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Meet Our Donors

We thank all our planned-gift donors for their generous support. Here are some of their stories.

Pat Hynes
Class of 1962

When my twin sister (Cathy) and I were growing up in Northeast Philadelphia, our family did not have a lot of money or material possessions, such as a car. Both of my parents were Irish immigrants, with little formal education. Dad worked for PTC (now SEPTA) and Mom was a homemaker. In the 1940's and 50's, my four sisters and I attended Catholic grammar school and high school at virtually no cost. If we had to pay tuition, we probably wouldn't have been able to afford it. Therefore, I am eternally grateful to all the religious sisters who taught us so selflessly, because they made our "free" education possible. Of course, life has changed dramatically since the 50's and, unfortunately, Catholic schools are no longer free. As a result, many schools have closed because families cannot afford to pay tuition.

At Little Flower, I remember reading Shakespeare for the first time (Romeo and Juliet), and saw Macbeth performed at the Globe Theater in Stratford, CT with my English class. I also appeared in several school plays, and developed a life long love of theater. (I've even done extra work for TV and films). At LF, I heard an orchestra for the first time, and learned to appreciate music that wasn't Rock & Roll. I played and watched basketball, furthering my avid love of sports. I even learned how to dance the Virginia Reel, albeit rather clumsily! I learned to parlez français. Now, whenever I travel, I try to use a few words in the local language. I participated in Student Government, and, as a freshman, wrote and gave a speech in the auditorium—nerves, dry mouth, and all. I learned typing, shorthand, and transcription, which led to my first real job, and opened the door to a very successful business career. I was fortunate enough to win a college scholarship in an era when few young women attended college. I met great girls—smart, talented, funny—many of whom I still call friends.

For all of the above, and much, much more, I love Little Flower, and I dearly want it to remain open to young Catholic girls, especially those with limited financial resources. That's why I joined the Legacy Society, which just means I've included LF in my will. (You all have a will, don't you?) I hope many of you will, prayerfully, consider doing the same thing. I particularly want to challenge the Class of '62 to join me. Right now, only two of us are in the Legacy Society. I am confident we can do much better than that! When we get together in 2012 to celebrate our 50th anniversary (!!!), I pray that we will have at least 25 new members. C'mon ladies—we can do it! God bless you and God bless Little Flower!

Ann Marie Fleming Garrity
Class of 1949

I have always been very thankful for the four wonderful years I spent at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. Not only did I receive an outstanding Catholic high school education but an invaluable life-changing experience that has helped me to overcome many of the challenges that life provides on almost a daily basis. There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't remember and appreciate the years I spent at this wonderful school. Little Flower has a very special place in my heart.

God has been very good to us over the years which have enabled us to participate in a number of Little Flower fundraising campaigns including the continuing Scholarship effort and Tuition Assistance Programs. While we can never repay Little Flower for all that it has given me, we have decided to include this wonderful school in our will and revocable trust and become enthusiastic members of the Legacy Society. In this way, we can assist in providing future students all of the benefits of the Little Flower experience.

We encourage everyone to join us in this endeavor by becoming a member of the Legacy Society.

Sincerely,
Ann Marie Fleming Garraty (49) and Joe

Carole McVeigh Lally
Class of 1955

I currently live in Michigan, a beautiful state surrounded by the Great Lakes. If you look at an Atlas, or even at tonight's national weather forecast on TV, you'll see that Michigan is shaped like a mitten. When someone says they're from Michigan, they raise their right hand and point to the approximate location of their city or town.

At the end of this year, I am retiring from a major law firm where I've worked for over twenty-one years. What do I plan to do post-retirement? By mid-January I'll be in a classroom becoming certified to teach English as a second language. It's payback time. In 1979 and 1980, I lived in eastern Europe and I couldn't speak a word of the local language. Before I was able to enroll in a language school, my landlady gave me a crash course so I could get around the city and make myself understood. Soon I hope to be doing the same for someone else. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be doing that back in Philadelphia.

In September I spent a week visiting family and friends in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Whenever I return to my roots, I drive through Bridesburg past the house where I grew up, stop at All Saints Church where I was married, and pass the company where I formerly worked. I reminisce further by driving the bus and trolley routes that I used to take to get to Little Flower. Along the way, it's always interesting to see what has changed and what hasn't. When I arrive at Little Flower, it's so good to see that it is still here bustling with activity. On this particular visit, I didn't just drive by. I visited with Sister Donna, and we talked for a long time about our beloved school.

As I think back on my high school experience, I am extremely grateful to my parents, Grace and Bill McVeigh, who made more sacrifices to send me and my siblings to Catholic school than I can ever imagine. Only years later did I realize that every time my father took a "second job," it was to "make ends meet." I'm not sure anyone's mother ever came up with more creative ways to make a pound of meat feed a family of six than mine did. They were committed to giving us a quality education — one that would prepare us for a lifetime — and for me, that meant attending Little Flower. Today, parents throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia area are making similar sacrifices to send their daughters to our alma mater.

