Annunciation Alumni Newsletter

Sometimes, a single photograph can unlock a treasure trove of memories. In a recent excursion to the Parish Center's archive room, an Annunciation 7th-grade Religion class stumbled upon a hidden gem: the Twin Cities Champion trophy from the 1959 Annunciation Baseball Team. Unbeknownst to them, this discovery would spark a whirlwind of nostalgia just a week later when an unexpected visitor from that golden era graced Annunciation with tales from the past. Welcome to the Summer of 1959!

Growing up on 56th and Grand, Annunciation wasn't just a school for Adrian "Bud" LaChapelle; it was the heartbeat of his childhood, shared with his sisters, Renee (Class of 1948) and Sharon (Class of 1955), and his brother, Clark (Class of 1950). Weekends were spent rollerskating in the gym, and spring was baseball season, with his dad as the team driver.

The team finished the 1959 season with an undefeated 17-0 record crowning them the Twin Cities champions. But here's the twist the photograph didn't reveal: among the cheering crowd was a certain charming St. Paul Irish girl, Molly Tierney. She was there to support her 8th-grade sweetheart who pitched for St. Mark's. Little did they know that destiny had a grander plan, for Molly would later become Bud's wife.

During Bud and Molly's visit, he regaled us with tales of candy sales in the south foyer, serving mass in the church in the present day auditorium, boisterous schoolmates, Sister Theonis who was "so holy that she levitated" and, of course, the Annunciation championship baseball team with its 17-0 record!

Back row: Father Dick Rodell; Tom Farrell, Pat Walsh, _ Mabel, Bud LaChapelle, Tom Harrer 1958, Roger Hipwell 1958, Dave Zens 1958, Bill Cronin 1958, Tom Walrich 1958, James Runyan 1958, Mr. LaChapelle

Front row: Michael Flaherty 1958, Timothy O’Brien 1958, Stanley Ozark 1958, Robert Grams 1958, Lenny Jenks, Tom Brundige 1958, Tim McPhearson, Mike Farrell

A century ago, a tradition began with an end-of-year school picnic. We're bringing it back to celebrate our Centennial! All alumni, current and legacy school families, community members, and current/former faculty are invited to the biggest gathering of the year. Come join us for games, food, wiffleball matches, and the Dominican and Mary Jo Sterner awards presentation. It's going to be a night of fun and nostalgia!

Alumni, will you join us in contributing to the Centennial Fund to keep our building and enrollment healthy? This fund is focusing on immediate facility needs and student scholarships. We are asking alumni to donate $100 for 100 years. With your generous donation Annunciation will be here for future generations.

This edition, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the Hannan Family - spanning four generations of Annunciation pride!

Meet Martha Hannan, from the Class of 1963, whose roots run deep in our school's history. Martha's parents, Catherine and Norbert Westhoff, both graduates from Annunciation, classes of 1939 and 1935, paved the way for the Hannan family. Their legacy of faith and commitment to Annunciation continues through Martha, her son Andy and grandchildren Henry and Josephine.

1. What is one of your favorite memories of Annunciation School?

Martha: My 8th grade graduation. My class was the first to graduate from the new church. My uncle, Reverend Donald Westhoff was the guest speaker.

Andy: I remember my 2nd grade first communion very well (brother Matt played the drums) Also, many great memories from Improv shows, AYM in middle school, camp foley, 8th grade basketball team, Christmas program. Walking to school!

Henry: Septemberfest every year, Christmas program.

Josie: Septemberfest every year.

2. What was your favorite Class or Teacher at Annunciation?

Martha: 6th grade Sister Marie Richards. She was a very kind and inspiring educator. She taught in the now junior high.

Andy: So many great teachers Mrs. Fisher for 3rd grade, she instilled a lot of confidence in me. Mrs. Strickland and Mrs. Nesvik were also very influential.

Henry: Ms. Miley, Ms. A, Mrs. Komerac and Mrs. Mullinax all the best! PSPE and ART!

Josie: PSPE and Art class. I have loved both Ms. Miley and Mrs. Sable.

4. In your opinion what is the best thing about Annunciation?

Martha: The lifelong friendships that I formed while attending Annunciation.

Andy: Friendships, community, people, the history, the location in the city!

Henry: Septemberfest.

Josie: Teachers, Septemberfest, Christmas Program.

4.What do you hope your son or grandson will get out of Annunciation?

Martha: The foundation for life-long learning and living their Catholic faith.

Andy: A strong education and catholic teaching along with positive experiences that shape them to be great people. I hope that they build lasting friendships as well.

Let us know if your family would like to be featured as a multi-generational Annunciation family by emailing Alum@Annunciaitionmsp.org.

