JUNE, 2020
NOTRE DAME ACADEMY ALUMNAE BULLETIN
JUNE, 2020
On the cover: Prom princesses left to right: Rita Ehrhart, Colleen Kelly, Kathy Schultz, Kathy Jones and Monica Luers pose before one of them is singled out as Prom Queen.
ABOUT OUR NEW SYMBOL
A refreshed look for Sisters' work that makes an impact
Symbolism
History
The three elements—cross for our Faith, M for Mary for whom our Congregation is named, and wheat that represents the Eucharist initial vision of our foundress for a congregation that would endure through many difficulties and persecutions—represent essential elements of our vocation, history, and identity.
Forty years ago, when our community adopted the Notre Dame Sisters symbol, Sr. Margaret Proskovec was the artist who worked with a small committee of Sisters to design it over three years.
Feel free to read more about Blessed Alix's vision on our website.
In 1980, the symbol was presented to the General Chapter of the Notre Dame Congregation and unanimously approved for the Congregation. The logo's colors and type have been updated, but the symbolism remains the same.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2- About our new logo 4- Letter from Provincial President 5- Letter from Vice President of Advancement 6- Timeline 10- In Memoriam - Alumnae 11- Relatives of Alumnae 12- Alumnae Updates 20- Academy Song
We are proud to honor the following classes this year: We will be honoring the class of 1970 for their 50th anniversary! 1965 - 55th anniversary 1960 - 60th anniversary 1955 - 65th anniversary 1950 - 70th anniversary 1945 - 75th anniversary 1940 - 80th anniversary
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JUNE, 2020
FROM OUR PROVINCIAL
This year has been difficult for everyone. In April and May we were navigating the everchanging COVID-19 situation. As May turned to June, civil unrest popped up across the country, including in our own alma mater city of Omaha. Day after day, innocent people are being harmed by seen and unseen dangers. Since the pandemic began we hear the recurring phrase, “We are in this together.” It can be difficult to believe this when we see neighbor standing against neighbor on every TV news station. Do not let this phrase be buried under all of this brutal TV footage. Remember, we ARE in this together. And, we have been through this before. Looking through the pages of this bulletin we see Sisters and young women doing great things during World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, assassinations, depressions and recessions, and tornadoes and floods, and more.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
This is not the first times in our lives that we have faced uncertain and anxious times. Continue to pray with us for a resolution to community grievances and for a vaccine to end COVID-19. Let us also count our blessings. On June 20th we will be able to visit together as alums via an online platform. Summer has arrived, and the weather is invigorating. We maintain our relationships with families and friends and have the opportunity to become closer during this time of physical distance. Join me in my excitement for our virtual reunion, and remember that close human connections are not to be taken for granted. Sincerely,
Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND Provincial President, Notre Dame Sisters
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JUNE, 2020
ADVANCEMENT UPDATE Your continued support during these unclear times is a blessing to the Sisters and the people they serve. As our fiscal year draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for embracing me in my new role with the Notre Dame Sisters. The year has been filled with lots of changes both within our staff at the Notre Dame Sisters and within our world. I would like to take this time to introduce you to Molly Mullen, Director of Communications, and Anne Medlock, Development Specialist for the Notre Dame Sisters. Molly comes to us with a vast background in communication and love for nonprofits and everything Nebraska. She worked overseas for the Jesuits and her enthusiasm to spread the vision, mission, and values of the Notre Dame Sisters is a wonderful addition to the staff.
We are all in this together. This may seem like a trendy slogan, but it is the truth. Omaha Gives reinforced the commitment to our cause when we raised more than $5,000 more than our goal. While the Sisters may have not seen you in person, they are all feeling the groundswell of support for their work. We are all in this together. And it is because of you and your support. Sincerely,
Sandra Koch, Vice President of Advancement, Notre Dame Sisters
Anne recently joined the team and has extensive knowledge on fundraising, events, and data entry! She loves spending time at her lake and her spirit and smile brighten our office. Sr. Josita and I are blessed to have Molly and Anne join the team. I feel our backgrounds provide the perfect fit to share with the community how the Sisters continue to impact so many in our community. Since the early spring we have seen a new reality when we were forced to separate. Then, protest broke out around the United States and in our community. It is easy to feel isolated, anxious, or angry. What I have seen from the Sisters and the Notre Dame Community is strength and a stronger commitment to each other and the mission of the Notre Dame Sisters.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
In 1960, Fr. Moreci explains the purposes and symbols of the vestments to Kay Bender, Linda Reznicek, Karen Klosner, and Mary Ann Echtenkamp.
