BISHOP McDONNELL
MEMORIAL 20 22
HIGH SCHOOL
INSIDE REUNION 2021 HOW DID YOU TRAVEL TO SCHOOL? CLASS NOTES, and MORE…
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FOR THE ANNUAL
BISHOP McDONNELL ALL CLASSES REUNION SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 — 10am - 4pmm GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CLASS 1972 ANNIVERSARY CLASSES ‘47, ‘52, ‘57, ‘62, ‘67 at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf ı 260 Eastern Parkway ı Brooklyn, NY 11225 10am 11am 12pm 1pm
Registration Mass Welcome and Program Lunch
$90/PERSON REGISTER NOW @ loughlin.org/bmdreunion or by PHONE @ 718-857-2700 x2208 JOIN US SATURDAY, APRIL 30 ALL BISHOP’S ALUMNAE ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND! for information, please contact Josephine McKenna ‘90 @ jmckenna@blmhs.org
Constance Darnowski ‘52 winning her very first track medal for the 50-yard dash in 1947.
10 An Olympic Athlete Constance Darnowski Stoll ‘52
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From the President
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From the Alumnae Committee
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2021 Virtual Reunion
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Hearing the Call of Christ
Bishop’s & Basketball
News @ Loughlin
Sr. Emily Masse, OP ‘58
The history of basketball and the Patricia McCarthy Burke ‘67 Scholarship Fund
News from today’s Bishop Loughlin
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In the Service of Others Margaret (Margie) Dougherty Russo ‘69
Memories from the Classes of ’70 and ’71 From the 2021 reunion, two alumnae reflect about the anniversary classes
38 End of an Era The last and final excerpts from Memorial, Memorial: The History of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School by Phyllis Murphy Howell ‘67
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Linda Ineus ‘18
Facebook Question
Read about Linda, a Bishop McDonnell scholar, now ready to graduate from Providence College.
How did you travel to school? Read about the many modes of transportation you took to Bishop’s.
THE BISHOP McDONNELL
MEMORIAL 2022
HIGH SCHOOL
ADMINISTRATION Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC ı President Edward A. Bolan ’78 ı Principal Cecilia Gottsegen ı Assistant Principal Nicole Freeman ’95 ı Dean of Students Luis Montes ı Dean of Students BOARD OF GOVERNORS Lenue H. Singletary ’87 ı Chair Robert A. McRae ’03 ı Vice Chair Mary Collins Macchiarola, ‘58, Bishop McDonnell ı Secretary C. Christopher Cannon ’65 Frank K. Cheswick ’66 Brian C. Connolly ‘73 Rev. Alonzo Cox Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC ı President — ex officio Ja’von T. Delgado ’01 (Jones) Brother Edward Shields, FSC Pamela M. Sloan, Esq. ’73, Bishop McDonnell BISHOP MCDONNELL ALUMNAE COMMITTEE Kathleen Carney DeVito ’62 Mary Collins Macchiarola ’58 Catherine L. Diehl Palladino ’60 Margaret Dougherty Russo ’69 Roberta M. Eisenberg ’58 Mary Ellen Lavelle Murphy ’59 Kathleen J. McCarthy ’58 Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67 Maryann Stahl DeMaso ’60 DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS Andrew Leary ı Vice President of Institutional Advancement Josephine Santos McKenna ‘90 ı Associate Director, Institutional Advancement Tiffany Perkins P‘25 ı Associate Director, Institutional Advancement Tiffany Livingstone ‘00 ı Database Coordinator, Institutional Advancement EDITOR Josephine Santos McKenna ‘90 ı Associate Director, Institutional Advancement DESIGN EP Graphic Design & Marketing Services epgraphicdesign.com Cover Photo, 2021-2022 Bishop McDonnell scholars, ©Tony Correa
FROM THE PRESIDENT Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School continues to play a vital role in Catholic education through your commitment to continue the good work begun in you. Dear Bishop’s Alumnae,
Spring has sprung and with it the promise of new life. By the time you receive this issue we will have celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord. I hope that whatever insight and grace you gained through the practices of Lent renewed you in mind, body, and spirit and prepared you to share in the abundance of life manifest in Jesus
Think of the lives impacted — students, faculty, and staff — by the values nurtured at Bishop’s that she carried into the workplace. And then from a very different arena, an Olympic athlete who modeled discipline, selfcontrol, and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence. All of these women model lives lived well at the service of something bigger than themselves.
raised from the dead. That event is
What about now? As alumnae of Bishop’s
worthy of an Alleluia.
you have committed to building a legacy
Noting the fullness of life, consider this issue of the Memorial as an object lesson in vitality. It is hard to imagine that Bishop’s closed its doors to educating young women 49 years ago. One indicator of the values cultivated at Bishop’s is what the graduates have contributed to the common good. In these pages you will read about a woman who commits her life to service of the people of God as a
for young women at Bishop Loughlin. Linda Ineus ‘18 is only one example of the good you supported in promoting young women to develop their intellect, fashion their dream, and pursue it with tenacity. Loughlin is humbled to be the vehicle for your good work. Yes, Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School continues to play a vital role in Catholic education through your commitment to continue the good work begun in you.
religious Sister, a Dominican. Another
May Christ Easter in you. Live Jesus in our
Memorialite dedicates herself to
hearts. Forever.
the education of children serving as Principal in a public elementary school.
Br. Dennis Cronin, FSC President
Memorial is published by the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Office of Institutional Advancement. Please send correspondence and address changes to: Bishop Loughlin MHS Office of Institutional Advancement, 357 Clermont Avenue ı Brooklyn, NY 11238, 718.857.2700 x2250 or jmckenna@blmhs.org.
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FROM THE ALUMNAE COMMITTEE Welcome! Spring is in the air; flowers are in bloom and the Memorial is here. It is chuck full of information — articles about past teachers & classmates, class notes, how to donate to the Bishop McDonnell Memorial Scholarship Fund, and information on our upcoming alumnae day. Our annual ALL YEAR Reunion is on Saturday, April 30. This year highlights the class of 1972 — their 50th anniversary. Please think about attending the reunion, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve been asked recently why I donate and why I volunteer? Seems like two very simple questions which should have very simple answers — because I want to. However, that’s the easy answer. The real answer lies deeper. I grew up in St. Augustine’s parish and as a child heard the story about how the church’s tabernacle was built.
new high schools was instituted, my brother and I were already in high school and asked my parents why they were contributing since we would never use the schools. My mom’s reply was so other children could receive the wonderful Catholic education we did. The thought of “paying it forward” was instilled in me at a very young age. I saw my parents giving what they could when it would have been easier not to give at all. When I started working, I believed in giving what you could. Some may say what good is a dollar, or five, or ten — what difference will it make? You start adding the little donations and you have a very rewarding amount to help others. Donations can take many forms, not only money. Clothing — look in your closet, what may seem tired to you may be a treasure to someone else. Donate a pint of blood. Think of all the people you can help by donating a pint! Donations of clothing, blood, and organs do not cost anything but will give you a great feeling — and may help save lives.
You can say I donate and volunteer because it makes me feel good, helps others, and makes the world a better place — one person at a time. This was the first time I came in contact with people donating. The Pastor asked parishioners to donate gems and gold to build the tabernacle — and people did. I thought “wow”! That was great, what generous people donating diamonds, emeralds, and other gems to make the tabernacle. That tabernacle is beautiful. My Irish-born parents were an example. Every time the parish or diocese ran a capital campaign, my parents donated. When the campaign for the building of the
Additionally, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, pride, joy, and happiness. It’s a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and do some good. A simple conversation can brighten a person’s day — and yours too. Just about everywhere you go, organizations are looking for volunteers. Volunteer according to your schedule and interests. Volunteer an hour or donate a dollar; it will certainly make a difference. I guess you can say, I donate and volunteer because it makes me feel good, helps others, and makes the world a better place — one person at a time. So, now, grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable chair, and begin reading the Memorial. Enjoy! — Mary Ellen Lavelle Murphy ’59
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HEARING THE CALL OF CHRIST SR. EMILY MASSE, OP ’58 by Maryann Stahl DeMaso ’60
Emily grew up and was a student at St. Kevin’s Parish in Flushing, NY. As a child she studied the piano, violin, and organ — and, she taught herself guitar. After St. Kevin’s, Emily went to the Annex, called Little Bishop’s. Closer to home, this smaller school allowed her greater involvement in student events, less travel time, and she knew almost all the girls by name. She was a member of the cheerleading squad, the school Glee Club, and the Orchestra — by the third term, she was the Vice President of the Student Council. Traveling to Bishop’s was an experience she’ll never forget. It was always fun meeting with her friends as they maneuvered through one bus and two trains going back and forth to school. Moving to the main building on Eastern Parkway came with more students, larger classes, many new girls from varied neighborhoods (Montauk to Brooklyn), the ability to choose a foreign language,
Sr. Emily is God’s gift to many parishes and a wonderful example of truth, love of God, faith, and Church. 6 MEMORIAL2022
and most importantly, her introduction to the five religious congregations who taught there. The Sisters of St. Joseph taught religion, Italian, Latin, and English; the Sisters of St. Dominic taught science, math, German, and Spanish; the Sisters of Mercy taught art, music, and library science; the Sisters of Charity taught history and home economics; and the Daughter’s of Wisdom taught French. What wonderful exposure! Emily became a member of the school orchestra and began to hear the call of Christ. Sr. Jean Clare, OP sponsored her, as well as many other girls, on their journey to become a Sister of St. Dominic. After graduation from Bishop McDonnell, Emily entered the Amityville Community in September, 1958 and was given the name Sr. Stephen Mary (her father and brother were both named Stephen). Sr. Emily established and enriched many parishes. She taught the 4th grade at St. Pancras’ School, Glendale, followed by teaching at Good Shepherd, Marine Park, Sacred Heart School, Cambria Heights, and St. Joseph’s School in Astoria. Each experience was exciting and enriching and the children were adorable and bright. Sr. Emily helped establish St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Bay Ridge which served a large number of Catholics in the area. It was made up of members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and Our Lady of the Angels. She served as Pastoral Associate there for 17 years. Her musical and singing ability were noticed by the Diocese. She played the organ and provided music for the entire parish. She also served on the music committee of the Diocese for two terms.
Park; then the Religious Education Director at Holy Name of Mary Parish in Valley Stream. Today, Sr. Emily uses her musical talents — including playing for all religious congregations at the Special Diocesan Jubilee. She plays guitar and created a choir made up of a number of religious congregations of the Brooklyn Diocese. Her enthusiasm and excitement for Christ and the Church rubs off. She still plays the organ, subbing often at St. Margaret’s in Middle Village and St. Stanislaus in Maspeth. And, she brings much pleasure by singing and playing the piano at Dominican Village for the seniors in residence there. Currently, Sister is the congregation chair of the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC). Her focus is carrying out the Gospel imperative of Social Justice for our country and the world. I am so blessed to have Sr. Emily in my parish, Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, where she proclaims the Word as liturgist and sings at daily mass. Sr. Emily is God’s gift to many parishes and a wonderful example of truth, love of God, faith, church, and all human life. I am proud to call her my friend and my sister alumna of Bishop McDonnell’s.
