ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, 7485 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida - click on image to enter Photo Gallery by Don Boyd at pbase.com

ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, 7485 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida - click on image to enter

I attended St. Mary's Parochial School, established in 1938, from September 1953 to June 1957 (1st through 4th grades).

I have the 1951 St. Mary's yearbook, when St. Mary's was a high school and before I started 1st grade, which I will scan in the future. And just as interesting, Sylvia Carmellini Spader, who attended St. Mary's with me in 1st through 4th grades and who is now the friend who goes the furthest back in time with me, has provided some photos that are posted below. Sylvia's high school photo from Notre Dame Academy is below; I carried it in my wallet from the year it was taken until I stopped carrying a wallet about ten years ago.

Due to the span of 60+ years for me, and the fact that the school didn't produce yearbooks with student photos and names below to help people remember their classmates, the only friends that I remember from St. Mary's are Sylvia Carmellini Spader who lived in the Little River area in a home with huge oak trees, Maureen Shannon who lived on NE 71st Street between Miami Avenue and NE 2nd Avenue and Peter Priest who went on to become an airline pilot. And thanks to comments on this site and through e-mails I now remember Rick Infante and (...) who were in my classes at St. Mary's.

1951 - the inside cover of The Marian, St. Mary's School Class of 1951	1951 - Sister Leo Xavier, principal of St. Mary's School	1951 - St. Mary's School Class of 1951 yearbook dedication to Sister Leo Xavier	1951 - Mary Ellen O'Connor
1951 - the girls basketball team for St. Mary's Parochial School, Miami	1952 - Stephen Schweitzer at age 5 in front of the original Saint Mary's Catholic Church	1952/53 - Stephen Schweitzer at age 5 in front of Saint Mary's Catholic Church	1958 - Bishops leaving St. Mary's Cathedral during Bishop Coleman F. Carroll's installation to lead the new Diocese of Miami
1961 - the St. Mary's basketball team with Coach Charles Fradley on the right (names below)	1961 - Sister John Kevin and the St. Mary's Parochial School's Volley Ball Team (names below)	1963 - former St. Mary's student Sylvia Carmellini	2008 - St. Mary's Cathedral and Parochial School photo #0647
2008 - St. Mary's Cathedral, Miami, photo #0649	2008 - the east end of St. Mary's Parochial school field, photo #0650	2008 - the south side of St. Mary's Parochial School, looking west, photo #0651	2008 - looking northwest at the east end of St. Mary's Parochial School in Miami, photo #0652
2008 - looking northwest at St. Mary's Cathedral, Miami, photo #0653	2008 - the north side of St. Mary's Parochial School facing NW 75th Street, Miami, photo #0654	2008 - St. Mary's Cathedral in Miami, Florida, photo #0655	2008 - looking southeast at St. Mary's Parochial School, Miami, photo #0656
2008 - the front of St. Mary's Parochial School on NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, photo #0657	2008 - St. Mary's Parochial School on NW 2nd Avenue in Miami, photo #0658	2008 - looking north on NW 2nd Avenue at St. Mary's Parochial School and Cathedral, Miami, photo #0659

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Guest		12-Mar-2025 05:27
I also remember Timothy Fagan in 1st grade 1959-1960 with Mrs. Standard If anyone has yearbooks or pics from 1959-1968 please share.

sailly Hernandez		12-Mar-2025 04:59
More student names coming to mind: Julio Salido, Jorge Prendes, Evelyn Pacheco, Elsie Charles, Cristina del Valle, María Irastorza, Jorge Concepcion

sailly Hernandez		12-Mar-2025 04:55
I had Mrs. Standard in 1st grade, sister Patrick in 2nd grade(very abusive) . In 3rd grade I had a lay teacher and her son attended the school. Had sister Mary Agnes in 4th grade.

sailly Hernandez		12-Mar-2025 04:48
I also had sister Lawrence in 7th or 8th grade.

sailly Hernandez		12-Mar-2025 04:47
I meant Cathy Lariosa.

sailly Hernandez		12-Mar-2025 04:45
I remember Cathy Larissa. We were in the same class in 2nd grade. My name is Sailly Hernandez. I graduated in 2968 and went to Msgr Pace.. Alma Wurtz was also in St. Mary’s and went tonnage. Pace together with Sandra Garcia. I also remember Lourdes and Maria Aguilar.

Guest		08-Dec-2019 04:00
What a terrific site my name is Clifford Torres had sister Mary Lawrence for 7th and 8th grade in 67 and 68 went to Curley High graduated in 72 remember Sammy Gallagher Roy Geer Luke Cousinue we had 2 classes for each grade Cathy Lariosa was in other class went to Norte Dame we married in 77 and have been happily married for 42 years now fantastic memories best years of my life Saint Mary was a great school those Sisters didn’t put up with any nonsense believe me had my share of run ins remember my dad had to go to convent after work for meeting with Sr Lawrence wow did I catch it when We got home believe that’s what is missing these days awesome memories

Shawnea R		31-Jul-2018 18:05
Hello! I'm looking for a teacher at St. Mary's who would have been pregnant in 1956 (possibly pregnant and left) I'm assuming this would be a lay teacher and not a Sister but I suppose either is possible. I'm helping a new found second cousin (found by DNA) who was adopted and is looking for his birth family. We believe his mother was a teacher at St. Mary's. Does anyone recall any rumor about any teacher or knew of one that was pregnant? This cousin was born in December 1956 so the teacher would have been pregnant that year. Thank you for any info you have!

