St. Vincent Ferrer High School

Class of 1957 – Bulletin Board, 2011-2012

(12/21/2012) Sharon Doucette Graham passes away

Phil Avellar learned today that Sharon Doucette Graham passed away on October 30. Her son, Dave Graham, said she had been living with him and his wife in Napa after suffering a stroke some time ago. She got pneumonia, was hospitalized, and later transferred to Napa Nursing where she passed away.

(12/18/2012) Coleman Nash's Death Notice

Here is Coleman's death notice as published in the Vallejo Times-Herald.

(12/14/2012) Coleman Nash dies after long illness

Gary Coronado reports Coleman (Coke) Nash passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 13 at a local care facility after a long illness.

Viewing will be held at Twin Chapels, 1100 Tennessee Street, Vallejo on Wednesday, December 19th beginning at 4 P.M. with Rosary following at 7 P.M.

Mass will be on Thursday morning, 11 A.M., December 20th at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church at the corner of Sacramento and Florida Streets in Vallejo.

Donations should be mailed to the Coleman Nash Memorial, c/o Sister Adele Gerlach, St. Vincent’s Church, 929 Sacramento Street, Vallejo, CA 94590. Proceeds will be used to establish a remembrance for Coke and his parents.

Contact Gary Coronado at 916-209-3161 or Bill Chavez at 916-419-1006 for further information.

(12/11/2012) An Update on the "Van for Stan" Project

We've received an update on the "Van for Stan" campaign and want to thank the classmates whose contributions helped it reach and surpass the goal. A total of 123 donors contributed $39,035 which covered the purchase of a fully-equipped 2007 Toyota Sienna for $27,484. The funds also allowed purchase of wheelchair equipped for automatic lockdown in the van. Remaining funds are in a special account to be carefully used for other adaptive, caregiving and equipment needs.

Eileen and Stan are keeping very active going out as much as possible to movies, plays, picnics, medical appointments, etc. They are most thankful for all who helped make this possible.

(11/17/2012) The Preachers and the Teachers — United in One Man

Leo LaBelle’s life can be viewed in the context of two religious orders, the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers). While his Dominican roots and credentials are obvious, he has been closely associated with the Christian Brothers since his undergraduate days at St. Mary’s College. He returned to St. Mary’s years later serving as Director of Campus Ministry, Dean of Student Life, and a member of the Board of Trustees. He now resides with the Christian Brothers at their Mont La Salle retreat in the Napa Valley.

Now, in a rare honor requiring approval in Rome, Leo has been officially “affiliated” with the Christian Brothers. Father Patrick Leo LaBelle, O.P. is now also Brother Patrick LaBelle, A.F.S.C. At a beautiful mass in the College chapel on November 17, 2012, celebrated by Bishop John Cummins, Leo was recognized for his outstanding collaboration with the Christian Brothers, the quality of his personal life inspired by LaSallian spirituality, and his long-lasting participation in the Brothers’ work of education.

Classmates Sister Anne (Martha) Bertain and Bill Chavez were on hand for Leo’s big day.

Also at the ceremony was a classmate we haven’t seen in many a moon.
Owen Boyle (you may remember that he was Leo’s cousin) was there.
He promises that he’ll be at our 60th Reunion.

(10/30/2012) Ethel O'Neal Stahlecker is out of the Hospital

Bill Chavez received a call from Ron Stahlecker advising that Ethel will be going home from the hospital tomorrow, October 31, and is doing well. Ethel then took the phone and sounded excited about leaving the hospital. She asked about her classmates. Cards can be sent to Ethel at 1042 Easum Drive #93, Napa, CA 94558.

(10/23/2012) Bill Chavez reports on our 55th Reunion

Thanks to all of you for a successful and eventful 55th Class Reunion. The opportunity to have an event "double booked" made for quite an evening. Little do you know it was always planned this way. Seriously, the Mass by Fr. Hayes (many thanks for substituting for Fr. LaBelle), the five choice entrée dinner at La Strada and the resilience of the Class of 1957 made the evening memorable.

