Sincerely,
D, ‘65
President, Omaha Province
President, Omaha Province
Back in 1965
SELMA MARCH
March 21-27
Selma to Montgomery March led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr, with national support and federal protection
Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, banning discriminatory practices like literacy tests in elections
Aug. 6 VOTING RIGHTS ACT MALCOLM X ASSASSINATED Feb 21
Malcolm X assassinated in New York City during a speech at the Audubon Ballroom As he was beginning his address, three gunmen rushed the stage and shot him multiple times.
March 2 THE SOUND OF MUSIC
The Sound of Music film premiered on March 2, 1965, in New York City. It had its general U.S. release on March 10, 1965, and quickly became a massive box office hit and enduring cultural favorite.
The Immigration and Nationality Act was signed into law on October 3, 1965 This law ended racist and Eurocentric immigration policies, and Reflected the civil rights values of the time, aligning with movements toward greater equality and nondiscrimination.
Germany surrenders unconditionally to the Allies; VE Day is celebrated on May 8, 1945
The U.S. drops the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
The United Nations is officially established to promote international peace and cooperation, replacing the League of Nations
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies in office; Vice President Harry S. Truman becomes President of the United States
North Korea invades South Korea, starting the Korean War
Senator Joseph McCarthy claims he has a list of Communists in the U.S. government, sparking the Red Scare and McCarthyism
First organ transplant (successful kidney transplant)
– Pioneering work begins in organ transplantation.
Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip debuts, introducing Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and friends
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal protest led by a young Martin Luther King Jr.
Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine becomes widely available after successful trials, dramatically reducing cases of polio, a feared disease
Albert Einstein dies at age 76; regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history.
Bill Haley & His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” becomes a major hit
E
L U M N A
Greensboro sit-ins begin in North Carolina, sparking nationwide civil rights protests
Harper Lee’s debut novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, was released by J.B. Lippincott & Co.
In one of the closest and most consequential elections in US history, Senator John F Kennedy (Democrat, Massachusetts) defeated Vice President Richard Nixon (Republican, California) to become the 35th President of the United States
Ken was officially announced as Barbie’s boyfriend in 1960, and Mattel began development of the doll that same year
President Lyndon B Johnson outlines his “Great Society” program in his State of the Union address, aiming to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Medicare and Medicaid signed into law, providing health care to the elderly and low-income Americans
Winston Churchill dies at age 90; his funeral is attended by world leaders and marks the end of an era
Mini-skirts and Mod fashion gain popularity, led by designer Mary Quant in London
First Earth Day is celebrated in the U.S., with over 20 million people participating, launching the modern environmental movement
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) launches in the U.S., promoting educational and cultural programming.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is established by executive order to tackle pollution and environmental degradation
Jimi Hendrix (Sept 18) and Janis Joplin (Oct 4) both die at age 27.
AEL U M N
NDA Alumnae
Please join us in prayer for our beloved Alumnae and their loved ones who have moved on to eternal life. Those enrolled in the Memorial Association remain in the thoughts and prayers of the Sisters during our liturgies. An annual Memorial Mass, dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have passed away in the previous year, takes place every November. The names included in this commemorative book were received by July 29, 2025.
Relatives of NDA Alumnae
It has been 75 years since I last climbed the hill. If I remember correctly, there were 16 that graduated in 1950. My four years at Notre Dame were happy years. I now live in sunny California where four of my eight children live nearby. The others live out of state. Life is happy and busy with the grandchildren. I have been blessed with good health and keep busy with the grandchildren and various activities at our parish church. I was a lector for 30 years. I know some of my classmates are no longer with us. Greetings to all, and to the nuns I will never forget!
Last August, I celebrated 70 years of vows as a Notre Dame Sister. I still work as archivist for my community, and as sacristan and organist. I spend more time in the chapel in prayer. I enjoy embroidering tea towels, reading biography books, and playing computer games.
72 years ago I graduated from Notre Dame Academy. I became a Notre Dame Sister and after 36 years of teaching I needed to give that up because of my Post Polio pain. The Development Office Staff were looking for information on “lost” Alumnae so I started to help “find” our women. I enjoyed reconnecting and staying in touch with them. I appreciate when I receive word of an alumna needing our prayers or celebrating a special day so I can send a Prayer or Sympathy card. I also share obituaries with the classmates when an alumna or her family member passes away. Please help me by keeping me current on your email addresses.
