Alumnae Spotlight

Being on the national rowing team gave Catriona the opportunity for global travel, one of the key means in Catriona’s mind to understand and change the world. She shared, “One way to combat racism, for example, is travel. You need to understand other cultures and countries–how they live and what motivates them. It teaches empathy and compassion. And it gives people a better appreciation for the We all have the opportunity to improve. It's important to understand that set-backs are temporary, stressors and emotions will pass, and what's important is to just keep trying! “ “ human condition.”

Catriona believes in studying hard and being open to continuous growth. “To bring your career to the next level,” said Catriona, “you need to assess your dream and your plan for the next one to five years. Whatever that looks like, it's important to just take the next step.” Her path of personal growth and career success has included many ups and downs. And in these challenging times, Catriona says, “We all have the opportunity to improve. It's important to understand that set-backs are temporary, stressors and emotions will pass, and what's important is to just keep trying!”

She remembers having good math and calculus teachers at Mercy that helped her get into UCLA. Even with their influence, Catriona felt that there was still a lack of women role models when she was growing up. She said, “At the time, there weren't as many powerful women who went into math, science and engineering. Women leaders are needed to be good examples of what's possible in high-tech careers, and it's important to show what women should be in our society.”

In fact, when asked about her advice to the young women at Mercy today, she cited the recent passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who she sees as a big influence in women's freedoms and their strengths. Catriona said, “What we don't realize is that we've been held in a box of what's appropriate and what's acceptable, what we can do, and what career we can get into. I think we need to break that box! We need to look inside of ourselves and ask: who do I want to be and what kind of impact do I want to make on the world, and then go out and do it!”

Catriona believes in the growth mindset. She remembered a Mercy classmate who always asked so many questions, giving all of her classmates additional learning opportunities. And when asked about her particular journey, Catriona says, “As I look back at the trajectory of my life, there is a common pattern. I try something and challenge myself. When and if I fail, I'll pick myself up and keep going, becoming better. I’ve learned a lot from failure, and it made me more resilient. Don’t be afraid to dare to try. Be brave and do something that is hard for you. Learn about what works and what doesn't. It teaches you how to get back up and do better!”

CLASS NOTES

Let us know what you are up to! We love catching up with you through our Class Notes. Submit your updates and photos online through our Mercy website at www.mercyhsb.com/alumnae/submit-news. If you prefer to email us, you can send your news to alumnae@mercyhsb.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

1949 Kathleen Morgan Hathorn ‘49 is now living in Helena, MT at Touchmark retirement home. She is thrilled to be closer to her Siobhan–a retired school principal who is now on the school board.

1956 Joyce Flores Kiefer ‘56 visited Mary Lou Woodman Whitcomb ‘56 at her Lake Tahoe home this past July. For Joyce’s birthday, they took a 7,000-8,000 foot level hike to Lake Winnemucca from Kit Carson Pass on Hwy 88. It was quite a feat for two octogenarians. It was prime time for wildflowers in the area. Both are so pleased that they could accomplish this endeavor!

1958 Carol Rosemond ‘58 is an artist living in Napa County. Her art career began through the encouragement of Sister Mary Vivian, who held art classes on the top floor of the “old building.” Through her tutelage, Carol discovered natural skills in drawing and painting. Sister Mary Vivian, a tiny and fierce nun, was artistically talented. Sixty years later, Carol still thinks of her when she’s working on a difficult painting. Carol’s painting “West Cliff” was accepted in “The de Young Open,” an exhibition of Bay Area artists that celebrates the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s 125th anniversary. Carol says her life has been enhanced by her ability to create beautiful paintings, and she credits her early interest in art to her first art teacher at Mercy Burlingame. See more of Carol’s work is on her website: www.carolrosemond.com. Email her at rosemond@seascapestudio.com.

Artwork: “West Cliff” 36 x 48, Oil on Canvas by Carol Rosemond ‘58

1959 Sr. Anne (Mary Lou) Rooney ‘59 reported that she had a cochlear implant this past year. Many were aware of Mary Lou’s hearing challenges since birth, but she managed with various hearing aids. She realized that she was not getting much from her right hearing aid, so she chose surgery. Mary Lou had been active with the Hearing Loss Association of America for many years. One of her ministries is to inform and help hard of hearing people find resources. Technology has come a long way especially for those that need hearing aids or cochlear implants. She wants everyone to know that there is life after hearing aids stop working! She enjoyed the 60’s reunion last year. It was decided not to wait until their tenth year but to get together in five years on their 65th!

Alice A Larsen ‘59, passed away on June 26, 2020 of breast cancer. Alice is the sister of Ailene Larsen ‘65.

1961 Patt Thieman Herfindal ‘61 reported that her dear lifelong friend and classmate, Jeanette Lazare Brown, ‘61, passed away suddenly on September 3, 2020. She is survived by her husband, daughter, brother, stepdaughters, 10 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren. Patt and Jeanette spent many hours over the past 50 plus years reminiscing about their four years together at Mercy High School. She will be missed!