Special thanks to the Committee whose assistance in planning is always appreciated. Thanks also to Al Cattalini as webmaster, Gary Coronado for the update on Fr. LaBelle and Coleman Nash and securing Fr. Hayes, Janice Stumley for her continued outstanding effort on the memorial display, Ethel O'Neal Stahlecker's husband Ron for his timely input regarding the delay at Eagle Vines and Phil Avellar for having Wells Fargo delete the monthly $9.95 fee on the class bank account.

Attached are three reports for your viewing:
     1. Reunion 2012 Final Report which show a profit of $171. $71 is from the Reunion itself and $100 is from a gift card from Eagle Vines. The ending cash balance is $481.
     2. Bank Reconciliation which agrees with the ending cash balance at the bottom of the page on the Reunion 2012 Final Report.
     3. Wells Fargo Bank checking balance which also shows the ending cash balance of $481.

A detailed report has been mailed to Phil Avellar, Bob Moelk and Al Cattalini for auditing and suggestions and improvements for our next gathering.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bill

(10/20/2012) Bill Chavez reports on Stan Buchanan

Coach Stan's wife Eileen suffered a major stroke in March 2012, leaving her partially paralyzed. She is currently in the Golden Home assisted living facility in Sausalito and still has her memory and sense of humor.

Friends of Stan have recently purchased a used specially adapted van and are in the process of buying electric wheel chair for her, and there are other critical items that must be purchased so they can return to normal life once Eileen returns home.

Please contribute if you can and send your donations to:

Van for Stan
c/o Denis Ragan
6 Morning Star Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925

When you send a donation, please add "S.V. Class of 1957" after your name.

Thanks, Bill

(10/18/2012) Bernie Esteves Kelleher Funeral

Philomena Blankenship Bowman, Al Cattalini, Nancy Cirimele Devlin, Joan Cattalini, Vi & Gary Coronado, Stan Buchanan, Joan McDonald, Bill Chavez pose for a photo after Bernie's funeral. Phil Avellar was there but eluded the photographer.

Approximately 400 friends and family attended Bernie’s Mass and she was praised for her loyalty and dedication for over 30 years of service to St. Isabella’s parish and school.

Rosary was held October 17 with Sister Martha Anne Bertain, Lois Kopple Pavelka, Dee Faria Brownlee, Paula George Foley, and Bill Chavez attending.

For Bernie's obituary, click here.

(10/8/2012) Bill Chavez Reports on Coleman Nash

I visited Coke in the hospital today and he is showing great improvement. I joked with him on how well he looks. Honestly, he has been in Kaiser in Vallejo since July 2 and that's over 90 days! He is now beginning to walk again and is hopeful about his health. This photo is from this morning's visit.

(8/29/12) Bill Chavez Stands Up for his Rights

Since 1949, some 62 years ago, comments have been made by unnamed individuals about who is the shortest/tallest.

Definite photographic proof was finally provided during the Class Reunion at La Strada in Napa on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

I now dare the unnamed individuals to prove otherwise! Please see this photo of Terry Curtola, Bob Moelk and Bill Chavez.

(8/28/12) A Note from Sister Constance

Last Reunion I said, "this is my last time", but when the invitation to attend the Reunion arrived, I could not resist the thought of seeing some of my favorite people again. What a soul satisfying affair! The evening was filled with re-connecting with boys and girls. I spent the next day at the brunch catching up on our lives. I return to Los Angeles renewed in mind and spirit filled with the gratitude for God having put St. Basil's in my life.

P.S. Sister Constance instructed us in the responsibility of life and Christianity for three years. She taught us in the 5th, 6th and 8th grades. — Bill Chavez

(8/23/12) Another Update on Leo La Belle

Father Leo La Belle continues to recover slowly from severe foot problems. It appears that he won't be able to attend the reunion (but we can pray real hard for a miracle!). He's arranged for another Dominican, Father Thomas Hayes, to say our 5pm mass on Sunday. Leo has relocated from San Francisco to Mount La Salle, the Christian Brothers "monastery" in Napa Valley (4401 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558). We imagine his former cell phone number 650-208-0628 still works.