Every day my mailbox, like yours, is filled with requests to send money to one deserving organization after another...veterans' groups, public television, homeless shelters, soup kitchens. They are all in need, and all deserve our support. But what is the ONE that made the most indelible impression on your life — that played a major role in you becoming the person that you are today? LITTLE FLOWER.

In 2008, as a tribute to my parents and also to the dedicated nuns who were integral in preparing me for my future, I made a commitment to the Legacy Society. It took just a few minutes. No pain involved. Just a conscious decision to include Little Flower in my estate plan in order for it to remain a viable institution and one about which we can continue to be proud for many years to come. I urge all of you to do the same. In fact, I challenge all alumnae, and particularly those in the Class of 1955, to join me in securing the future of our beloved school.

Little Flower offers our student body a caring and nurturing environment. In addition, they offer an educational foundation that will propel them into the finest institutions of higher learning and whatever careers they desire. You can help them to follow their dreams and achieve their goals.

In a "Sequel" that I've saved from Winter 2009, Sister Donna said, "Without money, there is no mission." Please join me in making a commitment to the Legacy Society – as a tribute to your parents, many of whom made sacrifices so that you could attend Little Flower. Do it in their honor. There are bumper stickers that read: I'm spending my children's inheritance. Please don't spend it all. Remember to put something in your will or estate plan that benefits present and future Little Flower students. Whatever you are able to do will provide a gift so precious that its worth will benefit others for a long time.

Joanne Conway Klatt
Class of 1958

If you are like me, the first thing I do when The Sequel arrives, is turn to the back pages to check the postings of my former classmates. At this time in our lives, we are reading about new grandchildren, retirements, and anniversary celebrations. Remaining connected over the years to Little Flower has been very important to me.

When the summer issue of The Sequel arrived, I hope you noticed the bottom of the first page. It read – "Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2010!" You would have read about the outstanding granting of awards and scholarships of over $7,000,000! Only a dedicated and caring faculty, and committed student body, could have achieved this remarkable result. We have so much of which to be proud as Alumnae.

For some time now, I have been making donations for the current needs of the students and the school, but as years pass, I want to be sure the present students and the FUTURE students have the same opportunity I had, enjoying the special friendships and the total positive experience of being at Little Flower. So, I joined the Legacy Society and named the school in my Will. I invite you to join me in this endeavor. In this way, we are ensuring that the gifts we give continue to benefit future students.

When I meet fellow graduates, I always brag about how the sisters and staff have cared for the buildings. Now, we have the Fine Arts Building to brag about, too. If you have not been back to visit the school for a while, I suggest you set a date and come with a classmate or friend. You will be so pleased to see how well the school is maintained. To see the enthusiasm, school spirit, and pride of the young women is quite powerful also.

By naming Little Flower in your Will you can guarantee that the students of forthcoming years will be reading the news of their classmates in the future Sequels.

Mary Ann Keegan
Class of 1941

Gratitude, happy memories, and pride are some of the reasons I have included Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in my will. The two years at Little Flower from 1939 to 1941 as a member of the orchestra and of the first graduating class were memorable ones for me. I made dear friends who have been with me through the years, and Little Flower prepared me well for further education.

My parents sacrificed to give me this privilege of a Little Flower education. One incident sticks in my head. My dad asked me if I really had to have a class ring. I was amazed that he would even question me about this. I said,"Oh yes, I have to have that ring." He never asked me about it again. I am sure he had more important objects to spend money on. Today, I have no idea what has become of the ring! But I was so proud to wear it, and very grateful also.

I have many happy memories of my Little Flower days. One Saturday, while we in the All-Philadelphia Catholic High School Orchestra were rehearsing at the Academy of Music, in came Leopold Stokowski, the world-renowned former conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He listened to us, and then conducted us in the music we were rehearsing,"The William Tell Overture." We were so impressed! Every time I hear"The Lone Ranger" theme, I think of that day!

My Little Flower education gave me an excellent background for college work and for adapting to working in offices, in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and abroad. Living overseas for about 20 years in the Foreign Service, I realized the importance of education in languages and communication skills. In adapting to life in foreign countries, language study was more essential than ever. Effective communication by ambassadors, officers and staff was a vital element in every aspect of embassy and mission life. I tried hard to learn the languages of the countries where I was living.

These days there are so many solicitations for many worthy causes! Some of these come in slick, colorful, eye-catching packets. I decided to give to fewer organizations and to support education, with emphasis on communication skills, as best I could. So Little Flower is on my short list because I have always been proud to say,"I went to Little Flower!"

