Message Board

I have been away from the windy city for the past 14 years in Lakeland, FL. Whenever I get a chance to visit the old neighborhood, my first stop is the Irish Temple. I saw the pictures posted on the site - Man YOUR OLD!!! Over the years I have come to my senses and no longer watch the Bears, but I still stick with the White Sox. See you all in November!!

We just found out about the web page and are really excited!! We have lived in Winter Park, Fl (just outside of Orlando) since 1976. We still visit the windy city' Rob is teaching and still enjoys those LONG vacations. Nancy is from Oak Lawn and graduated from Mt. Assisi in 1970. Anyone else living in Florida? We would love to hear from y'all. Our Email address is ru4sin@aol.com.

FYI, June 6, 2001 is the 40th anniversary of the first graduating class from high school. When we started as freshmen, the 2nd floor to the high school was still under construction and all our classes were held on the 1st floor. We didn't even have a gym teacher. I am also a part of the first class to make their First Communion in the new upper church in 1952. I have a book from the dedication which includes pictures and a brief history of the parish from it's inception until the dedication.

Hey, I don't believe it! I was just browsing and found this site. Grad of 1965. Graduated Northwestern University in 1967 with a degree in Prosthetics and moved to Dallas directly from school to get away from the Chicago winters. (remember the winter of 65?) Transferred back to Chicago in '71 and eventually moved back to the Dallas area in '73. Have worked in my field for the last 36 years (God, that sounds like a long time!) and past ready to retire. Would have, but the stock market has helped change my plans to work a few more years. Would like to retire to the southern coast or a Caribbean Island somewhere. I get up to Chicago once or twice a year to see my parents (Oak Lawn) and brother and sister who are still up there. If there was a 35th reunion, I'm sorry I missed it. It was good to remember the old school and friends. Thanks for setting this up. Hope to hear from someone, someday! jdthelen@att.net

Well, after 40 years, I think it's time for an update. I have been married to Pat Duffy the past 34 years. We live in Hinsdale and have 3 adult children. Erin is 31, married, lives in Chicago, a graduate of Indiana U and DePaul and works for my company. Brian is 27, lives in Denver, graduated from Regis U, just bought a condo and works for a major apartment developer. And Jenny is the baby at 23, graduated from U of Iowa, lives inthe city and works for Turner Construction. I am President and founder of a couple of real estate companies. Oculus Development involved in the development of condo and apartment projects. Presently, we have 174 condo units under construction in Chicago and another 265 apartment units in Denver. The other company is Community Development whichspecializes in senior citizen communities. Here, we have another 220 units uncer construction. My email address is dgpg2@aol.com. Great Web Page!

I am very pleased to learn of this site. I have been living in central IL for over 20 years & have often wondered what high school friends are doing. I admit to grief of not being able to go back to the actual school building and walking the halls. This is a luxury my friends down here take for granted. Ilive in Chatham, Il with my husband, Jim Williams, a builder and our yorkie/pinscher, Missy. God did not bless me with children, so our pets are babied and I am involved with children in the neighborhood and help with Junior Church. God let me to completing a seminary masters degree in Counseling as Ministry at Lincoln ChristianSeminary and then opened doors for me to go into private practice. I call is Psalm 77 Counseling Services (see business page) because the psalm means so much to me and talks about dark times when I did not know He was there for me. I hope this practice offers hope to those God leads here. My brother Bill, (1967) lives in Broomfield, Co with his wife and 3 girls. He earned a doctorate, does computer work for the state. Paul, (1970) lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and has two children, graduated from Baylor and living in Austin. (daughter) He is a VP for a big food chain. Jeff, (1973) also has a doctorate. He teaches at a Florida university and writes text books about finance, lives in Boca Raton with his wife and their dog. May God bless you all! suepsalm77@aol.com

I'm looking for an old buddy who attended LFHS between '59 and '63. Like so many others, we've lost contact with each other years ago. Tom came from a large family. One or more of his siblings may also have gone to LFHS. His brothers: Bill, Peter, Chris or Danny. Sisters: Nancy and mary Ellen may visit the site. Please post my message in hopes that they may see it. Thanks! Please contact me at johnahlness@aol.com.

Jim Gaittens
Now that Little Flower High School in Pennsylvania has some competition!! Mom sent me this site this morning, been enjoying it ever since. I retired from the Air Force in '99 and now work at headquarters Air Combat Command at Langley AFB Virginia. Am going to make that reunion one of these days. Married Grace Sheridan and we had three children. Grace and I didn't see it all the way through. She and the kids and my grandson live in Florida, southest of Orlando.

