S. Mary Feliciana Sacco, CSJ

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of S. Mary Feliciana Sacco CSJ, a member of the TMLA Family from 1974-2011. S. Feliciana was a long time member of TMLA's Department of Science from 1974-1994 and served as Dean for the Classes of 1981 & 1986.

In recent years S. Feliciana served as Co-Manager of TMLA's bookstore, the Kaleidoshop, from 1994-2011. Sister was in the 65th year of her religious life. S. Mary Feliciana will be remembered for her passion for science, her gentle kindness and her genuine compassion. She is greatly missed. Requiescat in Pace.

Wake: Friday, March 8th at 2pm (prayer service at 6:30pm)
Sacred Heart Chapel (at the CSJ Motherhouse)
1725 Brentwood Road
Brentwood, NY

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, March 9th at 10am
Sacred Heart Chapel

Don't miss this!

TMLA has produced an all-new, exciting video that is sure to thrill you. Check it out here:
http://youtu.be/TJ2qLqxwLyA

Ms. Catherine Michaels Former TMLA Religious Studies Teacher

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a former teacher, Miss Catherine Michaels, on October 9, 2012. Cathy fought tirelessly against serious illness for almost her entire life. May she rest in peace in the presence of our Lord. Cathy was remembered at a Mass of the Resurrection at St. Joan of Arc Church in Jackson Heights on October 13th.

 

Roxanne DeTorre '02 is Guest Speaker ar 2012 Commencement Exercises

The Mary Louis Academy awarded diplomas to 234 young women at the 76th Commencement Exercises on June 3, 2012 at Colden Auditorium of Queens College. Valedictorian for the Class of 2012 was Victoria Stivanello and Salutatorian was Lauren McManus. Guest Speaker was Roxanne DeTorre, TMLA Class of 2005. One hundred percent of the Class of 2012 was accepted into college. More than $30,000,000 in Merit-based scholarships were awarded to the graduates who will be attending such schools as M.I.T., Yale, Georgetown, Cornell, Columbia, Rensselaer, Case Western Reserve, Duke, Villanova, Notre Dame, and other colleges and universities. The Class of 2012 generously donated more than 90,000 hours of volunteer service to a wide variety of social service programs.

Alumnae return for Career Day

Twenty-one alumnae returned to TMLA on May 10th to speak to the junior class about various career possibilities. Each of the alumnae offered a classroom presentation in such areas of law, medicine, architecture, event planning, marketing and other careers. Sudents signed up for one of two presentations each.

In the photo are:

Back Row (L to R standing): Dr. Ann DiBella Jablon '66, Marybeth Butler Ruscica '68, Marlynne Bidos, Esq '01, Dorothy Greiner Brandreth '62, Lorin Bona '00, Alison Schawb Kondel '97, Det. Elizabeth McColgan NYPD '90, Marisa Kavanaugh Hogans '93, Barbara Economou Morris '77, Judith Williams '60 & Mary Graziano Flanagan '74

Middle Row (L to R seated): Pascale Saint-Louis '01, Jeanne Brutman '89, Lois Borth Trudden '71, Nicole Aloise Esq '01, Gail DiLeonardo Konecsni '64, Nadine Chin-Santos '79

Front Row (L to R kneeling): Pat Clements Jaquay '67, Maura Loughnane O'Keeffe 92, Deirdre Gibbons Mullen '83, Dr. Emily Arweiler Ambizas '95 & Dr. Melissa Dowd Begg '81

Not pictured: Mary Kate Walsh '98, Michelle Stercula Zappulla '94

Sister Louis Marie Biechele, C.S.J.

Rest in Peace April 2, 2012.

 

Sister Louis Marie Biechele, C.S.J., 94, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, died in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, April 2, in the 75th year of her religious life. She had taught Math at TMLA since 1973. Her Math specialty was Geometry. In her later years she helped manage the Kaleidoshop/Book Store.


