Class Notes

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1946

Irene Garibaldi Aubright ‘46 is a great grandma to Zoe Jana Scandurra (pictured left). Last August, they enjoyed their first real visit since Zoe was born! 1949

Bebe Faas Rice, ‘49 recently passed away and her son John sent this lovely tribute: My mother loved her time at Mercy among the oaks, and graduated from the College of the Holy Names across the Bay. After college in 1954, my mother wanted a little adventure, a chance to see more of her country and the world, and the opportunity to serve the U.S. As her father had served in the Marine Corps in WWI and fought at Belleau Wood, her father and mother supported her plan to become a Marine. In the mid-1950s, it was not a well-trodden path for a young woman. Mom always joked that she made the exact same amount as a male Second Lieutenant at about $222/month. This put her way above the average of wage-earning females at that time. She enjoyed the Marine Corps and there met my father, who is also a Marine. He retired after 37+ years in the Corps. They had a wonderful life together and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in November. Bebe was a noted author with 18 published children’s books. She was always a kind, loving, and generous mother and grandmother to her son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. In January 2021, Bebe Faas Rice was buried at Quantico National Cemetery with full military honors. Her grave is not too far from Quantico Marine Corps Base, where her adventure as a Marine began, where she met my father one December evening at a holiday party in the Bachelor Officer Quarters, and where she was married at the Base Chapel—befitting its name as “The Crossroads of the Corps.” 1956

Cecilia Kolloch Wolary ’56 was called home on December 25, 2020. Cecilia is the sister of Charlotte Kolloch Wiard ’58.

Mary Lou Woodman Whitcomb ‘56 submitted this update for her classmate Ann Duffy Meuser ‘56. Ann and her husband moved to Denver, North Carolina, three years ago to be close to family. By this Christmas, they will have 17 great grandchildren! They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year and feel truly blessed. Ann says, “We always enjoy hearing from and about our classmates. I have been reading posts from classmate and biologist Regina Burke on Facebook. She has such an interesting life and writes op/ed articles on various topics!”

1959

Catherine (Kay) Conklin Regan-DeDicco ‘59 lives in an active adult community at the New Jersey shore with husband Mike. She just completed a year as head of her church’s governing body and serves as secretary to the Diocesan Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. She misses her children and grandchildren who are spread throughout in Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey. Lots of Zoom family meetings have kept everyone in touch but nothing beats being together in person. Kay is hoping we will overcome this pandemic soon! 1963

Janet Ruffing, RSM,’63 taught at both Mercy Burlingame and San Francisco in the 60’s and 70’s. She became Professor Emerita of the Practice of Spirituality and Ministerial Leadership at Yale Divinity School where she had been teaching from 2010-2020. Sr. Janet currently has an office in Russell Hall at Mercy and resides in Millbrae. She continues to offer spiritual direction and occasional webinars on Zoom and works on other scholarly projects. Maureen Marconi ‘63 reported that after numerous trips and cruises were canceled over these past two years due to the pandemic, she decided to take up sewing once again after 30 years. Maureen took Beginning & Intermediate Clothing Construction online through the emeritus program at a junior college. It was at Mercy that she learned to sew—developing such a passion for it that she majored in Home Economics, taught numerous high school students sewing, quilting, and other embroidery crafts for over 15 years. “Thank you Mrs. Birchak!” 1964

It is with sadness that we share that Clancy Wilborn, husband of Nanci Arata Wilborn ‘64, sister-in-laws Jo Arata Macaluso ‘67, and Patricia Arata ‘60, was called home this past January. We extend our sympathy to the Arata and Wilborn families. 1966

Carol Haines Peters ‘66 has been married to Rich for 51 years. She says, “Our secret to a successful marriage includes working at our relationship everyday, loving unconditionally, and always respecting one another. It’s important to always remember why you married him or her, and have God as your center.” Mercy made her stronger in her faith. She has survived two cancers: one that required a bone marrow transplant with a 10% survival rate and breast cancer stage 3. Her children are 47, 45, and 42, and are a great help and supporters. They have five grandchildren and one great grandchild. “Lookup and smell the roses, even if you don’t want to.”