Sr. Emily went on to become the Pastoral Associate at St. Columba’s in Marine Sr. Emily as a postulant. MEMORIAL2022 7
IN SERVICE OF OTHERS MARGARET (MARGIE) DOUGHERTY RUSSO ’69 by Mary Collins Macchiarola ’58
Recently, while Margaret Russo ’69 was discussing retirement with her son, her young grandson piped in, “Mimi, you will never retire!” A look at Margaret’s life and her extensive professional career of service seem to confirm her grandson’s thoughts. Margaret (Margie) Dougherty Russo, born in Brooklyn to Irish immigrant parents Michael and Molly, is the ninth of 11 children. Working very hard to provide for their family, the Doughertys always instilled in their children a deep faith and a strong work ethic. Their belief that education was the key to success was responsible for most of Margie’s siblings pursuing higher education. Inspired by her mom, an avid reader, Margie developed a love of reading and learning at a very young age. After attending St. Teresa of Avila Elementary School, Margie was overjoyed at being admitted to Bishop McDonnell, especially since she was the youngest girl in her family and the first to attend Catholic high school. Shortly after entering Bishop’s as a quiet, uncertain freshman, Margie met Sr. Sheila Browne, RSM, who invited her to join the school orchestra. Reluctant at first, because she had never played an instrument, Margie finally agreed when Sister assured her that she would be taught at school and at no cost. Margie began playing violin, and later, with the help of friends, she learned guitar. Margie was part of the music ministry at Bishop’s, and played for school liturgies, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Mondel. She also became part of a traveling folk Mass group, playing at liturgies at St. Teresa Avila, St. Benedict, and St. Bridget parishes. Music soon became a central part of Margie’s life. Friendships born at Bishop McDonnell are among the many blessings Margie cherishes today. Two fellow freshmen, Rosemary Jacobi ’69 and Phyllis Marra ’69 and her senior sister Pat Dodd ’68, are among many of her lifelong friends. Margie and her husband Anthony are godparents to Rosemary’s son, and Margie still does not make meatballs without thinking of Phyllis, who first gave her the know-how. As a Bishop’s student, Margie volunteered at the Convent of Mercy in Clinton Hill, a home for dependent children, run by the Sisters of Mercy. She visited almost every day to play, tutor, and help the children wherever needed. Inspired by her brother Jimmy, an amazing educator, Margie thought about becoming a teacher — and her work at the Convent of Mercy cemented the idea
Friendships born at Bishop McDonnell are among the many blessings Margie cherishes today. Margie Dougherty Russo ’69
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for her. At the convent Margie felt called to work with young children, and to try to make a difference in their lives. At the Convent of Mercy Margie also met Alicia Zapata, RSM ‘70 (later her freshmen sister who became a Sister of Mercy who worked in the missions and became part of the leadership of her religious community). They remain friends, and Margie continues to be inspired by Sr. Alicia. Margie attended St. Francis College, one of twelve women in the first class of females, at this previously all male college. After graduating in 1973, Margie married her Bishop’s junior and senior prom date, Anthony Russo, and began teaching at Nativity/St. Peter Claver that same year. Margie taught for three years and then spent the next ten years at home, raising and caring for her five children — while working nights and weekends at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Family Life Office and at Victory Memorial Hospital. When her youngest child was four, Margie returned to teaching at PS 127 in Brooklyn. Margie earned a M.S. in Education, and a Leadership Degree in School Administration. Subsequently, she became an assistant principal at IS 259 Brooklyn and then principal at PS 160 Brooklyn — where she has been at the helm for the past eighteen years. Margie truly loves working each day with children, teachers, and families — all of whom consider her amazing.
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. Margie has been honored by the NYC, D.O.E. Catholic Teachers Association, Education Update, District 20 U.F.T., the Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers of NYC Public Schools, NYC, D.O.E. Emerald Society, and the Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation.
Outside of school, Margie serves as Vice President of the NYC, D.O.E. Emerald Society and represents NYC elementary principals on the C.S.A. She has been privileged to participate in the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals as an Ally, a Fellow, and an Alumni Advisor. She also serves on the Alumnae Advisory Board of Bishop McDonnell and supports the mission of
Reading, music, and baseball are among Margie’s favorite pleasures. She stays active in her community as well and credits her success to her loving family and her Bishop McDonnell education. At Bishop’s, Margie learned to be selfconfident, developed her passions for music and writing, as well as her sense of social justice that led her to a life of service. She is ever grateful too for the
Margie Dougherty Russo ’69, reading the book of the month, Speak Up, to a group of fourth graders.
enduring friendships made, and for the many sisters and lay faculty who taught and inspired her on her way. Margie and her husband live in Brooklyn and enjoy spending time with their five children, Danny, John, Molly, Brendan, and Meghan Kate — and their eight grandchildren. Praise, honor, and much credit to you Margaret Dougherty Russo for your many years in service to others. May your retirement — whenever it may happen — mark the beginning of a very long and truly wonderful new chapter, and may it be filled with much happiness and richest blessings. Ad multos annos, Margie!
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AN OLYMPIC ATHLETE CONSTANCE DARNOWSKI STOLL ’52 by Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67
Bishop McDonnell accepted Constance Darnowski from her parish of St. Stanislaus in Green Point, Brooklyn. First she attended Queen of All Saints Annex before attending Bishop McDonnell on Eastern Parkway in September 1950. Her two brothers, Vincent ’51 and Michael ‘54 were already attending Bishop Loughlin, so Constance wanted to go to the all-girls diocesan high school. Both her brothers were members of the Bishop Loughlin track and field team and went on to St. John’s University. Later, Vincent was the President of Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT and Michael was a chemist for the Borden Company. While attending St. Stanislaus, Connie joined the track team and competed in the 50-yard dash. This was the start of her love of track. Her
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father encouraged her and she began training. A member of the German-American Athletic Team noticed her and invited her to join. She was only 12 but was training with 15 and 16 year-olds. She began traveling to various meets. Her first one, in Texas, she won against eight other teams. Her passion for track was born! Connie loved everything about Bishop’s, and said she would “pit her education against any school in the world.” Her father instilled in her she could achieve anything she strove to do. At Bishop’s Connie played varsity basketball for two years, and at the same time, trained with the track team — sometimes getting home after 7 p.m., with homework still to complete. It was a busy schedule, but Connie was thriving in a school she loved and extracurricular activities that she enjoyed. Connie represented the United States in the 80-metre hurdles event at the 1952 (Helsinki) and the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics. In the 1952 games, she was joined by another Bishop’s student, Marjorie Larney ’55, who competed in the javelin event. Connie says she still gets emotional remembering marching in the opening day ceremonies and wearing the United States custom-made red, white, and blue outfits.
© Getty Images, New York Daily News Archives
Members of the Class of 1952 at Miller Ridge in LI, celebrating their collective 80th birthdays in 2014.
At the Olympic trials in 1952, Connie won the 80-metre hurdles in 11.8 seconds — one-tenth of a second off the American women’s national record!
She was proud to be a member of the U.S. Olympic teams and was happy with her performances — said she had “respectable times” (she sure did). After the 1956 games, Connie did not want to put her life on hold for another four years so she focused on continuing her education attending St. John’s University School of Education. After graduation, she taught high school math, was a guidance counselor, and finally settled in as a principal in Plainview, CT before retiring. Connie is blessed with five children, eight grandchildren, and recently, a great-granddaughter. Connie keeps herself quite busy. She enjoys bocce and luncheons with the Women’s club. The near future includes planning an event for her community.
On a very special note: Since Connie supports Loughlin, she purchased a raffle ticket at the 25th Anniversary Lion Lancer Golf Outing this past June at Inwood Country Club and was the lucky winner of the grand prize — $5,000! Congratulations Connie on both your win and your amazing Bishop’s spirit!
The Class of 1952 keeps in touch. They attend various luncheons, and reunions; a few years back, they held an extra-large 80th birthday celebration for themselves (see above)! They annually send out Christmas cards signed “Sister Memorialites”. These girls have maintained the friendships they made over 70 years ago. Their next gathering, celebrating their 70th anniversary, is being planned for June 12 at Jonathan’s Restaurant in Garden City Park, LI. They’ll start the afternoon with Mass celebrated in the restaurant, followed by lunch. Connie Darnowski Stoll ’52 on her 85th birthday. Her cake is decorated wth a few of her favorite things.
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LINDA INEUS ’18
A BISHOP McDONNELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
“GOD MEANS FOR US TO HAVE FRIENDS” MEET LINDA INEUS ’22 by Michael Hagan, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Providence College reprinted with permission from Providence College News February 15, 2022
Pictured above: Linda prays in St. Dominic Chapel with Dominican friars and fellow students. Left of Linda is Rev. Bolger, OP, chaplain of Providence College. Photos: Chris Judge.
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Loughlin graduate and Bishop McDonnell scholarship recipient Linda Ineus ’18 was recently featured in an article in the Providence College News. In the article, Ms. Ineus shares her journey to Providence College, her faith, involvement in Campus Ministry (as its president), and future goals. She is an example of why you give to the Bishop McDonnell Scholarship. — Linda Ineus ’22 (Brooklyn, NY) is a campus leader in both service and scholarship. The biology major and theology minor is president of Campus Ministry. She is one of three recipients of the Ronald and Janet Stride Family Scholarship, which provides full tuition, room, and board to three alumni of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Stride’s alma mater. Linda is also a member of the Dance Club and Student Alumni Ambassadors. Tell me about your path to Providence College. My senior year of high school, I wanted to stay close to home in Brooklyn. I didn’t really see myself leaving the New York area, much less going somewhere three and a half hours away. My guidance counselor suggested I take a look at Providence College, mentioning a scholarship opportunity. I was skeptical, but I interviewed for the scholarship. It was offered to me, and suddenly, I had a choice to make.
How did you make that choice? I was very involved at my high school, and admitted students day at Providence was the same day as a retreat at school. I chose the retreat. So I never ended up visiting or touring PC. I looked around the website and thought, “I guess I can see myself there.”
of whom had experiences and feelings similar to mine. So how has your involvement in Peer Ministry and Campus Ministry more broadly evolved over time? I realized quickly that a lot of people don’t know how to talk about their faith, or even that they can. Giving them a space for that when they come to college is one of the most important things we can do. And that’s why I kept getting more involved as a Peer Min coordinator my junior year. And then, going into senior year, it took a lot of prayer and thought, but I applied for Campus Ministry president — the role I serve in now. It’s a big responsibility, but it allows me to give back to an organization that has given so much to me.
What were your first impressions of the college when you finally did get to campus? My first time on campus was the summer First Day in Friartown program. And to be honest, I was still cynical. I was excited to start something new but sad to leave home. The hardest part was when my family left on Move In Day. We went to the Welcome Mass, but then had to say goodbye. My brother repeatedly told me, “It’s not goodbye. It’s see you later. You’re going to be fine. You’ll make friends.” But it felt like so many of my peers already knew each other. I didn’t really feel at home at first.
