Jeanne Klein Conlon ’40 (SM), center, with granddaughter Meaghan, left, and daughter Maggie. All are nurses.As we prepare to send the 2014 NDP graduates out into the world, read about how the valedictorian from St. Michael’s Class of 1940 says a strong faith in God and the ability to laugh are keys to a long, happy life. Editor's note: St. Michael merged with St. Frederick in the 1960s and were eventually reopened as Pontiac Catholic High School, which preceded Notre Dame Prep on Giddings Road.
Jeanne Klein Conlon, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, graduated from St. Michael in 1940. Since then, her life has taken a few different turns. But what has been a constant in those 73-1/2 years is the ability to laugh, her faith in God, and always counting life’s many blessings, no matter what they are or how big or small.
Recalling her years at St. Michael, she says, even though there weren’t any athletics offered for girls at the time, she had a lot to do when she wasn’t in class or doing homework.
“I was involved with choir and drama in school, and outside of school we went to movies, occasional parties, and dances after football games,” she says.
She said her dad worked in a factory and mom stayed at home, which, according to Conlon, was a beehive of activity. “We did a lot of reading, crafts and outdoor sports like ice skating and softball as well as board games, and many, many school and church functions.”
Conlon, who currently lives in Rochester, New York, had five siblings, but other than herself, only one attended St. Michael: Tom, who graduated in 1945. Conlon recalls that she walked about a mile from her home to the school’s Pontiac campus and that there were no uniforms required back then. “But I loved English and math and one of my favorite teachers was Sr. Celeste.”
Conlon’s love of school and the fact the she did so well—she was her class valedictorian—led her to a career in nursing after graduating from college. Along with working as a nurse, she also taught in nursing college. Then her third (of five) children came along and she gave up her career. “But I was happy I was able to be a stay-at-home mom.”
Conlon is very proud of her kids, all of whom also attended Catholic schools. “My five children were all unique, productive citizens who provided me with nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and I had the support of a wonderful, loving husband, Jack. He was called to be with the Lord four years ago. But we had 63 years together and I really feel like I have been truly blessed.”
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.