A Tribute to Sacred Heart Alumna, Rosemary O'Neil (1923-2020)

Rosemary O'Neil, Sacred Heart alumna of Sheridan Road, class of 1942 and Maryville University, class of 1946, passed away peacefully at her home in Evanston, IL on April 14, 2020.  The video is a collage of photos taken at various Sacred Heart events culminating in 2013 when Rosemary was the recipient of the AASH Cor Unum Award and a week later attended the Alumnae Reunion at Sheridan Road. 

The Cor Unum Award was established to pay tribute to alumnae and alumni who have embraced the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in their everyday lives.  The meaning of Cor Unum is “one heart”, taken from the motto of the Society of the Sacred Heart: "One heart and One mind.”

Some recipients are well known and their achievements monumental. Others have lived quieter lives devoted to dedication and service. All are among those whom St. Madeleine Sophie and St. Philippine Duchesne would proudly claim as true Children of the Sacred Heart.

\

Jane Cannon and Rosemary O'Neil 

Omaha ~ April 13, 2013

From the 2013 Winter issue of Esprit de Coeur:

In the tradition of Sacred Heart alums, Rosemary O'Neil has devoted much of her life to service and volunteerism on behalf of both religious and other Sacred Heart alumnae, as well as community and cultural organizations in the Chicago area. Following graduation from Maryville, Rosemary was Assistant Registrar for the School of Speech at Northwestern University, later becoming administrative assisant at a brokerage firm.  She "retired" in 1964 when her employer retired, and began devoting herself to the full-time role of volunteer.   

Active in AASH,  Rosemary attended her first Biennial Conference in 1951 at Cincinnati, and since has attended several more.  She promoted the 1986 AMASC Conference in Japan, which she attended.  

Rosemary has served on a number of Boards including Madonna Center - a Chicago mission serving Italian immigrants; Christ Child Society; Chicago-Lake Forest Alumnae Association; Maryville College Alumnae Association.  She was honored by Maryville with the Alumnae Loyalty Award.  

Rosemary received the Sheridan Road - Catherine Seiker, RSCJ Award afer she was "drafted" by Sr. Seiker to refurbish old school photo albums and help identify alums in the photographs. She also produced the 50th Anniversary of Sheridan Road - a celebration that included a Mass and reception on the Feast Day of St. Madeleine Sophie 

Whether it was serving as assistant editor of the AASH Newsletter or volunteering at an inner-city settlement house, Rosemary O'Neil exemplifies the qualities that have earned her a 2013 Cor Unum Award. 

Rosemary's dear friend, Jeanne Burke O'Fallon presented her Cor Unum Award as follows:

 Cor Unum Award

Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart

Rosemary O’Neil

At four of the last five AASH conferences we have honored a Rosemary. With Shakespeare we ask, “What’s in a name?” And it is Shakespeare, in a very different context, who answers: “Rosemary -- that’s for remembrance. Pray, love, remember.” These words summarize the glorious life of Rosemary O’Neil, who prays fervently, loves deeply, and always remembers.

   

Perhaps we can gloss over the skill and dedication Rosemary brought to her distinguished career as an executive secretary as well as her tireless service to the Madonna Center for Italian immigrants and the Christ Child Society in Chicago. That allows focus on her long life as a True Child of the Sacred Heart.

Lovingly welcomed by Mother Agnes Regan in 1938 to a wonderful world at Sheridan Road, and expanding her horizons and sealing solid her character in cherished years at Maryville College, Rosemary has given back in loyal remembrance ever since. She organized archival photos, chaired an anniversary celebration, and helped reopen a chapel at Sheridan Road. At Maryville she was instrumental in raising $100,000 to endow a scholarship in memory of Mother Marie Odéïde Mouton.

We should thank her beloved Mother Mouton for nurturing Rosemary’s trademark way of being thoughtfully forthright. When she worried her candid remarks could seem uncharitable for a Child of Mary, Mother Mouton reassured her: “Rosie dear, you are more sophisticated than some.”