Connie Valentine Perry - Class of 1948
Hi, I am Connie Valentine Perry. My brother is Gene Valentine, '47, and my younger brother Ben, was class of '49. My younger Sis, June is class of '55. Will pass along your wonderful memorable site to all of them, and wish we could be there at the picnic. This year I am going to my 50th HS reunion at Mercy in Nov. I did go to my 50th Little Flower reunion 4 years ago, and it was a blast! Connie Perry, 1915 maripose St., Seaside, CA 93955, on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. 831-392-1915. Fax - 831-392-1115

Linda (Hanzel) Ogilvie-Davis - Class of 1962
I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to the recent reunion, but I'm living rather far away these days. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures on the website. (Class of 1962, please email me your reunion photos - Valerie) After 20 years in London, where I married my husband Michael, we've recently moved to a 200 year old stone cottage in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire on the southwest coast of Wales. It's a beautiful area. The Pembrokeshire coast is a dedicated National Park and wildlife preserve with island breeding sites for rare sea birds. After a lifetime's career in the manic world of fashion, it's a wonderful change and we thoroughly love it. We buy our lamb, beef and cheese from local farms and our seafood fresh off the boat from local fishermen. Pembrokeshire is also home to an extensive group of artists and artisians - woodturners, sculptors, weavers, potters, etc. If any classmates are planning a visit to the UK or Ireland (the ferry to Rossiare leaves from Fishguard), please get in touch. My email is linda@ogilvie-davis.fsnet.co.uk.

Rosemary Matheny - Class of 1962
Started with Classmates.com and ended up finding this great web site. So glad to read so many great letters. I was Rosemary Matheny, graduated in 1962 from LFHS and would love to hear from my old friends. We have moved a lot and lost track of so many. We live outside of Tucson, Arizona now. My husband and I have been married for 38 years and have four grown children, email me @ rminman@msn.com

Came across this site truly out of the blue! The picture of Little Flower Church really brought back wonderful memories. Would love to connect with "The Club", Jo Ann Callahan, Kathy Griffin, Pat, Maureen and others. I can be reached @ ewenzel@ben.edu. 630-829-6004. Moved to Oak Park, and have been in Naperville for 27 years. Three children, Ethan (29), Amy (26) and Davie (23) raised. It flies! Best Wishes to all -- Ellen Wenzel.

Grant me a sense of humor,
The saving grace to see a joke,
To win some happiness from life,
And Pass it on to other folk.

John F. O'Shea brought happiness to many,
To honor him as a friend and loved one,
It's our turn to pass it on.
I will always remember john's Leprechaun Smile.

We will miss you, John f. O'Shea.
Your Friend......Joe Rosner

Hello. Someone told me about this website - what a great idea! I am Richard Hurley, taught Social Studies, US History and Religion at LFH from 1962-64; for me, they were among my best years in teaching and I would have remained there except for a great offer to work in overseas schools. 2 years each in the Manila, Phillippines and Bangkok, Thailand. I returned to the US in 1968 and worked in the California public schools as a teacher, counselor and later, as principal until retirement in 1997. I have a daughter who is now married to a college professor. I live with my wife Nila in Pacifica, CA, which is just outside of San Francisco and also spend part of the year in Henderson, Nevada. Best wishes to all LFHS Alumni.

Rich McConnell
On October 20th, my husband, Richard McConnell and myself, Paty Young-McConnell, both class of "71" were involved in a critical motorcycle accident. My injuries were minor. Rich lied in a coma for a week and a half at St. James Hospital. He suffered severe head trauma. He is now alert and ready for rehab at Rehabilitation Center of Illinois. I know Rich had many friends from our parish. Please keep him in your thoughts and your prayers.
Sincerely,
Pat McConnell
patmcconnell@comcast.net

If anyone remembers Father Tom Fitzgerald and would like to write to him, (sorry, he's not online) his address is:
Father Thomas Fitzgerald
St. Benedict's Home
6930 West Touhy Ave, Room 126
Niles, IL 60714
He was at Little Flower for almost 25 years and is now retired. He will be 87 in May and doing well, but broke his hip at a Chicago White Sox game awhile ago, so walks with a cane or walker.
Thanks for posting this in case anyone wants to write. I loved seeing this site and the wonderful memories it brought back. Mary (Fitzgerald) Wontor, Class of 1972. wontondenver@aol.com

