Alumnae fondly remember Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart
CONTEMPLATION JUSTICE COMPASSION NEWS WINTER 2023
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Pat and Jim Oliver to receive Merici Award at 2023 Ursuline Derby Day
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WINTER 2023 NEWSLETTER
The Ursuline Sisters News is published three times a year for friends and supporters of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.
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Contact Mary Moran at the number or email below.
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(440) 229-5603
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(440) 229-5624
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Please remember the Ursuline Sisters in your will.
LEAVE A LEGACY. Remember the Ursuline Sisters in your will. For more information about planned giving, contact Development Director Cindy Johnson at cjohnson@ursulinesisters. org or 440-229-5634.
Alumnae fondly remember Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart
By Sister Susan Mary Rathbun
For over 68 years, Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart was an anchor of Ursuline education in East Cleveland. The school opened in 1904 as an elementary school and became the high school in 1929. Although the Academy closed its doors on Euclid Avenue at the corner of Belmore in East Cleveland in 1972, many alumnae still meet together periodically to remember those high school days.
One group of alumnae from the Classes of 1972 and 1973 spent three days this past summer reminiscing about their high school years at Sacred Heart. On Friday, July 22, twentyfive alumnae and friends met at Bob Evans in Willoughby for a breakfast gather-and-greet. On Saturday, a picnic was held in Eastlake at the home of the sister of Mary Lou Smrekar Gostich (’73). The actual reunion was held on Sunday, July 24, in Mentor. Everyone there received memorabilia consisting of coasters made from the Sacred Heart Academy emblem and a bookmark with the picture of Sister Dorothy Kazel who was a former faculty member. Deborah Romeo
Barberio gave 1972 graduation lists to her classmates and faculty. In addition, a basket raffle raised $410.00 for the Ursuline Sisters.
Alumnae who came from out of state included Marie Beckenhauer Ellsworth (’72) and Carol Howser Stone (’73) from Florida, Lou Ann Huntington Sekely (’73) from North Carolina, and Carrie Huber Johnson (’73) from Texas. Local alumnae were Carla Abrahamson Funk, Renee Armstead, Barbara Fiorilli Hlafka, Mary Grimaldi, Debbie Grisanti DeJulius, Veronica Howser Iliano (from Columbus) Roseanne Karovics Wasco, Mary Jo Miklavcic, Debrorah Romeo Barberio, Nancy Stalker, and Diane
Tripi Popelas from the class of 1972. Alumnae from the Class of 1973 were Nora Beckenhauer Renko, Marilyn Dick Morton, Margaret Farroni Regrut, MaryLou Lusoski Jost, Barbara Nitsche, Maureen O’Neill-Laszlo, Jackie Sawicki Busic, MaryLou Smrekar Gostich, Delia Wellen Bartlett and Regina Willis Dorfmeyer.
Former faculty who attended were Sisters Barbara Jean Sever, Mary Lou Tadsen (Francis Cabrini), Martha Mooney (Mary Agnes), and Susan Mary (Mary Hugh). Sister Nancy Beckenhauer (’67) former Villa Angela faculty member attended the breakfast.
Continued > SISTER SPOTLIGHT
Winter 2023 • 3
Sister Barbara Jean enjoyed reconnecting with her former students. “Being together with our Sacred Heart kids was like being back at Sacred Heart and all the happy times we had, not only in the classroom but remembering our Camp Cheerful weekends and our play days at Forest Hills Park. Our Sacred Heart kids individually and collectively are making a difference in their personal and professional lives, again carrying out the Ursuline charism in all they do. I love it when the kids still call me ‘Miss Severs’ and remember our folk dancing gym classes and gym leader activities.”
Everyone who participated is grateful to the organizers of the events, Diane Tripi Popeles (’72) and Barbara Nitsche (’73).
SAVE THE DATE: URSULINE DERBY DAY IS MAY 6, 2023! And CHANGE IS IN THE AIR…
We are so pleased to have enjoyed great success in our past two Ursuline Derby Days as we have made the transition from a cash/ticket/in-person event to a cashless/online/in-person event. We realize, for some, that change can bring with it some growing pains. We are confident, however, that this transition is the prudent choice for the following reasons:
• A cashless or contactless option reduces the risk of spreading disease through the transfer of cash and paper tickets, keeping our guests and volunteers healthy!
• The online purchase option now offers those folks who are unable to attend in person the opportunity to join in the fun from home and support the sisters!
• The online purchasing option means no more long ticket lines!
• The cashless option eliminates the stress and worry of staff and volunteers needing to carry and guard large amounts of money.