Sister Louis entered the congregation in 1938 from St. Brendan parish, Midwood
After earning degrees in Math from St. John’s University and extended study in Modern Math from Manhattan College and the University of Maine, she taught at St. Martin of Tours, Bushwick, 1939-40; St. Angela Hall Academy H.S., Clinton Hill,1940-42, 1943-48; St. Augustine, Park Slope, 1948-1949; The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica Estates, 1949-53; Bishop McDonnell H.S Annex, Flushing, 1953-64; St. Agnes Seminary H.S., Homecrest 1964-68; St. Patrick, Fort Greene, as Principal, 1968-71; Fontbonne Hall Academy, Fort Greene, as Administrative Assistant, 1971-73; and The Mary Louis Academy H.S., Jamaica Estates, 1973-2009. She retired to Maria Regina Residence in 2009. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.

Sister Joan Killen CSJ offered the following at her funeral:

Sister Louis Marie Biechele was a Sister of Saint Joseph for seventy-four years. We remember her wit, wisdom and welcoming presence. As Sisters of Saint Joseph we believe in the power and presence of God working through us to bring God’s healing and inclusive love to all whose lives we touch. Louis touched many lives as teacher, administrator, mentor and friend.

It was obvious to all who know her that she was attentive to God’s creative energy empowering her to see the gifts and potential in others. She cooperated with God’s creative presence to empower others to be a positive influence on our world. On her own, she could create beautiful needlework or ignite fun and enjoyment with her clever games and play on words. She was fully aware of God working in and through her and she could bring God’s care and compassion to others with enthusiasm and joy.

How fitting that we celebrate Louis’ life this Holy Week. She allowed the voice of God to take her where it will. Through her various ministries she was tireless in using her talents to help others learn. Yes, they learned math from an excellent teacher but they learned that God lives in each one of us and impels us to love one another without distinction. Louis was aware of this presence, ennobled it and empowered others. And of course one learned to have a little fun along the way.

In her illness and diminishment, she always had her smile, still bearing the presence of a loving God, caring for others and confident in the God who loved her dearly. In her living and dying Louis gave expression to the deep spirit of love with integrity and the total commitment of her life.
Louis you taught us how to live, laugh and love and we will remember your lessons well. Your death is not an end but a transformation into the mystery of a loving God.

Senior Lawn

Do you remember the Senior Lawn. Each spring the lawn would come alive with plants and trees and seniors. Still today seniors are eager to get some outdoor time on the lawn. This year's early spring allowed for some visits to the lawn in March. Click here to see a panorama of the lawn.

S. Mary Bradley/S. Mary Eugene, CSJ - Religious Studies

Sister Mary Bradley entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on February 2, 1943 and at Reception she received the name Sister Mary Eugene. Like most sisters at that time, Mary spent her early years of ministry teaching in elementary schools. Meanwhile, she earned a BA in history from St. Francis College and an MA in religion from St. Bonaveture. She also earned certification in Pastoral Counseling at the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health.Mary was a teacher of religion at Fontbonne Hall Academy and at St. Joseph HS. She served as principal and superior at St. Bernard School in Levittown and at Fontbonne Hall Academy. In 1975, Mary joined the religion department at The Mary Louis Academy and taught there until she was elected Regional Superior in 1982. After completing her two terms as Regional Superior, she became a Librarian and Academic Counselor at St. Joseph HS until her retirement.The prophet Nehemiah tells us that “wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” Sister Mary Eugene Bradley was a truly wise woman. During her seventy years as a Sister of St. Joseph, Mary’s wisdom was revealed to all who knew her by her compassion, welcoming hospitality and her response to the needs of the dear neighbor. In all her roles she welcomed everyone with warmth and sincerity. Her presence to others revealed her oneness with the God of all creation who sustained and challenged her. She was tireless to respond wherever there was a need. Mary’s enthusiastic smile or caring question was an authentic revelation of God’s love for those she met.Through Mary’s life we have a glimpse of God in our world, a God who suffered, overcame death and continuously reveals a transforming love that counters injustice, exclusion and violence. She embodied a love that is pure, peaceable, gentle and full of mercy.

