FRIENDSHIP AT ITS BEST

Joan Reynolds Fogarty sent this picture of a long awaited reunion lunch which took place late last month.  

"Don't stay away so long, Bern"

On 29 October Joan wrote: "Lovely get-together for Lunch today with Bernadette Miskell Redmond, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Patricia Connolly Leonard, and Mary Bulger Corcoran. We are all St. Patrick's girls. We haven't seen Bernadette in over 30 years. Don't stay away so long, Bern."

Thank you Joan for all the great pictures and for your support. It is really wonderful to see you ladies maintaining this most beautiful friendship over the years. Long may it continue . God bless you all.

PS I look forward to hearing about your Christmas get together. 🎄🎅

☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

MORE FROM JOAN AND FRIENDS

I have heard from our staunch supporter,  Joan REYNOLDS Fogarty, about a recent get together. In early June, the longtime schoolfriends met at Clovelly Golf Club, which is now Baly Haly.  

Joan also sent a photo.

The friends are, L-R:

Brenda Grouchy, Betty Pye, Judy Squires, Eleanor Vatcher, Mary Corcoran, Joan Alston, Joan Fogarty, Patricia Leonard, Rosemary Healy, Madeline Thomson, Catherine Stanley.

Joan, as always, I am grateful for all you do to help and support this Blog.  You and your group of friends are just amazing.  I wish all of you good health and many, many more happy get togethers.  Love you all. 💖

☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

CHRISTMAS 2024

Joan REYNOLDS Fogarty and friends had their Christmas gathering on 5 December.  They enjoyed each other's company and lunch at Moxies.  This wonderful group of friends have been together since Kindergarten and still meet up about three times a year.  That's real friendship!  

Joan has sent a photo and a video of the friends.  Joan told me that the video was meant to be just a photo.  I guess somebody in the group is like me - often pushing the wrong button! 😄 However, at the moment, I cannot get the video to open but I will keep trying. If I have any success with that, I will add it to this post.

Betty (Fitzgerald) Pye, Rosemary (Ashley) Healy, Rita Kielley, Eleanor (Sears ) Vatcher, Joan (Connolly) Alston, Mary (Bulger) Corcoran, Kathleen (Dobbin) Benson. Brenda (Casey ) Grouchy, Judy (Fitzgerald) Squires, Catherine (Corbett) Stanley, Joan (Reynolds) Fogarty. Missing Patricia (Connolly) Leonard.

Thanks Joan for all your support.  May all of you wonderful girls and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas followed by a year of blessings galore. Keep the get togethers going!

THAT AMAZING GROUP AGAIN!

 That amazing group of friends have been celebrating again.  Joan Reynolds Fogarty has sent a couple of photos of their latest get together, this time at Pop's Diner.  These St Patrick's girls have been together since Kindergarten and have been through all the joys and sorrows of life together. What a wonderful example of loyalty and friendship!   

Celebrating at Pop's Diner

It was also a great opportunity to celebrate the Birthday of one of the friends, Catherine Corbett Stanley.  

Happy Birthday Catherine

Happy Birthday Catherine and to all you beautiful ladies, keeping on meeting and enjoying the pleasure of lifelong friendship.  May God, and St Patrick of course, bless you all.

Thanks again Joan for the photos and the news.  I am grateful to you for all the support you have given to me and to this blog over the years.

I don't know if it is a St Patrick's thing, a West End thing, or a Newfoundland thing in general but, whatever it is, it is a beautiful thing!

This group of ladies started Kindergarten together many years ago at St Patrick's Convent and they are still friends who meet up several times a year.  Over the years, they have shared life's ups and downs and remained steadfast friends and loyal St Patrick's girls.

This little group is also an important part of St Patrick's history. In 1958, they were part of the last class to complete Grade 11 at St Patrick's Convent School.  (After that, girls moved on to Holy Heart upon  completion of Grade 8.) Joan Fogarty tells me that their Graduation, with white cap and gown, was held at Holy Heart where some of the girls had enrolled in Business Education Classes.  

Joan Reynolds Fogarty has sent a photo of  the group taken a couple of days ago at their Christmas Tea at Joan's house.  The lovely ladies are L-R:  

FRIENDS FOREVER

Joan Ryan Cobb, Joan Connolly Alston. Rosemary Ashley Healy, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Catherine Corbett Stanley, Brenda Casey Grouchy and hostess, Joan Reynolds Fogarty.