Don Boyd		21-Apr-2017 13:26
Gino Angella, thank you for the great post and your great memories of SMS. And thank you for relating your return to the school in 2015 to see it again. We grew up at the best time ever in my opinion. Don .

ginof angella		18-Apr-2017 22:38
Gino F Angella I attended from 1955 to 1963, kindergarten to 8th grade. My older brother, Dr. Joseph Angella attend around 1950 to 1953 for 6th to 8 grade. My other brother Dr. John Angella attended the same time as me. My memories are incredible, we took the Coach City Bus from NW 88 street and NW 27th avenue and got off at the Bowlerama and walked to school. I used to arrive early and be given a tray of milk cartons from Ms. Fathe in the cafeteria, and had to deliver them to the Nuns Convent every morning for their breakfast. Remember Father Fogerty who was so nasty that he once picked me up by my shirt collar and lifted me off the ground when I was not paying attention while saluting the Flag every morning in the patio of the school. Some of my friends were Michael and Michelle Taccetta, Marcella, Anna, Lorraine Rosini, who I had a crush on. I remember going to church almost every morning and Monsignor Donahue was he presiding Priest. How about during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962 the trains would come by the school on the other side of the playground with army tanks, jeeps, guns and troops going to Key West for the invasion of Cuba. we used to do bomb drills by getting under our desk – what a hoot. After leaving SMS Michael, John and myself all went to Miami Central High were we all graduated before College. In 2015 Michael Taccetta and myself, now in our late 60’s went to the School around 3 in the afternoon on a Saturday. It was closed and all fenced in and when we approached the gates a Nun greeted us and refused us entry due to security reasons. No matter what we told her, there was no entry. Then we crossed the street and found a side door open guarded by a large man in a suit, he greeted us and allowed us entry into the Cathedral. All the other doors were locked. Upon entering we along with only a few other people were waiting for the Saturday afternoon mass to begin. The Priest, noticed us and thought we were out of place and came over to greet us. He was incredibly articulate, about 40 years old, and when we told him we were Alumni he asked us for a generous donation to fix the leaking roof in the Church, which he pointed out and said they did not have the funds to repair???? Mike and I went outside, crossed the street and sat on the front steps of the School, took a picture and reminisced about our childhood some 60 years earlier---fond wonderful memories of a great school and wonderful teachers. Where did all the time go? Respectfully, Gino (angella@kingskamp.com)

Leanne Felix Jewell		01-Apr-2017 20:45
Would love to hear from classmates.my hubbie went to St. Theresa we were in class together before we moved to St Mary's. Funny we share teachers just years apart. St. ST. Mark....

Guest		01-Apr-2017 20:38
Hi Leanne Felix now Jewell went to SMS from 4th grade through 8th grade then to NDA graduated 1965. Buddies with Sylvia Carmellini Spacer, Sandra Florio, Elaine Balmir and Paulette Bazemore.

Bob Recktenwald		30-Mar-2017 14:56
Attended St. Mary's from '44 until 1952. Would love to hear from anyone in the would-be class of 1955.

Emmy Morse		18-Jun-2016 18:48
Hi everyone. I've been trying to put together a memoir. I wonder if anyone here can help a little bit. Doing some google searches for Shenandoah Elementary school, specifically years 1959-1961, I had a small hit from Jackie Matthews Tomai. But mostly, the info was about St.Mary's Parochial School. I attended Shenandoah Elementary School from March,1959, to June 1960. Middle of grade four, and all grade 5. Fourth grade teacher's name was Mrs. Hudson, fifth grade was Ms Monroe. If anyone was there at the time, please contact me. I'm just trying to put my memories on paper. Thank you in advance for anyone who may have a connection! Emmy Morse (now Morse-Ziegler) : ladybugez@aol.com

Ron		14-Jun-2016 23:38
When we moved from NYC I was in the third grade at St. Mary's in 1949. The one memory that is still with me was the day Sister took us to the old folks home on 79th Street. There were two gentlemen there that fought with the South in the Civil War - or so we were told and Sister wouldn't lie. Also remember the old church that wasn't air conditioned and the back of each seat had these paper fans from the Lithgow Funeral Home. Also remember our insurance agent, Don ?, was an usher there.

Jackie Matthews Tomai		29-May-2016 17:24
My sister Colleen and I both attended SMS from 1959 -1961. We then transferred to public school. I have so many fond memories. The one nun I remember the best was Sister John Kevin. Everyone loved her, and I remember Father Fogarty well. Recall getting caught up in a dust devil out on the field with Lucy Defabees after being on the wrong side of the field. So many good times.

Rick Infante		04-Jan-2016 01:17
I'm Rick Infante and went to St. Mary's from 1953 to 1961. It's amazing how some things from back then stay so vivid in our memories. I remember Peter Priest, Jim Kushan, Maureen Shannon, Barbara Gullo, Don Boyd, Richard Pfleger, Jose Cameo, Larry Moyen and others. Some of our teachers were Sr. Regis, Mrs. Keiser, Sister John Kevin(who I understand left the convent and got married), Father Cann and others. After SMS, I went to St. John Vienney Seminary, then to Curley. We just held our 50th Curley/Notre Dame reunion, where there were about 8 or 10 SMS students. It was great seeing everyone again. Hope all is well with all my old classmates.

