Women of Strength & Influence

JUDY LABANZ COLT | ST. FRANCIS ACADEMY (BETHLEHEM) 1971

Throughout Women’s History Month, our alumnae are honoring members of the School Sisters of St. Francis
who touched their lives back then and who they consider to have been especially influential in who they are now.

more then & now features

A Soft-Spoken Voice Still Echoes

Setting a Fine Example

‘Angel’ Among Them

Home Away from Home

A Critical Lifeline

Eye-Opening Influence

Laughter That’s Lasted a Lifetime

Unforgettable Life Lessons

The ‘Type’ of Teacher She Needed

Before the Parade Passes By

Stirring Her Skills & Self-Esteem

THEN

These are but a few thoughts about the Sisters who influenced my life in a very significant way throughout my high school years at St. Francis Academy and beyond.

I fondly remember Sister Marguerite (Stewart), who planted the seeds for the “love of music” early in my elementary school years at St. Ann’s School in Emmaus, Pa., and then later throughout my high school years. As a child, I remember her angelic voice and that she taught us to sing Slovak Christmas carols that I can still recall today! I went on to study music and earn a degree in music education at Moravian College.

My high school teachers — Sisters Amata (Shina), Rosaria (Shina), Anita (Kuchera), Electa (Barlok), Regina Ann (Rokosny), Aurelia (Cerny), Marcelline (Goceljak), Xavier (Bomberger), Edward (Elaine Gurkie) and Kathleen (Ellen Csekovsky) — each encouraged me in their own unique ways, not only in their own subject areas, but as role models to always strive for excellence.

Although I never had her for any classes at SFA, Sister Marietta (Bankos) was “in charge” of the resident students, myself included, at the Academy. Little did I know that she would become and remain a life-long friend (well over 50 years now!) and grow close to all of my family members. She was and continues to be a model of kindness, gentleness and wisdom that helped all of us through our adolescent years. She taught us many things, including faith, discipline, courtesy, forgiveness and thoughtfulness. I learned to never give up and always trust in God’s constant protection.

I also was blessed to share many wonderful times with my “hometown buddy,” Sister Regina Ann. I smile often at the memories of laughter and shared experiences we have as natives of Emmaus, Pa. I believe she also inspired my love for gardening. It was not unusual to see her weeding and planting on the grounds of Monocacy Manor.

My fondest memory from high school of Sister Regina Ann was how she helped me through a very difficult academic year. For some reason, I had to take Algebra II, Trigonometry and Physics all in the same year. I remember crying many nights over my homework assignments until, one evening, Sister Regina Ann appeared where the resident students lived and helped me through many nights of homework and test preparations!

I recall this was still at a time when the Sisters kept a strict silence after their night prayers. Amazingly, I was able to learn through her silent gestures, as she kept the “Grand Silence” while tutoring me. I will never forget her for that, especially that she never made me feel incapable. At the end of that year, I was so grateful for her help to maintain good grades and graduate with honors!

NOW

Judy went on to teach music for 10 years and earn a master’s degree in special education from Lehigh University in 1986. She taught children with special needs for 20 years in Council Rock School District and served as supervisor of special education for 10 more years before retiring in 2016. “Although I consider my greatest treasure and accomplishment in life to be called “Mom” by a wonderful son, Jamie — born on the Feast of St. Francis (How cool is that?)” Judy says. “I also have been blessed by and treasure the influence and support of many strong women — the good Sisters — in my ‘growing up’ years to the present time.”

Sister Marguerite Stewart taught religion and music at SFA until 1982, when she was elected provincial minister of our former Bethlehem Province. She also served as vicar at our Generalate in Rome from 1989 to 2001 and worked intermittently with young Sisters in formation in India. She has been involved with our St. Francis Center for Renewal since 2002, where even as her 90th birthday approaches, she continues to lead programs and provide spiritual direction.

Sister Marietta Bankos went on to teach at elementary schools in Bethlehem and Stowe, Pa., before serving as secretary of the Bethlehem Province and secretary to our General Administration in Rome. In the years leading up to her 2016 retirement, Sister served our community as archivist and office aide to Mount Assisi Academy Preschool, where she cherished daily interactions with the children. Today, she lives at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem and ranks as the eldest member of our U.S. Province.

Sister Regina Ann Rokosny taught math at SFA into the 1980s and then shared her affinity for numbers with students at our St. Francis Academy in San Antonio, Texas, in the 1990s. Since then she has served in various ministerial roles, including as provincial treasurer, and briefly did formation work with young Sisters in Kerala, India. Today, she lives in Bethlehem, Pa., and works as finance secretary for St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa.

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