To each and every one of you I wish a very Merry Christmas and say may you continue for years to come with your celebration of friendship.

Thank you Joan for the photo and the information.  All the very best to you, your family and friends. 

A RECORD FRIENDSHIP?

I have had some lovely photos from Joan Fogarty.  Joan has been one of the most supportive followers of St Patrick's School Blog and once again, I thank you, Joan.  Joan and her school friends have remained friends since Kindergarten and regularly meet up several times a year. Is this a record friendship? 

On 4th December, Joan hosted an afternoon tea for the 'girls' and she has kindly shared these photos with us. 

Christmas Afternoon Tea

The Faithful Friends

I am happy to say that Joan has also given names.

Mary Bulger Corcoran, Rosemary Ashley Healy, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Brenda Casey Grouchy, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Joan Connolly Alston, Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Joan Reynolds Fogarty

Thank you, Joan. I am sorry it has taken so long for me to get this posted. The jury is still out on the problem being the computer or the computer operator!

May it be a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year for you lovely ladies.

JOAN AND FRIENDS

I am so happy to see that Joan Reynolds Fogarty and her amazing group of school friends are still getting together.  These ladies have been friends since Kindergarten and on 25 May they met for lunch at The Rooms.  Bless you, ladies, and keep on celebrating friendship.  It really is a precious gift.

THE BEAUTIFUL ST PATRICK'S SCHOOL FRIENDS

Thanks, Joan, for the picture and for keeping in touch.  Please keep us up to date with your group.  Stay safe.

ST PATRICK'S CHURCH

http://stpatrickschurch.ca/2.0/news/

HAVE A LOOK AT THE LATEST NEWS FROM ST PATRICK'S PARISH. 

HAPPY 2020

Because I was unable to blog for quite awhile, I am afraid I will be doing a bit of apologising for the next couple of posts - starting with this one! I am sorry that it is a bit on the late side, but, because I believe good times make good news anytime, I am posting it so that all of us can share in the joy of Christmas and the joy of true friendship.

My very loyal supporter and helper, Joan Reynolds Fogarty, sent us this photo with news of her amazing classmates.  Surely this group must be the most dedicated group of classmates and friends anywhere.  

The friends met on 4 December 2019 at P J Billingtons at Ramada.  Joan described their room as "lovely" and "decked out with Christmas trees, decorations, and a fireplace."  They had the use of this room for three hours, which, said Joan, "made for a relaxing time." 

Christmas Get Together, 2019

The wonderful ladies are:

ROW 1: Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Mary Fitzgerald, Catherine Corbett Stanley,

ROW 2:  Mary Farrell O'Keefe, Joan Ryan Cobb, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Brenda Casey Grouchy, Madeline Adams Thomson, Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, 

ROW 3:  Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Betty Fitzgerald Pye,

Thank you Joan.  You are such a great group of friends and an inspiration to  all.  I hope you will be celebrating together for many, many years to come.

Joan sent wishes for a "Happy 2020 to all" and I join her in that wish.  May 2020 be filled with God's blessings for all of us and those we hold dear -  family and friends!

SEPTEMBER GET TOGETHER

I am so pleased to know that Joan Reynolds Fogarty and her amazing classmates are still celebrating friendship.  Joan sent this picture of the girls at their September get together at P J Billingtons.  Joan said this meeting was especially memorable because, for the very first time, Yvonne Stephenson Meissner and Mary Farrell O'Keefe attended.  Mary lives in Pouch Cove and Yvonne lives a little farther afield, in Claremont, Ontario.

That amazing Group of Friends

The ladies are:

Front: Yvonne Stephenson Meissner, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Eleanor Sears Vatcher

Row 2:  Brenda Casey Grouchy, Mary Fitzgerald, Mary Farrell O'Keefe, Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Joan Connolly Alston, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Catherine Corbett Stanley, Madeline Thomson Adams

Row 3:  Rosemary Ashley Healy, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Kathleen Dobbin Benson

The classmates meet for their Christmas bash on 4th December and we look forward to hearing all about that too.

Thanks Joan for keeping us up to date on your activities.  You must be the closest, most loyal, group of school friends anywhere.  St Patrick's Convent and West End values, perhaps?  God bless you wonderful women and may you enjoy many more happy reunions.