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JUNE, 2020
TIMELINE What made these years exceptional?
Physical Education class in 1944.
1940
1945
1950
The very first McDonald's restaurant opens in San Bernardino, California.
Plans for construction of a new chapel began at Notre Dame Academy.
Construction of the new chapel and west wing completed at Notre Dame Academy.
Bugs Bunny makes his debut in the Oscarnominated cartoon short, A Wild Hare. Democrat incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt defeats Republican Wendell Willkie and becomes the nation's first and only thirdterm president.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
As World War II came to a close, Mother Fabiola released from Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in Mecklenburg, Germany. The Detroit Tigers win the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.
North Korea invades South Korea beginning the Korean War. All The King's Men wins Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
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JUNE, 2020
1955
1960
1965
After staffing several rural schools, the Notre Dame Sisters begin working at St. John School in Howells, Nebraska.
Sisters are assigned to teach at Aquinas High School, David City, Nebraska.
Increased enrollment lead to the construction of a new wing of Notre Dame Academy.
The Disneyland theme park opens in Anaheim, California, and the Mickey Mouse Club debuts on TV. Little Richard records rock and roll classic "Tutti Frutti".
Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-Ins spark civil rights sitins at lunch counters across the South. The United States announces that 3,500 American soldiers will be sent to Vietnam. The U.S. flag has 50 stars.
The Gateway Arch is completed in St. Louis. Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 perform the first controlled rendezvous in Earth orbit. A Charlie Brown Christmas debuts on CBS.
Pollution protest in 1970.
1970
In addition to education, the Notre Dame Sisters engage in CCD, tutoring, visiting the aged, nursing, and social work. Students from Notre Dame Academy participate in pollution protest. The Ford Pinto is introduced. Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin die at age 27. The U.S. invades Cambodia. The Public Broadcasting Service begins broadcasting. John Wayne wins the Best Actor Academy Award for True Grit.
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1970 National Honoirs Society. Front row: Carol Houlihan, Jean Angus, Mary Lou Flearl, Lynn Silhasek, Phyllis Swoboda, Regina Pirruccello, Debbie Edmonds, Sheila Gleason, Bernie Parys, Mary Jo Hill, Marcia Little, Michaela Cockrell, Lynne Bovick, Monica Luers, Kathy Boyle, Debi Cuva; (second row) Claudia Casaccio, Debi Trainor, Chris Slaven, Paulette Mitzlaff, Cindy Sedlacek, Sharon Grohmann, Michelle Reed; (third row) Carrie Pirruccello, Donna Luers, Jan Illgner.
JUNE, 2020
1950 spring May Crowning.
Enjoying class outdoors - spring of 1970.
Volleyball, 1970
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Basketball in 1965.
Enjoying class outdoors - spring of 1970.
Interior decorating class in 1970.
Almetra Black, Angela Walker, Delois Franklin, and Kay Metoyer show off the latest fashions in 1970.
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JUNE, 2020
IN MEMORIAM Notre Dame Sisters Memorial Association
1950
Please pray for our beloved Alumnae and their relatives who have entered eternal life. Those entered in the Memorial Association are remembered in the Sisters' prayer and liturgies. A special Memorial Mass is held each November to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. The names in this book were submitted on or before May 31, 2020. We are only able to share names that have been informed of. When there is a death in your family or that of a fellow alumna, please inform Sister Josita Hanus ( jhanus@notredamesisters.org ) in the Advancement Office so we can enter them into the Memorial Association.
