Longtime educator moves on

Christine Carrillo

She recalled the day when the letter announcing her retirement from

education went out to the students. She remembered how one of the

seventh-grade students ran up to her, threw his arms around her and

begged her not to leave.

As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears.

After dedicating 50 years of her life to education, Sister Joanne

Clare Gallagher, co-principal at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in

Newport Beach, will take her leave.

“I think that I have accomplished a great deal and I am very

pleased that I have been able to educate ... our children,”

Gallagher, 71, said. “As it gets closer to my leaving, I get mixed

emotions ... but it’s time for me to move on.”

Helping organize the annual eighth-grade Washington, D.C. trip

that began nearly 18 years ago and establishing a preschool about 12

years ago, Gallagher has dedicated herself toward enhancing the

quality of the school with education and faith.

“She’s just a wonderful leader with a real kindness and way of

giving to the students and the parents that makes everyone feel like

you’re a part of the family, of the school,” said Patty Presson,

mother of two students at the school.

For Gallagher, the time has come for her to move onto another part

of her life, whatever that may be.

“I’m retiring from education, but I’m looking forward to new

horizons,” said Gallagher, who plans on taking a year off to travel.

“I’m really focused this year on renewing myself spiritually,

emotionally and physically.”

With about 17 years of experience in teaching and about 33 years

working as an elementary school principal at four schools in

California, Gallagher has answered her call to work with children.

She has enjoyed watching them grow and mature and even seeing them

come to visit years later, but she now feels that she needs to focus

on her primary vocation, her religious call to serve God.

While Gallagher thinks she may eventually find herself in parish

work, she admits she’ll miss working at the school. Those that work

with her will miss her, too.

“It’s been good working with sister over the last 16 years,” said

co-principal Eileen Ryan, who will now take over as the school’s

principal. “We want to wish her well with all her future endeavors.

I’m certainly looking forward to continuing our vision for the future

of providing a faith-formation [community] and quality Catholic

education.”

As the bittersweet event approaches, Gallagher finds solace in the

memories and faith she has in the school.

“I feel very close to the community and I feel their love and I

hope they feel my love,” she said.