-------------------------------

I am sorry to have to add a sad note to this otherwise happy post.  Joan has just informed me that one of the faithful band of friends, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, has just lost her beloved husband, Reg.
https://www.barretts.ca/obituaries/Reginald-Stephen-Pye?  Sincere sympathy to Betty and family and to all who grieve for the loss of Reg.

CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP

If this group of ladies isn't the best example of enduring friendship, then I don't know who is!   In the 1990s, some years after graduation, this group of school friends began meeting up.  They meet three times a year, May, September and December.  Sadly, some of the classmates have died and their numbers are dwindling.  However, those who remain and are able, still get together in a happy celebration of friendship.

Joan Reynolds Fogarty is one of the friends and she keeps me up to date with their news, which we share here on the School Blog.  I owe Joan a great debt of gratitude because she helps and supports this Blog in many other ways. 

Here is Joan's news on the latest get together.  Nine of the approximately 15 or 16 who usually meet were able to attend on 15 May.  The venue was Mama Soula's on Torbay Road.  Joan sent along a photo of the party enjoying their meal.

Food and Friendship!

Left, nearest the camera;
Patricia Connolly Leonard, Mary Fitzgerald, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Catherine Corbett Stanley, Joan Reynolds Fogarty.
Right, nearest the camera;
Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Rita Kielley, Betty Fitzgerald Pye.

Again, I thank you, Joan.  To all of this amazing group, I wish you many, many more gatherings.  Friendship is such a very precious gift and you ladies certainly know how to preserve and celebrate it.  God bless you all.

CHRISTMAS DINNER 2018

A couple of days ago I received an email and photo from Joan Reynolds Fogarty.  Joan keeps me up to date on her most amazing school friends and classmates.  This group of St Patrick's graduates must surely take the prize for longstanding friendship and loyalty to one another.  Here is Joan's email.

“Our Class had our Christmas dinner last night at Portobellos.  We had the private room upstairs which was nicely decorated for Christmas and it was lovely. The view of the harbour was magical.  The service was excellent, and we enjoyed a delicious meal.  We exchanged our usual Christmas gifts.  Patricia Connolly Leonard gifted each of us with a lovely piece of crystal in honor of the event.  This was certainly a lovely gesture, and we were very much surprised and appreciative.  Patsy set up a lovely table, decorated with lights, to display her gifts to us.  It is so nice to get together three times a year to catch up.

Joan and classmates

Standing:  

Brenda Casey Grouchy, Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Mary Fitzgerald, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Catherine Corbett Stanley, Rosemary Ashley Healy, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Joan Connolly Alston, Patricia Connolly Leonard, 

Seated: Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Betty Fitzgerald  Pye. 

There were twelve of us present last night, with a few unable to attend. The following classmates have passed away since we started getting together in the 90s:  Joan Pridham Janes, Carmel Madden O'Mara, Irene Viscount McCrate, Betty Antle Coffin, Bonnie Beck Byrne, Emily Bishop Monahan, Maureen Byrne Coughlin.  Very sad.  A few of the other regulars were not able to attend last night. 

Our next get-together is mid May.”

Once again, Joan, I am in your debt. Thanks for all the help you give me.  It is a delight to hear about you and your classmates.  You certainly are an outstanding group. A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to each of you.  Long may your friendships flourish.   

GETTING TOGETHER AGAIN

I apologise for the delay in reporting these two get-togethers.  There are several reasons for my tardiness, i.e holidays and computer problems!  

Both gatherings took place in May and we are really happy to post them here today.

The first photo is from Joan Reynolds Fogarty. Joan and her classmates are still meeting several times a year for a meal and a chat.  This group of ladies is remarkable in their lasting friendship and loyalty to one another. This get-together took place on 15th May at Milestones.  

The friends in the photo are:
Front L-R: Catherine Corbett Stanley, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Rosemary Ashley Healy
Back L-R:  Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Mary Fitzgerald, Brenda Casey Grouchy, Joan Connolly Alston, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Mary Bulger Corcoran 

CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS!

Joan said they had a wonderful time and they plan to meet up again in September. We will be waiting for news of it, Joan.  

The next photo is from Christine Mary Butler.  Christine has sent us a photo of the fourth annual gathering of the Grade 3 Class of 1967/68. This gathering took place on 28th May at Smitty's Restaurant in Mt Pearl. Christine said it was an awesome afternoon!  She also tells us that plans are in hand for next year's big 50th Anniversary reunion. Anyone interested can contact Christine on butlerchristine@nl.rogers.co.

