 2015.

1952

Joan Boyle-Olton recently attended celebration of her 65th anniversary at Lady of Mercy in Syosset. It was great to see “the kids from Bishops.”

Sr. Theresa Kelly, RSM celebrated 60 years as a Sister of Mercy in 2017. She is the Events Coordinator at our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, NY. Kathleen O’Riordan-McNulty has fond memories and thanks Bishops dedicated nuns and lay faculty.

1953

Nancy Allin-Heeman has just celebrated her 83rd birthday and noted that February 2018 is the 24th anniversary of her husband’s death at the age of 60. She is happy to be around to enjoy her family — four living children (one son died in 2005). Also she has 10 grandchildren and, at last count, 11 greatgrandchildren. They are scattered between NY, FL, IL, DE, and HI. God Bless us everyone!

Magdalene Baroni-Sanatore is grateful and blessed that she attended Bishops. She remains close friends with ten of her classmates.

Marylou Condrill-Mannino ’58 Patricia Golinski-Barney ’58 Arlene M. McCann ’58 Catherine E. O’Leary ’58 Eleanor M. Reap 58 Kathleen Wilson-Polanish ’58 Elizabeth Gardella-O’Shea ’59 Joan Dunn-Sullivan ’60 Patricia Fanning-Brosi ’63 Barbara R. Meoli ’63 Mary Ann Schnappauf ’63 Maria Zilvinskis-Donohue-Maher ’63 Mary Guillen ’64 Marian Wetzel-Bartenhagen ’64 Pamela E. Jannaco ’65 Theresa Postilio-LaVelle ’65

John Shea, husband of Alice Legg-Shea ’66 Sheila Conway-Rhoades ’67 Deborah Alexander ’68 Rosemary Grieco-Cucurillo ’68 June McBride-Adams ’68 Patrice K. Tompkins-Violante ’68 Tracy Gochal-Evans ’72 Shirley Atkins ’73 Pat DePrisco ’73 Michelle Juridini ’73 Octavia Long ’73 Joanne Sookram ’73 Deborah Thompson ’73

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NEWS FROM OUR ALUMNAE Grace Desibia-Hokanson writes that when she realized the tuition at BLMHS is $9,000 + (contrasted to “gratis” during her years 1949-1953, including books) she notes her annual offering is modest compared to the great education and guidance we received. “I pray present students will cherish their years at BLMHS.” One of 1953 ‘greats’ was Sr. Janet Fitzgerald, OP — her brilliant vision was the force leading Molloy College to the superlative accomplishments of today’s “Molloy College”. Grace can be contacted at thankful2@optonline.net.

and is trying to write a book. She loves to travel and has seen most of the world. In her note, she included a quote from Saint Teresa of Calcutta “We all can’t do great things, but we all can do little things with great love.”

Thaddine Horgan-Trucano, a retired dental assistant, is now legally blind. Married for 53 years, she is now a widow. Her four (two sets of twins) children are all grown.

1956

Grace Tomanelli-Meyer writes she married Heinz Meyer in 1956 (he died in 2010), has four married children, 20 grandchildren (six grandchildren-in-laws), and six greatgrandchildren. Grace, a lawyer in a solo practice for 40 years, and now is semi-retired. “God has blessed me abundantly!”

1954

Dorine Guiney-Kiley asks that you pray for her and her husband.

Her husband Bob writes that Ann Harkins-Stosser remains in an assisted living community in the final stages of Alzheimers.

She is a tough Irish lady and continues to “hang in there”. Bob asks that you remember Ann in your daily prayers.

Marilyn Mille-Steinle shares there is “nothing much to tell, never did anything extraordinary.” After graduation, she worked a few years then married, and celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary this year. She raised four children and tried to keep active in her parish. She plans to continue to be active in her parish as long as God allows.

1955

Marie Allee-Curr still keeps in touch with classmates Helen Campbell-McCarthy ’55, Candida Polito-Rizzo ’55, Dorothy Short-Farrell ’55, and Muriel Flynn-Uebel ’56. She has very fond memories and had a wonderful education.

Dolores Alberico-Fales is grateful for the years at Bishops which instilled a foundation of Catholicism and a faith in God that has stayed with her. She often thinks of her teachers and fellow students with love and gratitude.

Lorraine Baumann-Palme writes that she is blessed with a loving husband, six children, and 11 grandchildren. Still active in her church community, she also writes for her local Journal,

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Mary Parle-Callahan lives near her son and family in an independent facility Village at Waterman Lake in Rhode Island.

Because of the new Alumnae directory, she was able to contact an old classmate living in Canada.

Sr. Margaret Farley, CSJ is retired and volunteering at Our Lady of the Snow Academy. She is a lector and on the OLS Alumni Committee. Sister is grateful for the wonderful education she received at Bishops.

Muriel B. Flynn-Uebel, married 61 years, has six children, 11 grandchildren, and three great-children. A parishioner of St. Anne’s, she has lived in the same house her entire married life. All her children went to St. Anne’s Elementary School and graduated from St. John the Baptist High School. She is very grateful for the education she received at Bishops.

1957

Carolyn Alderese-Langevin has been a catechist for the last 15 years and a team leader in the Bible Study Walking with Purpose.