ALUMNAE Genevieve Brecka Molacek, ‘45 Mary Agnes Barry, ‘46 sister of Margaret Barry Cisar, ’45 ✝ Beatrice Janousek Kanak, ‘48 sister of Adeline Janousek Stehno, ’41 ✝ sister of Rose Marie Janousek Faimon, ’44 ✝ sister of Sylvia Janousek Kletcka, ’46 ✝ Rose Kucera Kvidera, ‘48
Barbara McGinn Schnitker, ‘60 sister of Rosemary McGinn Codd, ‘62 Eileen Stobbe Bush, ‘60 Phyllis Ann Northhorn Liesback, ‘61 sister of Judith Nothhorn Evans, ‘55 sister of Donna Nothhorn Silknitter, ’59 non graduate
Sr Phyllis Marie Heble ND, ‘50
Lydia E Burgos, ‘62 sister of Yolanda E Burgos, ‘63 sister of Judith Burgos Meiners, ’65 ✝ sister of Olga Burgos Kordash, ’68 non graduate
Lila Jean Higgs Major, ‘51
Peggy Minturn Holzapfel, ’68 non graduate
Rita Ann Neff Sutter, ‘52
Bernadette M Meier, ‘68
Laura Hansen Borgen, ‘53
Gloria Jean Sorey, ‘68
Kathleen Phillips Stepanek, ‘55 mother of Marie Stepanek Meysenburg, Roncalli ‘76
Helen Sernatinger Violett, ‘71
Mary Jo Pitner Steinke. ‘49 sister of Betty Pitner Neary, ‘53
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
Patricia Furey Lane, ‘73 sister of Lorraine “Lori” Furey Kolasinski, ‘69
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JUNE, 2020
RELATIVES OF ALUMNAE Edward J Cahoj brother of Cecilia Cahoj Allen, ‘40 brother of Agnes Cahoj Sabatka, ‘44 brother of Henrietta Cahoj Spindler, '50 ✝ brother of Mary Ann Cahoj Reinert,‘54 brother of Carmelita Cahoj Berndt, '62 Lillian E Neved sister of Sr Paula (Mary) Melmer, SSFC ’42 ✝ sister of Sr Mariette (Anna) Melmer, ND ’43 ✝ Darwin P Fallis husband of Donna Workman Fallis, ’44 ✝ Elmer J Smith husband of Marcella Kapler Smith, ‘46 Milton S Kobza brother of Joan Kobza Bock, ’48 ✝ brother of Ramona Kobza Abbott, ’50 ✝ brother of Carmelita Kobza Malone, ’53 ✝
Timothy J McReynolds brother of Sr Sally Ann (Sr Kevin) McReynolds ND, ’56 ✝ Vincent P Rasnick husband of Eileen Barnes Rasnick, ‘56 Eleanor E Van Nevel sister of Sr Mary (Edith) Hlas ND, ‘56 Robert J Ward husband of Marguerite Souchek Ward, ‘57 Mary Jeanette Brutsche sister of Kay Brutsche Stevens, ‘58 sister of Virginia Brutsche James, ‘63 Kenneth J Janak Sr husband of Margaret Sinnott Janak, ’58 ✝ Francis E Dropinski husband of Marianne Koukal Dropinski, ‘59
John R Burk husband of Virginia Horinek Burk, ‘51
Frank G Gaeta husband of Patricia Faur Gaeta, ’59 ✝
James P Markey brother of Mary Markey Mangus, ’51 ✝ brother of Sr Barbara Markey ND, ‘52 brother of Regina Markey McCulloh, ’55 ✝
Dennis J Finn Jr husband of Patricia Harrington Finn, ‘60
Paul T Mathews brother of Jacqueline Mathews Ira, ‘51 Jim J Janda Sr brother of Mary Ann Janda Kleffner, ’54 ✝ brother of Barbara Janda Schafer, ‘63 Janice Lynn Rosetti sister of Judith LaCourse, ‘54 Bernard A Baratta husband of Joan Prazak Baratta, ‘55 Delores A Fees sister of Irene Pieper Brosch, ‘55 Raymond T Pieper brother of Irene Pieper Brosch, ‘55 James L Hanson husband of Carla Zmolek Hanson, ‘56 Joe Jones brother of Colene Jones Talbot, ‘56
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Elizabeth C Kuker mother of Sharon Kuker Patterson, ’60 ✝ Joseph A Osterlink brother of Rose Marie Osterlink Anderson, ‘60 Julia Kopiasz mother of Tanya Kopiasz Whitehill, ‘61 mother of Anlia Kopiasz, ‘65 David A Rule son of Mary Jeanine Lanphier, ‘61 Elizabeth R Bartman mother of Sue Ann Bartman Casart, ‘62 Mary Beth Havener daughter of Sue Ann Bartman Casart, ‘62 Daniel A Wais husband of Mary Ann Papke Wais, ‘62 John R Heinz husband of Adrienne Zephier Heinz, ‘63 Rose M Palmer sister of Jean Hegarty Rine, ‘63
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Nicholas J Schafer husband of Barbara Janda Schafer, ‘63 Paul L Yulga brother of Mary Lou Yulga Grillot, ‘64 Anna Marie Boukal sister of Patricia Bosanek, ’65 ✝ Mary M Gall sister of Lois Sindelar Holloway, ‘65
Barbara Angus mother of Mary Angus, ‘71 mother of Jeanne Angus Pulver, ‘72 Irene A Marchese mother of Chris Marchese Bolmeier, ’71 non-graduate Michael J Slobotski brother of Kathleen Slobotski Plantenberg, ‘71 brother of Susan Slobotski Jacobberger, ‘73
John M Holloway husband of Lois Sindelar Holloway, ‘65
Richard E Andrews husband of Diane Giacovelli Andrews, ‘72 brother of Terri Andrews, Roncalli ‘76
Marvin J Alff, PhD husband of Judith Stenson Alff, ‘66
John D Straka Sr husband of Catherine Yager Straka, ’71 ✝