• For those are uncomfortable using their credit or debit card, a reverse ATM will be located in the room so you can convert your cash into a debit card that can be used at Derby Day and anywhere else. We also have “Tech Buddies” available to help you with your purchases if needed!
SISTER SPOTLIGHT
Our wonderful teachers: Sr. Barbara Jean, Sr. Mary, Sr. Susan Mary and Sr. Martha!
CLASS OF 1972
Front: Nancy, Ronnie, Our teacher, Sr. Susan Mary, Diane. Back: Renee, MaryJo, Marie, Debbie, Carla, Rosie and Mary.
CLASS OF 1973
Front: Carol, Jackie, Dee, Diane. Back: Barb, Carrie, LouAnn, Margaret, MaryLou, Maureen, Nora and MaryLou.
4 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Pat and Jim Oliver to receive Merici Award at 2023 Ursuline Derby Day
By Sister Joanne Gross
In 1981, Mary Patricia Kathleen Donnelly, a young associate at the then Squire Sanders & Dempsey law firm, was asked to assist the Ursuline Sisters with a real estate matter. Forty-two years later, Pat and her husband Jim Oliver are still supporting the Ursuline Sisters. For their outstanding legal and business acumen and longstanding generosity, the Ursuline Sisters will honor Pat and Jim Oliver with the 2023 Merici Award at the Ursuline Derby Day on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Raised in Erie, Pennsylvania and educated by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Pat is proud to have won the diocesan vocation contest in 7th and 8th grades! Earning her BA at Allegheny College, Pat moved to Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Though primarily a financial services and banking attorney, Pat has served as a lawyer and/or advisor to seven Ursuline General Superiors and Presidents, from Sister Bartholomew to Sister Ritamary. Actively involved with the sale of the Villa Angela property and the construction of the St. Angela Center, Pat has most recently advised on the development of the Ursuline Sisters’ Pepper Pike property. She has been a member of the Ursuline Advisory Board since its re-inception during Sister Maureen McCarthy’s tenure as President, with only a brief interruption while she served as Executive VP & General Counsel of the North-Carolina-based BB&T Bank, now Truist. Pat retired from Tucker Ellis LLP in 2020.
Jim Oliver was born in Youngstown and raised in Warren, Ohio. After graduating from Bowling Green State University and the University of Cincinnati School of Law, Jim served as a JAG (military Judge Advocate General) during the Vietnam War. He was then hired by the law firm now known as Squire Patton Boggs, from where he recently retired. Jim is a widely recognized estates, trust and corporate lawyer, working with many family-owned businesses. He worked closely with the late Ralph Besse, known to both the Ursuline Sisters and Ursuline College for his sage advice. In addition, over the years, Jim has advised the Ursulines on charitable giving matters.
Pat and Jim are active community members. Now “retired,” Pat still chairs the Ursuline Sisters Advisory Board as well as the board of the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. She spends her days joyfully painting
watercolors, often scenes of her Lakewood garden, Cleveland venues, and most recently of a trip to Europe. Several area galleries have shown her work. Jim has served on the boards of St. Edward’s High School, COSE (Council
Continued > MERICI AWARD
Jim and Pat Oliver
Winter 2023 • 5
of Smaller Enterprises), the Diversity Center, and the BGSU Board of Visitors.
Jim’s fondness for the Ursulines is clear when he says: “They – along with Pat – are the strongest most intelligent group of women I’ve met in my life.” Of the Olivers’ support of the Ursuline legacy, Pat says: “The Ursulines’ collective energy, compassion, and commitment to serving those in need ensures their legacy will endure. Hopefully, many of us who have been fortunate enough to be their advisors and friends over the years can help nurture and sustain that legacy.”
Pat and Jim are the proud parents of four – a daughter and three sons – and one grandchild.
OBITUARIES
Remembering Sister Rita Kuhn
Sister Rita Kuhn entered the Ursuline community in 1982 and professed final vows in 1988. She will be remembered as a woman of unsung generosity and good will.
Sister served in the business department at Villa Angela Academy and Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. After leaving VASJ, she served in several ways at Beaumont School, teaching keyboarding/computer classes, assisting in the Guidance Office and the main office and substituting as requested.
Because of her creativity and business acumen, Sister Rita was asked to serve as director of the Ursuline Laurel Tree Gift Shop. She ministered in this capacity for ten
years, leading other sisters and volunteers in making items for the shop as well as various craft fairs around the diocese. When the former motherhouse was closed, Sister volunteered at Hillcrest Hospital and also continued to make items to donate for the annual Ursuline Derby Day fundraiser, created endless liturgy sheets to aid the sisters in prayer, unselfishly offered to drive a sister in need to doctor appointments and assisted in planning fun events for the community.
