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

###

With Heartfelt Gratitude: Fr. John Cusick Retires from Old St. Pat's Church

Mass program cover.  The colorful vestments above were all designed by Artist John David Mooney

Today we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension.  And, for many parishioners of Old St. Patrick's Church the 11:15 a.m. Mass was bittersweet. Because today we honored Fr. John Cusick who is retiring after 44 years of priestly ministry! Fr. Cusick grew up in Chicago's South Side but he has called Old St. Patrick's Church his home for the past 30 years!  

Taken from today's Mass program: "Fr. John Cusick, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, was ordained in 1970.  He was the creator, coordinator, and director of Young Adult Ministry from 1977-2013.  This past year, he served as a consultant to the Office. Crain's Chicago Business named John Cusick as one of seven clergy persons profiled as "preachers to seek out in Chicago."  In February 2012 he received the Blessed John XXIII Award from the Association of Chicago Priests for "excellence in priestly ministry and significant contributions to the life of the Church in Chicago." Those of us who gather at Old St. Patrick's know and appreciate him for his gifts of preaching, leadership, creativity, and compassionate service that he so generously shares with us.  We are grateful to Fr. John for all that he has done to contribute to the life and spirit of Old St. Patrick's and her people!

Photos above L-R: Fr. Jack Wall, Fr. John Cusick and Fr. Tom Hurley, Pastor of
Old St. Patrick's Church; John David Mooney, Fr. Cusick and Denise Stauder, SR'62, MV'66

After communion kind words were shared by Fr. Jack Wall, former Pastor of Old St. Pat's and Fr. Tom Hurley, current Pastor.  A check to help with travel expenses and a framed customized rendering of Old St. Pat's was bestowed on Fr. Cusick as Fr. Tom Hurley, Pastor of Old St. Pat's Church said, "A priest never really retires; not until he is lying vertically in the middle aisle of the church is a priest considered retired." So fortunately for all of us, Fr. Cusick plans on being back at Old St. Pat's later in the year, perhaps November or December to help with presiding Masses.   

Some of you are reading this and wondering what is the connection with Sacred Heart?  Well, six degrees of separation. Besides its history: Old St. Patrick's is the second parish founded in the city of Chicago and the city's oldest public building.  Old St. Pat's windows were designed by Thomas A. O'Shaughnessy whose many descendants are Sacred Heart alums. 

But the Sacred Heart connection here is woven in the vestments that you see Father Cusick wearing in the top photo. They were all donated by a Sacred Heart alumna! Five years ago, Old St. Pat's parishioner Denise Stauder, an alumna of Sacred Heart Schools (Sheridan Road) and Maryville College had come into some money.  Denise went to Fr. Cusick and asked what was most needed and his response was new vestments to complement the church's newly renovated interior. 

Instead of just purchasing vestments, Stauder decided to contact John David Mooney, an artist friend of hers to design the vestments.  Mooney, an alumnus of Notre Dame is described as a "very creative, esoteric and spiritual man with a great heart and an absolutely expansive mind".  To read more about John David Mooney and the "Legacy in fabric" - click here.

Harriet Padberg, RSCJ (1922-2014) - Her Musical Ties Go Back Generations

Sr. Harriet Padberg, RSCJ  (1922-2014)
photo taken at 2013 Spirituality Forum in Atherton, CA

I was sadden to read that Sr. Harriet Padberg had passed away on January 2nd.  I had the pleasure of meeting her last summer in California at the Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum.  We had a delightful conversation over lunch.  While Harriet may have followed in her older sister Marie  Louise's (1914-1994) footsteps entering the Society of the Sacred Heart, she seems to have also followed a passion for music that spans generations. 

Harriet was the daughter of Marie Louise Kilgen and Harry J. Padberg.  When you read her full obituary on the rscj.org site you get a flavor of her musical background. But not until you dig deep into her ancestry do you start to learn that she was the great granddaughter of two very prominent men who have as they say "an ear for music".  