When I applied for president, I didn’t know where the path would lead me, but I’m so happy that I did. We’ve accomplished so much this year. Ministering to people is great, but as a leader, seeing the joy that my peers in Campus Ministry bring to others is even better. It brings me a lot of joy.
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
When did you begin to feel more at home? After months of just doing the work I needed to do and taking the bus home many weekends, I took Father Michael’s advice to join Peer Ministry. I sort of waded in at first — didn’t go to all the meetings. But the people were really nice, and that’s where I started to feel at home. And once involved, you were pretty hooked, right? You were a Peer Ministry leader before long. Yes, at the last Peer Min meeting of the semester, my leader told me, “You should apply to be a leader.” I did so on a whim and didn’t tell anybody. I got the role, and everything really clicked at spring
— St. Catherine of Siena
Linda on campus at Providence College.
semester leadership training. Everyone was so genuine, caring, and kind. They wanted to get to know me, and I wanted to get to know them. When we’d talk, they’d recall specific things I mentioned in conversations before. It was so clear that they cared. How did that experience in Peer Ministry impact your overall experience here? It gave me genuine friendships. Midway through my first year, I thought I might transfer. By the summer after my first year, I couldn’t wait to come back for year two. And it didn’t disappoint. One of the best parts of sophomore year was guiding first-year students, some
How does your perspective as a Black, Roman Catholic woman inform your faith and ministry? There’s strength in being Black and being Catholic. I can offer up much in prayer, and I have hope that God will help us through whatever struggles we experience. I’m all the more thankful for my ability to witness to and advocate for others. I’m also thankful for the women leaders at Providence College who have paved the way for leaders like me. In my junior year, someone pointed out that I was the only Black person in Peer Ministry leadership, suggesting that I had a special responsibility to help bring people of color to the church. That didn’t sit right with me. I turned the question around; said we need to ask why many continued on next page — MEMORIAL2022 13
— God means for us to have friends, continued
people of color are uncomfortable in the church. We need to meet them where they are. And this can’t be done by one person or one group within the church. At Campus Ministry, our policy is that all are welcome. You don’t need to be a practicing Catholic. You don’t need to be Catholic or Christian at all. You just need to be willing to be a friend. God means for us to have friends. You study biology and theology. Do you find that inquiry in either discipline informs the other? I arrived a declared biology major, but I found theology so exciting when I took a course on Catholic Social Thought with Father Albino. I learned so much about this area of the church’s tradition and teaching that was until then unfamiliar to me. Experiences like that inspired me to add a theology minor. Theology and biology intersected in my independent study with Father Nic. We studied biomedical ethics. Understanding the biology helped me to understand the theology, and understanding the theology deepened my appreciation for the biology. In a Campus Ministry Instagram post, you quoted Saint Catherine of Siena: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” What does this mean to you? God is calling you to be yourself. We set the world on fire through little things. Being there for people, praying with people. Offering up our struggles to God. Thanking him for everything beginning with waking up. Start little fires. They will grow into a greater flame. You graduate in May, so I have to ask: What’s next? My goal is to become a pediatrician. I’m going to take a gap year or two while I study for the MCAT. I hope to work an entry-level research position in the meantime. As much as I missed home when I first arrived in New England, I’ve realized that it’s really not that far away. What felt like 10 hours my first year feels much closer now. So I may go back to New York, or I may stay in New England. I have great friends in both places, and I’m very thankful for that. I am so thankful for the ways I’ve grown as a person in these four short years thanks to the people I’ve met here. I’ve had opportunities that I couldn’t have had elsewhere, and there’s only more to come.
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BISHOP’S & BASKETBALL by Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67
Helen Lennon, the first lay teacher hired by Bishop’s in 1926, acted not only as the gym teacher, but she also initiated the training for our first varsity team — basketball (after her marriage, she returned in 1954 as Mrs. Frank Berberich and continued working until her retirement in 1970). Although there were many after-school activities, basketball was by far the most popular. Many afternoons, one might find the gym crowded with students earnestly cheering on the team as they practiced with determination. The Bishop McDonnell spirit we so often hear about was evident early on. Even though the fledging team would play only four games that year, it had the opportunity to play as far away as NJ. In 1940, basketball was the student’s favorite sport — bowling the second. Throughout our history, basketball was sometimes intramural; we played local teams without an official title of Varsity. Basketball is the only team spanning the length of 45 years at Bishop’s (it was disbanded for a year in 1943 due to the war where it was impossible to stay after school to practice or play games). It was probably hard for students to imagine it, but Sr. Jean Aquinas (assistant principal and teacher) played on the team during her four years as a student at Bishop’s. In 1954, the team placed first in the Catholic High School Silver Jubilee Basketball Tournament where one Bishop’s student was the solitary player to score all of her free-throw shots. Success continued in 1955 when, under Mrs. Berberich, the varsity team defeated Fontbonne Hall for the first time in three years — finishing the season undefeated. A Junior Varsity team was added in 1956, and in 1959, the school decided to offer basketball to all students instead of just practicing with a chosen few. Thus, intramural teams were born. Students embraced them until the regular varsity teams were reinstated. In 1965, in addition to the junior and senior varsity teams, the school formed a “second” team of alumnae — chosen by the Alumnae Association as a sure-fire way to raise money. They were no match for the varsity team and were defeated 33-17. Although many attended games held in the gym, few realized the long hours of practice and hard work needed to win. One of the last fun events for the Class of 1969 was a game between the faculty and varsity team, although it was never a “real contest” with the varsity
Jonae Vernon ‘23, a Patricia McCarthy Burke ‘67 Scholarship recipient!
From the 1967 yearbook, Patricia McCarthy leaps for the ball in an action-packed game.
team quickly taking a resounding lead over the faculty, with a final score of 50-16. The students had a good time though the faculty might not have enjoyed it as much! In 1970, Bishop’s played St. Brendan’s in a game, ending in overtime. The win was ours and Bishop’s was again undefeated. In general during the 1970s, the basketball teams were the pride of Bishop’s. By
June, 1972, we captured first place in the Brooklyn-Queens Division. The 1972 annual varsity faculty game was promoted as the faculty’s most promising chance of defeating the varsity because there now would be a male teacher playing, Frank Morelli. During the last quarter, it became apparent the faculty
wanted to win at all costs. Teachers joined the game every five seconds — and not as replacements. By the end of the game, there were at least ten faculty members for each varsity girl. Despite stolen balls, unofficial baskets, and other faculty shenanigans, the varsity won. However, it was the “losers” that provided spectators with a wonderfully wild experience not to be forgotten.
THE PATRICIA McCARTHY BURKE ’67 SCHOLARSHIP FUND The varsity basketball team has been an important part of Bishop’s history. So, when Patricia McCarthy ‘67, a former member of the team, passed away in 2011, it was fitting her family and friends honored her with a scholarship in her name. The Patricia McCarthy Burke Scholarship continues today and is awarded annually to a female student at Bishop Loughlin who is involved in basketball. All donations go to the alumnae scholarship fund, but you can designate your donation to the Patricia McCarthy Burke ‘67 Scholarship fund.
Patricia McCarthy Burke ’67. MEMORIAL2022 15
OUR VIRTUAL REUNION 2021 BISHOP’S GIRLS COME TOGETHER FROM HOUSEHOLDS ALL OVER!
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MEMORIAL2022 17
To ensure everyone’s safety, health, and well-being, we held our first ever virtual reunion on June 12, 2021 — and dually celebrated the Golden Girls of the Class of 1970 (belatedly) and 1971! We were happy to see and connect with so many Bishop’s girls from all around the globe — nearly 300 alumnae registered. All that needed to be done was to ‘click on a link’ to register and join the afternoon of fun (all from the comfort of home). The outstanding response reflected, in part, the need for alumnae to remain connected during the pandemic. How wonderful it will be, after two years, to return to where it all began and gather in person once more!
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MEMORIAL2022 19
CLASSES OF ‘70 AND ‘71
MEMORIES From reunion 2021 by Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67 and Patricia Hurley Pagano ‘67
Just in case you missed the 1970 and 1971 four-year recap at last year’s virtual reunion, enjoy the following! It should bring back lots of memories! Congratulations classes of 1970 and 1971! As Bob Dylan said, “The times, they are achangin’.” The Beatles, those lovable mop-tops who arrived in the U.S. in 1964 with much fanfare, had now become somewhat controversial after speaking out against the Vietnam war, as well as John Lennon claiming the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. They broke up after performing their last paid concert in August, 1966. Sadly, it seemed our country was facing the end of innocence. Uncommon in that era, we were shocked by two mass murders that occurred in the summer of 1966. In July, Richard Speck murdered eight nursing students in Chicago and in August, Charles Whitman, a Marine veteran, went to the University of Texas at Austin, climbed to the top of the clock tower and began firing indiscriminately at people on campus, taking 15 lives. He had already killed his mother and wife. Apollo 1 was destroyed in 1967 by a fire during a launch rehearsal test, killing all three astronauts on board. Later that same year, medical history was made when Dr. Christiaan Barnard, a cardiac surgeon, performed the first heart transplant. Additional troops were sent into Vietnam leading to mass protests. In 1968, the national emergency phone
number of 9-1-1 was created. Tuition was $200, cars were around $2,750, and a new home, $23,000. The Graduate and Gone with the Wind were playing in movie theaters, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band went on to become one of the world’s bestselling albums. In 1971, there were 500,000 Vietnam war protesters in Washington, DC and another 150,000 in San Francisco. Race riots revealed the increasing discontentment of AfricanAmericans and eventually brought about much needed changes in our laws. But, perhaps, the saddest times were the assassinations. First, Martin Luther King, Jr. in April 1968. This led to fierce demonstrations throughout the land that became known as the Holy Week Uprisings — resulting in 43 deaths, thousands of arrests, and millions of dollars of property damage. And, just two months later, the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy following his victory in the California presidential primary. Even Bishop’s, with its 1,800 students, was changing. Incoming freshman could choose a four-year sequence of science or language. Retreats continued at Mount Alverno in Warwick, Mount Kisco, and Villa Maria in Stamford, CT. Guitars and tambourines made their way into the school and at folk masses, and a new chapel was opened with an entrance in the lobby or through what once was Room 103. Fr. Mondel, wishing for a modern look, had the altar
placed in the middle of the room. Our school somehow managed to acquire the crucifix that had hung in the Vatican Pavilion of the 1964 World’s Fair in NYC, and Frs. Fitzpatrick and Mondel carried it via subway to the school! Mass no longer was celebrated in the Little Theater — though it was so popular that two alumna chose to make it their wedding venue. Scholastically, the school received the Middle State Accreditation, making it the first diocesan and first all-girls school to achieve such an honor. Students were allowed to choose either an academic or commercial course of study. The Sisters of St. Joseph were the leaders in college preparatory academics while the Dominicans sisters administered the most respected commercial teaching in the entire metropolitan area. Frs. Fitzpatrick and Vetro were the school principals until Fr. Noonan took up the reins for the class of 1971. The school saw the birth of chemistry and physics clubs. Nuns were sporting modified habits, and the first male teacher was hired. To increase the appreciation of the arts, Bishop’s arranged for Lincoln Center performances in a variety of genres — students were treated to a dramatic play, a singer and pianists, a string quartet, and a ballet. Richard Nixon won the presidential election in 1968 — having lost his first attempt to John Kennedy in 1960. Neil Armstrong became the first man to
retreats…disco dancing…fifth-floor pool?…ring day…the alley cat & polka…guitars…prom… 20 MEMORIAL2022
step foot on the moon in 1969, fulfilling President Kennedy’s declaration to Congress in 1961 that it would happen within a decade. Also in 1969, an estimated crowd of 500,000 people overwhelmed the upstate farm of Max Yasgur for three days at the Woodstock Festival, a concert the likes of which had never been seen before. It became an iconic moment in the era of peace and love of the 1960s. International travel became a first for the students of Bishop’s. The Italian Club traveled to Italy and attended Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square celebrated by Pope Paul VI (but going to a disco, complete with chaperones of course, was probably the highlight of the trip). It was the first overseas trip, but not the last. The Spanish Club traveled to Puerto Rico and Canada was offered as a trip to the French department as well. The co-op program continued giving seniors the opportunity to fine-tune their business skills by splitting their time between the classroom and an office environment. In 1969, tuition was again rising, and there were 12 lay teachers on the faculty. The Daughters of Wisdom were no longer teaching French, contributing to the need for lay faculty, and Bishop’s welcomed its first male homeroom teacher, Mr. Joseph McMahon. There was a swim team at Bishop’s, however, the pool was not located on the fifth floor as freshmen were routinely told. With no pool at our school, Prospect Heights High School graciously allowed the team to practice at its pool. Sporting events were always well attended, but the students really enjoyed seeing the faculty play the varsity basketball team. There was always an abundance of purple and gold in the auditorium during the games, and school spirit was exhibited during half time when the students sang Memorial.
