St. Therese "Little Flowers" Drill Team

Everett, Massachusetts

Marie Mitchell (2009) - Parent

Often seen as the quiet one my mom was a faithful supporter not only of mine and my sister's involvement with St. Therese but a supporter of dad's involvement as well.  Without her role behind the scenes sewing uniforms, polishing boots, making uniform bags for me, nean, and our friends and making tons of salad and sloppy joes for our show things would have been just a little off balance somehow.  Mom was always ready for whatever came up occasionally ending up with an extra child or so when a parent wasn't home to meet them.  Mom even accommodated the hundreds of cases of M&M's into our home decor on a yearly basis for trip fund fund raising.  She loved St Therese and what it brought to our lives and I love her for the sacrifices she made so that me, dad ( "Mr Mitchell") and nean could stick with it.  I know there are parents out there with stories maybe even some old friends.  If you have one PLEASE post it.

Sandy Mitchell-Olivieri

Go rest now Auntie ...

Your life in eternity has just begun.
Now you can walk, your legs are brand new.
All of heaven is now in your view.

Look all around,it's all in your sight,
There will never be another dark night.
Flowers and jewels, the street of pure gold, and all of the things that have been told.

I can just imagine the smile on your face as you walk all around in that beautiful place.
Greeting our loved ones as you walk along,while singing heaven's most beautiful song.

This is so very hard,but it will all be okay, it isn't goodbye, I'll see you one day.
I love you and I miss you and at times it will be tough, but as with everything, God's grace will be enough.

See you when I get there ....


Your Godchild ...

Jackie

Frank Cummings (2008) - Parent

I remember Frank as the man who didn't know the meaning of the word "can't" ... he lugged in equipment with the best of them; he campaigned for funding with every politician he could think of, in behalf of the corp. His enthusiasm knew no boundaries and he was just as happy and excited, when the unit succeeded, as every last marching member. Frank was truly one in a million and we would have to search far and wide to find someone who could measure up when it came to his working "for the good of the corp" at St Therese Little Flowers.
 
Anonymous

Sadly, we must report that we must say good-bye to another of our un-sung heroes. Frank Cummings, Dad to alumni members Lisa, Kathleen and Lori Cummings, and husband of the late Virginia Cummings, who for years was the Assistant Manager of our organization, succumbed to a lengthy illness on Tuesday morning, November 4, 2008.

Many of you will remember Frank as one of the major fundraisers for the Little Flowers organization. Frank spent countless hours and energy campaigning local & state government and private enterprise for various sources of revenue for the "Little Flowers" girls. More importantly was the absolute verocity that Frank showed in not only spearheading these self-appointed campaigns, but, the delight that he felt when his efforts reaped their just rewards on the organization. Frank is, truly, an amazing person. Our heart-felt condolences and our thanks in sharing your Dad with us go out to the entire Cummings family.

Virginia Cummings - Parent

She was the best...Always there to help out..
I really miss her..She will always be in my heart
Donna Ebert

I will always remember Ginny with great fondness. If Mr. B was the wood and mortar of the organization, Ginny could certainly be regarded as the glue that held it all together. Her tireless efforts in keeping all of those girls safe from themselves and always being able to reach into that magic bag of hers and pulling out what ever was needed to "mend" the moment ... be it needle & thread, safety pins, hat pins, buttons, tape ... the list goes on and on ... will remain sweet memories to me forever. I'm sure that Ginny has touched all of our hearts through the years and that we remember her fondly.

Anonymous 

Frank Day - Parent

Anna DeCampo - Parent (2009)

With great sadness, we must report the passing of another of our Little Flowers Guardian Angels. Anna DeCampo, mother of alumni member Diana DeCampo-Anderson. In keeping with Anna's wishes, there were no visiting hours. An address, to forward your messages of sympathy, may be obtained by sending an email request to stlf85@yahoo.com. The following obituary has been posted ...