J Colette Scobee mother of M Linda Scobee Balderas, ’66 ✝
William J Bickels brother of Elizabeth Bickels Redinbaugh, ‘72
Jean M Vacanti mother of Jan Vacanti Garrison, ‘66
Delbert W Hansen father of Diane M Hansen, ‘73 father of Kathy Hansen Carnahan, ‘76 non-graduate
Thomas A Widtfeldt husband of Diane Sempek Widtfeldt, ‘66 Laurence F McCabe husband of Janice Hanna McCabe, ‘67 Mary Sharon Moffatt sister of Patricia Murphy Murphy, ‘67 Harold W Penton husband of Janine Stephens Penton, ‘67 Catherine A “Cathy” Blanchard daughter of Carol Lohmeier Blanchard, ‘68
Mary E Krebs mother of Cris Krebs Imig, '73 mother of Mary Claire Krebs Bolen, '74 ✝ Kathleen W “Kathy” Smith mother of Cindy Smith Jensen, ‘73 Brad A Janisch son of Denise Butterfield Janisch, ’74 non-graduate William J Allen husband of Cathy Shuster Allen, ’76 non-graduate
Ellen A Casaccio mother of Therese Casaccio Hineline, ‘68 mother of Claudia A Casaccio, ‘70 mother of Paula Casaccio Jackson, ‘73 mother of Ellen Kay Casaccio, ‘74 Marlene G Kelly sister of Kathy Martin Wiese, ‘68 Dean T Randolph Jr husband of Kathleen Maynes Randolph, ‘68 Erin Cunningham daughter of Marcia Borcyk Cunningham, ‘69 Robert “Bob” Spinharney brother of Carolyn Spinharney Kozel. ‘69 brother of Theresa Spinharney Johnson, ‘72 brother of Denise Spinharney ’73 non-graduate Margaret K Blaufuss mother of Cheryl L Blaufuss, ‘70 Jeffery K Perry husband of Barbara Bahle Perry, ‘70
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JUNE, 2020
UPDATES Class of 1949 Mary Jo Pitner Steinke Hello. This is Sue DeMuth, Mary’s daughter. I received your postcard regarding the Alumnae Reunion. Mom passed away peacefully on November 14, 2019 just shy of her 88th birthday. She left us after a lengthy illness with Parkinson Disease. Mom left the farm life at an early age in 1945 to attend Notre Dame Academy and she graduated in the Class of 1949. She spoke fondly of her "good life there" and made several lifelong friends. Class of 1950 Rita Kisicki Viano “Hello” from far away California! 1950 seems like a very long time ago! My four years at Notre Dame are one of my happiest memories. Our graduating class was small — l think there were 16 of us. I am fortunate to be in good health and go hiking on weekends with my son. I still lector at weekday Mass, twice a week and on Sundays as scheduled. My eight children, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren keep life happy and interesting. I had hoped to come for the reunion this year, but COVID-19 made that impossible.
Class of 1951 Sr. Anita Rolenc ND In 2012 I retired after 56 years of teaching and moved from O’Neill to Notre Dame Housing in Omaha. For six years I was a substitute teacher at St. Philip Neri School. I continue as an archivist for the Notre Dame Sisters. I am the sacristan and organist for Mass and other celebrations. Daily, I take time to pray, to walk outside regardless of the weather, to embroider, and to read. God has blessed me with good health, for which I am grateful. Class of 1955 Mary Patricia Mines Henderson It just doesn’t seem possible that class of '55 is celebrating our 65th reunion. I have been a widow for 5 ½ years. I now have 10 children (including spouses), 24 grandchildren (including spouses) and nine great-grandchildren and two on the way. Tuck is a Yorkie/Sitshu and the best companion anyone can have. My hobbies are knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Our church has a group of us ladies who make quilts and give them away to our homebound and sick.
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Bernetta Mines and Patricia Powoll, look at their graduation invitations in 1960.
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Class of 1956 Sr. Celeste Wobeter I’m still thriving and enjoying life. I’m trying to stay out of trouble as I work part time as a hospice chaplain with CHI Hospice and part time with the Coalition on Human Trafficking. Both are challenging and, at the same time, a blessing to be making a difference with wonderful teams of people in both groups. My family is growing; I have 18 nieces and nephews and 28 great nieces and nephews. Class of 1957 Marguerite Souchek Ward Greetings from “Down Under”. I now join my classmates as an octogenarian. I wish you all God’s blessings during these times of isolation and concern but times of healing as well.