Harriet attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart known as City House which closed in 1968 and then she went on to Maryville College located at 2900 Merramac Street.  Coincidentally the 22 acre property is rumored to have been donated in 1872 to the Society of the Sacred Heart by Eugene Miltenberger, Harriet's maternal great uncle.  One connection to the Society that is certain is that Eugene Miltenberger's oldest daughter Elise, entered the novitiate of the Religious of the Sacred Heart at Kenwood, Albany, NY, in 1875.  

Mother Elise Miltenberger, RSCJ (1848-1929)
photo c. 1893 from McAnany-Guignon Genealogy website

Mother Miltenberger would teach at several Sacred Heart schools and became treasurer for the St. Louis Vicariate.  Mother Miltenberger died in 1929 in Saint Charles and is buried with the RSCJ in Calvary Cemetery. 

Harriet's mother's maiden name (Kilgen) was very familiar to me as I had researched the history of the Barat College Chapel years previously.  So I knew that the Organ that was once housed in the Barat College Chapel was manufactured in St. Louis by Kilgen.  Charles C. Kilgen, a Master organ builder was Harriet's grandfather who took over the family business in 1873 upon his father George's death and ran the company until 1923.  "Charles was a descendant of Sebastian Kilgen, who built his first organ in Durlach, Germany in 1640."

Photo of the name plate is from the Kilgen Organ originally purchased in 1925 for
Barat College of the Sacred Heart Chapel ~ Lake Forest, IL 

Charles Kilgen (1859-1932) was married to Louise Robyn (1855-1897),  daughter of William Robyn, a prominent musician in St. Louis and founder of the music department at St. Louis University, as well as several symphony orchestras.  Eugene Miltenberger  (1819- 1879) and Robyn first met in the 1840's when Miltenberger played the violin in one of Robyn's first orchestral ventures. In 1852, Robyn a young widower married Eugene's sister, Clemence Miltenberger (1826-1901).  

William Robyn (1814-1905) 
Harriet's maternal great grandfather 
photo from McAnany-Guignon Genealogy website

So it is no wonder that Harriet Padberg, RSCJ, great granddaughter of both George Kilgen and William Robyn would serve as founder and director of Music Therapy at her alma mater, Maryville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by her cousin John Padberg, S.J., at Villa Duchesne Academy on Saturday, January 25, 2014 and Sr. Padberg will be buried in Calvary Cemetery.  To read complete funeral details for Sr. Padberg, click here. 

Website Sources: The Prep News of St. Louis University (November 2011), McAnany Family Genealogy, Find A Grave 

Claude Demoustier, RSCJ Dies at age 72 years - Will Be Laid to Rest in Grand Coteau, LA

Claude Demoustier, RSCJ
as seen on the hollow grounds of
Grand Coteau

From the Society of the Sacred Heart  - U.S. Province

Claude Demoustier, RSCJ, Educator and Administrator,

Dies in California

Religious of the Sacred Heart Marie-Thérèse Claude Demoustier died Sunday, September 2, at Oakwood, the Society of the Sacred Heart’s elder care center in Atherton, California. She was 72. Her life will be celebrated in a Mass of Resurrection Saturday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Oakwood, 140 Valparaiso Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart cemetery in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, where Sister Demoustier attended high school and later served as director of students as well as headmistress. It is also where she was introduced to the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Claude Demoustier was born July 31, 1940 in Pointe à Pierre, Trinidad, West Indies, the oldest of five daughters of Marc and Germaine de Verteuil Demoustier, both deceased. Her father worked for an oil company, so the family relocated many times and lived in France, Trinidad, Martinique, the United States, Venezuela and Switzerland. As a result, Sister Demoustier became proficient in several languages, which served her well in the international Society of the Sacred Heart.

She is survived by her sisters France (Mrs. Vincent) Balay, Christiane (Mrs. Guy) Delahaie, Nicole Demoustier and Geneviève (Mrs. Olivier) de Reynal, all of whom now reside in France. She entered the Society of the Sacred Heart October 20, 1963 at Kenwood in Albany. She professed first vows in April, 1966 and final vows in Joigny, France, September 10, 1972. She became an American citizen in July of 1983.