DeCAMPO, Anna (Miranda) Of Everett, November 11, 2009, at 91 years. Beloved mother of Diana Anderson and her husband Scott of Everett. She is also survived by several dear nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a funeral from the J.F. Ward Funeral Home, 772 Broadway, Everett, on Monday, Nov 16th. At 10 am. Services will conclude with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Anna was a retired seamstress for Forecasters Coat of Boston, a member of the garment workers union, former Corps Mom for St. Therese Drill Team and the ICC Band. She was a longtime resident of Golden Age Circle and a proud naturalized US citizen. In her memory donations may be made to Hammersmith House Patient Activities Fund, 73 Chestnut St., Saugus, MA 01906. For dir. & online guest book visit jfwardfuneralhome.com J.F. Ward Funeral Home (617) 387-3367

Janet Duggan (2004) - Parent

When we first met, this mom didn't know she could attend those famous weekend gatherings of all Color Guards, so we invited her to come along with us. 
A remarkable woman, helped St. Therese Color Guard cadets with their uniforms, hair, or whatever they needed.  There were many bus trips also taken and some hairy moments.
We were lucky to have Jan as a Color Guard Mom, and friend.
You are greatly missed by all who knew you.
Thank you for being there for us Jan Duggan
 
Anonymous 

Christina Gardner - Marching Member

Kelly Higgin-Leblanc (2007) - Marching Member

 I wanted to let everyone know that Kelly would of loved to be at the reunion.  She wouldn't of missed this for the world.  We often talked about our days in drill and how it was one of our happiest times of of lives.  I remember how Kelly & I were always together through the years.  Even though Kelly was so outgoing and I was very shy, our friendship just clicked.  Some of us remember when Kelly would just belt out a tune anywhere. One of our favorites was "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow".  Boy, I use to get so embarrassed.  But, she would just keep on singing and didn't care what people would think.  She was funny and always made us laugh.  She was a great friend to many.  I cherished my time with Kelly and her spirt will live on and on.  Thanks Kelly for being my friend and for all wonderful memories.. I Miss You!!

 Kelly
 
Although I didn't know Kelly as a member of the little flowers I was lucky enough to know her as my aunt. She could bring a smile to anyone's face and always made everyone feel important. She was the life of the party and the light in every room. I'm sure those of you who knew her as a little flower would say the exact same. My Auntie Kel taught me how to have a good time, and introduced me to the sport of colorguard- there could never be a greater gift. Thanks Auntie Kelly for all you have done for me, and everyone else in your life. The members of St. Therese will have you forever in their hearts.

Amanda Hickey 

Rita Holbrook - Parent

Walter Keefe - Parent

Our Dad was there at every practice, competition, drove the bus and helped out in any way possible.... He is greatly missed.

The Keefe Family



The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At a funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone,
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of his birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.

 

 

 

 

 For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard,
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

 

 

 

 

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your lifes actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

1996 Linda Ellis

Lois Kirchenbauer - Marching Member

Marie Mitchell - Parent (2009)

It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of Marie Mitchell, wife of Bob Mitchell, mother of Jannine Mitchell-Hairston & Sandy Mitchell-Olivieri. . An address, to forward your messages of sympathy, may be obtained by sending an email request to stlf85@yahoo.com The following obituary has been posted ...

MITCHELL Marie L. “Mim” of Lynn, Novemeber 12, Age 62. Wife of Robert Mitchell, Daughter of Priscilla (Bingham) Kenyon and the late Percy Kenyon, Loving Mother of Jannine Hairston and her husband Michael of Melrose, and Sandra Olivieri and her husband Marc of Malden. Sister of Roger Cheseborough and his wife Gloria of Charlestown, Michael Kenyon and his wife Kelley of Everett, and Marlene Cunningham and her husband William of Medford. Devoted Grandmother of Kristopher Mitchell, Patrick Seward, Lauren Hairston, and Elora Rose Olivieri. Funeral Service in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home 157 Maple St., LYNN Tuesday at 11A.M. Visiting hours Monday from 4-8P.M. Donations in Mim’s memory may be sent to Hospice of North Shore 75 Sylvan St. Danvers, MA 01923. For online guestbook, please visit http://www.cuffemcginn.com/