Sr. M Consolata, physical education instructor, teachers dancers Jean Newell, Mary Jane Hruska, Kaleen Patsche, Ann Segur, Kay Finley, and Diane Dworak posture and movement.
Class of 1960 Loretta Uhlik Cooley I’m getting reacquainted with Nebraska. I live in Fremont these days and am still trying to get used to having all 4 Seasons again. I don't remember that we had as many cloudy days 60 years ago. Patricia Harrington Finn In the “brief” time since our graduation in 1960, I became a nurse, moved to Chicago and in 1965, and married Denny Finn who was my dream come true. We first met at the Summer Sch of Catholic Action in 1959. We lived in Chicago, Atlanta, Pennsylvania and Ohio, where I currently live. Along the way we had four children and much further along the way, we had 12 grandchildren. I am now in a new phase of my life as Dennis died in March of 2019. We were married almost 54 years. What a huge loss! I think I am most grateful for my faith, which is rooted in the example of my parents and nurtured by the ND sisters. I feel very blessed and thankful.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
Class of 1961 Nadine Spangler Medlin I retired with my husband John to New Braunfels, Texas which is a hop, skip and a jump from San Antonio,Texas. I miss Omaha and all of you, including our 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grands. But can't get John out of Texas and back to Omaha with its snow and icy winters. Mary Jane Yeshnowski Tweedy Married 57 years, 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Retired from mostly school related secretarial positions and also several years in retail management.
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Class of 1962 Elaine Bartek Davee After 20 years of serving at St. Mary’s in Bellevue as sacristan, altar server, lector and cantor, it has been a real life changer to be self-quarantined at home. However, I feel it is God’s will for me at this time to remain at home and take care of myself and my husband. I love staying in touch with my NDA ‘62 classmates, and Sr. Josita Hanus who updates us on classmates needing prayers, and Sister Margaret Hickey who has been my spiritual director for almost 18 years! God be with you all. May you live in His presence forever!
UPDATES 1970 fire drill.
Class of 1963 Barbara Janda Schafer Last July 26th, my brother, Jim, passed away. Then, three months later, my husband, Skip died suddenly in October of 2019. That was a hard time in 2019.The happy part was that my husband and I were able to spend family vacation time with three of our five kids and our two grandsons, hiking in Taos, New Mexico, the beginning of August. We also celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary. September found us in Chicago visiting with our two youngest kids and going to many new craft breweries. My husband’s two passions were mountain hiking and exploring new craft brews. So thankful I have these memories to hold me up. I spend my time gardening, quilting, and reading. Mary Vinton Sahli My husband Dan and I are now living in Lincoln, We were in Arizona only a year and a half and realized we were just too far away from family. But, since we’ve been here it’s been Coronavirus time so we haven't seen anyone! It’s o.k. though, we are healthy and enjoying our friendly neighbors while social distancing. We are working on ways that we can make a difference fighting injustice. Lincoln has lots of opportunities so there are no excuses for us not to be involved.
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Class of 1964 Carol Rezek Jacobs Wow, did we really graduate in the middle of the last century? I’m always surprised at my answer when someone inquires about my age… My husband, Roger, died three years ago. We have three boys and two grandchildren. I keep busy with Bible Study group and Spiritual Book Club. "I finally sewed the zipper in correctly," exclaimed Nancy Sike to Ann Marie Kaipus and Mildred Brau in 1965.
UPDATES Class of 1965 Charleen Saylors Allen I live in the Woodlands, north of Houston. I retired three years ago and am enjoying retirement. I have two children, four granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. During the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order I have taken up water color painting. Ann Homolka Dvorak I live in Green, Ohio. I taught 1st grade my entire teaching career for over 35 years and ended my career as an adjunct professor at Stark State Technical college in a remedial reading program for college students. Because I always loved singing, and reading. I am involved in our church as a cantor, proclaimer and Eucharistic minister at Holy Spirit Church in Uniontown, Ohio. Tim and I have two adult children and 3 grandchildren. My joys are knitting, tole crafting, pen and ink painting, quilting, and socializing. Barbara Coats Walters A year ago I retired as the administrative assistant at our church after 27 years. My husband of 31 yrs had a heart attack two years ago and received two stents. His original heart surgery was 22 years ago and he ended up with five bypasses at that time. He's been disabled since 1974 but still gets around and tries to do what he actually shouldn't but his will keeps him moving. We live in the small town Becida, Minnesota. One of my favorite things is to sit on the porch late in the afternoon or early evening and watch eagles overhead while the deer are munching their way down the field and Canadian Geese are swimming in our pond and listen to the frogs. Our church has been feeding the homeless and low-income families these last couple of months.