TMLA Students Publish Artwork

It is well known that TMLA Art students create beautiful work throughout the year in their classes. Recently 12 TMLA AP Art students were selected to illustrate a Christmas book written by a TMLA faculty member. Read the NY Daily News article here. All proceeds from the book go to TMLA. Call TMLA and offer any donation to the school and we will send the book to you or you may come by and pick it up...but call first to make sure we still have copies available. Call the TMLA Office of Advancement at 718-297-2120 ext 252 or e-mail rpiro@tmla.org. You may view sample pages here.

S. Helen Clancey Honored

Sister Helen Clancy is remembered by TMLA Alumnae from the 1970s as the Chairperson of the English Department. She was recently honored by the Sisters of St. Joseph for her many ministries as detailed here.

Sister Helen Clancey entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in the Centenary Year of 1956. After graduating from Brentwood College, her first ministry was teaching at the junior high school level. During this time, she earned an MA in English from Manhattan College. Then at The Mary Louis Academy she served as English teacher, Department Chairperson and Dean. In 1977 she was assigned as Assistant Principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help HS in Brooklyn.During this period, she also Chaired the committee that rewrote the Constitutions of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Following this, she became an adjunct professor at St. John’s University and, through Mercy College, taught at the New York State men’s correctional facilities. She also performed financial work at a Queens parish.

From 1986-1994, Sister Helen was elected to the Congregation’s Leadership team as a Councilor. During her second term, she was asked to become the Administrator of Maria Regina Convent which was home to ill and retired Sisters. Helen assumed this new responsibility with characteristic enthusiasm and energy. Using her administrative background, she immersed herself in mastering health care, earned her license and began the process of having Maria Regina become a licensed health care facility. During the years of disruption while the facility was renovated to meet with State Department requirements, Helen and her staff continued to provide quality care for the health needs of the Sisters.

By October 2001, the Maria Regina Residence was dedicated as a State Licensed Health Care Facility. Due to Helen’s dedication and leadership, Maria Regina is now a 5 Star facility for recuperants and long term residents. It clearly reflects the unique Certificate of Need issued by the State Department of Health which states that…"Maria Regina is primarily for Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters and Brothers of other religious congregations, Priests and Lay Persons as there is room." After 20 years as Administrator, Sister Helen resigned in June 2011 because of health concerns. She will be honored for her work in October 2011 by a grateful Congregation.

Actual TMLA 75th Anniversary Celebration

On September 14, 2011, the entire present TMLA community celebrated the actual 75th Anniversary of our school with a prayer service and ribbon cutting ceremony. See the video here for full coverage.

God Bless "Aunt Rose"

Mrs. Rose Sangirardi
(April 4, 1927- May 21, 2011)

Whether you were enrolled in one of her Home & Career courses or not, if you were part of TMLA from 1980-1995, you couldn’t help but be touched by the presence of Mrs. Rose Sangirardi. Better known as “Aunt Rose,” Mrs. Sangirardi brought joy and laughter to all of us at TMLA. In addition to her position as Chairperson of the Home & Career Dept, Mrs. Sangirardi oversaw all the preparations and details for the annual Senior Prom. Along with her devoted husband, “Uncle Larry,” she also chaperoned many school trips and other school events. Mr & Mrs. Sangirardi retired to Oklahoma City in 1995 to be near their children. Thank you, Aunt Rose and may God bless and keep you.