The Annunciation Dominican Award is presented to an Annunciation graduate who demonstrates gospel values in their life's work, be it at home, in the community or in the workplace. The award is named for the Domincan Sisters of Sinsinawa, the first teachers at Annunciation when it opened in 1923. The Dominican Award will be presented at the Centennial All School Picnic on Wednesday, May 29th 2024.

We are excited to announce the 2024 Dominican Award recipients!

* Darby Voeks '09

* Beth (Kisling) Sable '91

* Fr. Kevin Kenney '74

* Leah (Wenthe) Kaiser '83

• Art Sauter, Class of 1951
• Sr. Marian Pahl, Class of 1945
• Mary Jo Holtby Copeland, Class of 1956
• Mary Parker LaFontaine, Class of 1949
• Donald Sovell, Class of 1942
• Helen Hanson Trepanier, Class of 1956
• Anita Bracchi Witta, Class of 1972
• Sr. Joyce Rowland, Class of 1936
• Paul Jaeger, Class of 1952
• Mary McFarland Ritten, Class of 1951
• Bishop John F. Kinney, Class of 1951
• John S. Adams, Class of 1952
• Michael Cunniff, Class of 1962

Roger Audette, April 20, 2022, beloved parishioner and father to Vincent 1990, Vanessa 1993 and Veronica 2001.

Mary Michaels December 1, 2022, mother to Jane 1967, Pat 1968, Keith, Ellen 1973, Ann 1974 and Cari 1979.

Janice Frederick, December 11th, 2022, mother to Lauren 2002 and Kevin.

Christopher Huber, January 18, 2023, father to Natalie, Sylvia 2019, Ethan 2016, Jack 2018 and Ben 2022.

Marguerite Leitheiser Yang, February 9, 2023, sister to Robert Leitheiser 1967.

Mark Knooihuizen February 7, 2023, married to wife Sandy at Annunciation Church. Father to Michael 1986, Tom 1988, Holly and Katie1996.

Nany Everson, May 24, 2023, class of 1964.

Maria Revak, June 9, 2023, class of 1980, Sister to Gail 1965 and Amy 1975.

Raymond Gleason, June 14, 2023, class of 1949. Father to Sarah 1976, Kathleen 1978, Jennifer 1980, Timothy 1984, Hazel , Leela and Georgia. Siblings Jack 1943, Stephen 1948, Mary 1948, Philip, Jane 1950, and Kenneth 1952.

Phyllis Murphy, July 21, 2023, class of 1947.

Christopher Fleming, July 2023 class of 1981.

Thomas Murphy, July 29, 2023, class of 1941, Brother to Phyllis class of 1947 and father to Daniel, Mike, Mary and Dave.

Gloria O'Brien Huss August 24, 2023. Mother to Timothy 1958, Margaret, Thomas, Kathleen 1956, and Liz 1964.

Thomas McCarthy September 20, 2023, class of 1955. Father to Kerry, Mark, and grandfather to Emily 2018, Ivan 2022, Zofia 2022 and Nolan 2030; Brother to Lora 1959, David 1961, Debbie 1963, & Patty 1963.

Jane Jaeger, October 28, 2023, mother to Mary Alice 1974, Sarah 1975, Amy 1977, Kate 1982, Joe, Anne 1985, and David 1988. Grandmother to Meg 2016, Joe 2015, Jane 2017, Maura 2020 and Emmett 2025.

Doug Hassman, December 21, 2023, husband to Kathy Lawrow 1968.

Margaret McCarthy, December 25, 2023, class of 1954.

Eileen Walsh Osterbauer, January 13, 2024, class of 1955. Mother to Nancy, John, Ann, Joseph, Mary Alice and Katheryn. Sister to Matthew, Jerry 1968 and Rosemary 1945.

Molly Welsh, January 28, 2024, class of 1966.

Joseph Hamel, January 30, 2024, class of 1966.

Dennis Rooney, February 18, 2024, class of 1955. Brother to Ellen 1957, Rory 1960, Patrick 1963.

Charles Nixon, February 27, 2024, husband of beloved teacher Mary Lou Nixon, father to Catherine 1986, Theresa 1986, Mary Anne 1991, Julianne 1994 and Thomas 1996.

Charles McConville, March 11, 2024, class of 1947. Brother to Patricia, class of 1944.

James Nygren, March 29, 2024, class of 1955.

Donald Rushin, April 11, 2024, grandfather to Charlie class of 2014 and Lucy class of 2016.

David Dwyer, April 19, 2024, class of 1982. Brother to Mark class of 1978, Timothy 1981, Wendy 1985, Steven, 1989. Uncle to alumni Michael 2017, Charlie, Luke 2023, Jack 2025 and William 2029.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and

let perpetual light shine upon them.

We make every attempt to remember all our beloved community members who have passed.

Please email Alum@annunciationmsp.org to include your family member in the next newsletter.

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