These missions have brought her closer to our Lord for which she is most grateful.

Catherine Bott-Fay feels privileged she attended Bishops. “It was a great way to start her life.” She would like to locate Joan Kaisting ’57 and Kathleen Gilbert ’57.

Rosemarie Tagliavia-Tirrito is very grateful for the education she received from Bishops. In 2005, after 19 years, she retired as a state of Florida driver license examiner. Earlier, she drove a school bus for Levittown School district in Long Island for 13 years. She is married and has three wonderful daughters and two wonderful grandchildren. She thanks God and is very blessed.

1958

Carol Aunchman-Petkus writes “WOW! It is a shocker that the tuition is now more than $9,000.” She and her sister attended Bishops and only paid a $15 book fee each semester. At that time her father was a factory worker making $50 a week, so when the book fee came due for both of them, it was a sacrifice.

She hopes that Bishop Loughlin teaches script, as it is almost a lost art. “We call it ‘Old People’s Code.’ ”

Anne Wissler-Vermaelen is a retired NYC teacher.

Barbara Gallagher-Langan is kept busy driving her four grandchildren to school and helping with homework. She writes that this is why she retired. She says “hello” to the class of ’66. Her late brother, John Gallagher, was a BLMHS grad from ’71.

1959

1967

Elizabeth A. Fratello-Carlino shares that God blessed her with great-grandchild number 18! She has four children and 15 grandchildren.

Kathleen M. Duggan-Dirschel, a nurse with PhD from NYU, is currently a Professor at Columbia University. She is married to George Dirschel and has five children and 12 grandchildren. She is a Eucharistic Minister at her church.

1960

Adonija Zilvinskis-Hoyt writes that although she had great grades in all her classes at Bishops, and is grateful for the education she received, she cannot shake the shame of being poor and an immigrant. She worked hard and gave back to her church and country by teaching CCD for nine years, in PS 2Q for six years, and French and Latin in the KLS District for 17 years.

She says she is still called a foreigner.

1962

Regina E. Seith-Thorsen shares that her aunt, Sr. Mary Isabel Sullivan, RSM ’37, celebrated her 80th jubilee as a Sister of Mercy this past September.

1963

Theresa Oropallo writes “thank you” for a wonderful reunion.

1964

Mary Lou Bove-Klenner is enjoying life with her husband, family, and friends. “Thankful for all we have and enjoy giving back!”

Susan Sandvoss-Miller lives in Utah since 1971 and loves it.

“Bishops girls are still the best!” She remembers the beloved principal “Fr. Fitz” and her time in the orchestra and playing the guitar with friends. She went on to get MSW and is now retired.

“God bless you all!”

Shirley Santangelo-Bove writes that she is researching her mother’s genealogy and discovered her ancestors came to America in the 1600s, and her “ggggg grandfather” fought in the Revolutionary War. She is a proud 20 year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She says she wished she knew this when she was in history class.

1968

Lynda DeStefano-Stevenson enjoyed the program at the Bishops’ reunion. “It was especially great because of all the ’68 grads that attended for our 50th reunion.” She hopes that “with God’s blessings we will all be at the 55th; let’s stay in touch on Facebook.”

JoAnn Jacobs was appointed one of the first female FDNY firefighters in 1982. After more than 18 years, she retired as a Fire Marshal in 2000.

SPRING PHONATHON!

Rose Ann Visconti-Cimino shares that she attended Queen of All Saints Annex 1960-1962 before attending Bishops in 1962.

Since 2011, she has been a paraprofessional with the Board of Education in Brooklyn, where she lives.

1965

Joan Marie LaManna-Bisciello has wonderful memories of her fantastic teachers (Sisters of all religious orders) and the wonderful, intelligent, and fun-filled students.

1966

Kathleen O’Brien-Ferraro sends best wishes to the class of ’66.

The school’s annual fund SPRING PHONATHON will be held from MARCH 4 - MAY 17, 2019 for those who may have forgotten to donate this year. This is an opportunity to contribute to the annual fund and hear more about Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School today!

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Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School 357 Clermont Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11238

NEXT STOP

REUNION

2019

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Brooklyn, NY Permit No. 4095

There will be a BUS FROM LONG ISLAND to the 2019 reunion. Please contact Elizabeth Manning Mancini at 516-221-4296 by March 15 if you are interested.

We are also interested in a BUS FROM NEW JERSEY to the reunion. Please contact Mary Lou BoveKlenner ’64 at 973-338-1882 if you are interested by March 1 so arrangements can be made.

REUNION 2018

Standing (left to right) Julian Forbes ’19, John Klemm ’65, Catherine L. Diehl-Palladino ’60, Phyllis MurphyHowell ’67, Maryann Stahl-Demaso ’60, Mary Collins-Macchiarola ’58, Mary Ellen Lavelle-Murphy ’59, Kathleen J. McCarthy ’58, Margaret Dougherty-Russo ’69, Richard Baker ’19, and Morgan Allison Kneeling (left to right) Hanny Echeverria ’21, Elisabeth Inalegwu ’19, Linda Ineus ’18, Rose Molina-Gonzalez ’18, Rebecca John ’18, and Jean Derosier ‘18

JOIN US FOR REUNION 2019 on April 13!