I taught at LFHS from 69-73. After John Niemiera's funeral, I checked the LFHS site and found some people I haven't communicated with for a long time. Please add me to the teachers list. Hope all are well. Thanks and ask people to remember John in their prayers, he was a special person in my life and many others. Jerry Mikrut - jmikrut@d211.org

After spending so much time away from Chicago, people have had a hard time finding me to send me info. Would like to update email. sueobrienoo5@aol.com. Susie Dorgan, class of 1967. Have been back to the city for the last five years and made it to one of the picnics, but would like to get information regarding Fr. Ruby benefits and other events. I am retiring from teaching this year and have a part time job as a lecturer on a cruiseline. I also would like to participate in a program at University of Nebraska which allows you to teach overseas in middle eastern countries on a short time basis, working with girls, self esteem and teaching them how to deal with freedom and democracy. My husband and I travel around the world as much as possible. We have 2 sons, one a graduate of U of Wisconsin and the other one a graduate of West Point. He served for a year in Kabul and is now attending law school. Where does the time go? Seems like we were turning cartwheels at the basketball games just days ago. Stay in touch...would love to hear from everyone......really enjoy reading and catching up on the website. Great job! S.L. O'Brien

Thank you for creating this website! I loved LFHS, the church and grade school. My only regret in life is that my children couldn't have the same experience of growing up in Little Flower! My oldest son, Ray, played basketball a couple of months ago at St. Sabina. That's the closest I have come to the neighborhood in awhile. Pat Brennan McGovern clued me in to the site. I will pass it along to my brother, John Vellos who lives in Colorado. I think he was Class of 1966. Thanks! Carolyn Vellos O'Connell - coconne@wpo.it.luc.edu

My wife (Dorothy White) and I graduated from Little Flower School in 1946 (she was an agressive Little Flower cradle robber) and 1948. Father Fitz married us in 1960. In our days, the Sunday collections were for the new organ in the new church. Our church was either the basement of the main church or the basement of the school. After the church went up, the collections were for the new high school. We are both happy that the runds were well used. I visited the "old neighborhood" a few years ago and found it to be in excellent repair except for the business areas on 79th and Ashland Avenue. My friends would not accompany me because they thought we would be shot. I went alone, spoke to several people and rekindled happy memories. I enjoyed the people and the conversations. I guess if the high school had been completed in 1948, I would not have been accepted. I had already been deselected for the role of altar boy and choir boy. It took a box of candy every year for the Sisters and two stints in summer school to get me through. I think I spent too many hours around the mail box in front of Kiley and Kalinas drugstore and the cinder/mud ball fields that became the site of the high school. If I am luckyu, I may get news of Little Flower parish from my '48 classmate Anne Carr. Anne recently became the professor emeritus from the University of Chicago's Divinity School. In my eyes, she was the smartest and kindest person in our whole class and her academic record proves it. I noted that you had one other response from another classmate from '48, you may want to expand your website to include and attract the interest of the grammar school graduates. Thanks for placing me on your mail list (and I hope you did not consider it a mistake). Ed Todd, LFS '48. (Note from Webmaster....Ed, I think you're a hoot and hope you write more often)

Kevin Burns - Class of 1969
I don't know if you know that Luke Daw passed away last month...not sure of his exact year of graduation - sometime in the mid 60's, but I sure do remember the many thrilling performances on the basketball court he provided on Friday nights as I was growing up. It seems like it was only yesterday, but in reality it's been 40 years. Where does the time go? It is always sad to see the heroes of our youth pass on. Each time that happens, it seems a little part of us dies too; but he will forever be part of the Little Flower legend and he leaves us with many great memories. God bless him -- I hope he's got a special spot in heaven.

Tom Brunacci - Clas of 1965
I was sad to hear of the passing of Coach Niemiera, Bob Kuehl, John O'Shea, Luke Daw and all the other friends who have passed away. I have many happy memories connected to basketball at Little Flower. We have been living in Las Vegas for many years, but keep up with news through this website. Keep up the good work!! Hope to be back next year for our 40th Class reunion. Time Flies!

Mary Ann Hetreed - Class of 1966
I just discovered this message center and enjoyed reading about all the alumni. I just wonder what all the 1966 grads are doing! I lived at 7759 South Seeley and attended LF Grammar and High Schools. I was sad to see it all closed. I did make a trip (all the way from Arlington Heights) to take some pictures. It certainly brought back some memories. Best wishes to all Little Flower graduates and faculty!

Sue Cummings Petrie - Class of 1969
I came across the LFHS web site and it really was wonderful to see the old church picture. I saw the name of Marty Green on one of the ages and his email did not work for me. If anyone ever hears from him or knows of him, please have him get in t6ouch with Sue Cummings Petrie at jbpetrie@txucom.net. I would love to hear from him!