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UPDATES Class of 1965 Continued Sheila (Jones) Johns I worked as a graphic designer until 2010. After retiring, I moved on to work at PayPal as a fraud agent, then on to a second retirement in June of 2018. I now have time to do some photography and illustration work. See my work on Facebook @ Sheila's Originals. I also volunteered as an ambassador for Omaha Performing Arts. I am blessed to be a part of the choir at Sacred Heart Church in Omaha. I now have 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Thankfully, they are all living within 150 miles of me. Sr. Rita Ostry, ND A daily walk helps me keep life in balance by soaking in the fresh air of a new day, hearing birds chirp and sometimes watching a sunrise. My ministry of 35 years of teaching elementary students has delighted my heart and spirit with cherished memories. And 28 years of living and ministering on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota has enriched and deepened my spiritual life in amazing ways. I am currently ministering as a member of the Notre Dame Sisters' Leadership Team and living in Omaha. These days invite us to be a contemplative, engaged presence of hope, healing, and peace in our world reaching out in service to those in need. Suzanne Mary Olson I've been happily retired for nearly six years. My favorite volunteer opportunity has been as a spiritual director within the Ignatian Volunteer Corps and the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers as well as with other individuals. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps is for retired people like you and me over 50 (Omaha has a vibrant group in case you are interested) while the Vincentian Volunteers are in their 20s. They come from across the country to live in community for a year of spiritual growth and of full time service to local non-profits. I'm grateful to have all of them in my life.
Class of 1966 Sr. Cynthia Hruby, ND In 2019, I celebrated my 50th Anniversary as a Notre Dame Sister. Since returning to Omaha, I have been a GED instructor and now work as a Catholic School substitute teacher and as a volunteer at Juan Diego Center (ELL Class and the Naturalization Clinic).
Lori Buglewicz points to her favorite 1965 summer fashion to Louise Werner and Sharon Donahoe.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
My two current passions are education and environment. Other than teaching, I coordinate a lecture series called "Expand Your Horizons" for Notre Dame Sisters & Associates. My exercise and hobby is tending various plots around our Florence property. I particularly love the response from residents, sisters, and guests who share my "flower passion."
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UPDATES Class of 1967 Pat Holewinski Sexton This has been a wild year. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary, sold our small company, and my husband will retire next week. Our class of 1967 got together to celebrate our 70th birthdays this year. We still have a house full of people living with us. Our daughter, two grandsons, their three cats, and our two dogs and three cats. I don't think I will ever worry about an empty nest. Lynne Goracke Houtz I retired as professor emerita from Creighton University five years ago, but continue to work for Creighton as an adjunct. This semester I supervised five student teachers. Like many others now during the pandemic, I am expanding my creative hobbies in the kitchen, garden, and sewing nook. My husband and I plan to resume travel when it becomes possible again. Judy Allen Broghammer On May 29, 1970, Steve and I were married at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. We celebrated our 50th anniversary this year. Our planned celebration had to be postponed, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two of us went out for dinner, for the first time in months, to acknowledge this milestone in our lives. Our greatest gifts, in the past 50 years, are our two children, Stephanie and Jim, and our three grandsons, Hank, Sawyer, and Rex. We have truly been blessed and hope to enjoy many more years of love and commitment.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
Loretta Machacek, May Queen of 1955, sits with Edith Hlas, Mary Ann Hruska, Mary Jane Allen, Mary Jane Bourke, and Regina Markey
1965 Class President Pat Carl with other student council members, Cindy Bash, Mary Pat Kelly, Mary Jo Dieteman, and Ellen Reeves
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UPDATES Class of 1968 Jean Bender Lorenz In 2019, to keep busy, we opened our upstairs as an Airbnb and John signed up to be an Uber driver. Our 2019 travels included driving to Juneau to visit our son, Brian, to Maine to visit our other son, a paddle boat tour up the Mississippi, and to Leavenworth, WA for my birthday. John was diagnosed with stomach cancer just before COVID-19 took on a life of its own. All prayers gratefully accepted as we walk this path. Lucy Petterson Hyde I loved my high school years at Notre Dame. Many of our class of ‘68 have fun keeping in touch; those 50 years have just melted away! Phyllis Vacek Nelson After 45 years I am still living in Loveland, Colorado. After working full time for the Loveland Housing Authority for 22 years, they let me continue to work part time when I decided it was time to partially retire. I thank God, my family, and my friends for helping me deal with the loss of my husband, Rick, after his 25-day battle with cancer. Nine days after Rick's passing I lost my father. My younger brother died the year before ,and my mother the year after. The joys of my life, my four children and nine grandchildren keep me busy and happy with family get-togethers, watching the grandkids' sports, and school events.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