(7/22/12) Update on Coleman Nash

Gary Coronado reports that Coleman Nash's illness has become very serious. Coleman is presently in I.C.U. at Kaiser in Vallejo. He cannot talk since he is tubated. The nursing station is no longer limiting the number of visitors. He must use a dry erase board for communication. He has had two operations and has been in and out of the hospital since June 19th. Please keep him in your prayers.

(7/10/12) Photos from Sally's Reception

The reception after the funeral of Sally Sheehan Avellar was a mini-reunion of sorts for the Class of 1957. Click here for some photos taken by Pattie Chavez.

(7/9/12) Coleman Nash in the Hospital

Gary Coronado reports that Coleman Nash has been in and out of Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo for the past few weeks. He suffered a broken hip and is currently in Kaiser Hospital Room 4035B. Coleman has had several complications---the most serious requiring kidney dialysis. While his condition is still considered serious, he appears to be improving. He is presently out of I.C.U. and is no longer required to have limited visitors. If you care to give him a call, you may reach him at 1-707-651-1000.

(7/4/12) Sally Avellar's Death Notice

Here is Sally's death notice as published in the Napa Vallley Register.

Here are some classmates' responses to news of Sally's death:

Thank you for the news. My wife Barbara and I got to know them when we were members and the Napa Valley Country Club. She will be missed. Paul Rogers

Got the news from Betty House Moreira- yes, Sally was a great friend and person. God Bless Her. Sandy Robben

I am so sorry to hear this. Please let me know when you have more details on her services............Thanks, Terry Curtola

So sorry to hear about Sally- we have exchanged many e-mails. My husband Joel is a Deacon at St. Apollinaris - I'm sure he will be available to Phil at all times. We returned home last night from a fishing trip at Lake Almanor and wondered what news would be waiting for us since we have had seven deaths in the past seven weeks!!!:o( The family will certainly be in our prayers and again Joel will make himself available at all times if Phil so chooses. May God Bless his family, Mary Lessard Momsen

I am so sad to hear about Sally's death. Please tell her family my thoughts are with them. It is so hard to bear the pain of losing a loved one. Thank you and love to all of you, Laurel Pritchett Washam

I am sorry to hear of Sally's death. Please tell Phil I will remember Sally in my prayers along with Phil and their family. Blessings, Martha (Sister Anne Bertain)

(7/3/12) New Address for Betty House Moreira

Betty advises that she has moved to Trilogy in Brentwood. Her new address is 1731 Chardonnay Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513. Her new email addrss is rbjmoreira@gmail.com.

(6/6/12) Bill Chavez Sends an Update on Father Leo LaBelle

Pattie and I visited Fr. Leo LaBelle at the Jewish Home for the Sick in San Francisco on Monday, June 4. The "healing" process on both feet is expected to improve significantly over the next four to six weeks at which time he hopes to be released. He looks well and is in good spirits. I teasingly reminded him of our Class Reunion in August and he advises he is planning to be present. To further lift his spirits, cards/letters can be sent to 302 Silver Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112, Rm. 3002.

(5/23/12) A Contemporary Website from Vallejo High School

Bill Chavez sends info about a website www.vhs62.com focused on the Vallejo High School Class of 1962. Maintained by Harry Diavatis, the site has some interesting info and is updated weekly. It contains grammar school class photos from 1951-1961. You'll find local recipes, information about local musicians, and much more. If you find your grammar school class photo, be sure to thank Bill!

(4/6/12) Bill Chavez Sends Info on the 1940 Census

The US Census Bureau has released the 1940 Census. For those of you interested, click this link 1940census.archives.gov. Enter California, Solano, Vallejo, your Street and cross Street.

I found the following classmates:

Enter ED # 48-33:
Page 15 Coronado
Page 8 Ellsworth

Enter ED# 48-34:
Page 16 Coronado Alolph
Page 18 Cirimele

Different address and cross street will result in proper ED# for your particular search.

Happy genealogy hunting!

(3/31/12) Paul Rogers Muses about the World

What's this world coming to?

The Pope in Cuba?

A Morman running for president?

A young Catholic priest in in a Jewish Home for the Aged?

Al, thanks for the info.