Ralph Murray - Parent

Rosemary & John Nelson (1997, 1999) - Parent

Rosemary and John Nelson passed away several years ago.  For those who didn't know them, they were the first parents who founded the drill team.  They raised 6 children, 5 were involved in the corp.  David, the only boy, was in the Toriador's!  Dianne Nelson was an instructor.. remember....Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Loralei.  Jackie and Roz were seniors and I had eight tremendous years marching with St. Therese's.
Our memories were, Ted Hiltons, The Washington, DC trip, and
forever the fourth of July Parade.. My parents were in it from the beginning... the rest, history!!!
 
Lorraine Nelson

Michelle Pothier-Altanji (2007) - Marching Member

Fred Powers (2002) - Parent

My Dad,  Fred Powers, was one of St Therese's Assistant Managers. As I think back about my Dad, I have many fond memories; especially those involved in the years he spent volunteering his time, at  STLF events, whether it be at practices, setting up the sound equipment at contests or driving the truck on many out of state trips. He was a single parent when it was an exception to the rule.
When I think back about what he gave back to the world, I see a father who showed me that volunteering was one of the best things someone can do for the world. To go into a profession to help others in need. I have followed in his footsteps and am very proud to say his oldest grandson  now volunteers his time to help thousands of children in Romania through Operation Snowflake. Finally, I am proud to say that he left this world only eight weeks after 9/11. My Dad finally got the respect that firefighters should have gotten all along. At his funeral,  I heard people either commenting on his involvement with St Therese or that he  risked his life going into a fire to save someone else. I miss him dearly. I know that on days that I struggle, I can feel his love telling me that all will be ok.  With All Our Love Dad/Grandpa,
 
Lynn and Josh

Jack Russell (2007) - Parent

Linda Saroka - Parent

Gerry Keohane Joyce made a comment about our facebook note "STLF Guardian Angels"
God bless them & their families.  As I was reading that I thought of Linda Saroka ( parent) who also passed away a few years ago.   So many angels guarding the Guard. 
To all that will be able to be there know you have a spot always in my heart.  STLF Great memories.

Jean Tarbox - Parent

Lillian Taylor (2002) - Parent

Mom, you did so much for us while we (Dianne and I were members).  You served as an officer on the Board of Directors, sold food at the indoor and outdoor shows.  Dad drove and repaired the equipment truck and bus.  We also loved your performance with the "Mamas and the Papa" and we will always remember it.  You did us proud!

Always in my heart.

Love,
Donna 

Joseph Tennihan (1993) - Parent

Writing a tribute to my father wasn't a difficult thing to do. A lot of you know my dad who was simply known as "JOEY". My father played the music for St.Therese throughout the 80's. He was the proud father to as many as 25 girls.
My dad was always there for me and my friends. Not only was he my father he was my FRIEND! He was always there with a smile and words of encouragement that let us know we COULD do it! And if things didn't work out the way we hoped, he was there with a shoulder to cry on.
My dad passed away in 1993 and I miss him every day. As I fondly remember the good old days, I am grateful and blessed for the wonderful memories I carry with me. He lives on forever in my heart. I love you dad!
Lisa Tennihan 

Bob Wallace - Parent

Arthur Wareham (1985) - Parent

Arthur was a great supporter of STLF! He was dedicated to keeping that pink and brown bus running!
 
Anonymous

 
I will never forget the first time that Arthur opened up the trunk of his car and Mr. B got a good look at all of those auto-mechanic tools in there ... a match made in heaven! It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship! Arthur was not very verbal, but, take it from me, he enjoyed his years with St Therese and loved nothing better than getting to drive the bus or truck; what ever was needed.

Denise Wareham