Past Academy parents Angie and Jerry Stauder, along with their son, Matthew ’14 visited some beloved St. Charles Religious of the Sacred Heart last week. When their older children Kayla ’03 and Zach ’05 were students, Angie and Jerry became involved in the community. Together, they chaired Chemin de Fer’s “Celebrate the Century” in 1999 and served in countless volunteer capacities. In addition, Angie helped develop and teach Kaleidoscope, our Global Studies class, and Jerry served as Board Chair. They are now proud grandparents of Sophia ’36, Dominic ’33 and Julia ’31 Stauder.
Recently, we had the special privilege of visiting the Oakwood Retirement Community of RSCJ in Atherton, CA – including former Head of School Sr. Margaret Caire, Sr. Maria Luisa Cotto, whose gift of gardening kept the school grounds looking beautiful, and former Middle School English teacher Sr. Margaret Munch! It was so great to see Sr. Munch all settled in her new place since her move there in June. Though years and miles now separate them from the halls they once walked daily, we assured them that the spirit of their presence remains deeply woven into the fabric of our school.
Sitting with them, listening to their stories, and sharing memories was like opening a treasured book—one written with faith, service, and love. Their eyes lit up as they spoke of students, families, faculty and staff, and the small but meaningful moments of everyday school life at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It was clear that their hearts have never left our St. Charles community.
What struck us most was the quiet, enduring joy that radiated from each of them. Their lives—once dedicated to shaping young minds and nurturing young hearts—continue to be a living prayer for all of us. Even in retirement, they carry each of us in their hearts, just as we carry them in ours.
This visit reminded us that their vocation—and Philippine’s vision—is not confined to a time or place. The love and dedication these Sisters poured into the Academy continue to bear fruit. Their legacy is alive in every lesson taught, every prayer whispered, and every act of kindness shown by those who follow in their footsteps … and quite literally the footsteps of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne herself.
We are deeply grateful for their sacrifices, their witness, and their love. May we continue to honor their legacy by living our own callings with the same faith and joy.
Let us keep them in our prayers—as they so faithfully keep us in theirs.
For those who wish to drop a card or note to Sisters Caire, Cotto or Munch, their address is:
Oakwood Community
140 Valparaiso Ave.
Atherton, CA 94027