Sr Josita Hanus ND jhanus@notredamesisters.org
I have been a widow since October 24, 2014. Thankfully, I have 6 children - 4 are married, one a widow, and one never married. From them I have 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. All of whom are a joy in my life. I am very active in my Church. I am an usher, Eucharistic Minister, president of our parish council of Catholic women and our 50+ group, chairman of our funeral dinner committee, member of our Companions of Mary, help in the cafeteria at our school, make baptismal gowns, and first communion banners. I am also a member of our quilting group. We make quilts and give them to our sick and anyone who needs the comfort of a quilt. I still live on our 10-acre house by myself
This is a year of many changes. I moved to Notre Dame Housing in December and am now in the space that was our library as students. I always did enjoy reading so I am now surrounded with the atmosphere of the "library"! This also means I enjoy the early mornings on the patio listening to the birds, when it is cooler. The ministry of Keeping On with Safe Homes continues to lead me into new areas of our city and surrounding states. The clients are a source of encouragement and hope as they find the strength to continue their journey. In June I celebrated my 60th Jubilee of profession as a Sister. It was a grand day of celebration with family, community, and friends. A special experience was having our Mother General from Slovakia and her translator present as well. It was truly an International celebration. The blessings of joy and beauty continue to be revealed each day.
To celebrate my 80th year I traveled to South Africa and got to see Victoria Falls, took my whole family to Cancun to celebrate multiple birthdays, hiked Zion National Park, and traveled to Washington State to visit a daughter and her family. I am thankful for good health and the opportunity for volunteer work at church and in my retirement community. Greetings to all of the Notre Dame sisters and the wonderful work they continue to do.
I am retired from the sheriff deparment, and I am enjoying cruises, bingo, cards and family. I have 6 children, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grand-children. I am looking forward to our reunion. Can't believe it has been 60 years.
I have been happily fully retired since July 1, 2021. We have three children, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Since retirement, I have been traveling to the Balkans, Florida, Alaska, and California. Volunteering with the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary also fills my time.
Phyllis Drelicharz Christiansen, ‘65
I retired from the Omaha Public Schools in 2017 after teaching Kindergarten for 37 years. After retirement, I worked as a Reading Interventionist for 2 years. My husband Craig and I enjoy traveling, especially to visit our daughter Kecia in Culver City, California and our son Erich and his family in Bellevue, Washington.
I am currently living in Loveland, Colorado where I have lived since 1987. I am going to be moving to Safford, Arizona sometime this summer after the sale of our home. I have one daughter, Lisa, 2 grandsons and 5 great grandchildren. I have been happily retired for many years. I was truly hoping to make it to this year's reunion, but it comes just when we are moving. I try to keep in touch with several of my classmates as often as possible. Obviously, we don't see each other as we are spread all over! And we all went to St. Phillip Neri to grade school together. I want to wish all the alumni; especially the Class of 65 much health and happiness (and also all the Sisters). God bless and keep you all in his loving arms, and to all our alumni that have passed; Rest in Peace. May the Spirit of Notre Dame stay with you always!
I've been married, divorced, and am a mother to four beautiful sons. I worked as a veterinary nurse for 15 years, Ten of those at Kansas State Veterinary Medicine teaching fourth year vet students. I am retired and living in Manhattan, KS. I do volunteer work for hospice and for St. Isadore's Catholic Student Center.
After spending 19 years as the treasurer at Omaha South High School (though the kids refer to me as the “school store lady “ as I ran the school store also), I retired in 2013. Living the good life, I am active in the Polish community and enjoy every minute of it.
I am still living in Bennington. I do temp work at Douglas County Election Commission when I am available. I also enjoy spending time with my son, daughter, grandkids, and greatgrands. I play Mah Jongg whenever possible. I enjoy lunch with old friends and former co-workers. I have fond memories of Notre Dame and the Sisters
I’m retired of course, but I still work. I can still clean my own house and mow my own yard. And I do things at church including EMHC, Lector, and such. I keep busy with my garden and friends and siblings. I had my knee replaced in January and I am doing well.