Carlene Branch		24-Aug-2015 16:50
My name is Carlene Branch and went to SMS 1952 and 1953. I was a junior that year and chose not to attend Notre Dame Academy. Sister Vincent, Miss Guzman, and Sister Leo are a few of the teachers I remember well. My maiden name was Duffy and lived in Hialeah

Rosie Barnard ONeill		17-Jul-2015 14:06
My name is Rosie Barnard ONeill and I atteded SMS from 1954-62. My teachers were: 1-Sr Rafael 2-Sr Kerin (I think) 3-Mrs Toma 4-Mrs Elliott 5-Sr Regis 6-mrs Toma (again) 7-Sr Mary Patrick 8-Sr Kerin.

Robert P. Rowe		19-Jun-2015 15:30
I went to SMS in the 7th [1951] and 8th [1952] grades. I remember Ronnie Figueroa ["Fig"] , Jackie Smith, Jack Scanlon, Jimmy Carmellini ["Lini"], Tony Santos and Carolyn Barnard [cute blond with great dimples]. I moved to Atlanta for high school. Hope you all are well and continue to abide. I believe Sr Mary Thomas was our principal . Also recall that a nun [can't recall her name] SR Catherine Daricci [?] was one of my teachers and had to be removed from teaching as she was very mean. Bob Rowe [red head]

Guest		21-Feb-2015 16:58
I went to SMS from 64/72. Great years! The SSJ ran the school and Monsignor David Bushey was the rector. Sister Mary Esther was principal. I loved the school and lifelong friendships we forged. Miami was indeed the Magic City. I have lots of pics and great memories. Thx for this group.

James Newman		17-Sep-2014 04:58
I went 1955-1956 Fifth grade. Sr F. Regis Teacher Sr. Mary Thomas Principal. It's so funny the things you remember. I remember going to Mass, The outside patios, the sweat which ruined my work, and sister telling me that my handwriting was too small. I was so proud of my handwriting and so hurt. Boy did I get mad but kept it to myself.

Don Duffy		07-Jun-2014 21:23
I attended in 1945 snf 46 my 1st and 2nd grade. Twins James and John Leavitt were in my class. At the time I lived on 51 st just off N. Miami Ave. We moved to Hialeah in 47 to take advantage of new veterans housing.

John		26-Apr-2014 04:37
I attended from 1960-1967. I had a lay teacher in 1st grade but all nuns after that: 2nd - Sister Anne Patrice 3rd - Sister Mary Bernard 4th - Sister Mary Agnes 5th - Sister Mary Carmel 6th - Sister Mary Margaret 7th - Sister Ann Bernadette Then moved to Hollywood. Attended Nativity and then Chaminade. Saint Mary's surely provided discipline.

Don Boyd		25-Nov-2013 03:37
Paul, thank you for posting your comments and for listing so many names which I have forgotten decades ago. I'm sure you have jogged a lot of other memories for folks visiting this page. I hope you hear from St. Mary's kids who might remember you. And thank you to everyone who has posted their comments and memories on this page, I do appreciate it. Don .

Paul E. Tousignant		24-Nov-2013 16:00
CLASS OF 1963 - I attended St. Mary's School from 1955 - 1963, then went to Archbishop Curley for one year, then Miami Central High, and graduated from Lowell High Lowell, Ma. in 1967. I remember Mrs. Wallace in first grade, Sister Mary Regis in fifth grade, Mrs. Kaiser in sixth, Sister Mary Thomas in seventh, Sister John Kevin in eighth, and Sister Mary Agnes was principal. I remember Father Nevins, father Pick, Father Bernier, Father Fogarty, and Msgr. O'Donohue from St. Mary's Cathedral. I remember George Wright, Eugene and Lawrence Bradford, Leonard Cusano, Raymond Almonte, John King, George Conway, Michael and Michelle Tacetta, June Cuseneau, Danielle Guay. I remember Boy Scout Troop 8 with Scoutmaster Mr. Stead. St. Mary's was a great school to go to. Hope students that I knew see this posting. Would be great to hear from them!!

Marlene Velazquez		26-Jul-2013 17:14
Marlene Calana looking for PATRICIA SAINT I attended St. Mary's for 6th grade, 1978 My teacher was Mrs. Wetzel. My brother Deylian and cousin Jose Rodriquez were also there with me. they attended 8th or 7th grade, cant remember very well. Then I went to Hialeah Jr. and graduated from Hialeah High in 1985. Patty and i attend the same schools, stayed best of friends through it all!! on our last year of high school we started hanging out with different friends, needless to say we lost touch and i have never been able to locate her again. 35 years ago i met my best friend, 29 years later, i still regret the day we went our separate ways!!! if you know of her please contact me marlene@dolphinproducts.com

John Tarnowski		05-Jul-2013 00:03
I attended St. Mary's from 1953 - 1956. I remember my second grade teacher, Mrs. Parks and only one nun, Sister John Elizabeth(my favorite). I also remember two students - Kathleen Jones and Roberta Franklin. My cousin was also in that class: Dawn Marie Huntley. I left and attended St. James for the 5th through the 8th grades....John Tarnowski