Diane Roby ‘70 reported that her sister, Sr. Linda Roby, BVM ‘66 of Portland, Oregon, was honored in January 2021 with the Fr. David Walsh Pastoral Worker Award, which recognizes the dedication of an individual or group serving the Catholic Deaf. The award from

the National Catholic Office of the Deaf celebrates Sister Linda’s 40 years of ministry as a Pastoral Worker for the Deaf, primarily in the Archdiocese of Portland, serving the Catholic Deaf community throughout the state of Oregon. The award announcement read, in part, “The Catholic Deaf Community members love and adore Sr. Linda with all hands up and with huge hearts of appreciation.” Congratulations Sr. Linda!

1967

Susan Michelony ‘67 is a proud mother and grandmother who, within 20 years of graduation, obtained a pilot’s license, two bachelors of arts degrees, three credentials, and two master degrees. She removed her shingle from the principal’s Chico Unified door in January 2011. Failing at retirement, she accepted an interim principal/superintendent position in 2012 at Chico Country Day Charter which lasted three years. Presently, she is at Chico State University’s School of Education as a student teacher supervisor. In her free time, she continues to compete in tennis matches—at her age level of course! Pictured above: Annual Spring Training trip with daughter, Lisa Michelony Feldman, and granddaughter, Kaila Feldman Ewing 1968

During “COVID Sheltering in Grace,” Darlene Rose DeMaria ‘68 has continued her Educational Therapy practice “Edu-Therapy Learning Center” via Zoom right from her living room. She still has her office in downtown Burlingame. Darlene’s students range from K-12, and she has celebrated educational “wins” Working with students via ZOOM— during this pandemic. One student practicing “Sheltering in Grace.” graduated with honors and is now attending a private high school; a writing student celebrated a very fun Bar Mitzvah and even wrote the script for this event; soon one of her 8th grade students will graduate and move on to high school this fall. Darlene is grateful for the spiritual fortitude and strength she needed to move through this pandemic. Her four years at Mercy High contributed greatly to building her inner strength and character. She is grateful for Mercy friends, now sisters, and teachers who helped nurture the warmth of character that lights her way everyday!

Elvina Armento, mother of Val '69, Anne '74, Janice '76, Lisa '78 and grandmother to Emily '09 enjoys a special moment— reading the Christmas note from Caroline '21 and Katie '23 Callagy—recipients of the William J. and Elvina T. Armento Family Scholarship. In the letter, the girls shared several pictures of the five Callagy siblings (also members of St. Gregory Parish) and an update on their activities this year. The Callagy sisters were each chosen for this scholarship upon their 8th grade graduation from St. Gregory School. They demonstrated the qualities of self-motivation, enthusiasm for learning, reliability, work ethic, and academic promise. Caroline Callagy ‘21 will be attending UC Davis in the fall.

Class of 1969 established a 50th Anniversary

Class Scholarship Under the leadership of Elaine Andrews, Val Armento, Margaret Bentson, Sheila Canzian, Cherie Gluck and Marilyn Cullen Quinlan, the Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund was established in conjunction with the anniversary of their 50th Reunion. This fund was established with a “match gift” of $25,000 from several class members, and all members of the class have been invited to give to this scholarship fund and are encouraged to donate yearly to ensure long term support.

1970

Robin Leach Bosche ‘70 is still splitting time between her island home in Belize, Central America and Novato, California. She is blessed with her husband’s two wonderful daughters, their husbands, grandchildren, and now great grandkids. They also have a dog, cat, and horse. Robin still enjoys traveling, scuba diving, hiking, working with animals, nature, friends, and family. She counts her blessings daily! 1971

Maryann Smetzer ‘71 passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes on March 8, 2021. Prior to her retirement, she had spent her career as a much loved guidance counselor at Los Altos High School. Sue Roby Webber ‘71 stated, “She was an integral member of the class of 1971, having been on student council, an ‘NHS’ recipient, on the staff of The Shield, as well as being involved in many class activities. She remained a true light in this world.”