Pat Brennan McGovern - Class of 1971
Hi - What a great website! Hey Class of 1971 - Can you believe it - we are coming up on 35 years! I was wondering if anyone (the guys especially) is interested in starting up some kind of reunion! The planning is usually as fun as the reunion itself. Would love to hear from ayone from the class of 71 or 67. I have been keeping busy with kids and job like everyone else. I have been married for 28 years to Phil McGovern. I am currently the Assistant Athletic Director at St. IUgnatius College Prep in Chicago. Hope to hear from you!

PLEASE HELP!!! I am looking for any type of information, data, stories or just plain memories of "The LFH Lancers 1972-73 football season. That memorable season where the Lancers went undefeated and won the Private League. My son John & I saw the lates football movie "Friday Night Lights" based on a true story. John thought it was a great story, well, I went into my Coach Houlihan's version of "well, you never heard of my school, on 79th & Honore?" Then I told him of a story about a small team of men, bound together to play the last season of football that Little Flower will ever know. It even brought a tear to my eyes, telling that story. Although I am not a writer, my family and friends have encouraged me to write a book about the experience. So please, ANYONE that would like to contribute! Even if you were not on the football team, reporters, cheerleaders, fans, I want your thoughts and feelings. I was blessed to have shared those years at LFH. Thank You, LFH!! Would love to be informed of all events. Also...looking for Nora Evans, class of 1973! Email is jmacejak@msn.com

I haven't joined Classmates.com because I wasn't sure that it was worth it. I graduated in 1963 and wondered if there are any reunions, etc. I lived in Alaska from 1969 to 1993 when I moved to Arizona. I don't have any family in Chicago anymore and would like news of Little Flower or events. Do people in my group respond? 59 to 63. It was so nice to see the church that I was married in and the pictures of the schools. Thank You, whoever did them.

My name is John (Shawn, Dean) Ernst. St. Rita HG 1968, married Margie O'Reilly, LFHS 1969. I came across this site purely by accident and it brought back many memories for Margie and I. I retired from the Marine Corps in 1999 and now work for Southern California Edison as a Weapons Specialist. Margie is done working and does a hell of a job with the house. We have 3 children. Pat is in the Navy and married to a lovely girl, Charmaine. Mike is a Carlsbad, CA police officer and was released from the Corps after his tour in Iraq. Last, but not least, is my daughter, Laurie who flew the coop and works in Human Resources for Washington Mutual in Seattle, WA. If anyone knows of Fr. Ruby's email or address, please forward it. Margie and I would surely like to hear from any of the old gang. I have old pictures to send, Atlas burgers, McDonald's, candy store at 80th & Damen, O'Halloren Park, Dunkin Donuts!! (Send them on, John!!)

I graduated from the grammar school in 1961 and HS in 1965. Went to college at St. Xavier, and then grad school at Northwestern. Been out of Chicago since 1974 - miss the people, my family and the Bears - but not the weather. Now live in San Francisco, but still get back several times a year. Went to Corrigans for lunch a few weeks back and was pleased to see a picture of my 5th grade class....remember Mr. Osborne???
Would love to hear from any fellow alums.....

Donna (Gallagher Brown) and I along with our husbands, Dave and Bob are spending a pleasant long weekend camping in Salem, Oregon. We have been happily reminiscing about our years at LFH so many years ago. We were looking for the pictures of 1962 that used to be posted on the site. Any idea as to how we could get to see them again? Thanks for keeping this site updated. Would enjoy hearing from any classmates that read this note!

I had a great time at our reunion. It was so much fun seeing everyone....we haven't changed a bit! I am still retired (3 years now) and working part time for Lewis University as a supervisor of student teachers. Keeps me out of trouble. I am flying to Hawaii to visit Kathy Jaycox in August. I still hang around with my grammar school and high school buddy, Mary Therese McCullough and see many of our gang. (Note from webmaster.....who has photo's of this reunion and how can I get them to post???)

Hello, my name is Heather Griffin....my father, Tom Griffin, graduated in the class of 1964. I was wondering if you could help me by sending out a request??? One quick email, I would really like to get my dad a special Christmas gift, if it exists. He cherishes the videos of our sports memories and wishes he had just a clip of his memories. I highly doubt anyone has an 8mm of any of his basketball games (Varsity 1960-1964, I think jersey #11) but if they do, I would like to get a copy. I know it is a very slim chance, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask. Thank you. Please email hgriffin2001@yahoo.com if you have any movies or know of anyone who might have some.