Guest		22-May-2013 14:35
Does any one know the person that Ellen Oconnor married and did they have children,,thank you..Rich Cooper

lucy defabees cherepy		07-Apr-2013 13:54
Ii was at st marys from 1956/1964. our volleyball team won state champion in 1964 sister john kevin was our coach ,ther was a huge trophy in the office case i wonder if it is still there..oneday im going to drive down there i live in jupiter now about an hour and a half north...[by the way i have a former ssj and she said sister john kevin left the order married and has 5 childern,im sure she is a great mom she was a great nun

Sailly Hernandez		13-Jan-2013 23:17
Barbara Pavlov, I remember you! Yes you were teased a lot, but so was I! I am Sailly Hernandez and your mother used to give me rides to school. Contact me at sailly@aol.com. I went there in 1959 in first grade. I remember being in class with you in the second grade. I graduated in 1968.

Jat Kronenberg		28-Aug-2012 11:18
I'm looking for a copy if the 1969 and/or 1970 yearbook. Anyone? Anyone? Kronenbergjay@yahoo.com

Robert Matis		19-Aug-2012 02:49
I pass by St. Mary's school every now and then and it still looks great. The church has not changed much, its still very beautiful. My name is Robert Matis and I attended school there from 1967-1969. My parents were married there, which I have their pictures standing in front of the church. I can still remember standing in the court yard before class started, which I believe was for the pledge of allegiance with our class. Mrs. Sites was my kindergarten teacher, what a nice lady. It's a shame that they tore down the building which was just across the street from the church, that was where we graduated from our kindergarten class. I still love going inside the Cathedral on Good Friday on my way home from work. Thanks for the great memories and the people that I knew. It was alot of fun.

Michael Fullana		25-Jul-2012 11:46
Mcihael Fullana wow, I remember Sister Mary Helen, she was my second grade teacher. I went there from 1st to 7th grade, those were my favorite years of my life. Graduated from Miami Lakes High in 1980

Luz Victoria Ruiz		05-Jun-2012 06:42
My name is Luz Victoria Ruiz. I atteneded St. Mary's 4th through 8th grade graduating in 1989. I loved attending Saint Mary's; it was a good experience in my life. I'll always be thankful to the wonderful teachers that helped to give me something other than the pedantic environment in which I was living. I'm currently trying to find a grade school friend who attended for one year, Brenda Lynn Lamon. We lost touch. Recently, I've started thinking about you and decided to leave a note on this board on the off chance that you might see it. I'm on Facebook under my name. Drop me a message. My email is nene0766@gmail.com.

Marie Roper Gerber		05-Apr-2012 04:36
Marie Roper here. Loved these pictures but would have loved to see some of the old school building and the old church. I was married in the new Cathedral in 1961. I spent two years at St.Mary's then went to Notre Dame Academy and graduated from there in 1957. I came to Miami from Brooklyn about 1954, went to St. Mary's and took piano lessons from one of the nuns in the convent for a while. Carolyn Hornyak and I (9th grade, I think) were walking over to the old church with our class to sing in the choir upstairs in the church, then met a couple of boys in a convertible that Carolyn knew from her neighborhood who went to Miami Edison and were just driving by. We jumped in their car, rode around for a while then they dropped us back at school and we went back to class. Can you believe it? All true. No one, including the nun who was walking us over there, missed us! What a hoot!

dixie_darling		25-Mar-2012 08:30
I started at St Marys in 59. My situation was kind of unique because my 1st grade teacher was also my aunt, Sister Mary Helen SSJ. The ONLY name I remember as far as friends was Barbara Kern in the 1st grade. I remember I was in the choir for 3 years but don't remember details. I attended 1st to 5th grade, went to Shenandoah for the 6th grade then 7th and 8th grade at St Marys. I was the kid that always got picked on, made fun of and called names.My mom passed in 1980 and I left FL in 1983. I also left the faith in 1976 and have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I doubt anybody even remembers me but I got curious and found this site. By any remote chance if you remember me and want to send me a message please do. My maiden name is Pavlou and my first name starts with a "B".

Ed Johnen		01-Mar-2012 01:36
Attended St Marys from 1948 (1st grade Sister Mary Raphael) through 9th grade (Miss Able). Still have the report cards. Would love to see pictures of the old church. Ed Johnsen

Don Boyd		30-Jun-2011 12:35
From the Guestbook, which most people never see: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hi, my name is Nora Otero Barkett and I attended St. Mary's School in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I am still friends with Barbara Gullo, Teresa Capone, Sylvia Carmellini, Richard Infante and Anthony Amos. I remember, Alfred Pelletier, Larry Moyen, John Daley, Maureen Shannon, Dolores Figueroa, Elaine Balmer, and Jimmy Kuslan. If anyone knows how to contact these people, my email address is norabarkett@yahoo.com or you can contact me on Facebook. Does anyone know or Sister John Kevin? Any information is greatly appreciated." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don

Don Boyd		30-Jun-2011 12:32
Bob, I'll pass your message on to Antolin. He is the guest curator at History Miami and the driving force behind their Aviation in Miami - 100 years exhibit that is opening tonight. We talked last night at the preview opening and know each other from working for the Aviation Department at MIA. Small world!

