FROM BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS TO EVERLASTING ENDS 

Mary Howard retires after 30 years of dedicated service to St. Anne’s, leaving a lasting legacy.

Mary Howard’s life has been beautifully entwined with St. Anne’s Catholic Church and School long before she became a fixture of its community. Little did she know that when she exchanged vows at St. Anne’s and later sent her first son—and eventually her second and third—to their first day of kindergarten there, she would spend the next three decades shaping the lives of families and building a legacy within the very walls that had marked her own milestones.

It was in these meaningful moments that Howard’s connection to St. Anne’s only continued to grow. “When our oldest son was ready to begin his first year, my husband and I wanted our family friend, Cheryl Grelle, to be his teacher, and that’s when my involvement with the school really began.”

For many years, Howard dedicated herself as a volunteer mom, and when it came time to return to the workforce, her journey at the school continued to unfold—from working in the before-and-after school program to becoming an instructional assistant, and ultimately landing a full-time role as a fixture in the front office for generations of students and families to come.

“Working at the school has been such a blessing,” she reflects. “I’ve learned something new every day, and I’ve recognized how important it is to be a positive influence in each student’s life.”

Having a knack for making those around her feel valued, she became a steady presence and source of support, always seeking ways to make a difference. “One of the most valuable lessons the school taught me is how important giving back is,” she says. “It inspired me to find ways to do just that. Being there for everyone made me a better person, and my faith continued to grow each day working here.”

The impact of Howard’s presence can be felt in countless small, meaningful moments. “I know my work mattered, but I didn’t consider it work at all—it was something that made me happy,” she recalls.

Her dedication and warmth did not go unnoticed. In 2022, she was honored with the Character Counts award for citizenship. “I was so surprised and touched. I am just me, who tries to be positive, kind, and compassionate, always there with a smile or to listen to anyone who may need me,” she says.

Now, after 30 years, as she prepares to retire, Howard reflects on the values she hopes will continue to guide St. Anne’s. “I hope others always remember to be kind, respectful, and compassionate to each other. I hope everyone keeps smiling and making others feel special,” she says. Although retirement promises a slower pace and more time for rest, family, and travel for Howard, her heart remains intertwined with the school and community she has nurtured for decades.

She leaves with a simple message: “Be there for others. Take care of yourself, be kind, and make someone smile. Live your faith and know how much each of you means to me—I will always hold you in my heart.”