The classes of 1970 and 1971 saw a number of Bishop McDonnell firsts — student international trips, a male teacher, chemistry and physics clubs, Lincoln Center performances, a middle states accreditation, nuns in modified habits, and the forgoing of a curfew on the school’s ski trip.
For the record, these games were most often won by the varsity! There were riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the National Guard descended on protesters at Kent State University, resulting in the killing of four unarmed students. Life at Bishop’s continued, but there was more tension than ever. Students produced a new publication where there was no censorship from the faculty. To further prove the times they were a changin’, the school was adapting to the times by allowing the students who went on the ski trip to have no curfew. The principal, Fr. Noonan, ordered new gym equipment, emphasizing balance and co-ordination. Balance beams and uneven parallel bars were available to students, a far cry from the jumpingjacks that were the main priority of gym classes in years gone by. There were other memorable moments too as Sr. Muriel appeared on the TV hit show To Tell the Truth. Yet, no matter how much things changed, some things remained the same. The Class of 1970 still celebrated the special days that signified just how special senior year was — enjoying Ring Day, Class Day, and Graduation Day just like thousands of students before them. Rumors of a senior lounge on the third floor remain a mystery. When asked if she remembered
there being one, the vice-principal firmly said “no”. However, many girls said that there was one (located in the third-floor locker room, also known as the smokers room) and that only seniors were permitted inside. The final senior event before graduation was prom, held at the Hotel Pierre on June 5. For the Class of 1971, there were several new openings: NASDAQ stock market index, Walt Disney World in FL, and Federal Express. Cigarette ads were banned on television and the voting age was lowered to 18. There was, once again, an increase in tuition, and seniors continued to enjoy old traditions like ‘senior hat day’ and created new ones. A favorite was ‘baby day’ where students wore outfits like Girl Scout uniforms and baseball uniforms, as well as other childish outfits that little girls wore. The boat ride to Rye Beach was still a muchanticipated event, but a quote from The Laurel stated the faculty members were “dismayed at the poor taste in dress” of the girls. It came as no surprise that Mr. Angelo Perrone was voted the class favorite teacher. Both the junior and senior varsity teams were the pride of Bishop’s — capturing first place in the Brooklyn and Queens Division. One hundred seventy five couples attended the prom, and even faculty members joined in dancing the alley cat, polka, and other popular numbers. Afterwards, as was the custom, seniors continued their festivities by going to the Copacabana and the Empire Room to see celebrities like Joan Rivers, Trini Lopez, and Paul Anka. The school play of South Pacific was but a memory and it would be many years before there was a chance to go back to the building on Eastern Parkway.
…class day…the empire room…south pacific…uneven bars…sr. muriel on to tell the truth… MEMORIAL2022 21
AN ALUMNA POSTED A QUESTION ON FACEBOOK...
In the last issue of the Memorial we shared a question that Christine Layne-Waters ’73 posted on Facebook — it led to over 400 comments. In this issue, we share another post by Marie Scuderi McNamara ‘65 — which also brought back beloved memories from hundreds of you. It is clear that the post reminded you of a special time with memories held dear and friends treasured. Some of you traveled a great distance to Bishop’s — the longest, two hours each way! The most modes of transportation taken in a single trip to school (including walking) was five! If you traveled by train, bus, or subway (or all three), many of you ended up on the Franklin Ave shuttle. Some walked, a few were driven to school catching rides, and there was even a comment about catching a cab with five classmates. Enjoy the stories!
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When we moved to Queens my junior year, it took me two hours to get to Bishop’s — via a bus, the F train, changed to the B train to Franklin Avenue. — Dorothy Siolek Hlywa
I started with the D train (now the F train), changed for the GG at Smith and 9th (climbing lots of stairs), got the A train at Hoyt-Schermerhorn to where I got the Franklin shuttle to the Eastern Parkway stop. — Justine DeVito Tenney
I walked five blocks to the bus into Jamaica, upstairs on the Jamaica EL at 168th Street to Eastern Parkway (Broadway Junction), downstairs to the A train to Franklin Avenue, upstairs to the shuttle — getting off at the Botanic Gardens…total time, two hours! — Ginny Reilly Corkhill
I took the bus to Jamaica El, changed to the subway to Eastern Parkway. I made my best friends on that commute. My future husband commuted to Bishop Loughlin. — Kathy Donovan MEMORIAL2022 23
NEWS @ LOUGHLIN
LOUGHLIN HAS A NEW BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE LAB EQUIPPED WITH CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY excerpt from Clermont Magazine
For several years, Loughlin has boasted one of the best Biomedical Science programs in the area featuring the renowned PLTW (Project Lead The Way) curriculum. Building on this strength, we now have a new Biomedical Science lab, equipped with a cutting-edge Anatomage Interactive 3D Anatomy and Physiology Virtual Dissection Table. The new Anatomage Table 8, the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool, provides students with the chance to perform virtual 3D dissections of the human body by “visualizing anatomy exactly as they would on a cadaver. Anatomy is presented as a fully interactive, life-sized touch screen experience and allows for exploration and learning of human anatomy beyond what any cadaver could offer.” (Anatomage, Inc.) Beyond dissection, the Anatomage Table supports exploration and learning of human anatomy. With a computerized screen large enough to show a life-size human body, students can visualize, analyze, interact, and even diagnose with simulated living anatomy and physiology on digital bodies kinesiology (body movement) simulation, micro structures of the brain, ocular motor control, and other vital functions of the body (cardiac, blood circulation, etc.) with the table’s vast clinical case library. The students will engage in a virtual medical lab, as they learn to analyze a patient’s needs and perform the proper scans to make a diagnosis or learn how to perform a virtual cadaver dissection to determine a patient’s cause of death. The table allows students to do things that would be impossible in a typical lab class. They can start over, save changes, and easily see a body or organ from any angle by manipulating the image. The Anatomage system will complement and advance the school’s current science curricula in many ways and provide our students with an advanced tool to better understand the science behind the human body.
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VISUAL LEARNING WITH 3D BODIES — THE WORLD’S FIRST VIRTUAL DISSECTION TABLE “The Anatomage Table is the only fully segmented real human 3D anatomy platform. Anatomage bodies have been known as digital ‘real cadavers’. As they are modeled after real human corpses, Anatomage Bodies have been recognized for enabling users to interact with them the same way they would on a physical cadaver.” — Anatomage, Inc.
Photo by Anatomage, Inc.
MEMORIAL2022 25
NEWS @ LOUGHLIN A BISHOP MCDONNELL SCHOLAR
NIA BLACK ’24 JUNIOR OLYMPIC CHAMPION
Above, Nia Black ’24 at Loughlin and right, in a lifting competition.
Beyond being a setter on the Loughlin volleyball team, a member of the school’s choir, captain of the Latino Dance Club, and proficient in sign language, Nia Black ‘24 is a Junior Olympic Gold Medalist! Training three hours a day (well, even longer on non-school days), six days a week Nia has been on the USA Junior Olympic Weightlifting Team since June. Currently competing internationally in the 14 - 15 year-olds 59 kg weight category, she looks forward to moving up to the 16 - 17 year-olds category in January. She has already qualified. Clermont magazine recently sat down with Nia and asked her all about it. What led you to competitive weightlifting? “I first started doing Crossfit when I was about 11 years old. I didn’t really like Crossfit classes, however, I did excel lifting weights. Not long after that, I decided to focus on Olympic weightlifting. My first competition was in the eighth grade.” Tell us more about your recent success. “So, I got on team USA not too long ago
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Nia Black ’24 in lifting in competition.
and was sent in October to an international competition in Mexico in the 14 - 15 year-olds 59 kg weight category. And, I won! I have been to national competitions in both California and Detroit, as well as many competitions in New York. At the moment I am training for NY states in January, as well as a final (which is like a mini-national competition) in Ohio.” Please tell us more about your international competition and Olympic goals. “I knew prior to going to Mexico that I had potential to place. While there, my main competition was China (who nearly always wins in international competition) and Columbia. There were three attempts in the ‘snatch’, and I won silver, placing behind China. But in ‘clean and jerks’ I set the new world record, winning gold. I won the ‘overall gold medal’ in the competition. I dream of going to the Olympics in 2028.” What is your favorite part of weightlifting? “I love making lifts that look impossible. When you make a lift and then go for it — the next level. And you do it!” Tell us more about your family, please. “We are a Loughlin family. My sisters are Kyah Black ‘16 and Aleyana Black ‘20. Kyah is in law school after graduating from Lincoln University in 2020, with a major in Communications. She was captain of the cheerleading team when she attended Loughlin as well as a member of house dance. My sister Aleyana was captain of Cheer and volleyball while at Loughlin. She also was in Latino dance. (I take after her, I am the current captain of Latino dance and a part of the volleyball team). She now attends St. Johns University, studying medicine — on the track to medical school.”
A BISHOP MCDONNELL SCHOLAR
HANNY ECHEVARRIANAVARRO ’21 Once again, Bishop McDonnell alumnae are truly affecting the lives of young women. Another Bishop McDonnell scholar was the class valedictorian. Pictured here is Hanny EchevarriaNavarro, the Class of 2021’s top scholar!