This sophistication, or frankness, makes Rosemary a valued advisor and is a joy in broad friendships, often formed at these very conferences, since 1951, and strengthened by her apostolate of the telephone. Her comments send one to the dictionary or a notebook, or into mirthful laughter. She amuses rather than irritates those whose views might not be hers as, for example, she refers to the city she has loved and served all her life as “The People’s Republic of Evanston.” The renowned architect of the area is always referenced as Frank Lloyd Wrong.

One scene might capture Rosemary’s life of loving, generous remembrance. During the 2005 Chicago conference, she gathered thirteen alumnae friends for dinner. Toward the end of a beautiful evening she went ‘round the table and, without a note or a flaw, paid glowing tribute to each guest. Her words were so enchanting that she had us all wondering if such a profusion of virtue had ever before been assembled.

Our humble honoree tried to decline this award, saying that others have done great things while she has just done things “person to person, one to one.” Yes, Rosemary, as you have prayed, loved, and remembered, your life has been one to one, one heart to one heart. 

One heart – Cor Unum. You have lived Cor Unum and sursuum corda – lifting up our hearts and leading us all to the Heart of God.    

                                                                                                                                                           Jeanne Burke O’Fallon

                                                                                                                                                           Omaha, April 13, 2013

Rosemary and Jeanne Burke O'Fallon

It was in 2005 as we planned to host the AASH Biennial Conference in Chicago, when I called Rosemary and asked if she would consider hosting a home dinner, that I became aware of the many Sacred Heart alums that she held near and dear.  Rosemary didn't hesitate to offer to host a dinner as long as it was on her terms.  Instead of actually hosting at her home, Rosemary told me she would provide me a list of guests to be invited to The Casino Club, which happened to be the most exclusive club in the city and within walking distance of the Drake Hotel where the out-of-town attendees would be staying. The photo below shows the merry group surrounding their gracious hostess on the evening of April 21, 2005.

Pictured: Barb Lopiccolo, Rosemary, Sue Schumann and Standing L-R: Airlie Ogilvie, 

Louise Dunn, Jeanne O’Fallon, Kiki Rothing, Patricia Kolojeski, Nancy Agnew, 

Frances Asam, Olga Rome, Rosemary Gidionsen, Patsy Sheehan, Joan Downey

The last time most of Rosemary's out of town friends saw her was in Omaha as we bid each other farewell on Sunday, April 14, 2013 when the 39th AASH Biennial conference concluded with Mass and everyone headed home.  How ironic that seven years later on April 14th, would be the date that Rosemary would join her brother Bill and parents.  Rosemary may you rest in eternal peace. You are home at last!  

To view the published obituary for Rosemary O'Neil - click here

###

Sacred Heart Schools Chicago - Honors Joanne Barranco Steenveld, ASH '56

Sacred Heart Reunion Liturgy Celebrant: Fr. George Lane, SJ 

Sacred Heart Schools Chicago hosted its annual Reunion Liturgy and Luncheon at its Sheridan Road campus on Saturday, April 20.  Fr. George Lane, SJ celebrated mass and, during his homily, he noted that he too has a long history with Sacred Heart education.  Fr. Lane's mother, Jewel Kenny Lane, was a 1925 graduate from the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, aka Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart.  The oldest of seven children, Fr. Lane told us that he and his brothers all attended Loyola, and his two sisters are alumna of Sheridan Road.  The family grew up in St. Gertrude's parish.  Fr. Lane spoke of his appreciation for all that his mother had done for him as a young boy and how humbly she once remarked that any mother would do the same for her children.  An "attitude of gratitude" was the theme of his homily; stressing how important it is to recognize that everything is a gift.   It was truly a day filled with many gifts and blessings. Alums from the classes of 1951 to 1993 gathered for the annual Reunion Liturgy and Luncheon.  The food was scrumptious!  The program was prepared and presented by the Staff and members of the SRAA Board. Many thanks to Kathy Fivelson, Parent and Alumni Relations Director; Sophie Streeter, Parent and Alumni Relations Associate; newly hired Alumni Relations Associate, Carolyn Hall Napleton A'00; all the SRAA Board Members: especially President, Kwaben Komai A'83, and President Elect, Joey Yao H'88. 