Bob Sara		17-Apr-2011 21:58
Antolin, we know each other from St Mary's days. We had classes together, and hung out together at lunch and recess.I taught you how to ride the motorcycle you got in seventh or eighth grade. And I had been to your house many times. I believe you went to Belen after we graduated. I went to Msgr Pace, and we lost touch with each other. I hope you are well.

Antolin Garcia Carbonell		26-Jan-2011 23:33
I attended St. Mary's from September 1964 (4th grade) to 1966 when I graduated (8th grade). My teachers were: 4th Grade Mrs. Elliot 5th Grade Sister Anne Bernadette 6th Grade Mrs. Kaiser 7th Grade Sister Rita Joseph 8th Grade Mrs. Carrie Melli

Archer		22-Aug-2010 18:20
I attended St. Mary's in the 5th. and 6th. grades in 1947 and 1948 brfore we moved to the SW section of Miami. My 5th. grade teacher was Mrs. Hartford and Sister Regis (?) in the 6th. grade. Thats about all I remember while passing thru.

Guest		04-Jul-2010 16:25
some time ago a fellow identifying himself as Joe,can't remember the last name saw my inquiries about Ellen Oconnor called me and said that both she and Ann Hughes no longer appeared on social security rolls..so that would be definite corroboration I guess.

Don Boyd		15-Jun-2010 14:51
I'm sorry to hear that, Rich. Thank you for keeping us updated. Don

Guest		15-Jun-2010 09:11
I believe the Ellen Oconnor I was searching for has passed away.I spoke a day or two ago with this Ellen Oconnor in Thomasville and she informed me that my Ellen Oconoor was ahead of her at school and that she did not live in the little yellow house diagonally across the the street from the church. RIP my Ellen.

Doug Johnson Jr		22-May-2010 19:27
Wanted to see if anyone remembers members of the Johnson family from Hialeah. I saw a photo that had Albert and Stella Johnson together in one of the 9th grade 1940 Hialeah photos in Don Boyd's collection but the youngest, Douglas, had attended St Marys He went into the navy around 1945 so attended prior to that year. He speaks fondly of this school as his best memories and will try to get more details.

Guest		14-May-2010 19:30
These are great shots. I loved see Sr. Leo again. unfortunately I haven't been back to Miami since I left in 1970. these brought back memories. Jacqueline (Lynn) McLain irish18@mindspring.com

Sylvia (Urbizo) McGowan		22-Apr-2010 00:33
I remember St. Mary's with such fond memories. I attended 1971 through 1977 moving on for a brief stay at Notre Dame Academy. Though I do not live in Miami I always drive by St. Mary's when back visiting family. I am happily maried for near 30 years. Wow how time flys.

Don Boyd		31-Mar-2010 02:06
Larry V. posted this in the Guestbook area and I am reposting it here so more people will see it, especially those people interested in St. Mary's: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ larry v. cbass3@aol.com 28-Mar-2010 18:02 hi: trying to find out if anyone knew or knows of a verna desantcis......she graduated from st. mary's in 1950......i believe she married a lawrence hughes........he also graduated the same year........i am now told she is a first cousin of mine which is shocking to me......her mother was olive desanctis ........i am being told my uncle louis desanctis fathered verna.......he has just passed away in 2008 at the age of 93 and lived in boston his whole life.....since his passing the nieces and nephews cant believe we now have a long lost first cousin......not sure why this was a kept a secret but it was..........louis was never married as far as we knew but now we know he was married in 1947.........not sure if he fathered verna or not......records are sealed so we are all at a loss.......maybe someone can help me with some information......thanks larry v. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don

Thomas E. Lavin		02-Mar-2010 20:35
MARY ANNE...Good to see your presence on line! All is well in Tennessee. Take care! tom

Guest		06-Feb-2010 21:52
Kennia..I hope they teach you American history and the story of our founding fathers and not the politically correct version as taught in public school...blessings be upon you.Rich Cooper

KENNIA		06-Feb-2010 17:59
I AM A STUDENT AT ST MARY AND IN THE 6TH GRADE I LOVE IT AND THEY TEACH US EVERYTHING TOU CAN POSSIBLY LEARN

Guest		04-Feb-2010 16:56
Ms Thornbury..probable freaked her husband out saying I was an "old friend" fromMiami days.Should have told him I was there first.LOL!!

juliet		03-Feb-2010 02:04
i am trying to see if my kids can go to this school, but is there anyone out there that can give me more info. about the education and the teachers of this school...my kids go to public school and is a huge change and I have no idea how this kind of school work or if they are really learning. help anyone, thanks

Guest		31-Jan-2010 22:17
Ms Thornbury..you are so kind! I would ask you to mention my name and my posting on this site..thank you so much....I know she'll be surprised.

mary anne thornbury lee		31-Jan-2010 17:24
for your info....I just talked to Mary Ellen O'Connor, she is alive and well and living in Thomasville, Ga.

Guest		26-Jan-2010 20:33
It would be my fervent wish if she were still alive to inquire whether she had a good life and did she have children. Thanks for your info. Rich Cooper

Guest		26-Jan-2010 15:49
Ms Thornbury..as I said I lived 2 doors from Ann..I went to Edison graduating in 1949.I was confused about your responseas to whether or not Ellen Oconnor was still alive..perhaps you can clear that up. As you can see I never ever forgot the girl. Many thanks for any information.