Hanny Echevarria-Navarro, Class of 2021 Valedictorian.
Hanny is studying biology at Duke University in North Carolina. She loves shadowing surgeons at the Duke Medical Hospital and on-campus she is involved in the Duke Catholic Center and the figure skating club. In the area community, Hanny volunteers at Partners in Health and the Durham Food Pantry, where she makes meals for the homeless.
JOHN KLEMM ’65 A LOUGHLIN LEGEND AND FRIEND TO McDONNELL ALUMNAE We were proud to honor and celebrate a Loughlin Legend, John Klemm ‘65 last September at Giando on the Water. It was both a retirement party and a scholarship fundraiser. The evening was a success and we are pleased to announce that the John E. Klemm ’65 Scholarship Fund has raised more than $100,000 in scholarship aid. Among his many achievements, John (or “Jed” to many of his friends) brought both St. Augustine Lancers and Bishop McDonnell alumnae into the Loughlin Family. In 2004, with assistance from several Memorialites, he formed the McDonnell Alumni Association, directed many alumnae/alumni reunions, and created the Memorial magazine to connect Bishop’s girls all over the world! At his retirement party, from left, Andrew Leary, John, Josie McKenna, and Tiffany Perkins — John’s department colleagues. MEMORIAL2022 27
PL A NNING YOUR LEG AC Y
JOIN THE McDONNELL SOCIETY THE LEGACY OF BISHOP MCDONNELL HIGH SCHOOL LIVES IN LOUGHLIN TODAY. OUR STUDENTS HAIL FROM THE SAME PARISHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS AS YOU GREW UP IN. Reflecting back, most alumnae from “Bishop’s” will agree that their Catholic education created the foundation needed to succeed in life. The Sisters of St. Joseph, the Sisters of St. Dominic, the Sisters of Mercy, the Daughters of Wisdom, and the Sisters of Charity (and later the Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor and a nun from the Sisters of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Blessed Trinity) all came together to make a Bishop’s education one of the finest in the city. The McDonnell-Loughlin relationship is much deeper than the annual joint boat ride to Rye Beach. Loughlin and fellow Christian Brother school, St. Augustine High School, carry forward a shared tradition and mission with Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School. In recognition of this bond, Memorialites have created several lasting scholarship funds to support the young women attending Loughlin. The Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund has supported many young women over the past ten years. Many Memorialites know that Loughlin became a co-ed high school in 1973 — months after McDonnell sadly closed. At the time, 240 Memorialite sisters enrolled at Loughlin to continue or complete their high school education. Since 1974, more than 5,000 young women have graduated from Loughlin. Estate gifts are an integral part in assuring that a Catholic education remains accessible to all qualified students, regardless of family means.
LEAVING LOUGHLIN IN
YOUR WILL
In most cases, our MCDONNELL SOCIETY members have named Loughlin in their will, established a charitable trust for our benefit, created a DonorAdvised Fund (DAF), or contributed retirement assets. The most common planned gift is a bequest provision in a WILL. There are estate tax advantages to making a bequest to Loughlin in your will, and a bequest is a gift that costs the donor nothing during their lifetime. Having a will is the way to be sure your loved ones and the organizations that you care about, including Loughlin,
receive the gifts you intend. If you already have a will, it is important to review it regularly, especially if you move to another state or if your personal or family circumstances change. Think carefully before you make a charitable bequest, and consult with an attorney to discuss and update your estate plans.
TYPES OF BEQUESTS THAT CAN HELP SUPPORT CATHOLIC EDUCATION AT LOUGHLIN. A GENERAL BEQUEST is probably the most popular type of charitable bequest, with the donor simply leaving a specified dollar amount to Loughlin.
A RESIDUARY BEQUEST is a gift of all the “rest, residue and remainder” of your estate to Loughlin after all other bequests, debts, taxes and other expenses are paid.
A PERCENTAGE BEQUEST is one expressed as a percentage of an estate or residuary estate.
A CONTINGENT BEQUEST is made on the condition that a certain event must occur before funds are distributed to Loughlin.
Will provisions are revocable, meaning that you can always update and change your will.
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THE McDONNELL SOCIETY is named for the beloved Bishop Charles McDonnell, the second Bishop of Brooklyn. McDonnell was zealous in establishing religious schools and Bishop Thomas Molloy believed that naming the school was an appropriate recognition for his efforts. The Society was created to celebrate the generous friends who have made planned or estate gifts to Loughlin in support of Catholic education in Brooklyn.
INFORMATION YOUR FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVISOR WILL NEED Legal Name : Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Tax ID: 11-2294328 Incorporated in: Brooklyn, NY
Detach here and return to Bishop Loughlin. Thank you!
BISHOP LOUGHLIN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL I 357 CLERMONT AVENUE I BROOKLYN, NY 11238
AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE
McDONNELL SOCIETY @ LOUGHLIN Help Loughlin maintain its commitment to affordable excellence. Estate gifts are an integral part in assuring that a Lasallian education remains accessible to all qualified students, regardless of family means. If you have included Loughlin in your charitable plans, or intend to do so, or would like to find out about the benefits of giving wisely, please let us know. We’re happy to speak with you and welcome you to the Society. Sharing your designation with us will ensure your gift is used as you intend, and your recognition may inspire others to do the same. Name ____________________________________________________________________ Class Year ______________________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________________________
I would like to learn more about joining the McDonnell Society.
I AM MOST INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING
I would like to become a recognized member of the McDonnell Society.
The Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund
I would like to remain an anonymous member of the McDonnell Society.
A specific program
I haven’t made plans for Loughlin in my estate, but I am considering it.
Where need is greatest/unrestricted
MEMORIAL2022 29
ı CLASS NOTES ı THE 40s
Delores Quinn-Stuebe ‘45 writes “I am 93 and 8 months. Looking back, it was a wonderful experience, but I do not think I appreciated it at that time.” Genevieve Dillon-McMonigle ‘47 celebrated her 68th wedding anniversary. “We are blessed with two wonderful daughters, six super grandchildren, and two active and loving great-grandchildren who reside in MA — but whose escapades we see daily online. It has been a good life and I am thankful to Bishop’s each and every day. Margaretmary (Peggy) Lang Virgadamo ‘48 writes “since my last update, I have been blessed with two great-grandchildren and another on the way. Sadly, within nine months of each other, I lost both my husband and our youngest son. I emailed my son every morning in his final days; he lived in FL and begged us not to come down to see him die. My book, Love Letters from a Mother to her Dying Son (published with amazon.com), has a five-star rating. All proceeds from the book are donated to Cathedral Prep Seminary High School. It was originally written as a gift of love
for our two grandsons with copies just for immediate family and close friends. After much deliberation and positive feedback, I was encouraged to publish it as a beacon of hope reflecting our final journey of helplessness, denial, anger, despair, frustration, and unconditional love — eventually resulting in the culmination of acceptance, faith, hope, and gratitude for the privilege of sharing in the creation and development of our family. The special bond of mother and child is written with love on their hearts and souls, making them a part of each other forever. Always and forever, pride and gratitude for being a Bishop’s girl.” Joan Roche-Stroh ‘49 had a small reunion in Rockville Center last spring with other classmates from 1949.
THE 50s
Rosemary McCoy-Balling ‘50 is 89 yearsold and doing well. Margaret “Margo”Richter Roll ‘50 is still hanging in there at 90 years-old, “slow but still gardening and painting. I stopped teaching in 2020, and recently closed my studio. I get to Mass most days and am involved in the ACTS retreat, Come Lord Jesus, and Catholic Daughters in our parish, St. Joseph Church in DeRidder, LA. I have five children, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-children. My husband of 67 years, Ernie, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 94 on October 5, 2020. Oh Jesus, I
surrender myself to you, you take care of everything. God Bless.” Anne Linnane-Kevany ‘51 recently became a great-grandmother and writes, “I am still in my house, volunteer at Good Sam Hospital in West Islip, make dolls for sick children in hospital, and quilts for the Life Center in Massapequa. Life is good — praise the Lord.” Therese Young Beckwith ‘51 has five children and eight grandchildren. She retired after 38 years of teaching high school and second and third grade. Sr. Theresa Kelly, RSM ‘52 wants you to know that Sr. Sally Ryan, RSM ’52 died at Maria Regina Residence on Dec. 23, 2020. Magdalene (Baroni) Sanatore ‘53 has retired from her legal practice at age 86! She says “I am healthy and love the Lord. My husband is with the Lord since 2010. We have four children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. The Lord said, increase and multiply, and we did!” Grace Tomanelli-Meyer, Esq. ‘53 lives in River Vale, NJ and writes “well, thanks be to God there are eight of us friends from the Class of 1953. Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School remains with all of us. We were taught love, compassion, friendship, and the true love of God— how truly blessed the eight of us are! I have four children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. At 86, I am finally retiring from my legal practice — which started half of my lifetime ago! I was
Bishop McDonnell Scholar Angela Derras ‘22 Angela is a Student Ambassador, a member of the National Honor Society, and she participates in softball, band, and Campus Ministry. She dreams of practicing Criminal Justice/Law at Penn State.
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sworn in to the NJ Bar in 1978, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1983, and in the NY bar in 1988. Been busy, but grateful to the Lord for giving me His health, power, and love to make it through. I lost my husband of 54 years, Heinz, in 2010. I am grateful to be able to support myself and my family with my late profession. The Lord said “increase and multiply” and Heinz and I took that seriously. I give our Lord, Jesus Christ all honor, glory, and praise for dying to save me, and leaving me His Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, direct, and carry me through! Hallelujah, and many thanks for my good education at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School with its devoted, wonderful five orders of nuns — back so long ago! Give God the glory, honor, and praise that He alone deserves.” Rita Minary Hesse ‘54 cherishes her wonderful friendships from Bishop McDonnell — even 68 years after graduation. “I thank them all for the wonderful times together and the great memories. God Bless.” daughter Veronica DeMartino writes Marie Salvato-Dodrill ‘54 “was married for 65 years to Thomas Dodrill. She developed Parkinson’s disease and passed away on April 17, 2021 leaving five children, 16 grandchildren, and three great grand-children (with another due in May 2022).” Lorraine Baumann-Palme ‘55 is looking forward to her 85th birthday. Lorraine Ducotey-Solen ‘55 writes “I have lived at The Fountains at Millbrook retirement community since 2019.” Lorraine Pallotta-Danna ‘55 will be celebrating her 62nd wedding anniversary with husband, Dr. Peter Danna, on April 23 on the Celebrity Equinox. They live in Tierra Verde, FL.
Kathleen Donovan Von Der Linn ‘56 lost her husband Jim of 63 years in July, 2021. “He was Bishop Loughlin Class of 1954. We did most of our dating on the train to Brooklyn and attended each other’s graduation proms. I live in Issaquah, WA and winter in Scottsdale, AZ. Our five children and eight grandchildren are spread over seven states, but we get together as often as possible. There will be a final celebration of Jim’s wonderful life in NY in June.”
