Close to two hundred people gathered at Seasons in Township of Washington to reflect on Ms. Molloy’s forty-eight-year career at IHA and to wish her well as she continues to enjoy her retirement.

The afternoon began with a welcome by Ms. Kerry Carroll’04, principal, and an opening prayer led by Mrs. Sarah Shutrop, director of formation. Student Council Executive Board members, Lauren Grae’23 and Erin Shepler’23, then presented flowers to Ms. Molloy on behalf of the current student body. Throughout the event, several speakers reflected on their relationships and memories with Ms. Molloy, celebrating and commemorating all her accomplishments at Immaculate Heart Academy.

Guests heard from Valerie Gradel Keenan’76 P’14, Consultative Board president, who has known Ms. Molloy since she was her student at St. Anastasia’s in Teaneck; Sue Kenney, current social studies teacher, who echoed memories of Ms. Molloy shared with her by her friends and colleagues; Eileen O’Connor Cox’79 P’09, ’12, ’16, former Consultative Board member, whose three daughters followed in her footsteps as IHA students; and Mary E. Molloy’69 who spoke on behalf of the larger Molloy Family about their sister and aunt. Mr. Jason Schlereth, president, gave a heartfelt reflection about Ms. Molloy and presented her with a beautiful crystal, and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips P’18, ’21, ’26 presented her with a resolution distribution. As Mr. Schlereth stated in his dedication, “It is known by not only the people in this room, but by thousands of others, that you are a person of great integrity, Catholic values, and a staunch belief that women can do anything,” he said about Ms. Molloy. “You are IHA’s original Woman of Valor.”

Ms. Patricia Molloy then took the opportunity to thank not only those who came to celebrate her at the event, but also everyone who has supported her throughout her long, efficacious career. The afternoon concluded with select IHA vocalists leading guests in singing the IHA Alma Mater.

Thank you to the many guests and supporters of the memorable afternoon, especially our Silver Sponsors, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises (The Sanzari Family ’99 and ’02), Bergen Catholic High School, and Holy Name, and our Blue Sponsors, American Beauty Landscape Design and Daniel and Maureen Cooney Daniello’77 P’15. We are grateful for the people who made this celebration possible including the entire IHA administration; Sarah Hill Frasure, director of development; Tara Hopfenspirger, director of communications & marketing; Paula Horne P’13, ’15, ’18, development assistant; and Taryn Tonelli’09, coordinator of the performing arts. We send our heartfelt gratitude to Seasons Catering & Special Events, River Dell Flowers, Mike Hamlett Photography, Barrington Press, the Molloy Family, and the IHA singers and accompanist who performed at the event.

Upon Ms. Molloy’s retirement in June 2021, the Patricia Molloy Scholarship Fund was established in her name to provide donors with the option to support students in need of financial assistance. To make a gift to the fund, please visit ihanj.com.

Click here for the full photo album, courtesy of Mike Hamlett Photography and Tara Hopfenspirger.