Mary Lou Melia Brennan It's been 50 plus years since graduation. I went back to school at age 40 to study radiology and worked for 24 years at Nebraska Spine and Pain Center informing patients that ,"We can see right through you". I enjoyed my work very much. Tim and I have six grandchildren who have all been home schooled. They range in ages from five to seventeen. Life is good, God is good. Sharon L Swoboda Swanson My husband, Matt, and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this August with a very special trip to Bosnia. We have five children and 15 grandchildren and have been very blessed. Angie Bruno Ferraro We are all well and doing fine in here in Friendswood, Texas! Frank and I just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary. I am still enjoying creating my oil paintings (Sister Alexia would be proud)! Her teachings have stayed with me all these years! Louise (Werner) Coyle Ron and I are celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary this July. We live in a little town in Danbury, Iowa. We have two girls, both married to wonderful guys. My husband, Ron, retired from the First State Bank about four years ago and still is keeping busy with different jobs off and on. I retired (sort of) in 2019, from Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa, working in the Business Office and Human Resources for the past 12 years. As of 2020, I work as a relief in HR.
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Borders in 1960 wake up and get ready to great their fellow students and teachers.
Sr. M. Immaculata, ND, teaches Yearbook, English, Algebra, and Shorthand in 1955.
UPDATES Class of 1969 Kathleen Miklas I worked in a variety of speech/language therapy settings until I semi-retired, and have since enjoyed getting back to my school roots providing speech/language therapy. I am an active parishioner and volunteer at Sacred Heart Parish and coordinator of Catholic faith services for Catholic Faith Community at Quality Living. I am a proud sister and proud aunt to many nieces, nephews, and now "greats". I graduated with the class of 1969, which seems so long ago now. I enjoyed my experience going to Notre Dame Academy for all 4 years of high school. I have many fond memories of all the friendships I made through the years. Ruth Hemmingson Blum I have been living in Walnut, Iowa-better known as Iowa's Antique City, for 30 years now. Between my husband Gary and I have six children and 14 grandkids. Our children live in Waukee, and West Des Moines, Iowa with five grandkids there as well. Our daughters and the rest of our grandkids live in Missouri, New Jersey and Florida so we don't see them as much as we would like.
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Class of 1970 Patty Vacek Fenner I have one son and daughter, from a previous marriage, and one daughter with my current husband of 34 amazing years. We have eight grandchildren. Two girls and six boys ranging in ages four to 16. Professionally, I have been an administrator for the Loveland Housing Authority, Director of Interfaith of Natrona County (ministry for the homeless and poor), where I developed a transitional housing program for singles and intact families back in the '90s, Director of Glenrock Senior Center, and am currently the Volunteer Coordinator for the Center for Spiritual Living and Reiki Level II Practitioner (Energy Healer). I have also been a Census Enumerator for the past three decenniums; 2000, 2010 and am looking forward to this year’s census as well. Barbara Bahle Perry My husband Jeff and I moved to Oro Valley, Arizona in 2016 after we both retired. We had the opportunity to travel throughout Arizona to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and to enjoy many day trips around the area. We had four great years here together before he passed away unexpectedly this past December. We had been married for 30 years. I am enjoying the beautiful warm weather here year round. I love reading and walking daily with my constant companion, a faithful Jack Russell terrier, Ella, and I also enjoy tending my many plants and cacti. Rita Eckley Fischer I have been married for 45 years to my husband John. We have two children and four grandchildren. I am recently retired from doing medical transcription. and am still working part time as a preschool aide at Holy Cross School.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
UPDATES Deborah Lee Stephens I exited from full time employment about a year ago after working the last 12 years for a hospital in their pediatric endocrinology clinic. Now, during the COVID-19 quarantine, I have not been out much. I never have been an outgoing type of person, so the quarantine has not been too irritating for me yet. There is much to add to the last 50 years. It will be easier to sit and talk than to try to fill in so much here. I am pleased to say I am happy and comfortable in my skin. I remain in reasonably good health and I looking forward to this next phase of life. Dr Patricia Coyle-Rogers Thinking of our NDA activities often.. those were great years! I retired in 2017 after 47 years as an RN/Nurse Educator. We moved to Los Lunas, NM in early 2020 to escape the cold of winter but still kept the cabin in Wyoming. We have four sons and eight grandchildren (5 boys and 3 girls). All are staying safe. Jo Nelle Nelson Robinson My grandma taught me to sew; freshman year I took sewing and have been sewing ever since. I've made everything from my prom dress to costumes for theater productions, to quilts, which I love to design even now. I have loved coaching my three girls in middle school softball, high school volleyball, and more. I received my Master's in Library Science and worked in a public library for the 20 years before I retired. My husband John (whom I met in college) and I are now retired in Evergreen, Colorado. Trudi Conkling Jacobs Roger and I have moved from Omaha to the Phoenix area. We now live in an over 55 community and love it. We both have retired and went back to work part time, he at a golf course and me as a home-care nurse. Most afternoons now are spent in the pool. We are proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren. I still can't believe it's been 50 years since the class of 1970 graduated.