Roberta and Don
Roberta Paul Molaro ’55 says she took it to heart “when the good nuns at Bishop’s told us to find a husband just like St Joseph. I dated a few who I thought might be possible prospects: Joe, was nice, but I wasn’t what he was looking for. Then there was Bob, who was Jewish and his middle name was Joseph, but he definitely was nothing like St Joseph! Then, John, a dreamboat — but neither of us were ready for marriage yet. Eventually I met Don, a cabinetmaker. Although he was not what I was looking for at first, he treated me with respect, was great company, and we got along well — and his father’s name was Joseph. I was married 59 years, 13 days, and one hour to Joseph’s son when he passed away two years ago.” Carol Callahan Comando ‘56 has been married for 64 years (in July) and has three grandchildren. She is grateful for the education received at Bishop’s and has spent all these many years paying it forward volunteering in Girl Scouts, garden club, and League of Women Voters. Theresa Doherty-Breault ‘56 has relocated to sunny Arizona and is loving it after a lifetime on the East coast in NY, CT, and NJ.
Sr. Margaret Farley, CSJ ‘56 volunteers in Our Lady of the Snows School in the Children’s Liturgy of the word. Anne Marie Liston, SJC ’56 passed away in RI on February 4, 2022. She was a Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny for 61 years and served as a teacher, principal, and pastoral associate. She ministered in RI, CA, WV, and Ontario. “Her missionary spirit never flagged. May she rest In peace!” Mary Ellen McGowan O’Boyle ‘56 just celebrated her 53rd wedding anniversary. Her grandson is getting married in October. Elizabeth Trust-Conlon ’56 hosts a reunion luncheon each year for her French group classmates. “Going strong after 65 years!” Carolyn Alderese-Langevin ‘57 is now in her 80s. She has three greatgrandchildren and writes, “My life has been a gift and my faith has been my rock. Thank you for those formative years and thank Jesus for it all.” Barbara Matzuga-Douglass ‘57 is grateful every day for the education she received at Bishop’s and the wonderful nuns who taught her. She expected her first great-grandchild in March. “Thank you Lord for many blessings!”
MEMORIAL2022 31
INSIDE A
ı CLASS NOTE
CLASS NOTE ROBERTA M. EISENBERG ‘58....
Roberta M. Eisenberg ‘58 has been active with the St. Cecilia Chorus of New York in Carnegie Hall since finding an ad in the Sunday New York Times Arts & Leisure section in 1977…but wait, there is more to this story!
Bobbi Eisenberg, smiling with silver hair, seen past the conductor’s left shoulder in Carnegie Hall.
HOW DO I GET TO CARNEGIE HALL? PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! by Roberta M. Eisenberg ’58
I was scouring the chorus ads in the Sunday NY Times Arts & Leisure section in the last weeks of August, 1977. NYC has many amateur choruses that attract people who love to sing. And, there among the ads, was a very attractive offer — to sing J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the St. Cecilia Chorus in Carnegie Hall. All that was required was to pass a sight-reading audition and to have a “pleasant, blending voice”. What is sight-reading? It means that you can read the lyrics and the music and, with the help of piano accompaniment, you can sing whatever is printed in the score. Sopranos most often they have the melody. The rest of us, including me, an alto, have a harder time because the piano provides a reduction of all the orchestra parts. If you are given the starting note, you can then sing the rest by reading the music. Some people have perfect pitch. I do not. I do have almost perfect relative pitch. So, once I hear the note, with the help of the piano, I can sing what follows. I never studied how to do this nor took any classes. How did I learn? Well, at seven, one of my aunts, a piano teacher, started giving me lessons and made me count out loud. Playing scales and exercises was boring so I began singing along and counting: 1-un-uunn, 2-oo-ah-nd… Without knowing it, I was teaching myself how to sight-read music.
32 MEMORIAL2022
The Cecilia Chorus of New York is a widely recognized, diverse, multigenerational, mixed 150-member chorus that has been enriching New York’s musical life since 1906. Each season we perform two major concerts at Carnegie Hall and a third concert at another venue. Spanning five centuries, our imaginatively curated repertoire includes standard works, neglected gems, and exciting commissions. (ceciliachorusny.org)
View from the top of Carnegie Hall.
St. Cecilia Chorus was officially founded in 1906 by Victor Harris, a coach with the Metropolitan Opera. It was preceded by the Tuesday Morning Singing Club, begun in 1900. Originally it was an all-women chorus. In 1964 it became a mixed chorus. More on the history can be found at ceciliachorusny.org/about. In 1965, David Randolph became the conductor and music director, a position he held until 2010, when at the age of 95 he died after a short illness. The 2010-2011 season had guest conductors and Mark Shapiro conducted the 2011-12 season. In 2012, the name of the chorus was changed by the board of directors to The Cecilia Chorus of NY. There followed many newly commissioned works and world premieres of others.
For the 2020-2021 season, we met via Zoom every Monday night. There were interesting sessions with our previous soloists and composers as well as voice coaches giving us various exercises. There were also “staycations” to several countries featuring their music. Carnegie Hall reopened last fall with very strict protocols — proof of vaccination just to be allowed to enter the hall. Singers and brass and wind instrument players had to provide proof of a negative PCR test in the immediate few days before the December concert. Precautions for the next concert are being discussed. The audience similarly had to provide proof of vaccination and masks were required. There were timed entries and
three different entrances used to prevent a crowd from forming in the lobby. If you are interested in auditioning for the chorus, visit ceciliachorusny.org — where you can also see the program for this season. Rehearsals are Monday nights in Manhattan from 7:15 to 9:45 p.m. We are now required to wear N95 masks and show proof of vaccination and booster to attend rehearsals. Chairs are arranged with appropriate spacing. If you are not feeling well, or when weather is bad, you can follow the rehearsal via Zoom.
If you have any questions about singing with us or attending concerts, please feel free to contact Bobbi at bobbi@alumni.nd.edu.
MEMORIAL2022 33
Rosemarie Tagliavia-Tirrito ‘57 has one great-granddaughter and another on the way. “My granddaughter Corinne is blessing me with this joy. I am sorry to announce that my husband Frank passed away on February 28. He is finally resting in peace. Thank God. I wish happiness and health to all my classmates of ’57. “
there are a few women who graduated from Bishop’s! She will be married 60 years in November. She is always grateful for having the opportunity to attend Bishop’s.
Peggy Candia-McDonald ‘58 attended Little Bishop’s in Flushing for two years before attending the main building in Brooklyn. “I was one of five from St. Joseph’s, Astoria, NY school to attend Bishop’s. All five of us attended the 50th anniversary reunion. It was as if time stood still when we saw each other. We went our separate ways, but that day, we were back in high school. The education we received at Bishop’s was exceptional as it prepared us to peruse our life’s goals. Now retired, I split my time in NY and FL. Do not miss the cold winters. What could be better?”
Jean Beyer Quinn ‘59, still in the Flushing/Bayside area, is happy to report good health and attitude. Her seven grandchildren keep her entertained; all but one (still in college) have graduated from college with success in their professional efforts. She was “fortunate to have completed 35 years as a teacher in varying educational settings.”
Carol Dignam-Sohm ‘58 turned 80 in June and lives with her husband George in Carmel, NY. She is still in touch with Sr. Kathleen Lynch, Sr. Margaret Sprague, Diana Carey Lee, and Joan Pertuciello Kowolsky. Her son and daughter live in Pennsylvania. Brenda Mayher McGinn ‘58 lives on a small island in FL where in her church
Barbara Sacco Jackson ‘58 is happy to have nine grandchildren.
Caroline Jakubek-Grayson ‘59 is retired and living in Carson City, NV. She has four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. She has fond memories of her time spent at Bishop McDonnell. Theresa (Terry) Rochford ‘59 is currently writing a book of poetry which she hopes to publish next year.
THE 60s
Suzanne Nicoletti-Krase ‘60 retired in 2019 and spends much of her time with Good Neighbors of Park Slope, an organization she helped to start. “Our members can join book clubs, lectures, scrabble, meditation, current events, etc. GNPS has no employees and all our activities are member-run. My husband Jerry and I look forward to traveling once again now that COVID has calmed down and we are vaccinated
and boosted. I remember my years at Bishop’s with fondness and am always happy to meet another Bishop’s girl!” Arleen Cavaliere Best ‘61 is retired and living in Ardsley, NY. She has a son in Brooklyn (so she sees her alma mater often), a daughter in PA, and three grandchildren. Elizabeth Louise “Bette Lou” McKnight Russo ‘61, lives in Port Washington, NY. She married Frank Russo, Jr. (Bishop Loughlin MHS ‘60) in 1964. They have seven children, 34 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Rosemary Perinelli Kelley ‘61 sends greetings to her fellow classmates and writes, “Our first grandson is getting married in San Diego in September. Time may march, but the years fly!” Ann Therese Bruder Gross ‘62 worked as a secretary after graduation from Bishop’s before attending nursing school at Holy Name Hospital (graduating in 1966 as an RN). She worked at Jamaica and Mary Immaculate hospitals (Queens, NY) as a medical surgical nurse and then at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, Nassau County, NY as an intensive care nurse. She married Peter Gross in 1971 and raised a family of two girls and two boys in West Islip, NY. They moved to Charlotte, NC (where they still live) in 1994. She returned to oncology nursing for a year and finally finished her nursing career in hospital hospice in-care for almost ten years. Mary Jane McCarthy-Conroy ‘62 is still grateful for her education and how it lead her to wonderful opportunities.
Bishop McDonnell Scholar Saniah Reid ‘24 Saniah, a cheerleader, participates in the Arthur Ashe Institue for Urban Health and is in the Project Lead the Way STEM program. She hopes to study medicine and aspires to become a surgeon.
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Joan Miley-Danehy ‘62, retired from teaching computer science at SUNY Morrisville, has six grandchildren (two in high school, one in college, and three college graduates). One stepgranddaughter made her a step-greatgrandmother. Stephanie Pirog Pietrangelo ‘62, who has two children and three grandchildren, sees Bishop McDonnell often — her daughter lives directly across from BBG and the Brooklyn Museum. She was a NYC first and second grade teacher for 26 years in Staten Island and loved every day of teaching. She is now retired and travels with her husband (including places like Argentina, Italy, Chile, Switzerland, and more). She takes classes at the UFT, which are lots of fun. She is “returning to my 50th year reunion with my two sisters and cousin — yes, we all went to Bishop’s. I saw and still love the marble and the chandeliers in the main lobby, so beautiful. The strong academic program there prepared me for Fordham and a career in teaching.”