Warm regards, Paul Rogers '57

(3/29/12) Update on Father LaBelle

Bill Chavez spoke with Fr. LaBelle this afternoon and although he is during fine, he does not know when he will be released. His direct telephone number is 415-562-1511.

(3/28/12) Father Leo LaBelle

We received this from the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael: Prayer Request - For Fr. Patrick Labelle who is recovering at the Jewish Center in San Francisco from two foot surgeries and an infection that has been ongoing for many months. If you would like to send a note his address is: Jewish Home for the Aged, 302 Silver Ave., San Francisco CA 94112.

(2/8/12) 55th Reunion Announced

Bill Chavez and his committee have finalized plans for our 55th Reunion. We'll be returning to the site of our 50th Reunion, the Eagle Vines Golf Club, for Mass, cocktails, and dinner on Sunday, August 26, 2012. We'll enjoy brunch on Monday at Zio Fradeo's at the Vallejo Marina. For full information click here. Mark your calendar, send in your RSVP, mail your check, and get ready for another great reunion!

(2/3/12) Honors for Gary Coronado

We've learned that Gary Coronado will be inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame on March 3rd. The 9th Annual Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame, hosted by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District, is an event designed to honor Vallejo athletes who have achieved amazing accomplishments through their athletic or coaching careers. This event serves as a fundraiser for youth sports programs and scholarships for low income families, two programs that have been severely impacted by budgetary cuts. The Greater Vallejo Recreation District relies heavily on donations from individuals and organizations for general funding and silent auction items. All proceeds go towards improving the Greater Vallejo Recreation District's youth sports programs.

Tickets can be purchased through the Greater Vallejo Recreation District, 395 Amador Street, Vallejo, CA 94590-6320. Telephone: 707-648-4600. Visit the GVRD website for more information about this event.

(12/2/11) Sister Luke's Death Notice

Here is Sister Luke's death notice as published in the San Francisco Chronicle.

(11/28/11) Sister Luke Passes Away

We've learned of the death of our beloved Sister Luke, who passed away last week in San Rafael. The information below is adapted from the Dominican Sisters' internal newsletter. We understand that a death notice is being prepared for publication in local newspapers. We'll include it here when we get it. 

Sister Luke in 2007, enjoying our 50th Reunion.

(11/26/11) 50th College Reunion for 3 Alums

Father Patrick LaBelle delivers homily in college chapel.

Al Cattalini, Linda and Dan Leary.

This summer Leo LaBelle, Dan Leary, and Al Cattalini attended the 50th reunion of St. Mary's College Class of 1961. Here are photos from the festive event in Moraga.

(10/3/11) New Address for Bill and Pattie Chavez

We received word that Bill and Pattie Chavez are moving to Sacramento to be closer to doctors and more central to their children in Chico, San Francisco, and San Jose. Their new address (effective October 10):

2791 Chateau Montelena
Sacramento, CA 95834

Their cell phone number remains 916-390-9011.

(8/14/11) Big Day for Sister Anne Bertain

Archbishop George Niederauer presents the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award to Sister Anne.

A beaming Sister Anne displays her award.

(7/31/11) Big Honor for our Martha Bertain

Sister Anne Bertain, O.P. has been named by Pope Benedict XVI to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For the Church and The Holy Father”) award. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Pope.

The Pope awarded papal honors to 16 members of the laity in the Archdiocese of San Francisco as part of the year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Six of them, including Sister Anne, will receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award. Ten others will receive the Benemerenti (“Good Merit”) award.

Sister Anne is director of community services at St. Dominic Parish in San Francisco.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award recognizes the commitment of men and women and their service to the ecclesial community. It was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and is currently given for distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy.

Archbishop George Niederauer will confer the medals and diplomas of these distinctive honors at Evening Prayer at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, August 14, at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

(3/27/11) Father Knapp's Death Notice

This notice was published in the San Francisco Chronicle on March 26-27, 2011.

(1/2/11) Passing of Sally Whitesides Cushing

Gary Coronado and Bill Chavez send news of Sally's death on December 11. Here is the death notice from the Vallejo Times Herald on December 26:

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