Patricia O’Shea Kelly Class of 1951
Recollections of a Super Alum
Pat Kelly at the 2006 Home Coming game
at Clark Field in Long Beach
Back in the day, when our St. Anthony College Prep High School Class of 1951 embarked on the Fabulous Fifties, we never could have imagined communicating online, planning our three-day reunions--held annually since our 50th, when we gathered in Palm Springs, November 2001. Since then, we have sojourned back to Palm Springs, as well as Big Bear, Carson Valley Inn, and Solvang. Through the years, having lost cherished classmates/spouses along the way, our annual gatherings have become even more precious every time we meet.
As 1947 freshmen, we were on hand for Monsignor Bernard Dolan’s dedication of the new Gymnasium, the site of many future championships for both Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams. As 1948 sophomores, we were part of the roaring crowd at the Los Angeles Coliseum, cheering the legendary Coach Jacques Grenier’s SAINTS on to their momentous CIF Championship. Excelling in scholastics, art, music, drama, and sports, as juniors and seniors, the esteemed Class of 1951 left their own imprint on SAHS.
Recalling at our 40th Reunion, our beloved Sister Leo remarking that the IHM’s insisted on a separate Girls’ School, primarily for the purpose of developing students’ leadership skills.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary nuns instilled a rich legacy of spiritual insights, love for learning, and a sense of personal responsibility and self-respect--their inspiring influence remaining a constant throughout our lives.
Although I did not attend a four-year college immediately following graduation, college preparatory classes proved to be beneficial over the long haul. After graduating from SAHS, went to Business College for a year, followed by working for eleven years as a secretary in the aircraft, engineering, legal, insurance, and aerospace fields. (Got a head start in Sister Mary Catherine’s shorthand and typing classes.)
In June 1963, married Dennis Patrick Kelly (met at the SCOTS Club) and we had four loving children, Mary (42), Dennis (40), Patsy (38), David (33). For sixteen years, was a stay-at-home mom, actively involved in children’s schools, parish, and community. Later, worked part-time as administrative assistant for ten years--three for a Childcare Center Owner-Director, seven for the Vocation Director, Salesians of Don Bosco. In 1975, spearheaded a three-year parish community sponsorship of a Vietnamese family of twelve--Catholic refugees from the April 1975 fall of Saigon.
At 55, enrolled at Cerritos College as a re-entry student, after taking an evening Geology Class with daughter, Mary. Enjoyed studying about igneous and sedimentary rocks, and dozing off during film presentations; “Mom, you’re snoring!” Whetted my appetite for higher learning.
Never looked back, even though had to drop out now and then for daughters’ wedding planning, extended trips, caregiving, etc. During this time, dear husband, Dennis, was my greatest supporter; along with our precious kids, who cheered me on when the going got tough;
“I can’t do this anymore!”
“Suck it up, Mom!”
Received an A. A. degree in Humanities, Cerritos College, ’92, graduating with Highest Honors. Received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, CSUDH, ’96, graduating Summa cum Laude.
While enrolled in Human Services, conducted a weekly class at Weingart Senior Center, Lakewood, on “The Positive Aspects of Successful Aging.” During one of these classes, a participant remarked: “That’s easy for you to talk about; you’re just a kid!” (60). “Lovin’ this. At CSUDH, I’m the old gal on campus; at Weingart, I’m just a kid!” After my asking how old he was, a charming, spry, energetic gentleman taught me a valuable lesson in aging. “You asked the wrong question; I’m not old. Now if you want to know my age, I’m 94!”
Commemorating the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Anthony Amendment, August 26, 1995, published a pamphlet, “Women’s Struggle for Equal Rights;” chosen as a featured sales item in the Visitor’s Center at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York. This pamphlet was also chosen for distribution at the Women’s Leadership Network Eastside Equality Day Celebration.
In 2000, completed the Gerontology Masters program ABT, where I developed Gerontology Job Resources, a job bank for majors seeking internships and positions in the field. Also served as Director and Intern Supervisor of the Older Adult Center (OAC), a resource center for returning students seeking social interaction and general information about enrollment, available classes, and job resources. During this time, conducted weekly Wellness Workshops (emphasis on spiritual and emotional well-being) attended by students and faculty.
These days, am involved in long-distance grandparenting, (visiting kids and families in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Lafayette and Vail, Colorado) staying close to my 100-year old mom, coordinating Saints-51 yearly reunions, and outreaching super SAINTS (700+ addresses) with emails notifying alumni of SAHS happenings. Always a pleasure meeting online, but enjoy even more meeting alums in person to share our memorable SAHS stories. During the past three years, this sentiment has only deepened, since Gina Rushing ‘67, SAHS President, asked me to serve as Alumni Director in Spring 2004; more recently as member of the Alumni Committee, assisting Christine Tucker, Director of Development & Alumni Affairs, and Pat Metzger ’61, Advisory Board Alumni Coordinator.
Online and offline, I have met so many wonderful, inspiring, fun-loving, energetic, effusive SAHS Alumni, continuing to revere their beloved Alma Mater with devotion and dedication; consistently donating their time, talent, and treasure--keeping the SAINTS flame burning brightly for present and future generations.
St. Anthony’s alumni, young and not so, carry their beloved school within their hearts always. Believe the purple and white thread that connects us--SAHS administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and friends of SA--is one tied to bringing people together, united in producing a vibrant, ongoing community:
The St. Anthony High School Community of Saints Alive. . .GO SAINTS!