Guest		26-Jan-2010 00:31
to guest....Ann Hughes was one of my best friends all thru school, she and her sister Irene and brother Larry all have died. Do I know you? mary anne thornbury lee

Guest		19-Jan-2010 19:07
Ms Thornbury..I've tried your email with no luck..please check my inquiry below..is Ellen Oconnor alive? Richard Cooper fergie0082@aol.com 407 568 2817

Guest		18-Jan-2010 22:06
To Ms Thornbury..I lived two doors from Ann Hughes on NW 5th Ct..when my Dad was building our home there I was on the roof working and looked up and spotted this great looking girl walking by and of course whistled..she looked and smiled and I was lost..she was 18 and I 20 and I know what they say about young love but for me it was to last a lifetime..just never got to live my life with her.

Don Boyd		17-Jan-2010 17:22
I am reposting Mary Anne Thornbury's comments from the Guestbook into this galleery where more St. Mary's graduates and/or attendees can see it: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mary Anne Thornbury lee ncmeme@earthlink.net 12-Jan-2010 21:57 I went to St. Mary's and graduated in 5l. Have kept up with a lot of St. Marys "kids"so email me. We had out 50th class reunion in 2001. Ellen O'Conner died shortly afterwards. I talked to Mary Ellen O'Conner this past Novemer and she was alive and well. If any of you want info on classes from 1948 thru 1954, send me an email (lee ncmeme@earthlink.net). I have rosters of those classes thanks to Ed Clauss in Miami who graduated in 48 and still keeps up with everyone. I married Bobby Lee from Edison (still married) and we live in Hendersonville, N.C. Would love to hear from all of you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don

Don Boyd		28-Nov-2009 07:38
Jose, that's amazing and I thank you for writing. From the sounds of it you were in the same grade (4th) as me in 1956 and 1957 but I don't remember your name after all this time has passed. Not only that but you lived around the corner from me. I lived at 70 NE 70th Street at the time which was a block and a half north of you and half a block east of you. I was an altar boy too but only briefly due to getting in some kind of trouble in school but I remember the High Mass when Bishop Carroll was installed. And your memory of names is excellent. Perhaps someday someone you mention will write in. Thanks for posting your memories and good luck to you in Venezuela! Don

Jose Camejo		28-Nov-2009 05:48
I attended St. Mary's Parochial School from 1956 to 1960 ( 4th. through 8th. grades ). In '56 & '57, I lived at 6811 North Miami Ave. and then moved to Miami Shores. In 1960 my Father died, and we came back to Venezuela. Two years later I went back to Miami, and graduated from Miami Edison in 1966. I read a post by Richard Pleger who I remember well. I also recall the names of Maureen Shannon, Nora Otero, Larry Moyen, Joey Walker, Tommy Smith, Sister Mary Regis, Sister John Vincent. I was a Choir and Altar Boy ( I served in the High Mass when Bishop Carrol was ordained ), and member of Boy Scout Troop 8 ( we sold the X mas trees across from the Cathedral ). I'm now living in Venezuela. jrcamejo@yahoo.com

Guest		27-Oct-2009 09:11
Jewell...might you remember going north on Collins to Sunny Isles and parking to watch the "submarine races"???LOL!! Rich Cooper

Jewell		26-Oct-2009 13:57
My brothers, sister, and I attended St. Mary's in 1940. I was there 5 years and I remember Fr. Roche, who was a tall imposing man and constantly asked for money for the "new church," which eventually became the cathedral. The small church where we all attended mass was hot, but we had cardboard fans from the funeral home to wave away the bugs and generate a faint breeze. Our family lived directly across from the field in a very old two story home that must have once been a farm house. It sat far back and up on a knoll. Everyone called it the haunted house. My sister went to school with Ralph Renick and he was one of the first newscasters on the very new TV station of that time. I think it was Channel 4. I don't remember any of my teachers except for fourth grade, Sister Cecilia, and maybe that was because she slapped me! I don't remember what I did but obviously I said something inappropriate. I have some photos from that time, my brothers were all altar boys and I have written extensively about that time period in regards to my family. Afterwards I went on to school at Sts. Peter and Paul. I have fond memories of Miami from that time, the Rosetta Theater, the Royal Castle, going across the 79th St causeway when it was a barren strip of land and going to the lonely deserted beaches on Miami Beach until gas rationing made it difficult to drive. I was born in 1936 and anyone who is from my era is welcome to contact me.

Guest		23-Oct-2009 08:44
In memorium: Mary Ellen Oconnor class of 1951 Rest in peace dear lady.

Claudia Juliao Cano		04-Sep-2009 00:36
I attentedSt. Mary's from 1st to 8th grade along with my brother and three sisters. I was the youngest and attended from 1968 to 1975. I have lost contact with everyone and it's a shame. It was a wonderful school and it would be nice to connect with my previous classmates. I currently live in Broward county.

Guest		11-Aug-2009 17:45
Come on!!Somebody out there must know something about Ellen Oconnor.