Since 2010, Sister Demoustier served the international Society of the Sacred Heart’s general council as secretary general in Rome, until illness prompted her to return to the United States this summer. She had earlier served in the motherhouse Secretariat, 2000-04.

Sister Demoustier’s earliest ministries were at Sacred Heart schools around the country where she taught French, Spanish, English and religion. Her first teaching position, in 1968, was at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, the oldest school in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, founded by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. The following year, she served as director of students and religion teacher at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, New Orleans, before returning to the Academy in St. Charles for two years. In 1971, she returned to her alma mater, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, where she stayed until 1977. She then served as director of students at Villa Duchesne Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, 1977-91.

In 1991, Sister Demoustier became headmistress at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois, where she remained until she was called to serve the international Society in Rome in 2000. When she returned to the United States, she served as campus minister and teacher at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Houston, 2004-07 and as headmistress of the Schools of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau.

Her friend and former colleague Debby Watson said, “I had the great privilege of teaching and working with Claude for many years. Her friendship was a great gift. Claude had a way of connecting with so many people. Her gift of relationships was like Madeleine Sophie’s and her gift of “simple duty daily done” was like Philippine Duchesne. I am honored to have called her friend. Her life’s work was the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart – she lived it well and taught all of us along the way.”

Sister Demoustier earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville University in St. Louis, also a school founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart. She later earned a master’s degree from St. Louis University.

Besides being credentialed to teach French, Spanish and English, Sister Demoustier had special skills in drawing, calligraphy, design and sewing.  She also loved reading and sports. She was a member of the Community Development Team in St. Louis from 1973-1976, the Network School Committee from 1983-1985, and the Board of Trustees at Duchesne in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1988 to 1991. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of the Sacred Heart, 4120 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Society of the Sacred Heart was founded in France in 1800 by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and brought to the United States by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in 1818. There are 330 members in the United States Province and more than 2,500 professed members in 41 countries. Members of the Society are committed to discover, live and announce God’s love through the service of education for transformation, in diverse ministries, particularly addressing the needs of children, young people, women and those in society who are marginalized.

# # #

One heart and one mind in the Heart of Jesus. 

Memorial Mass scheduled for Mary Burns, Sacred Heart alumna, former RSCJ and Headmistress of Grand Coteau

Mary T. Burns
Headmistress of the Sacred Heart School of Montreal
1993-1999

Mary Theodosia Burns, suffered death on December 14th, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida. She was born January 17th, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Mary Theodosia Weber and James Patout Burns, both of whom preceded her in death. 

Mary will be missed by her husband of more than twenty years, Sean McEvenue and by his children, whom they shared: Patrick, Kate, and Timothy McEvenue, by their spouses Joëlle Rudick, Jesse Bazzul, and Shannon Lu, as well as by grandchildren, Benjamin, Nathan, Luca, Joseph, and Ellie. She is also survived by her brothers James Patout Burns, Jr. and his spouse, Robin Jensen, and by Theodore Weber Burns and his partner-in-life Maura McDonnell, and his children Theodore, Jr. (Brad), David, Jeffrey, Jennifer, and their spouses and partners-in-life Krystal, Jamey, Beth, and James, as well as his grandchildren, Spencer, Dawson, Brayden, Linda (Elle) and Marley. 

Mary received her primary education at Mount Carmel Academy in New Iberia, LA, and her secondary education at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, LA. She received degrees from Maryville College, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Tulane University. 

During more than twenty-five years as a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she worked as a teacher and administrator in primary and secondary education. She taught in Sacred Heart schools in St. Charles, MO and Grand Coteau, LA, before being appointed Director of Students and then of Studies at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. She served as Headmistress of Duchesne Academy in Houston and as Director of the Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago. After her marriage to Sean McEvenue, she was Headmistress of The Sacred Heart School of Montreal and finally of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, where she led the effort to establish Berchmans Academy for boys. That dedication commemorated the miracle of St. John Berchmans at Grand Coteau. Mary's death fell on the anniversary of that miracle. 

