Finn Family

"SVMS is home. My mom, Angela Pratola Rondosh, began her education at St. Vincent Martyr in the 1950s. Growing up in Madison, my grandparents were active in the parish and school community. After graduating SVMS in 1964, my mom continued her Catholic education throughout college, studying to become a teacher. She later returned to teach at SVMS after I was born in 1978. I was lucky enough to be a student at SVMS, attending school each day with my mom, who was my teacher in the upper grades. My mom was part of every core memory at the school. From dressing up with Miss Gisoldi for Halloween to cheering me on at field day to being part of the Thanksgiving feast in Kindergarten…She was there for me and all of her students. My friends got a kick out of sleepovers and birthday parties with their favorite Social Studies teacher.

Many years later, I also returned to SVMS as my family grew, and my sons entered SVMS in PreK. My mom was a proud Mimi, and we loved seeing each other at school.

Sadly, my mom passed after a brief illness in 2014. The SVMS staff and community rallied around our family during this dark time. Not only did coworkers and parents stop by with food and call her each day, they also arranged for rides to treatments and appointments. Sometimes, just sitting with her offered me comfort during such a difficult time. I will never forget how Sister Noreen held a bedside vigil during her last few days. After she passed, the SVMS families arranged my mother’s repast with the help of the SVMS school and parish community. There were endless food trains from past and present families, which meant so much to all of us. We felt the love and support of the special community. To this day, adults walk up to me and tell me that Mrs. Rondosh was their favorite teacher. It is an honor to give an award each year at the SVMS graduation in her name.

My boys continued to flourish at SVMS over the next few years, both educationally and socially. It has always felt like home. I knew they would get an excellent education to prepare them for their high school years. But beyond the academics, they are emotionally, spiritually, and mentally prepared based on how our family was supported during our darkest days. My older son, Michael, has excelled at Seton Hall Prep because of this foundation provided by the teachers and staff of SVMS. It will be a bittersweet day when my youngest, Cooper, graduates in a couple years, but I know we can always count on the SVMS community to feel like family.

- The Finn Family
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