As I reminisce over the past sixty years and the impact of my years at Notre Dame Academy and as a Notre Dame Sister, I am humbled and grateful for all that has been. I have delightful, cherished memories as a border and the friendship of my classmates I enjoyed the spirited energy of our class and the special bond we shared. During these years I became aware of world needs and my responsibilities as a citizen, my faith was nourished and deepened, and teachers encouraged me to discover and believe in the gifts I had. I discovered a call to religious life and the profession of teaching. I enjoyed over thirty years of elementary teaching. Living over 25 years on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation has touched my life in most amazing ways. Learning the traditions, culture, and spirituality of the Lakota people has enriched and blessed my life. It was a privilege and honor to share life with people who have a rich, knowledgeable heritage. They experienced so much injustice, their lands taken away from them, their spirituality violated and discounted; yet they share openness and acceptance towards others. For over fifteen years I served and am serving in Community Leadership; this too is a very humbling and sacred ministry. God has truly filled my life with surprising challenges and blessings. These have contributed to a life for which I am grateful and desire to faithfully respond to God’s call each day.
My husband and I are living in Delaware near the beach. We are fortunate to be able to spend the winter months in Naples Florida. Our 3 grown children and their families live in Maryland and North Carolina. We have 5 granddaughters aged 6 to 13. I have fond memories of Notre Dame, my teachers, and all of you, my 1965 classmates.
Occasional substitute teacher in Catholic schools, establish and maintain flowerbeds around Notre Dame housing, committed to act activism in peace and justice issues.
Ihavedecidedtomoveafterthirty-fiveyearstoeasternWashingtonto beclosertomyson.IhavemovedtoTonasket,WA.Isoldmyhousein Bothell,WAinFebruary,andhavejustbeenabletopurchaseahome hereinTonasket.Ilivedfivemonthswithmysonatthetopofa mountainhere.I'msurealotofpeoplehaveheardofOkanoganCounty inbooksandTVshows.Ihavepurchasedahomethatisrightonthe OkanoganRiver.Ihaveahouse,amobilehome,abarn,andachicken coop.Alsoahugeyardthatneedsconstantwatering.Ihavetwenty sprinklersthatIturnontwoatatimeduringtheday,rotatingsothat everythinggetswatered.Mynewretirementpasttime.Ihavea wonderfullittleparishhere,HolyRosary,whichisoneofthreeparishes ourpriestserves.InthefewmonthsIhavebeenhereIhavemetsome trulywonderfulpeople.IhavealmosteverythingIneedwithinonemile ofmyhome,whichissodifferentfromlivingintheSeattlearea.Iam trulyblessedtobeherenearmyson,Paulanddaughter-in-law,Tisa andgranddaughter,Vassa,whowillbe13inacoupleofweeks.
I am getting older and slower as each year passes. I am still traveling, but staying closer to home. A new greatgranddaughter was born July 14th, Elaine Marie, Lainey for short. I still get together with NDA friends.
My husband Jerry and I celebrated our 53rd anniversary this year. The youngest of our 5 grandchildren is leaving for college, and we welcomed our 1st great grandchild.
Hi from Evergreen, Colorado. John and I celebrated our 50th Anniversary with a party and the Rolling Stones concert in Chicago. We were thrilled that Pat Coyle (1970) Rogers and her husband, George, were able to join us! There's quite a contingent of the Class of '70 out west: Kathy Jones (Colorado); Pat Coyle (Wyoming/New Mexico); Barb Bahle and Debi Cuva (Arizona) and Diane Borcyk (Montana-I think) Anybody else? Maybe we should have a western reunion?
George and I continue in our retirement as snowbirds.We summer at our cabin in Wyoming and winter in Los Lunas, New Mexico. We have 3 sons, and 6 grandboys, two of which are in college. We had the privilege of cruising the British Isles this past spring and enjoy traveling throughout Europe. We enjoy viewing all the historical sites this part of the world has to offer. We remain in good health and spirits. Wishing all of my fellow 1970 graduate health and wellness. Please stop by if you come our way.
I am still living in Omaha with my husband Bill of 51 years! I am retired, but busy with volunteer work at Immanuel Hospital and Elmwood golf course. We travel a lot in the winter, but host lots of family and friends at our pool all summer. We have 2 married daughters and 3 grandchildren.
I have lived in Omaha my whole life. My parents are both gone, and I really miss them. My husband, Dennis, and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on September 20th. At the age of 40, I went back to school and got my BA in General Business. We are both retired now. I have three children, but lost one last year. My daughter lives near us and we love seeing our three grandchildren- three teenagers all at once! I have one son who lives in Omaha also. We lost his twin last year so he has had a tough year, but we are healing. May God be with you all and keep you safe.
I have expanded the grandchild count to 2 since the 50th reunion last year, but otherwise retired life rolls along with volunteering, family visits, and trips! I had a great time last year seeing the old school and catching up with the class of 74.