Anne Swanson-Gargiulo ‘62 remembers all in her prayers. Joan E. Farley ‘63 writes, “My mother, Ann Grace Burger was a 1932 graduate and my sister Mary Ann Farley, a 1958 graduate. Marilyn Hayden ‘63, a fine art appraiser, turned short-story writer (thanks to COVID), writes “I am still alive and kicking, now living in Greenwood Lake, NY — not quite retired after all these years. I was recently appointed Greenwood Lake Historian. I agree with Yogi Berra — it ain’t over til it’s over.” Agatha J Napoli–Barone ‘63 celebrates her 56th wedding anniversary with Joe, her prom escort, on May 1. Their youngest grandson receives his First Holy Communion on the same day. “God has truly blessed us.” Carol Van Nostrand Tobin ‘63 reflects “It is difficult to imagine the number of years that have passed, but one thing is for certain, I recall the fond memories of Bishop McDonnell. Thinking back, I was
WHO ARE THESE BISHOP’S GIRLS?
blessed with the opportunity to obtain a wonderful, well-rounded education that served me well during my extensive career in publishing. I remember one nun comparing our education to an associate college degree. I believe that to be true considering the intense daily curriculum. Looking back, I remember the selflessness of the nuns. I am truly grateful for their dedication, and more importantly, their patience with all of the students. I would not trade the education received at Bishop’s for the world! Bishop’s enabled us to experience a deep camaraderie with fellow students. Some friendships were short-term and others long-term — including my best friend Barbara Kearney Barkocy ‘63. She and I still speak with one another every day! On a personal note, my husband Paul and I are retired (Paul as a marine investigator/marina owner and I as a Director of Manufacturing Operations of a major publishing company). We have five children and seven grandchildren and relocated permanently to our home on the west coast of Florida. We couldn’t be happier! My one hope is that the education provided at Bishop’s continues for those who will become the future leaders in the country we are so very blessed to live in! Much love to all of my Bishop McDonnell sisters. May God bless you with love, health and happiness and keep you in His care!” Mary Ellen Holodak ‘64 owns Mary Ellen’s Specialty Fabrics (MESF, LLC). She writes “For over 35 years, I have been selling overseas fabrics, mostly to the intimate apparel and dress markets, to manufacturers in NYC. My office for many years was in NYC but I had to close due to COVID last year so now I am in my NJ home. I am semi-retired and enjoy my five grandchildren. In reflection of my Bishop’s years, they were the best. I can’t believe it will be 60 years in 2024! I made some great friends then — some I am still in contact with.”
The names from the back cover of the last issue were identified by Kathleen Howley Witt ‘60 when Paula Giangreco Cullison ‘60 posed the question on Facebook. In the picture at the Copacabana Night Club are Paula Giangreco Cullison ‘60, Paula Cappitelli ‘60, Cathy Incorvaia ‘60 and Maureen Hayes Handy ‘60.
Mary Lou Bove-Klenner ‘64 will be married to Adolph for 57 years in November. They are the parents of two daughters and four grandchildren. “Life has been good to
MEMORIAL2022 35
us and we have persevered through the ups and downs. The joys of our life are our GrandGems — Lila (a college junior at FGCU perusing a career in the medical field), Michael (a high school junior and three-letter athlete), Nina (also a high school junior and avid volleyball player), and Julian (a 14 year-old dancer and actor who has appeared in several TV shows, and possibly theater productions). God has blessed us in many ways for which we are grateful. Bishop’s will always be a wonderful unforgettable memory for me — it’s the only high school I ever wanted to attend and I am thankful for the great education it provided.” Rosemary Johnston-Lawton ‘64 lives in St. Louis, MO with her family. She and her husband have three children and four grandchildren. She is retired from careers in higher education and managed behavioral healthcare. “Unfortunately, I have never been able to coordinate a Bishop reunion with a family visit to NY and now no longer have family in the area. I welcome contact from fellow Bishop alums at Rjohnston-lawton@sbcglobal.net or 314-882-7161.” Frances McGill, RN, MD ‘64 writes “Bishop’s and the dedication of the sisters who taught us so well influenced my career as a RN at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Jamaica, Queens (now closed where several Bishop’s alumnae trained too). I recently spoke with Lois Biggin Moylan ‘64, PhD, RN (now a Dean at Molloy College of Nursing) and JoAnn Sposito Kurtz ‘64, (Director and Nursing Educator at Nassau Medical Center), and, just received an email from MaryAnn Moks Miotto ‘64. After working as a critical care nurse, I was accepted to St. George’s University School of Medicine where I trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology and worked at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY and St. Vincent’s Catholics Medical Center. I currently teach at Grenada. Women now comprise 52% of our medical students. We encourage Loughlin students to do well in the STEM courses and serve others in medicine, nursing, and the many health professions. I can be reached at fmcgill@sgu.edu.
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Members of the Class of 1967 met for lunch in August 2021 — Lizz Manning Mancini, Phyllis Murphy Howell, Particia Hurley Pagano, Marie Santangelo, Barbara Accardi, and Marie Mascaro.
Pat McKiernan Ciarleglio ‘64 is happily retired with her husband. Both her sons have married in the last two years (2020 and 2021) and live in Houston. Fran Piscopo Boccella ‘64 lives in Cumming, GA and would love to hear from anyone in the class of 1964. Regina Leeds ‘64 is moving to WA after 42 years in Los Angeles, CA. She is the author of ten books and is delighted to share that her New York Times best seller One Year to an Organized Life is being updated for rerelease in December — just in time to be a helpful stocking stuffer. Diane Riceputo-DeMilta ‘64 says “I have many wonderful, heartwarming, and funny memories of my days at Bishop’s, but this is one I’ll never forget: One day after gym, I was touching up my makeup — which was not an acceptable part of the dress code in 1964 — and as I was looking in my rather large two-sided mirror, I saw the reflection of one the nuns looking right back at me! I guess you know what followed, detention. I never did that again, well, at least not when a nun was looking! Be well!” Rose Ann Visconti-Cimino ’64 and her husband Joe will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August. They have two sons (one that lives downstairs and
one that lives in TN), two granddaughters, and two grand-dogs. Joan Felcetto Vitale ‘65 lives in Charlotte, NC and writes that she is “married (January, 2018) to Juan Carlos Stasi. We spend time in Buenos Aires, Argentina — and we do tango! We teach dance and provide online music and history classes about Argentine tango. I no longer teach Fine Art. Travel remains important. We have four grandchildren whom I embrace whenever I can.” Catherine Pittman ‘65 is completing a gift, Storyworth (52 weeks of guided questions, which once answered, are printed as a book). “The questions about most memorable birthdays and who I dated in high school brought back a flood of memories of my years at Bishop’s. If I remember correctly, someone from our homeroom volunteered to get birthday corsages for classmates. Everyone chipped in to pay for them. Wish I could remember what each one for every year was, but I do remember bubble gum and sugar cubes were for sweet sixteen. One of the other memories was about proms! A group of girls from Bishop’s were dating a group of boys from Trinity and our senior proms were two days apart! What to do?! We decided that we would go to both of them and wear the same gowns. The boys, of course, didn’t have to worry
about what they would wear as the black tuxedo was standard attire. We felt so grown up, riding in a limo to fancy hotels in Manhattan — the Waldorf Astoria and the Americana! On Wednesday night, we went to the Hawaiian Room where they served “mocktails” and then there was a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Being good Catholic teens, we knew we should go to Mass the next day, as it was Ascension Thursday. Why not make that an adventure too? We hopped a bus to the LaGuardia Airport Chapel for a very early morning Mass and then took the bus home. It still astonishes me that my parents let me stay out all night! Friday night brought other post-prom adventures as the limo took us on the Staten Island Ferry and then drove across the newly opened Verrazano Bridge to one of the girl’s home in Brooklyn for a “champagne” brunch put on by her parents. A sleepy subway ride brought us home at about 4:00 a.m., with blissful memories that have lasted all these years. I wonder what happened to that boy I dated?” Marie Scuderi-McNamara ‘65 is fast approaching her second year as a resident of Hampstead, NC. She is looking for any fellow Memorialites in the area.
Janice Comiskey Morrissey ‘67 has two daughters and two grandchildren. Her husband Tom passed away in 2018. She recently sold her home in North Andover, MA and moved to Methuen, MA. “Downsizing and decluttering has taken time and effort — someday I will be rid of boxes! Unfortunately, in January 2022, a dear sister passed away after a long illness and another friend in the UK as well. My life was enriched by these individuals. Sometimes I can’t believe that I graduated so long ago — with mostly good memories of high school and my own life. Yes, there have been good and bad times, but here I am handling my senior years…one day at a time.” Mary Sandanavicius Newsom ‘67 has been living in the Los Angeles area for
48 years and recently retired from a very long teaching career. She says, “Throughout my entire life I have been very active in the Lithuanian-American community. For the last 35 years I have been a Director of our Lithuanian Heritage School (Saturdays) and am a great proponent of bilingualism and diversity. My husband Bob is retired, and our three children have gifted us with five grandchildren. It was a pleasure to attend Bishop’s 50th reunion. What a great educational foundation we all received at Bishop’s!” Rosemarie D’Ambrossi Casaccio ‘68 is enjoying retirement (June 2015) from the NYC Department of Education where she worked as an AIS Teacher in Literacy. She writes, “My days at Bishop’s live in me. Sometimes, I picture the girls and the teachers. In my mind I remember their smiling faces. Of course, I still see us as teenagers. I remember Sr. Theodora (Mary Anne Rogers). She said our class A3-112 was part of “The Hundredfold.” My two daughters are married and live close by so my husband and I see our three grandsons often. We weathered the pandemic by staying close to home and keeping our social circle very small. We look forward to expanding our horizons now.” Kathleen (Walsh) Conway ‘68 writes that her mother, Catherine Leahy Walsh ‘44, passed away on January 29, 2022.
Brooklyn College and then transferred to St. Francis College in Brooklyn after I was hired for a full-time position in the NYS Court System. I retired 40 years later. I have been involved with music my whole life. In 1995, my husband Michael and I formed a band called Garavogue. We are still active but have been unable to perform the last two years. We have been recording original music (written by Michael) and we are fortunate that our music does get some airtime. Just in case anyone might be interested, I thought I would include links to two of our most recent songs. I sing The Longford Girl (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Xd8uU9KSIMc), which Michael wrote in tribute to my grandmother, and sings harmony on The Sands of Rockaway (https://m.youtube.com/ watch?v=GETXjEePWHs). Wishing you all a blessed 2022!” Maricela Rente Campos ‘70 graduated 52 years ago and will always remember and cherish her experiences at Bishop’s. She married and has one daughter, Cynthia. “I met many wonderful friends at Bishop’s which will always hold a special place in my heart. I worked for 40 years for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and retired seven years ago. God is good!”
THE 70s
Mary Ellen Dunbar ‘70 has happily remained a Brooklynite and “every now and then I find myself in the neighborhood of Bishop’s and I think of all the wonderful times there! I attended
Bishop McDonnell Scholar Elizabeth Charles ‘25 Elizabeth is a step dancer and hopes to study pediatrics at Spellman. She offers “a sincere thank you to the alumnae of Bishop McDonnell for their constant support and commitment to us students.”
MEMORIAL2022 37
Phyllis Brooks Collins ‘73, in her 29th year at Delaware State University in Dover, DE, “gives thanks for another year. I look forward to developing new and innovate academic programs for a diverse student population, many who come from NY, NJ, PA, and MD. I am looking forward to the pandemic ending so I can attend the reunion in April.”