FOURTH ANNUAL GATHERING

Thank you to Joan and Christine for keeping us in touch with what you are getting up to these days and we look forward to hearing more from you both very soon.  Christine, if you would like us to post any news or details re the 50th celebrations, just send details to us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com and we will be delighted to spread the word for you.

THE FRIENDSHIPS ENDURE!

C B C has just given us the very sad news that St Patrick’s Convent will soon be no more.  After 160 years in the West End, the good Sisters will finally close the doors and leave what has long been a beacon of education and good works.  We are very sad at their going and we will remember them for many things.  We owe them a great debt and thank the Presentation Sisters, past and present, who have contributed so much to our community and to our lives. 

BEAUTIFUL ST PATRICK'S CONVENT, CONVENT SQUARE

We have carried through our lives many gifts gained from our days at St Patrick’s.  One of the most beautiful of those gifts is the precious gift of lasting friendships which we still treasure from our school days. 

Joan Reynolds Fogarty has sent us this lovely photograph of five St Patrick’s Convent classmates. The classmates are Yvonne Stephenson Meissner, Margie Miller Ryan, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Rosemary Ashley Healy and, of course, Joan.

SCHOOL FRIENDS ROSEMARY, YVONNE, MARGIE,
JOAN AND KATHLEEN

Joan informed us that Yvonne lives in Ontario but she and her husband spend several months every year at their beautiful home by the ocean in Pouch Cove.  It is a wonderful opportunity for meeting up with old friends too and every year the friends do just that.  This year the ladies got together for dinner at Joan’s house. 

Joan closed her email with this touching remark, “Still connected after almost 70 years”.  That truly is the beautiful gift of friendship!  Thank you Joan for sharing it with us and may you and your school friends enjoy that special bond for many, many years to come.

FIRST COMMUNICANTS, CIRCA 1950

Once again I am indebted to Joan REYNOLDS Fogarty!  Joan has sent us this very interesting picture.  The picture, of a large group of First Communicants, was given to Joan by Mary BREEN Kurilko.  It would have been taken sometime around 1950.  Joan has given some names but, as we so often do, we are relying on our readers for help in identifying the other girls.  If you are in this photo or if you are able to name someone who is, would you please contact us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com.

JUST CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENLARGE IT

Here are the names Joan has given us:

Row 2,

3^rd left, possibly a girl Gushue from Old Topsail Road, 5^th left Peggy Roche from Lime Street, 

Row 3,

5^th left, Barbara Murphy from Water Street,   10^th left, Carol Vavasour

Row 4,

3^rd left, Connie Jackman, 5^th left, Carol Whelan, 11^th left,  Shirley Ryan

Row 5, 

Joanne Ashley,  4^th left, Carolyn Maddigan

The two Sisters are Sr Camilla on the extreme left and Sr Regis on the extreme right.

Joan, would that be Mary Breen in Row 2, 8^th from the left?  We think it might be but perhaps you could confirm it for us? Thank you, Joan, for sharing this lovely photo.  You are always a great help to us and it is really appreciated.    

ST PATRICK'S GIRLS AT JACK'S RESTAURANT

Getting together with school friends is still very important to former pupils of St Patrick's Convent Schools.  Joan Reynolds Fogarty sent us news on their latest gathering.  In May the ladies met for dinner at Jack's Restaurant in the Capital Hotel.

GETTING TOGETHER AT JACK'S RESTAURANT 

Back Row: Brenda Casey Grouchy, Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Rosemary Ashley Healy, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Joan Connolly Alston, Bonnie Beck Byrne, Rita Kielly, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Mary Fitzgerald

Front Row: Patricia McCarthy Philpott, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Madeline Adams Thompson

Thanks very much, Joan, for sharing this with us. Don't forget to send us news of your next meeting.  You ladies are just amazing!  

Joan also informed us that a stalwart of this class, Catherine Corbett Stanley, lost her beloved husband, Winston, in early May.  We send our deepest sympathy to Catherine and to all Winston's family and friends.  May he rest in peace.

FRIENDS FESTIVE GATHERINGS

We have two nice festive pictures to post today. The photos come to us courtesy of Joan Reynolds Fogarty and Pat Hurley McDonald.