Joanne Barranco Steenveld, ASH '56 – 2013 Recipient of the Catherine I. Seiker, RSCJ Award –  expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her.  SRAA President Elect Joey Yao introduced "Mrs. Steenveld," one of his Hardey Prep teachers who had a very positive influence in his Sacred Heart education. Kwaben Komai and Joey then presented her with a statue of Mater.  Joanne, who was surrounded by many classmates from Sheridan Road and Barat College – as well as friends and family – held up the beautiful statue and said, “Today is "Prize Day" for me.”     Joanne thoughtfully reflected on her Sacred Heart education and her teaching career.  She spoke of Primes and the many occasions she received a card with the word "Bien" written on it. Joanne concluded by expressing gratitude for St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Mater for her education and the gifts she has received.  To read more about Joanne and the award click here.  

Also, in attendance at the Reunion luncheon was Rosemary O'Neil an alumna of both Sheridan Road '42 and Maryville College '46 and most notably the 2013 Cor Unum recipient from the Central Region at the 39th AASH National Conference hosted in Omaha on April 13.  

It was definitely a day full of gratitude for all things Sacred Heart!

An "Attitude of Gratitude" was evident at the Luncheon 

Primes: Originally the first exercise of the week in a school of the Sacred Heart, Primes was the assembly of students and religious at which judgment on the previous week’s conduct, good or bad, and results of the previous week’s tests were announced. Medals for politeness, for order, and for excellence in various academic subjects were also awarded, to be worn for a particular week. But Primes was also an exercise in poise. Each class was called, formed two by two, and advanced toward what could seem an intimidating group of black-garbed nuns. After forming a semicircle in front of the religious, the class curtseyed and waited for “notes” to be read. A card imprinted Tres Bien signified “very good” in behavior; a card with Bien meant “good;” a card with Assez Bien meant “good enough,” or rather “not good enough.” If a student was not bien at all, she did not receive a card, simply an oral report of “no notes,” a judgment to be dreaded. A student was expected to answer with graciousness and dignity any comment or question of Reverend Mother. This weekly practice has been replaced with monthly/quarterly, annual assemblies.

Prize Day: Sometimes referred to simply as “Prizes,” Prize Day brings a formal end to the school year in some Sacred Heart schools. Students are recognized for their academic achievements throughout the year and, in some schools, for character formation. The school community comes together for a formal assembly to distribute the prizes. In former days, the prizes usually consisted of books; now the prize can often be a certificate or award recognizing specific achievement. From the youngest to the oldest, the students are taught to accept awards graciously and to applaud the skills and talents of others. This practice continues in most of our schools today. In some schools the term Prize Day has been replaced with “Sacred Heart Awards” or some other title.

39th Biennial AASH Conference Opening Reception Hosted at Hilton Omaha

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

 39th Biennial AASH Conference

The Opening Wine and Cheese Reception was a wonderful way to start off the conference.  Many alums eagerly greeted one another and relaxed after a long day of travel due to weather related delays. In loving memory of Shelagh Mary O'Dwyer (1920-2012), alumna of Point Grey Convent of the Sacred Heart, Vancouver, British Columbia, Class of 1938, and in recognition of her devotion to the Associated Alumnae and Alumni of The Sacred Heart and her great love of AASH Conferences, her executor and friends made a legacy gift to AASH.  The reception was in honor of and underwritten by  the extraordinary gift from Shelagh's estate.  The Sacred Heart values of generosity and joyous coming together were central to Shelagh's life and the gift will be a lasting legacy of this remarkable and beloved alumna.