In Loving Memory

Hey everyone! My name is Elisia Bendy and I am a part of the Alverno class of 2019. I am currently attending Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Everything so far has been so new and exciting, whether it is exploring campus itself, dealing with cold weather, discovering study spots outside of the Georgetown neighborhood, or meeting new people. I am currently undecided as most freshmen in the College (college of arts and sciences) are. I am strongly considering majoring in sociology or government and am considering many minors including Spanish AFAM (African American Studies), or education. On top of my academic schedule, I do ESL tutoring at a local high school for my job. I am on the board for MEChA, a cultural organization for MexicanAmerican and Mexican students on campus. I am a member of Groove Theory, our campus’s hip-hop dance group and am also participating in a philanthropic dance event called Rangila. Lastly I am involved with Hoyas For Immigrant Rights, an organization that advocates for immigrant youth within and outside of Georgetown. Hoya Saxa!

Submitted by Elisia Bendy ‘19

I’m currently a Sophomore [at UC Berkeley] intending to double major in Public Health and Data Science. Empowered by Alverno’s ASU experience, I decided to continue involving in student government at college. I joined the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC), UC Berkeley’s official autonomous student government, in my freshman year. Now I’m serving as one of the twenty student Senators representing the International Students Community and East Asian Community. Some fun stuff I participated in student government that I’m so proud of includes lobbying and removing the school’s International Student Fee, launching an International Student Commission, and surviving through the ASUC Election and won a Senate seat by the third place as a freshman. Besides, I’m also serving as the Vice President at East Asian Union. Our org holds a grand Night Market every semester where we invited about forty cultural clubs and performance groups to promote their culture through foods and performances and about a thousand students would join us for a night of delight! I’m really looking forward to going back to visit my Alverno family as soon as possible.

Submitted by Evina Wang ‘18

We just wanted to share that we are so grateful and thankful to Alverno for empowering Nancy Alcala ‘20 to be such a confident young lady this summer and to dream big. [In July 2019] Nancy was in Japan with the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce Jaycee’s exchange program for the summer. She was there for 10 days. The Jaycee group met with the mayor of Kasukabe (sister city of Pasadena), Japan. The press was at the event and they interviewed Nancy and she was on their local news. During the interview you could see her confidence and leadership – which I tribute to the education she’s receiving from Alverno. The Japanese class she took at PCC during the summer came in handy on her trip. She stayed in a Japanese home where they hardly spoke [English] - immersing herself to the culture and language. Nancy was wonderful! During her visit she was able to go sightseeing, do a community service project with the group and visit Tokyo. She truly demonstrated Alverno’s mission of creating an environment of generosity and compassion through strong community involvement. Submitted by T erri Alcala P’20

I am a sophomore nursing major at the University of Portland and starting in January, I will be entering my on campus clinicals, scrubs, stethoscope and all!! I have gotten to work with cadavers and have learned so much already in my three semesters! Coming to UP has been the most life-changing move and I couldn’t be happier! Since coming to the University of Portland, I have had the chance to be a member of opening team for Fields Hall as well as a member of hall council where I help plan hall-wide events! I was also hired on as a tour guide which has been the most incredible experience! I will be a tour guide for the rest of my college career and it is truly the best job! I get to be an ambassador for UP, give campus tours to prospective students, and be a part of visitation days! I have been on volleyball and soccer intramural teams and have made friends that I truly could not imagine my life without! I will be moving off campus next year to live with two senior nursing students and I cannot wait for what’s in store!

Submitted by Natalie Scigliano ‘18

Phyllis Vandeventer Beloved Alverno teacher

After a fearless and hard-fought battle, Ms. Van passed away on July 22, 2019, very shortly following her retirement from Alverno. Ms. Van taught Math at Alverno for 24 years and was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and kindness for students and faculty alike. During Faculty & Staff In-Service over the summer, a beautiful prayer circle was led by Katharine Guerrero and Corrine Jimenez to honor Phyllis and her impact on this community. Those moved to speak were encouraged to share singular words embodying all that Phyllis stood for and represented. We invite you to do the same, alumnae… Please feel free to send in any remembrances of your wonderful math teacher, Ms. Van. And the next time you’re on campus, don’t forget to pay a visit to her memorial brick outside the LTC.

John Lambing Bigley Father of Anne Bigley ‘91, Mary Bigley Cronin ‘72 and Susan Bigley McGinley ‘70 December 5, 1921 – December 29, 2019

John L. Bigley passed peacefully on December 29, 2019 at age 98, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John enjoyed his family, home and yard immensely. He took pride in the many privileges he afforded his children (namely a Catholic education), spent countless hours helping each of them face life’s challenges, and blew off steam while woodworking, cultivating (weeding) his precious dichondra lawn, or mixing and sipping a mean Manhattan with Louise [his wife]. John was dedicated to his faith, his family and his community. He held key positions with numerous civic organizations and schools including the Fine Arts Club of Pasadena, Boy Scouts of America, Alverno Heights Academy, La Salle High School and St. Rita’s Church (61 years). He was also known for his love of nature, music, singing, literature, photography, yard work and red wine. He exemplified a life of “No Regrets” and forged a path few will ever follow.

Mary Bogner Mother of Angela and Jessica Bogner ‘02

Mary C. Bogner (Steinbacher), age 62, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 in her home in Pasadena. She worked for many years in Early Childhood Development at Lake Avenue Church School, Kids Klub on South Raymond in Pasadena, and most recently at St. Elizabeth Parish School in Altadena. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, and young granddaughter. She always had fun with her many siblings and the two generations of nieces and nephews who adored her. She loved working with kids and was overjoyed about her first grandbaby. She was always the life of the party, accepting of others, and a trusted confidant to many. Her passing has been a devastating loss to those who loved her and to the many lives she touched throughout the years.