Don Boyd		23-Jul-2009 03:30
And Margaret, if you ever find that yearbook I would love to scan it or have you send me scans of the pages so I can add them to this website. Thanks. Don

Ray Grafflin		22-Jul-2009 09:33
Hi Margaret, I have been away in Prague and only just noticed your posting! If you went to your Senior Prom, then we must have met, I had a bid from Ralph Renick (we were neighbors) and took a girl named Martha as my date. It was really embarrassing, my dad drove us to the venue and came and collected us! We made the photos as "cutest couple" - uggh! I think I was posted as the class "clown", makes me shudder to remember! If you had any pix of the prom, I would really like to see them. Faint hope I guess. I notice that everyone now realizes that Ralph was an early tv presenter, as well as a really nice gentleman.

Guest		08-Jul-2009 15:21
Margaret Olson..I guess then that Ellen Oconnor was too far behiind you ,huh? Although she did have an older sister and brother. Rich Cooper

Margaret Roepken Olson		26-Jun-2009 16:41
I attended St. Mary's from 1939 to graduation in 1946. There were 20 of us in the graduation class. Somewhere I have a year book. I graduated with Ralph Renick, James Guilland, Bobby Joseph, Bill King, Joyce Bellow, Mary Ann Pahl and others. I remember Sister Anna Joseph, Sister Mary Francis. My favorite was Sister Regis in 6th grade who taught us how to parse a sentence. Delighted that the school still exists.

Guest		13-Jun-2009 14:14
Goes to show you thast when I left Miami for the golden state in '63 I left behind a lot of history.

Don Boyd		12-Jun-2009 23:36
Rich, you need to explore the site a little more. Seehttp://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/102266869 regarding Ralph Renick. Ralph and his family attended church at St. Mary's for decades. Don

Guest		12-Jun-2009 18:45
Ray..just thinking back..wasn't Ralph Renick a newscaster ? Rich Cooper

Guest		04-Jun-2009 15:38
Ray..thank you for your time..maybe some one will read this and contact me Best Rich Cooper

Ray Grafflin		04-Jun-2009 14:13
Rich, I don't remenber a lot of names, but Ralph Renick, Gilda Jordan, James Sweeney wer'e there when I was, perhaps that may help. Also, Daryl Fleeger, he is in central florida somewhere. Wish I could do better for you. I was Army so don't blame me for the darn "Greyhound Bus Drivers" (sic) bad manners!

Tiffany		03-Jun-2009 20:41
I attended St. Mary's from K-8th that was from 80-89... I would really like to get in contact with anyone that attended school there. I have so many fond memories . If anyone knows Danny Pierre-Louis I would love to get in contact with him.

Guest		03-Jun-2009 14:32
Ray..Ellen OConnor was born in 1933 so she might be near your age..do you know anyone who might have been at school in 1951 or just prior ? She dropped me for an air force guy and gave me the ring back..just wanted to see if she was still alive and wish her health and happiness. I wasn't Catholic but I would have converted for her..anything you might add would be appreciated.. Rich Cooper fergie0082@aol.com I'm in Orlando

Ray Grafflin		03-Jun-2009 10:00
Nice to find this site! I attended from 1940 thru 1945 and I believe Sr St.Joseph was our Principal, I remember a Mr Herzog who taught Latin but I think he came to a bad end. Father Roach was the parish priest at my time, I think he would have been responsible for the elevation of the church to a Cathedral.

Ricrd Cooper		23-May-2009 14:52
Does anybody remember that little yellow (?) house on the sw corner and across from the rectory? That's where Ellen Oconnor lived.

Don Boyd		20-May-2009 19:29
I remember your name Richard because I think we were in the same class(es) when I was there. I couldn't remember it until you wrote it. Don

Richard Pfleger		20-May-2009 17:40
I went to St Mary's from first to 8 grade the years 1954 to 1961 and then to Curley. My sister and brothers all went to St. Mary's. Sister then to Notre Dame and brothers to Edison. Now live in Atlanta 678.777.3030

Bob Sara		21-Apr-2009 18:59
Don, it's great to see St Mary's here. I went there from '58 to graduation in '66, then on to Msgr Pace in Opa-locka. I remember Mrs Sikes kindergarten class, and Sister Ann Bernadette for 5th, 7th, and 8th grade. I think we had two principals while I was there, Sister Mary Esther and Sister Mary Agnes. Boy, we all sure sold alot of Worlds Finest Choc. Candy Bars to pay for the bell in the Cathedral tower! After school, my cousins and I walked up 2nd Ave past the Bowlarama to catch the Coast City Coach bus on 79th Street to take us home. In my last year there, I got a motorcycle for my birthday in Dec of '65, and I rode it to school. The Sisters let me park it next to the Convent. Hope some others from our era might find some pictures for you to post. Thanks, Don, for this great site.