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UPDATES Class of 1970 Continued Jan Mertz Watson After graduating from Notre Dame in 1970, I attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. From there, I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and ended up as a computer programmer - something I never envisioned with my BA in History but it was an enjoyable and satisfying career. In 1990, I moved to Colorado where I met my wonderful husband. We’ve been married for 23 years, live in Littleton, are active in our parish, dote on three grandchildren, and are happily retired. JoAnn Zadina-Zuerlein Dan and I have been married 48 years. We had 6 children, two are deceased due to a neurological disorder but our family considers them a gift of God thanks partly to my NDA religion and we learned so much from them. I have babysat all of our 11 grandchildren. The oldest is 20 the youngest will be starting kindergarten. We’ve had many travel opportunities and looking forward to more. We will volunteer more at St. Columbkille Parish and school where we’ve belonged for 24 years.
Class of 1971 Christiana Vidlak- Hansz I created the most wonderful daughters, Stacey Olsen and Angela Main. I have eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. They keep me busy crocheting, sewing, and remembering birthdays! Due to post-polio pain syndrome, I'm home-bound in a wheelchair but can get around with my walker on good days. My husband of 28 years is a truck driver and we live in Fremont. Sr. Dolores' speed reading class has come in handy. I've read half the books in the library.
Lynne Bovick Albrecht I have been married to Jim for 46 years since meeting at the University of Nebraska. I spent 20+ years homeschooling through high school. Our seven kids range from 23-42 years old. Hubby's part-time job sends him to different states and countries with me, too! Our most recent fun times were spent when our youngest played volleyball for UNL. Our son coaches volleyball in North Carolina..
Kaye Slobotski Plantenberg I have been married to Merle Plantenberg since September 5, 1992. After living in Grand Island for over 25 years, where I worked as an Occupational Therapist for the VA, I retired and moved to Sioux City,Merle's hometown. We have one outstanding son, Michael, 27, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Looking forward to going to see him again.
NOTRE DAME SISTERS
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UPDATES Class of 1972 Kathy Setlak Wells I am retired married for 45 years. We have two sons and three grandchildren. I have been a Healing Touch for Animals Certified Practitioner for 15 years. I teach CCD class for Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Karen Knowles Hosier I retired in 2019 as a Financial accountant from Immanuel Communities. I spend free time doing lots of reading, needlepointing, and volunteering at Friends of Omaha Library weekly book sales. We moved after 37 years in the same house in Omaha to an acreage. We purchased a house with our oldest daughter, her husband, and their two daughters, ages 8 and 10, and their two dogs. Nerita Schmitz Schwabauer My husband, Larry, and I reside in Estrella Mt Ranch, Goodyear, Arizona. I still stay connected with the ladies from Class of 1972. At least every two years we vacation together. My neighbor is Linda Schuette, Class of 1962. Small world. NDA opened the doors of the world for me. Class of 1973 Frances Hauptman Holeton Again and again, throughout my life. I am reminded of the devotion, steadfastness, and dedication to purpose of the Notre Dame Sisters community of women. I was blessed. Francine Schulte Buettner I retired two years ago after 30 years in an administrative position. My husband and I have permanent residency in Lincoln, and a lake home in Brainerd, Minnesota. Married for 45 years, we have always enjoyed the outdoors together. I spend time volunteering at our wonderful Lincoln parish, North American Martyrs. My middle child is a religious sister who belongs to the Marian Sisters of Lincoln.
ODDBALL IMAGING STUDIO
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NOTRE DAME ACADEMY School Song The Spirit of the White and Blue, The Spirit of Notre Dame, Is Harm for None and Help for All, Our Patron's Glorious Claim. Inspired by Faith and Loyalty, United in Mary's Name We Pledge Our Hearts in Grateful Love To You Dear Notre Dame!
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