1972

Elizabeth Fajardo ’72 is happy to announce that she is a new grandma to Joni Lesser Kusich. Pictured left, Grandma Liz and week-old Joni. Photo was taken by proud papa Anthony.

After Cathy Rach Parrish ‘72 retired from 42 years at Sequoia Hospital in January of 2020, she and her husband Gary realized their dream of moving to Tennessee in August. Although COVID has limited their outings to explore, they are enjoying the beauty eastern Tennessee offers, and they look forward to expanding their travels around the East Coast. Photo: Magical first Christmas in their Knoxville, TN home

1974

Debbie Day Sandobal ‘75 and her husband happily retired last year. They’re still in Honolulu and expecting their third granddaughter this year. They plan on cruising the Mediterranean next year! Pictured right: Debbie and family at her son’s wedding

Annette Fajardo ‘75 writes that during COVID, she has converted her carport into an outdoor gathering place. She put in a pot bellied stove and added comfortable seating. Every Wednesday, she holds a bonfire potluck. And if it rains, the group gathers in the “COVID Clubhouse” instead of the fire pit. “It’s been a great way to gather safely, socialize outside, and be warm!” 1979

Lisa Raddi Simmonds ‘79 reported that she and her family survived the worst of COVID-19 with jobs intact. Daughter Sarah graduated Notre Dame in Belmont in June and plans to attend UC Davis in the fall (following in mom’s footsteps). Lisa and husband Muruga look forward to traveling again including a twice postponed trip to Italy to visit Lisa’s relatives. #letsgetvaccinated 1983

After 30 years in education, 26 years as a teacher and four years as a principal, Michele Larsen Francesconi ‘83 retired at the end of this school year! She will be moving her dad in to live with her family, and they plan on traveling to Italy in the near future. Pictured left: Michelle teaching from her classroom at Central Middle School.

1984

The Hayward Chamber of Commerce honored Dr. Lisa Davies ‘84, Ed.D. during Black History Month 2021. Dr. Davies is the Educational Services Assistant Superintendent for the Hayward Unified School District. She is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to rigorous learning opportunities in an effort to make certain they are prepared to be competitive and make a positive difference in our society. She has a proven record of effective K-12 school instruction and leadership as a public school teacher and administrator. As principal of Bret Harte Middle School, she was selected by the Hayward Chamber as Educator of the Year!

Belinda Yamashiro ‘84 started a new adventure! After a year of quarantine shutdowns, Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose is open for culinary entertainment fun for kids, adults, and families! Taste Buds Kitchen specializes in fresh and unique cooking events. Their mission is to be the top culinary entertainment experience by engaging and delighting their budding chefs in the kitchen. Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose is owned and operated by Belinda with the help of her daughter Madeleine. Website: www.tastebudskitchen.com/san-jose-south/

1985

Belinda Yamashiro ‘84, Owner of Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose

Helene Beary Christian ‘85 shared, “For those of you who knew my mom, sadly, Grainne Beary passed away on January 3, 2021. She will be missed.” With great pride and anticipation, Elizabeth Contreras`88, shares the news that her daughter, Cassandra (pictured left), has been accepted with Honors to Mercy’s Class of 2025. Cassandra and Elizabeth come from a long lineage of Mercy graduates and are delighted to keep the legacy going! Congratulations to Cassandra!

1992

Tradition continues... (pictured right) Jackie Birkeland Rodriguez ‘92, enjoys showing off her Mercy Class Ring. Daughter Kacey Rodriguez ‘22 received her ring at this year’s Junior Ring Ceremony. She now joins mom and sister Riley Rodriguez ‘20 as they sport their rings and show their Mercy pride!

1996

Veronica Ramirez ‘96 celebrates her 10 year anniversary with the City of Redwood City where she serves as the City Attorney. She served as Senior Assistant City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney before being appointed as City Attorney in 2016.

2006

Since graduating from Mercy, Monique Lopez Feybesse ‘06 immediately started her career as a Chef. She trained at the California Culinary Academy and gained experience at some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world (SF Bay Area, New York, Copenhagen, and Paris). She now runs her business, Tarts de Feybesse, with her husband, and specializes in modern pastries with traditional French roots while raising her two little boys.