Sister Rita’s health challenges became insurmountable and she unexpectedly died on February 2, 2023 while residing at Merici Crossings.
One of Pat's Watercolors
Sister Rita Kuhn
6 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
“The Ursulines’ collective energy, compassion, and commitment to serving those in need ensures their legacy will endure. Hopefully, many of us who have been fortunate enough to be their advisors and friends over the years can help nurture and sustain that legacy.”
Remembering Sister Madonna Marie Dickus
“I am dependent on God for the help I need to do all of the things I would never be able to do without His help.” Sister Madonna wrote these words forty-eight years ago as she requested to profess her vows in perpetuity. Never were they truer than when she faced her final months completely dependent on God and the people that divine love placed in her path.
After ten years of teaching business classes at Villa Angela Academy, Sister became the Treasurer at Beaumont School. Finally, her active ministry found her serving the congregation in a variety of roles: in the Development Office, as Office Manager for the
congregational leadership, managing the community cars and assisting at Merici Crossings in a variety of ways.
Cataloguing ministries is only the beginning of celebrating the gift of Sister Madonna’s life. She was a caring, creative and charming woman sharing loyalty, love and laughter with sisters, family, friends and former students until she breathed her last. Friends recall sharing meals, travels and extended family with her.
Sister Madonna is survived by her sisterin-law Fran Dickus and her nephew Ron Dickus as well as cousins.
Remembering Sister Mercia Madigan
Mary Katheryn Madigan was born to Joseph and Alice in Cleveland in 1936. She was raised in Gesu parish where she attended elementary school along with her brothers Joe, John and Mike. After graduating from Beaumont School for Girls in June of 1954, she entered the Ursuline Sisters in September and gave her whole heart in religious life for 67 years. As Sister Mercia, she attended Ursuline College and St. John College, earning her B.S.E. Later studies took her to the University of Notre Dame where she earned her M.A. in Theology.
Both her professional training and her natural abilities as a teacher saw her through many years as an educator at St. Ann School, St. Mary School (Mentor), Villa Angela Academy and Lake Catholic High School. Her love of religious life served her well and was a blessing to younger sisters when she served as Director of Novices in the congregation. All of these experiences prepared her well for when she was appointed to the
Pastoral Team at St. Mary Magdalene, an exceptional collaborative venture in the diocese. After that, she moved to the Akron area and was in parish ministry at St. Martha Parish and Blessed Trinity Parish. In her “retirement” she continued at the parish level and also served on the motherhouse coordinating team, greeting visitors to Merici Crossings as a receptionist, volunteering on a congregational Derby Day committee and visiting regularly with sisters who respected her wisdom, humor and faith.
Sister Mercia spent the final months of her life enrolled in hospice care through Hospice of the Western Reserve while residing at Regina and Ames Family Hospice House. On Thursday, January 26th at Ames House, Sister Mercia peacefully entered into the final grace of God’s everlasting presence. She will be missed by her sisters-in-law Marilyn and Peggy, her many nieces and nephews and the Ursuline Sisters.
Full obituaries for these sisters can be found at https://www.ursulinesisters.org/news. Memorial donations may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland at www.ursulinesisters.org.
OBITUARIES
Sister Madonna Marie Dickus
Winter 2023 • 7
Sister Mercia Madigan
HELP US REACH OUR RETIREMENT RALLY GOAL!
It’s never too late to participate in the Retirement Rally drawings! You may have received RALLY tickets in the mail or from a Sister friend. You can still return your tickets and have chances to win until the Rally is over in June.
• The suggested donation for each ticket is $25 each or five for $100.
• Each ticket provides you with 16 opportunities to win each month, now until June, with a bonus $500 drawing in June. And winning tickets go back into the hopper for future drawings!
• Remember, if you write the name of an Ursuline sister on the back of each ticket stub you return, that sister will also have a chance to win at the monthly drawings.
https://www.ursulinesisters.org/news.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED DEVELOPMENT OFFICE URSULINE ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND 6085 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 175 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit #3796 Visit www.UrsulineSisters.org to submit prayer requests. Have a new address? Email? Phone number? Please help us update your personal information. Call Sister Elaine at 440.229.5624 or 440.449.1200 ext. 5624 or email eberkopec@ursulinesisters.org. Thank you!
Contact Sister Elaine
at 440-229-5624 or eberkopec@ursulinesisters.org
You can also see the
of monthly winners on our website at
Goal $135,000 Raised $117,270 JUST CLICK ON the secure donation on our website at https://www.ursulinesisters.org/support-us/donate. Save a Stamp! Save Ink! No Muss! No Fuss! And Lots Of Gratitude!
Berkopec
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