END OF AN ERA — THE SCHOOL CLOSES ITS DOORS “Though each may take a different path And unity seems severed
Dr. Marie Murphy Gleason ‘73 retired as Director of Outpatient and Community Cardiology in the Division of Cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in January, 2021. She was a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and an Associate Chief in the Division of Cardiology. “I was privileged to spend 32 years at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and seven years at The Pennsylvania State University Medical Center in Hershey, PA treating children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease. I found working with families to be very rewarding. I live in the Philadelphia suburbs and enjoy traveling with my husband Ed, when COVID permits! We enjoy visiting our two sons and two grandsons. It is so hard to believe that we will celebrate our 50th year anniversary of high school graduation in 2023! Definitely hoping to get back for the reunion.”
H OVER CONNEC T WIT LITES! 90 0 MEMORIA SE ARCH
EMORIAL CDONNELL M M P O SH BI E TH H SCHOOL DIOCESAN HIG
38 MEMORIAL2022
There is a song within our hearts A tie that binds forever.”
— from the Bishop McDonnell alma mater Enjoy this excerpt from ‘Memorial, Memorial’ — thank you Phyllis!
During the 47 years of its existance, over 25,000 students graduated from Bishop McDonnell. With the decision made, Bishop McDonnell began the process of closing its doors. Letters were sent to faculty and staff detailing the prerequisites necessary to take early retirement and providing information regarding job placement at other schools. Severance packages consisted of two weeks’ pay for those who had worked two to five years, three weeks’ pay for those who had worked five to ten years, and four weeks’ pay for those who had worked ten years or more. Those choosing to work at another school would keep their seniority benefits. A number of nuns and lay teachers would continue working at the school to accommodate those juniors who had decided to take accelerated courses and graduate from Bishop’s in July. While the nuns received $50 per week, lay teachers received $181 per week, almost four times what the nuns
received. Looking at these numbers, it is obvious how much of a financial drain the school incurred when lay teachers replaced teachers from religious orders. As the date of closure drew near, a complete inventory of the school had to be undertaken. The Royal typewriters put to use for so many hours by commercial students were on the list, as were 1,026 lockers, numerous cabinets, countless wooden chairs from the school offices, waiting rooms, and cafeteria, as well as 59 armchairs and 1,190 student chairs — all needing to be dispersed among other schools or disposed of. St. Francis de Sales agreed to take much of the inventory of furniture and equipment, giving Bishop’s an additional income of $12,355. However, the week of August 13 was the final week during which items St. Francis had decided not to keep could be picked up. Fr. Mondel had only one request — that was to keep the cross that hung in the Chapel he loved so dearly and had been so instrumental in seeing come to fruition. That cross is now displayed at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the St. James Church in Chatham, NY.
The “changing of the guard” was to take place at noon on August 20, 1973, and all details needed to be concluded by then. All insurance policies issued to Bishop’s needed to be closed and new policies issued under the name of the incoming school, St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf. Various schools around the country submitted requests to Fr. Noonan, the principal, to take some or all of Bishop’s library books. It was his Noonan’s wish to keep the Library intact. He chose Bishop Hoban High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA to receive the 20,000 volume library. Bishop Hoban was set to open in September, but in July, its entire inventory of books had been badly damaged by Flood Agnes. It was not only the students who felt displaced. The entire faculty, a number of who were Bishop’s alumnae from the 1940s, was forced to find new positions or choose retirement. Three became principals at other schools, while the remaining members transferred to Bishop Loughlin, Bishop Reilly, St. Agnes, College Point, and Bishop Kearney. Certainly, they felt the same sorrow experienced by the students they had taught.
WE BID FAREWELL With the impending closure of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School slated to take place in June, more than 1,500 women, comprised mostly of alumnae, gathered at the school on May 20, 1973 to bid a final farewell to their alma mater. For almost a half-century, Bishop’s had served as a home away from home for students keen to learn and prepare for their futures. Former Principals, Rev. Franklin Fitzpatrick and Rev. Walter Vetro, joined with Rev. Thomas Noonan, the then current principal, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving. Rev. Noonan
For almost a halfcentury, Bishop’s had served as a home away from home for students keen to learn and prepare for their futures. attributed the closing to the decline in enrollment and the lack of available funds necessary to keep the school solvent. Freshmen and sophomores would continue their education at a variety of other schools, including Bishop Loughlin, Bishop McDonnell’s “brother school.” Juniors, likewise, could transfer to a school of their choice. However, they also had the opportunity to accelerate their studies at Bishop’s with both afterschool and summer sessions. Those juniors would become Bishop’s final graduating class with the ceremony taking place on Friday, July 20, 1973. Approximately 240 existing students, comprised of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, decided to transfer to Bishop Loughlin, making it coeducational for the first time in its history. During the 47 years of its existence, over 25,000 students graduated from Bishop’s. By 1960, Bishop’s could boast of 1,003 graduates having taken vows spread out among 55 religious communities. Sixty-eight percent of Bishop’s students took academic courses to prepare for higher studies. The remainder enrolled in commercial courses and/or a homemaking curriculum. Bishop McDonnell became nationally known for its contributions to missions throughout the world and the wealth
of vocations to religious life. Its alumnae went on to become, among other occupations, high school principals, college faculty members and administrators, diocesan officials, and leaders in religious communities. Religious vocations were encouraged, but it was the example of the nuns themselves that played a large part in encouraging students to enter religious life. The entire history of Bishop’s may be characterized by a multitude of annual traditions, including the production of school plays, the hoopla of the Ring Day Ceremony and accompanying festivities, the boat ride to Rye Beach, the trip to Washington, DC, spring concerts, celebrating Senior Class Day, attending religious retreats and Days of Recollections, trips to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the May Crowning of Mary, and the very special senior prom — always held in a ballroom that was among the best in New York City. Those traditions, as well as the basketball games, Regents exams, fun in the cafeteria and, of course, graduation ceremonies would cease to exist, but there was one vital tradition that would live on. That tradition is the indestructible school spirit that has captivated and enriched the hearts of all of Bishop’s graduates. If readers have any doubts that spirit still exists, the yearly alumnae reunions clearly demonstrate that it does. In September 1973, the school re-opened as the St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf with Sr. Patricia Carroll, a Bishop’s alumna, at its head. ----------------------------------------------------For a copy of Memorial, Memorial — The History of Bishop McDonnell, contact Phyllis Howell at howelldogs@aol.com or 718.627.2145. Copies are $20 each, which includes shipping.
MEMORIAL2022 39
IN MEMORIAM Correction: We are happy to report that two alumna listed in the last issue of the Memorial as deceased are, in fact, alive and well! They are Mary Stachow ‘63 and Rosemary Grieco Cucurillo ‘68! The Memorial regrets these errors.
THE 30s
THE 50s
Sr. James Annette McAuley, CSJ ‘39
Elizabeth A. Konig ‘50
Bernadette Flynn-Dantzig ‘58
Sr. Veronica McCormack, DW ‘51
Mary Jane Korb-Vogt ‘58
THE 40s
Veronica Gontasz-Campbell ‘53
Louise Messina-Sena ‘58
Rose Stein-Flint ‘40
Virginia Middleton-Hanley ‘53
Eileen Romer-Palumbo ‘58
Sr. Eileen Berton, DW ‘41
Mary Feerick-Shannon ‘54
Anne K. Sciame-Russo ‘58
Florence Byrne-Dalton ‘41
Marie Salvato-Dodrill ‘54
Sr. Margaret Sprague, CSJ ‘58
Ruth Gabriel-Eker ‘43
Kathleen Seery ‘54
Barbara Treglia-Murphy ‘59
Regina Lambert ‘43
Joan Colassano-Ryan ‘55
Helen L. Brown-Picciano ‘44
Barbara Daudelin-Stair ‘55
THE 60s
Catherine Leahy-Walsh ‘44
Joyce Hintze-Gruener ‘55
Joanna F. Schlosser ‘60
Dolores Andreola-Hanc ‘47
Sr. Dorothy Egan, OP ‘56
Sr. Ursula Sheridan, OP ‘60
Louise M. Dougherty-Whitomb ‘47
Loretta Fasolino-Sallustio ‘56
Kathleen J. Wall ‘61
Sr. Mary Victoria Gabriel ‘47
Sr. Anne Marie Liston, SJC ‘56
Carole A. Collins Mascioli ‘62
Mary Harkins-Caslin ‘47
Valerie Wissler-Bartolacci ‘56
Catherine Brunetta-Falsetta ‘63
Sr. Mary Lusk ‘47
Arleen Cunningham-Stapleton ‘57
Dorothy E. McCabe ‘63
Marcella McGough-Campagnolo ‘47
Sr. Eugenia Daley ‘57
Frances Kaiser-Wos ‘64
Sr. Catherine Murray, MSBT ‘47
Noreen Doherty ‘57
Jeanne Coppinger-Olson ‘66
Sr. Mary O’Brien, CP ‘47
Joan Laverty-Rafferty ‘57
Carol Corrigan-Finnety ‘66
Sr. Catherine O’Leary, CSJ ‘47
Rita Mahon-Rath ‘57
Carol Bozza-Zalenski ‘67
Edna Golembeski-Miller ‘48
Carole Ann Richard-Norton ‘57
Margaret Lehman ‘48
Mary Roberts McCormack ‘57
THE 70s
Sr. Maureen McDermott ‘48
Mary Teague Mulhern ‘57
Irene Mazur-Cody ‘71
Margaret Mirro-Dunclee ‘48
Rosalind Adams-Walsh ‘58
Claire ‘Cookie’ Perri ‘71
Elizabeth A. Kissinger-Gutzeit ‘49
Evelyn Benedetto-Tretin ‘58
Catherine Ashley ‘72
Joan Lavery-Forde ‘49
Rita Cassidy Lynkey Forsyth ‘58
This memorial listing includes notifications the school has received up to March, 2022. If we have failed to include an alumna here or have made an error, please contact Josephine McKenna ‘90 at jmckenna@blmhs.org.
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PAVE THE WAY CAMPAIGN
The pandemic severely affected our capital PAVE THE WAY Campaign to restore, repair, and improve the courtyard area between the track and school building. We are happy to report that construction begins on April 14 and will continue for several months. The stairs will be repaired, a handicap accessible ramp will be installed, and we will create a welcoming courtyard with an attractive brick pathway. The engraved bricks will be placed along the path. Please view the architectural rendering here of the completed project.
JOIN THE ALL NEW
LOUGHLIN ALUMNI/COMMUNITY BAND WE ARE LOOKING FOR INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED SINGER S A ND MUSICI A NS
— JOIN US AND BE PART OF SOMETHING GREAT —
For information, contact Louis Maffei at 516-426-6098, lmaffei@blmhs.org or Mark Payne (markpaynerqb@aol.com)
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School 357 Clermont Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11238
IFY ENT D I YOU THIS CAN IS IN O ? WH URE E PICT RST FIV I F E e W N th E ER & BE I SOM NSW A U O TO Y ND AG! L SE ’S SW WIL P O BISH
Email the names of these Bishop’s girls to Josephine Santos McKenna ‘90 at jmckenna@blmhs.org.