The Save the Cliff House Collection effort hopes to preserve the former restaurant’s top memorabilia pieces. Organizer of ACT Art Conservation, Mercy Alum Alexandra Thrapp Mitchell ’06 says, “My work as a conservationist gives me a strong inherent interest in protecting pieces of heritage and history from being disassembled. The Cliff House’s preservation campaign; however, is an ‘angel project’—a pro bono effort to protect works I’ve admired over the years as a city native.” Alex is happy to have Mercy Alum Camille Tallon ’99 helping out with this community project.

Carmen Kestekyan ’06 now runs her own business “Cooking with Carm.” She graciously hosted two virtual cooking events for Mercy this past year. Carmen led a “Father and Daughter” cooking event and a 30-minute meal for alumnae and current parents.

Kathleen Lund ‘08 was chosen as the first nurse at Sutter Health Mills Peninsula Hospital to get the COVID vaccine! She is an ICU charge nurse. What an honor! As she says, “After 10 long months, today we finally have validated hope. But for now please be safe and continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance.”

Kelly Madera ‘08 was living in Berlin when COVID-19 rocked the world. She threw herself into German classes and achieved conversational fluency. Kelly’s freelance writing projects that depicted her life as an expat were featured in the London-based, Taylor Magazine. Her sustainable research was snapped up by Gloria Steinem’s illustrious publication, Ms. Magazine. During lockdown in Berlin, she began crafting her first book, a memoir about her life. After one year in Berlin, Kelly moved back to the Bay Area and continued to build her freelance copywriting business while coaching women to step into bigger versions of themselves so that they too, can manifest their dream lives and careers. Kelly’s book is currently in the editing process and will soon be queried to agents. To get in touch with Kelly, find her on social media @kellymmadera, www.kellymadera.com or via email km@kellymadera.com.

Kelly Madera in her San Francisco apartment

2009

Kelly Franco ‘09 has written two children’s books and was gracious enough to read these for Mercy Alumnae virtual events this past year. Her childrens’ books “A Tail of Two Friends” and “Oh, the Pawsibilities” can be purchased on Amazon.

2011

Samantha Benz ‘11 received her BA in Education from St. Mary’s College of California. From there, she has taught in elementary and high schools in South Central Los Angeles, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Harlem, NY. Samantha moved back to the Bay Area a year ago and is now a Religious Studies teacher at Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) in San Francisco. ICA is an all-girls school, which is something near to Samantha’s heart as she loved her experience at Mercy. She and her students were in distance learning up until April when they finally got to be in person. Samantha is loving being back in the Bay Area! Michelle Bradley ‘11 recently graduated with her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UCLA, and is working as a Patent Agent at the law firm Morrison & Foerster, LLC in Palo Alto. She enjoys being around innovative science everyday. Michelle will shortly begin law school to become a Patent Attorney with the firm.

2013

Jill Dannis ‘13 will be joining the full-time MBA Class of 2023 at University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business this Fall 2021. Go Blue!

Amanda Odasz ‘13 graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School on May 27, 2021. She also received the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership. Amanda is moving to Washington, D.C., where she will begin her career as an associate at Covington & Burling LLP.

2015

After graduating from Carroll College in 2019 with a degree in Anthrozoology, Allison Hance ‘15 landed her dream job at Guide Dogs for the Blind. She is an apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor/ Trainer. Photo: Ali with her dog Raime, raised during Ali’s senior year at Mercy. 2016

In May of 2020, Ally Ick ‘16 graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BBA in Strategic Design and Management, as well as a minor in Fashion Communications. She is now working as an Account Coordinator at Nike Communications, Inc., a creative communications agency that specializes in marketing for a variety of luxury brands.

2017

Annie Breidinger ‘17 recently graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Next, she will be joining the Special Projects Group at Apple as a Test Engineer.

Toni Breidinger ‘17 became the first Arab American female driver to participate in a NASCAR national series. She was honored and excited to be the first, and hopes that she can pave the way for future female Arab drivers as well.