Joan Fogarty and her school friends really have something very special.  Their friendship! These ladies have been friends since their school days at St Patrick’s and they maintain that friendship by being there for one another in good times and not so good times.  They also meet up several times a year to share a meal, chat, laugh and just take pleasure in each other’s company.  Long may they continue to do so!

This photo was taken on 2^nd December at The Sheraton Hotel where the friends held their Christmas Dinner and enjoyed a lovely evening.

BACK ROW: Rosemary Ashley Healy, Joan Connolly Alston, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Brenda Casey Grouchy, Joan Reynolds Fogarty

FRONT ROW: Madeline Adams Thomson, Catherine Corbett Stanley, Mary Fitzgerald, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Eleanor Sears Vatcher.

Our second festive photo  comes from Pat Hurley McDonald.  Again we have a group of school friends who have become life-long friends.  Janet McGrath Crane is home from Florida to celebrate Christmas with her daughters and their families so, as always, the friends took advantage of the opportunity to meet up.  The celebratory meal took place on 16^th December at Milestones Restaurant on Torbay Road.  From the looks of the ladies, we can see that it too was a happy and enjoyable event.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Kay Johnson, Cynthia Murphy, Maureen O’Brien, Pat Hurley, Carmel Hayes, Mary Johnson and Janet McGrath.

Many thanks to Joan and Pat for the photographs and thanks to both of you for all the help and support you give to this blog.  We wish you and all your friends a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2016.  We look forward to hearing about your future escapades.  May they be many and may they all be happy ones!

CLASSMATES TOGETHER AGAIN!

The St Patrick's Girls are at it again - getting together, sharing memories and generally just enjoying the company of girlhood friends.  They certainly know the value of friends and take great pleasure in their long lasting friendships.

 

We have received news of two such get togethers.

 

Joan Fogarty has sent the following:

"We got together Wednesday night (27th May) for our Spring dinner. Here is a photo."

Spring Dinner 2015

Front row: Eleanor Sears Vatcher, Patricia McCarthy Philpot.

Second row: Brenda Casey Grouchy, Mary Bulger Corcoran, Rosemary Ashley Healy, Mary Fitzgerald, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Joan Ryan Cobb, Bonnie Beck Byrne.

 

We get together three times a year: Spring, Fall, and Christmas."

 

This band of schoolfriends are extremely loyal and suppport each other in sadness and in joy.  They certainly are an inspiration and I hope I will be hearing news of their meetings when we are all well into our "Golden years"!

 

Donna Constantine Walsh sent news of a gathering organised by Donna and classmate Christine Rossiter Butler.  Their group graduated from St Patrick's in 1974.  Some of them met up at Donna's home on Sunday 31st May and Donna has sent us this photo of the group.  Donna has given us a list of the names of the ladies in the photo (all maiden names).

CLASS OF 1974

Back Row L-R:

Ellen Stone, Gladys Layman, Charline Whalen, Sharon Murphy, Karen Mugford

Front Row L-R: Donna Constantine, Linda Griffiths, Debbie Barron, Judy Kavanagh, Christine Rossiter, Collette Boudois, Marilyn Maher, Anne O'Driscoll

LOVE THAT BANNER!

I had to post this picture too because I wanted a close-up of that wonderful banner.  I love it.  I believe I am correct in saying that it was specially made by Donna.  Nice one, Donna!

 

Well, ladies, once again you have all shown that friendships forged in childhool can last a lifetime.  Thank you Joan, Donna and Christine for sharing with us.  I look forward to hearing about future gatherings and seeing all those smiling faces.  The very best of luck to each and every one of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

We have received a lovely email and photograph from Joan REYNOLDS Fogarty.  Joan & her school friends have had their Christmas party and she very kindly shared it with us.     The closeness and loyalty to one another of this group of St Patrick's girls is inspiring. They help us see the importance of maintaining the bonds of friendships that were forged in childhood and youth.  Also, all those happy, smiling faces tell us that there is a lot of pleasure in it too.  Keep it up ladies!

 

Joan wrote:

"We had our Christmas party last night at Rosemary ASHLEY Healy's home. We had a wonderful catered three-course meal, exchanged gifts, and had a wonderful evening together. There were fourteen of us this time."

MERRY CHRISTMAS

SEATED:

Madelyn Adams Thompson, Judy Fitzgerald Squires, Eleanor Sears Vatcher.