Mary served on the governing boards of Sacred Heart schools and colleges in Grand Coteau, New York City, St. Louis, Houston, and Montreal. She was also a director of M.A. Patout & Son, Ltd. in Patoutville, LA, a sugar producer established by her great-grandmother and presided over by her grandmother and father. She retired to Gainesville, Florida in 2009 where she served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Faith Catholic Church. 

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior." (Luke 1.46-47)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, with Fr. John Phillips as celebrant. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Central. The family will receive friends at the church, Friday, December 16, 2011, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 8:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street. Memorial gifts may be made to Institutional Advancement, Schools of the Sacred Heart, 1821 Academy Road, P.O. Box 310, Grand Coteau, LA 70541 and to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

Published in Houston Chronicle on December 16, 2011

I first met Mary Burns in the Fall of 2004 when I attended the AASH Southern Regional Conference hosted in Grand Coteau, LA.  At that time Mary was headmistress of the school.  She shared her dream of soon opening up a school for boys - Berchmans Academy. The above photo was taken by me this past October (CASHA conference) when I saw her portrait hanging in the parlor of our Sacred Heart School in Montreal and it was shortly afterward I learned that Mary was ill.

On behalf of the Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart, I send heartfelt condolences to Mary's husband Sean; her family; friends, and the many students whose lives she touched.

May she rest in peace.

Congratulations to Rosemary Holland Gidionsen, MV'50

Rosemary Holland Gidionsen will be honored by Maryville University 

during the upcoming Reunion Weekend on September 23, 2011.  

After hearing and reading much about Rosemary Gidionsen over the years, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting her for the first time last April when she arrived in Miami to attend the 38th Biennial AASH Conference. Rosemary as you will read below was one of the four 2011 AASH Cor Unum recipients.  And, this past June while in St. Louis for our first AASH Board meeting a mutual friend Helen Mashburn Penton and her husband Bill hosted both Rosemary and I for dinner.  What an evening!  Great food and lively conversation!  Rosemary you are very much deserving of this honor and I send you, Jeff Flieg '96 and Kay Blumestock Thorton '05 my very best wishes.   

The article below was taken from the July 2011 issue of  Maryville University ~ The Clock Tower

Rosemary Gidionsen, ‘50

The 2011 Centennial Award from Maryville University recognizes a lifestyle best exemplifying the values of the Sacred Heart tradition. It will be presented during Alumni Weekend to Rosemary Gidionsen, ’50 – alumna, alumni parent, former director of various alumni and constituent relations, and past executive assistant to two Maryville presidents, Claudius Pritchard and Keith Lovin.

Gidionsen’s years of dedication to the University are, in some ways, the glue that binds one generation to the next. Greatly guided by long-held wisdom shared by then-president Odeide Mouton, RSCJ, who first welcomed her as student to Maryville, Gidionsen found herself in a unique position to help the University bridge major periods of transition, especially when the Religious of the Sacred Heart turned the institution over to a lay board in 1972.

“The Society was founded to meet the educational needs of the time and that’s what Maryville was doing in creating a lay board, changing programs and admitting men,” Gidionsen says. “One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to communicate these changes to alumni and help them understand and adjust.”

In honor of Gidionsen’s work with Maryville, the Sacred Heart Chapel in Hutting Chapel on campus is dedicated in her name. She was also awarded the Southern Region 2011 Cor Unum Award last spring by The Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart.

Gidionsen is still involved in voluntary advisory roles with Maryville as a member of the National Leadership Councils for the University Library and the Duchesne Society.

“I’ve never considered my role at Maryville as a career – I consider it an extension of the life I had chosen as wife and mother and I loved every minute of it. Someone once told me that the role of a mother is to interpret members of the family to one another,” Gidionsen says. “That philosophy has guided me, and it carried over into my years at Maryville during those times of uncertainty and institutional change regarding the influence of the Religious of the Sacred Heart.”

Rosemary Holland Gidionsen pictured with her family at the
2011 AASH Conference in Miami after receiving the Cor Unum award
see page 8 of the Winter 2010 issue of Esprit de Coeur