Padua Alumnae

Last Thursday, Padua was thrilled to join alumna Laura Taylor ('01) as she was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.

Laura was an All State, four year starting catcher for Padua Academy before competing for Seton Hall. Laura joins her father and uncle who are also inductees into the Hall of Fame.

At Seton Hall, Laura was three times first team All-Big East and All-Northeast Region. She was named the university’s outstanding female athlete in her class three times. She was the Big East Player of the Year – the only Seton Hall player to receive this award – in both 2004 and 2005, leading the Pirates to the NCAA tournament in both years.

She later coached at NCAA Division I universities for eight years. She is the founder and owner of Five-Tool Training in Jacksonville, Fla., offering softball and baseball training.

At the ceremony Laura had a chance to chat with three current members of the Padua softball team. She offered advice and encouragement and the girls were all ears! And in a uniquely Panda moment, Laura met with Anna Bockius ('26) who was also inducted as the High School Female Athlete of the Year! We are so very proud of both of you!

Remembering and honoring all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially our own Elizabeth Ann Loncki.

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor Alumna & Senior Airman Elizabeth Ann Loncki ’01, who gave her life in service to our country. 🇺🇸

A proud graduate of Padua Academy, Elizabeth served in the United States Air Force and deployed to Iraq with Explosive Ordnance Disposal in 2006. On January 7, 2007, she and two fellow Airmen were killed in action. She was the first woman from Delaware to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal, Elizabeth is laid to rest at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware.

Today, her folded flag is displayed in our chapel alongside the Congressional Record, generously shared with Padua by her grandfather, Walt Loncki.

We honor Elizabeth and all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. May their courage and sacrifice never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

Skirt Day is one of the newer traditions for graduating seniors at Padua. It’s so fun to see all
of the students’ choices on display and makes graduation feel even more real.

Alumnae do you see any of your college Alma Maters represented?

We are saddened to share the passing of alumna Dr. Janet Lee MacDonna (St. Amand, '02). Janet passed after a long battle with melanoma.

Janet is remembered for her warmth and generosity of spirit. Janet had a deep love of animals which lead her to her dream job as a veterinarian.

After her diagnosis, Janet was determined to complete her bucket list which included a trip to Paris, enjoying deep dish pizza in Chicago, eating at a Michelin Star restaurant, a visit to the Natural History Museum in New York City and a Hot Air Balloon Ride.

Janet is survived by her husband of 18 years, David MacDonna IV and her loving parents Emile Rosaire St. Amand and Nancy Lee St. Amand. Janet will be dearly missed by loved ones and friends.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

https://www.griecofunerals.com/obituaries/janet-macdonna?fbclid=IwdGRjcARxaZJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeRW2AhU8wDbht0uQEUMsE5R0ChleweySM19ujAZmzRydjoTAeVh7urVnVkFs_aem_jks--bFimlVXE4vLyKXHTg

We love when our alumnae share the special milestones of their lives together. Thanks to Ashley Barnett for these great pics of she and her best pandas celebrating their 30th birthdays.

The girls all went to Fort Meyers in May to celebrate everyone’s 30th birthdays and 16 years of friendship! Pictured here (not in any order) are Ashley Barnett, Ashley Muschiatti, Maeve Mersman (Clair), Kara Fix (Campese), Kaitlyn Markey, Elizabeth Testa (Albera), Erica Chandler, and Courtney Wyatt (Streets). All Padua class of 2014!

Thanks so much for sharing your celebration with us, you are radiant! Happy birthday!

Please join us in mourning the passing of two Padua alumnae, Carla Cardarelli ('78) and Anne Dougherty ('69).

Carla was born in Italy and immigrated to the United States with her parents in 1964. The family would visit Italy during the summer and Carla met her husband Donato on one of these trips. The couple lived in Wilmington for a time, but eventually moved back to Italy. Carla is survived by her loving family on both sides of the Atlantic.

Anne Dougherty passed away in 2020 and her son just recently shared her obituary with us saying how much his mom loved her time as a panda. Anne was both a hairdresser and a phlebotomist and she is survived by her loving husband Dan 'Mel' Dougherty, her sons, and many family and dear friends.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/carla-cardarelli-obituary?id=61312028

https://www.delawarefuneral.com/obituaries/anne-dougherty

Happy Mother’s Day Alumnae! We appreciate all you do and the love you bring to your mothering roles.
🖤🐼💛

Happy Mother’s Day to all who nurture, guide, support, encourage, and love with a mother’s heart. 💛🖤

Today, we give thanks for mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, mentors, teachers, caregivers, and every woman who fulfills a motherly role in our lives. 🌷

We also hold close in prayer:
🤍 those who have lost their mother
🤍 mothers who have lost a child
🤍 those longing to become mothers
🤍 anyone for whom today feels difficult

May you feel God’s comfort, love, and peace today and always. ✨🙏

Happy Mother’s Day from the Padua community. 🐼💐

As we finish out this Teacher Appreciation Week we want to acknowledge a very special alumna, Elizabeth Hostler Spinelli (‘98). Liz is honored as the North Star Elementary building Teacher of the Year and will be considered in the Red Clay Teacher of the Year awards at a later date.

Liz is a passionate teacher, a thoughtful colleague and an amazing role model. She fosters a supportive environment for her students, inspiring all to learn!

Liz we are so PANDA proud of you and your achievement and we wait with great anticipation on the district level Teacher of the Year announcement!

🖤🐼💛

Padua Alumnae we know that so many of you have gone on to become beloved teachers and trusted nurses. We hope you will let us know in the comments where you teach and practice nursing. We are so very proud of you and all you give to our communities!