Name/Title
Loretto Academy Graduating Class, 1935Entry/Object ID
SM.0126Description
The 1935 graduating class of Loretto Academy, later Loretto High School, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. In the back row, from left to right, are Edith Peller, Violet Ranson, Margaret Krell, Lois Donnelly, Noella Godin, Dorothy Piche, Anna Jean Ripley, Aurelia Aube, Claudina Reinhard and Mary Crockett. In the front row, from left to right, are Genevieve Brunet, Margaret White, Peggy Simpkin, Marie Brunet, Mae McCarron, Atlas Johnston, Betty Graham and Margaret Moran.
In 1896, IBVM Sisters traveled to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to begin an education ministry at St. Mary's Parish. Three years later, Loretto Academy was constructed and opened as a convent, school and boarding house. In the following decades, the Sister's ministry grew to include additional schools and programs. Despite the closure of Loretto Catholic Central High School and St. Mary's Elementary School in 1971, the IBVM maintained an active role in local education into the 1980s.Context
Born in 1585 in North Yorkshire, England, Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1609. Focused on education, the Sisters developed their ministry despite significant political, spiritual and material challenges. In 1880, the Canadian Mission of the IBVM established a presence in Illinois, and the following year, the IBVM North American Branch was created. In 1892, their ministry expanded into Chicago, and by 1896, the Sisters had opened a school in Michigan. Over the following decades, further growth resulted in ministries in California and Arizona, both of which began in 1949. In the 21st Century, the IBVM and its companions are active in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, California and Arizona.Lexicon
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Religion, Religious Organizations, Sisters of Loretto, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, People, Graduation, StudentsReproductions
Notes
Please contact the IBVM Archives (archives@ibvm.us) for further information or materials requests.