Art Show at TMLA

The 1st Annual Art Show by TMLA students was held on May 13, 2011. Several hundred works created by current TMLA students adorned the walls and tables of the cafeteria. Guests toured the room taking in the beauty of the many wonderful works done in various mediums. Alumnae Art majors served as judges for the Art competition that was included in the event. A number of alumnae Art majors who returned for the event are pictured above. The entire event was under the direction of TMLA Art Dept Chairperson, Mrs. Jenny Limberg-Durkin, Class of '98, who was aided by Art instructor, Ms. Olivia Infante. Click on the link above to view the artwork.

2011 Reunion

TMLA's Annual reunion took place on April 16, 2011. More than 400 alumnae returned to TMLA for the day. The classes that net this year were those that ended in 1 and 6. The event began with the Mass for Palm Sunday celebrated in memory of our deceased alumnae. Dinner followed for all and many alumnae toured the school recalling many fond memories. Look for photos in the next issue of MARIEL-After.

S. Kathleen McKinney receives LEAD Award from St. John's University

The School of Education presented TMLA Principal Sister Kathleen McKinney with its annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (L.E.A.D.) in the D’Angelo Center Ballroom on the Queens campus. This annual event honors St. John’s University alumni who have distinguished themselves as professional educators or educational administrators. Sister Kathleen was introduced at the awards dinner by Dr. Mary Ellen Freeley, St. John's Professor and Chair of The Mary Louis Academy Board of Directors. View their videos from the dinner: Dr. Freeley
S. Kathleen McKinney

St. Joseph Liturgy

This year's liturgy for St. Joseph's Day was celebrated March 21 in Immaculate Conception Church. The Feast of St. Joseph is March 19th. (In the photo at left, Ms. Angela Cacciola, long-time faculty member at TMLA, carries the statue of St. Joseph to be placed on the altar.) It is a very important and beloved day for TMLA and the Sisters of St. Joseph who sponsor TMLA and it sister CSJ schools. It is the Congregation's Patronal Feast Day. Each year the TMLA community gathers together to celebrate our patron, to thank God for his many blessings, and to ask St. Joseph for his continued care. At the liturgy the Sisters of St. Joseph renewed their vows, the lay faculty renewed their commitment to education and the students stated their commitment to excellence and service. The annual TMLA Peacemaker awards were also named honoring 4 students, 1 faculty member and 1 parent. Click on the link for photos and video

Spirit Night 2011

The 70th Spirit Night event took place on March 18, 2011 at Queens College. The theme for this year was board games. The Queens College gymnasium was filled with students, parents, and teachers all cheering, dancing, stepping and more. The first Spirit Day/Night events began in 1940. For many years it was known as Sports Night, but the themes and activities were the same.

TMLA Family

Mr. Joseph Lewinger, TMLA Athletic Director & Social Studies teacher and Mr. Kevin O'Hagan, TMLA Assistant Athletic Director and Social Studies teacher, recently took part in a St. Baldrick event in support of Mr. Lewinger's daughter, Madison. The Lewinger team was the Brave & Strong. At a St. Baldrick’s event, young and old, male and female, sit side by side, and face the clippers as part of the worldwide effort of Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer.

Mother-Daughter Alumnae Brunch 2011

TMLA's annual Mother-Daughter Alumnae Brunch was a great success this year. Nearly 200 adults were present plus children. Alumnae brought their female friends and relatives for a day at TMLA. The Class of 85 made a mini reunion of the day as well! Raffles and prizes were also part of the day. View photos here.

S. Kathleen McKinney Feted by Mayor Bloomberg

On March 1, 2011, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg celebrated Women’s History Month with the launch of “NYC Women: Make it Here, Make it Happen,” a film series produced by the Commission on Women’s Issues in collaboration with Emmy award-winning NYC Media that shines a spotlight on extraordinary women of New York City. TMLA's own Sister Kathleen McKinney was announced as one of the mayoral Extraordinary Women of New York City. Click here for the video.

The series highlights individual women in one minute interstitials that will air each day in the month of March on NYC Life. You can watch each video by clicking on a featured woman and their corresponding date.

The entire series will be televised starting March 8th on channels 22 and 25.