Geri DiGiacomo Charley - Class of 1965
Amazing how many years have gone by! I'm living in the Chicago area (northwest suburbs) and have been since I married Mike Charley in 1969, who passed away six weeks before our 27th wedding anniversary in 1996. I have two terrific kids, both married, each blessing me with gorgeous granddaughters. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Arlington Heights and absolutely love my work. I recently re-married and am now twice blessed to have shared my life with two loving souls. Pat Geins (Schwartzers) have stayed in touch and are still best of friends. Where are you, Mary Ann Conroy? Wishing only the best to all of my Little Flower classmates.....Geri.

Deacon Mike McLain - Class of 1968
I am awaiting ordination as a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin (June 29, 2008). My wife passed away in 2001 and God kept on calling me to serve Him in other ways. I tried to get to Corrigan's several times, but was always in the midst of finals and term papers. I would love to get together with the class of 1968 sometime, especially since it's coming on 40 years. Of the class of 1968, 9 of the 19 emails are inaccurate. Deacon Mike McLain.

**Note from Webkeeper: Some people email and tell me that their emails have changed. Most do not. I can't change or delete an email address without an email from that specific person.

Judy Walsh Craig - Class of 1961?
Has found this website thanks to our efficient web communication expert, Mary Lou Schneller Knutson. I am in regular contact with Barb Riley, Fran Mirabella Dennis and Rita Kilourie Indresano. I am trying to get them to either the Nov. 1 reunion or the summer picnic on July 26th. Could I hear from other members of the class of 1961 who might be attending the July event? If few are attending, I will focus on the November event - Chicago is a LONG way from Edmonton, Alberta. It was great to read the messages from Janet Anders and Don Gianone - truly renewed so many memories of long ago times.

Joan von Sternberg - Class of 1967
Did you ever imagine that when we were yearning to be 21, that someday we'd be yearning to be 66 so that we could (possibly) retire??? I know I sure didn't. It was a great disappointment to me that we couldn't raise enough interest to hold a 40th reunion in 2007 so that I could see some of my classmates and I seem to miss the picnic year after year. I must remember to check this site more often! I married a lovely man, Guy Johnson, in 1084. We had 14 years together and I am very close to my step-daughter Jennifer. My sister, Kathy von Sternberg Blachowski (Class of 1964) lives in Worth, IL, has 1 son and 4 terrific grandkids. My mom's still going strong at 90. Worked in various positions for American Express Travel, including stints in Hawaii and NYC for over 30 years during which I've visited 69 different countries (the UK every year since 1972) and 44 states. My dream has been to retire to an island off Scotland, but their housing prices have become ridiculous, so I assume I will look for somewhere beautiful in the US. Milwaukee, where I have lived on and off for many years is a very nice place, but I need oceans and/or mountains. I survived breast cancer in 2000 and a heart attack this past January - I've been very lucky. Currently working in HR here in Milwaukee & would love to hear from any of my classmates out there.

Connie Valentine Perry - Class of 1948
I almost flipped when I saw Ed Todd's message. I think I know him. I was lucky to be able to go to the 50th reunion in 1998 and remember seeing Johnny O'Keefe, Ray Nolan, and Jerry Stevens. It was so much fun. I do hope there will be a 60th reunion thisyear. I love my Mercy High School reunions too and have been to several. My brother, Gene Valentine, graduated one year earlier and my younger brother Ben, graduated 2 years after me. I lived at 82nd and Paulina and 82nd and Ashland. My dad had a print shop on Ashland and we lived above it. I also visited all my old houses in Chicago and was told NOT to do it, and I must say that the neighborhoods were still lovely, but as Ed says, the business district, 79th and Ashland and the movie theatre that we had so much fun with, really was not too great. We also lived at 78th and Ada, near St. Sabina's where there is definitely a different kind of priest at that church. Wonder what Father Fitz would say about that. I do remember Ann Carr also and Marilyn Ryan. I have so many nice memories that I will never forget. Thank you for having this format to speak to our good old friends/students. Please pass my message to Ed Todd and any other '48 grads.

Donna Anderson - Class of 1969
Hi to all. I so love this webpage....all my Chicago memories come streaming back. I have been in the southern California area for 30 years now. I have 2 children ages 30 and 19 and I am looking forward to hearing about a 40th reunion coming up for 2009. Hard to believe! If anyone is in touch with Diane Poraditz, I would like her email. Thanks again. Keep up the excellent work:)