by Fortunata Barbara
Marie Ciccone an Associate, frequently visited Villa Notre Dame in Wilton, CT. Mary Stuart ’57, a Academy of Holy Angels graduate, also spent time with the sisters there. Although Marie was acquainted with Mary, they didn’t know each other personally. However, both lived in Fort Lee, NJ, and shared a mutual friend, S. Genevieve Kelleher+, who often visited them. Through her, Marie and Mary formed a lasting friendship.
My family had a close friendship with Marie’s aunt and uncle. Ten years ago, on Good Friday, Marie joined me in church. I had heard that her landlord was selling her building, so I asked if she had found a new place to live. Knowing there was an apartment available in my building, I connected her with the owner. She called, signed the contract, and soon after, we became fast friends. Mary would invite us to gatherings at her home, and in turn, we welcomed her to ours. The rest is history—we’ve been friends ever since!
Mary attended the Academy of Holy Angels, while I went to Madonna School, just across the street. She was involved in musicals and the Glee Club, while I played sports. After graduation, we lost touch, but now we enjoy reminiscing about the spirituality of SSND and their education that shaped us. When we get together, we recall fond memories—singing Christmas carols, the polished, forbidden staircase only used at Christmas and Graduation, and the hidden tunnel leading to the convent!
We take turns hosting holiday celebrations and regularly meet for lunch or dinner. Our motto remains: “Once an Angel, always an Angel.”
P.S. Sister Frances Therese was an outstanding principal and history teacher. She played a key role in helping me become certified to teach history, just one of many SSNDs who profoundly impacted our lives!