Fran Burnford, IHM April 28, 1928 – July 25, 2018

Fran Burnford, IHM, is celebrating in heaven her 30th Jubilee as a member of the Immaculate Heart Community, joining family and IHMs who welcomed her entry into eternal life on July 25, 2018. She had served two terms as Co-Director of the IHM Community from 2008-2014. Fran was born in Newberg, Oregon. She earned a B.A. in Education and a B.A. in music. She held an M.A. in Educational Psychology, a Ph.D. in Education, and a Ph.D. in Human Services Administration. She was awarded an honorary doctorate in Theology by California Lutheran University. The Lutheran church called Fran as assistant to the bishop for the South Pacific District. She was a Deacon, an Associate in Ministry, and served as the Director of Congregational Ministries for the SWCA Synod; she continued volunteering at the synod and in her congregation after retirement. She served weekly at the synod Eucharist service, preparing for communion and worship and playing the piano. Fran’s leadership in the Immaculate Heart Community was notable for her deep spirituality, her belief in the call to service, and her ecumenical involvements in local and national programs. Her passion for justice inspired and motivated advocacy and action on behalf of the marginalized and oppressed. She was a gifted pianist and soprano, gracing Community events with her music and song. With deep gratitude for Fran Burnford’s life and gentle presence among us, members of the Immaculate Heart Community join choirs of angels in praise of her generosity, simplicity, and her faithfulness in servant leadership. Fran is survived by children Curtis, Christie, Terry, Mark and their spouses, eight grandsons and spouses, one granddaughter, one great-grandson and her niece Sharon. She is also survived by many close friends that were always counted by Fran as cherished family members.

Robert Joseph Duncanson Father of Carolyn Duncanson Maguire ‘79 June 21, 1927 – September 17, 2019

Robert Joseph Duncanson was born in New York and was father to five children – all of whom went through Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and were very active in the parish. Robert was a true supporter of ABVM, Mayfield, Alverno, and his parish (before moving to Murrieta). He is survived by his spouse, children, and grandchildren, and leaves his legacy as a “kind, gentle, quiet man.”

Kimberly Edwards ‘89

Kimberly Edwards ‘89 – classmate and close friend of Michele Marie Rodriguez ‘89 – passed away on November 18, 2019. Members of her 1989 class are planning to purchase an alumnae brick in her remembrance. Please let us know if you would like to make a donation toward the brick for Kimberly.

James Joseph McCarthy Father of Sara McCarthy ‘05 (Assistant Head of School) June 21, 1954 – January 18, 2020

James J. McCarthy went home to the Lord on January 18, 2020 after a long illness. Born on June 21, 1954 in Marin County, CA to Diarmuid (Mac) and Catherine McCarthy, his family lived in Marin for several years before relocating to Sacramento for his father’s job. There Jim graduated from Mira Loma High School and American River College, before attending San Francisco State University, where he received a degree in Urban Planning. After returning to Sacramento, James worked for the California Department of Transportation and met his future wife, Robin. They married in 1980 and relocated to the Pasadena area, where James continued working for Caltrans, retiring as Deputy Director of Planning in 2012. James and Robin had two children, Sara and Patrick (U.S. Navy MA2, active). He was a dedicated Giants and 49er fan, a dog lover, and caring husband and father. He is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by wife Robin, daughter Sara (John), son Patrick (Kelsey), sister Joan (Robert Adams), three nephews, cousins, and two great-nieces.

William George Sinclair Father of Melissa Royal (Dir. of College Counseling) October 24, 1944 – July 17, 2019

A loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.

Tim Staples Beloved member of our Catholic school community

[A message shared by Mr. Paul Escala, Superintendent of Schools and Senior Director of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles]

Mr. Timothy Staples was a teacher, coach and alum of Damien High School. Tim, 32, was a volunteer member of the San Bernardino Search and Rescue Team and lost his life on Saturday [December 14, 2019] during a search for a missing hiker on Mt. Baldy. Mr. Staples leaves behind his wife, Katie Amrhein Staples, who also teaches at Damien High School; Katie and Tim were just married this past summer. His mother-in-law, Christy Amrhein, is the Activities Director at Damien High School. Tim passed doing what he loved most. His selfless courage to risk his life under extraordinary conditions is a testimony to a life lived in service of others. His ultimate sacrifice represents the very best of our Catholic school community. The Damien High School community, along with St. Lucy’s Priory where Tim taught previously, are in mourning for the loss of their colleague, teacher and friend; their grief and outpouring of love is shared by us all. He will be deeply missed.

Donald Gene Wallgren Grandfather of Selena Mone (Dir. of Alumnae Relations) October 8, 1928 – November 21, 2019

Don Wallgren was the greatest father, grandfather, confidante, and best friend to children Mark and Marla, and granddaughter Selena. A veteran of the Korean War and Purple Heart recipient, Don was a true, funny, hardworking man who leaned on the Serenity Prayer. He could fix and build anything; and even at 91 years old, knew more about computers than most tech wizards. He is no doubt enjoying biscuits and gravy and visiting with Arnold Palmer in Heaven, while his beloved cats, Molly and Polly, sit on his lap. Don is missed beyond belief and loved beyond measure.