STANDING:

Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Catherine Corbett Stanley, Joan Connolly Alston, Bonnie Beck Byrne, Mary Fitzgerald, Rosemary Ashley Healy, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Joan Ryan Cobb, Mary Bulger Corcoran.

 

Joan's email continued:

"Our next get-together is May 13.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2015 to everyone."

 

Thanks for sharing this with us Joan.  We look forward to hearing about your next adventure together.

ARE YOU IN THIS PICTURE?

It is time to get your Deerstalkers on again, my sleuthing friends!  This time we have a photograph of a Grade 4 Class,  St Patrick's Convent School.  We know that the year is 1950 but we don't have any names for the lovely young girls nor do we know the name of the teacher.  If you are on this photo, or if someone you know is in it, we would love to hear from you.  You can contact us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com with any names or details.  I look forward to hearing from you  and I thank you in advance for your help. 






Grade 4, St Patrick's Convent, 1950
(IF YOU RIGHT CLICK THE PICTURE IT WILL ENLARGE)

It is time for a bit of editing!  Thanks to Joan (Reynolds) Fogarty, I now have the names of the girls on this picture. 

 

 

ROW 1: Kathleen Dobbin, Emily Bishop*, Lorraine Sheehan, Rosemary Ashley, Joan Abbass, Yvonne Beck, Margie Miller, Mary Bulger, Brenda Casey, Brenda Molloy, Andrea Martin*, Eleanor Sears, Joan Predham*.

 

ROW 2: Mary Whalen, Catherine Corbett, Rita Kielley, Joan Reynolds, Joan Ryan, Joan Connolly, Irene Viscount, Barbara Ryan, Joan Byrne, Ruth Howell*, Patricia McCarthy, Marie Madden, Barbara Mahoney.

 

 

ROW 3: Joan O'Dwyer, Lillian Hynes, Marie Fitzgerald, Gertrude Cleary, Betty Antle, Joan Stanford, Mary English, Mary Farrell.

The Teacher was Mother John.

 

THE * INDICATES  DECEASED.

 

 

Thank you,  Joan, for all your help.  Thanks also to the other ladies who were able to give me a name or two.  I appreciate your help.

ST PATRICK'S REUNION 2008, PART 3

I hope you have all read Parts 1 and 2 of this post.  If not you can do so by clicking here and here. Today's post features pictures from the final day of the 50th Anniversary Reunion for the class of 1958.

On Sunday 3rd August 2008, the 50th Anniversary Reunion celebrations drew to a close.  As they had done so often in their school days, the girls gathered once again at St Patrick's Church for Sunday Mass.  Joan said that the 11 o'clock Mass was celebrated by Fr Wayne Dohey who, in his lovely homily, acknowledged and welcomed them.  After Mass the school friends regrouped for Brunch at  Cabot Club, The Newfoundland Fairmont.

In the foreground;
Patricia McCarthy Philpott, Rita Kielly
and Joan Connolly Alston

Joan Predham Janes, Carmel Madden O'Mara
and Emily Bishop Monahan
(Sadly, these ladies have since passed away)

Madeline Adams Thomson, Eleanor Sears Vatcher,
Patricia McCarthy Philpott and Mary Morey Matheson

Most of the Class of 1958, at The Fairmont Newfoundland

Joan Reynolds Fogarty, the lovely lady
who has made this post possible

Thanks to Joan Reynolds Fogarty, we have this  wonderful pictorial record of the happy 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Class of 1958.  Friendship is a powerful thing. Its pull brought Yvonne Stephenson Meissner home from Claremont, Ontario, Mary Morey Matheson from Rothesay, New Brunswick and Irene Viscount McCrate from Maple Ridge, British Columbia.  I am sure it seems like only yesterday you were all sitting in the desks at dear old St Patrick's.    Although they loomed large at the time, Mother John, Sr Immaculata,  Homework and Rubber Bags were really only minor worries. Now they provide grist for the mill of nostalgia. 

Do any of you remember the School Song?  I have never heard it sung but I think the refrain is a fitting way to conclude this post.

"St Patrick's, St Patrick's,

You're Home away from Home.

St Patrick's, St Patrick's,

No matter where we roam,

You teach us and reach us

And down across the years

We'll think of you with happy smiles,

Only sometimes with tears.

We'll think of you with happy smiles

And sometimes with tears."

Joan Reynolds Fogarty, thank you very much for sharing this lovely celebration with us.