Don Boyd		29-Mar-2009 07:32
Thanks Emilio, I appreciate the time you took to post that "trivia" for us! Don

Emilio		29-Mar-2009 06:17
I went to St. Mary's for only one year, 6th grade in the 79-80 school year. Then I went to St. Joseph's in Miami Beach then Curley HS. I lived in the Little River area and would sometimes walk home from school. Our teacher was Mrs. Wetzel. One day a TV news crew interviewed some of our class to ask how we felt about the Iran hostage crisis (this was 1979) and the Americans being held hostage. I think the Pope visited St. Mary's when he came to Miami around 84 or 85. I know some time in the 80s my friend met Don Johnson at St. Mary's when he was filming a scene from Miami Vice. There is a scene in one episode where a baby is being baptized and I know it's at St. Mary's because I recognized the priest who was doing the baptism. Just some interesting trivia.

vikki ricciardelli-mcgowan		31-Dec-2008 15:36
My late husband Pat McGowan and his brothers Larry and Terry and sister Lynn, all went to St. Mary's in the late 50's to 60's. Their mother Martha went to church every Sunday until her death in 2/78. My family went to St James from the time it was the little church in the 50's.

Maurice Helou		20-Dec-2008 15:54
Don My sister Loraine and I went to St Marys in early to mid 1950's I was expelled and Loraine stayed' I then went to Shadowlawn and the on to Edison Jr. and Sr. high CO '59. I have recently made contact with Dianne Boudreau (sp?) who also went to St Marys. I found your pics great and brought back a lot of memories. Did you ever know or here of a fellow who hung around the Miami Beach hotels and Motels in the Surfside area named :Strech". he was a "beachcomer" and drove an outlandishly painted van in brights colors and had beach stuff attached to it?

Randy		15-Dec-2008 06:05
It really makes me feel good that several of you have made connections. I went to St Mary's for church services for a while, then to St. James. I also attended Annunciation in N Dade and then Chaminade in Hollywood for HS. Those were great years and I am eternally greatful to my parents for making that sacrifice in tuition payments. Both of my children attend Trinity Cath here in Tallahassee. Good luck to all in your search.

Guest		06-Nov-2008 21:41
So happy to see another poster that found you..gives me hope that I'll get some news about my old flame.If I never thanked you for putting her pictures up. I wish to do so now. You told me to have patience and this helps. Rich Cooper

Frank Castro		06-Nov-2008 19:39
Dear Don, I was so happy to find your webpage. I was at St. Mary's from 1969 through 1976 for grades 1st through 8th. I went on to high school at Archbishop Curley. I still live in Miami, but never get the chance to go up to St. Mary's. I think I will now after looking through your site. Brought tears to my eyes. Regards, Frank Castro

Guest		05-Nov-2008 16:51
Rich Cooper fergie0082@aol.com

Guest		21-Oct-2008 21:44
Better to have lost at love than never to have loved. Where have the years gone..how did we get so old so fast !!

rich Cooper		09-Oct-2008 10:56
Re...Ellen Oconnor (maiden name ).To anyone who may have seen my inquiry..I would like to ask that you please contact me in order that I might tell you why it is important that that I contact her or her children if at all possible. With gratitude..Rich Cooper

Don Boyd		06-Oct-2008 04:26
Okay Rich, I got the photos on here before midnight and now I'm going to send you larger versions. Don

Don Boyd		04-Oct-2008 16:01
No problem Rich, there's just so many hours in a day and I really get behind in the photo work among other things. I'll try to do the scans later today and it will be tomorrow at the latest. I'll post smaller versions on here and send you the larger versions in high resolution that you can get printed. Don

rich cooper		02-Oct-2008 17:27
Ann Hughes was another alumnus of the class of '51 and friend of Ellen O'connor.

rich cooper		02-Oct-2008 15:17
Does anyone know of class reunions being held...naturally I'm trying to find someone who may have knowledge of the class of '51.

Guest		01-Oct-2008 17:04
Re..Ellen O'connor Thank you so much for your response..look forward to receiving your photo and email. Rich Cooper...fergie0082@aol.com

Don Boyd		30-Sep-2008 18:44
You're in luck! It's the 1951 yearbook. She was a senior and it has a photo and comments next to her. She was also on the basketball team with a team photo plus she may be elsewhere in the yearbook. I'll scan it in a day or two and put it up on the site. I'll send you larger photos than the website to your e-mail address. Don

Guest		30-Sep-2008 17:38
Don Please look at your 1951 or 1952 yearbook for Ellen Oconnor. Thank you Rich Cooper fergie0082@aol.com

Don Boyd		30-Sep-2008 13:44
There have been no responses yet Rich. I surely don't delete responses of people looking for people or people responding to other viewers. Give it time - someone will respond someday but it would help to know how old she is by giving us the year she was born or graduated from high school or the year she was in whatever grade. Don

rich cooper		30-Sep-2008 10:55
Looking for alumnis Ellen Oconnor lived caty corner on 75th st and wonder if she is still alive..she was my first love but dumped me for somebody else. Forgot to save this site so don't know if there any responses. Anybody ??

Don Boyd		03-Aug-2008 14:36
I received this message from Sylvia Carmellini Spader on the schools page before this St. Mary's photo gallery was added: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sylvia Carmellini 31-Jul-2008 20:42 Imagine my shock when I found your web page. I remember you well. I have a photo of our 3rd grade class. Remember Sister Maria Carmela? I graduated from Notre Dame Academy and worked for 25 years at Hiram Walker's. I live 6 months in Nova Scotia and 6 months in Coral Gables. We sold our home in Little River in 1991, but it still looks the same. We sold it to an Italian. He fixed it up, but left the yard just the way it was. The oaks are soooo beautiful still. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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