Arlene Liberatore Petruzzo
Class of 1958

In the early 1990s, when I learned that my dear Alma Mater, Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, was in danger of closing, I decided it was time for me to get involved. I had always been so proud to say, "I went to Little Flower," and I was grateful for the education I received there; however, that was no longer enough. I knew I needed to be a part of the future of the school. I began to give to the Annual Fund. Yet felt certain there must be something else I could do. That was when I decided to put Little Flower in my Will.

Just to go back a little to my days at Little Flower, I must confess that I tried to take the easy way out in selecting courses for my Junior and Senior years. But, thankfully, the dedication, discipline and determination of the sisters at Little Flower prevented that from happening.

I clearly remember the first day of my Junior year. I was shocked to see my roster. It did not resemble anything I had chosen. I was given Latin, Spanish, Stenography, Typing, and so much more. I immediately went to see Sister Mary Daniel and explained that there must have been an error. She checked her file and said, "Be on your way, young lady... there is no error. They are your courses!" Thank God, and thank Sister Mary Daniel! She saw my potential long before I did.

I did not have the opportunity to continue my education due to family responsibilities. It was necessary for me to start work full time immediately after graduation. Fortunately I was able to secure good secretarial positions due to my excellent steno and typing skills I developed at Little Flower.

As the years went by, I was able to move forward because of my solid academic background, my business skills and the work ethic I developed at LF. I had a very successful career in marketing. I retired from the Sun Oil Company after twenty-five years.

I know that my accomplishments in the corporate world were due to the outstanding education I received at Little Flower. My mother sacrificed so much so that I could have this advantage going out into the world. Now it is my turn to give back.

In today’s economy, our Catholic families are challenged financially to provide their daughters with the very best education. They want their daughters to have the opportunity for academic challenge, leadership, and talent development in a caring and safe environment. Little Flower continues to offer this opportunity thanks to the generosity of its alumnae. But LF needs to be here in the future. It gives me great satisfaction to know that by including LF in my will, the LF students of tomorrow will become the next generation of confident women who will contribute as good citizens of the world.

Wanda E. Wesolowski
Class of 1956

As I began my retirement, I took time to meditate on the past fifty plus years since I graduated from Little Flower. Through those years, I enjoyed a very successful career in Radiology, both clinically and academically as a teacher. I am a graduate of the Jefferson Hospital School of Radiologic Technology, Hahnemann Medical College, LaSalle University, and Arcadia University. Now in retirement I volunteer at Mount Nazareth and Aria Torresdale Hospital. I have had the opportunity to travel through Europe, the Caribbean, and Israel. My wonderful and rewarding journey has all been a result of the outstanding educational foundation I received at Little Flower.

I realize now that the four happiest years of my life were spent at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. If I could turn the clock back I would, but since that cannot be done I relish the memories of those four wonderfully happy years. I am most grateful to my beloved parents, Maryanna and Thaddeus Wesolowski, who in those post-war years, sacrificed so much to provide me with the best education possible. The education I received prepared me to graduate and to enter into and become an integral part of 20th century health care providers. Today's students at Little Flower are receiving an education that will prepare them for the 21st century in whatever endeavor they choose.

In recent visits to Little Flower I have had the opportunity to tour my beloved alma mater. It is quite an overwhelming experience. It feels so familiar and the students are so happy as they go about their day filled with activities, friendships, and faith-based education.

I have included Little Flower in my revocable living trust. I sincerely pray that future graduates will recall their happiest years at Little Flower, and will have memories that will sustain them in retirement. I encourage my alumnae sisters to consider including Little Flower in their estate planning. Providing for the education of future generations of young girls is a living memorial that will last for generations.

Judy Belcak Basara
Class of 1966

Thaddeus and I met after college, but we both came through Philadelphia Catholic schools. He graduated from Roman Catholic. When we share memories of those times, it is obvious that our faith, morals, work ethics, and friends were established through our Catholic education. Little Flower was my daytime home and family.

Time shared and spirit renewed continues, over forty years later. Every time I return to LF for a meeting, my heart skips a beat. I remember all the religious and laity who molded my life. They gave me the desire and the ability to continue in their footsteps.

My entire professional life has been as a math teacher and guidance counselor at St. Hubert High School. For the past 39 years I have seen up close what great leaders and citizens our young women become when they have the advantage of a solid Catholic education. My career has been at St. Hubert’s, but my heart will always belong to Little Flower.

When Thaddeus and I chose to write our will, there was no discussion when it came to Little Flower. Our lives and our marriage have been blessed by those years at LF, and we wish to continue to make the spirit of St. Therese available for future generations of young women.

Here’s the critical piece: The amount is not important. What is important is the desire we have to give to future students what has been given to us.

The building at 10th and Lycoming is more than bricks and classrooms. St. Therese has given each graduate a special rose of talents and gifts which continue to blossom as we go through our lives.

We are happy and honored with our decision to include Little Flower in our Will. The Legacy Society and its members will continue to nourish and support the future of the ever-growing garden of St. Therese in Hunting Park.