Rosemary Bennett: 22 years sharing God's love

IC photo/Laura Vallejo

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Rosemary Bennett, who is retiring after 22 years of service as the Saint Vincent de Paul School secretary, visits with well-wishers at the retirement party on May 22.

SALT LAKE CITY — After 22 years of continuous work as the secretary at Saint Vincent de Paul School, Rosemary Bennett is retiring.

Her children had attended Kearns-St. Ann School and Judge Memorial Catholic High School, and were taught by the St. Vincent principal and vice principal, said Bennett, who worked for a time at Kearns-St. Ann, so when the position opened at St. Vincent de Paul the principal offered the job to Bennett.

“It’s been a great job,” she said. “It’s fun to see where we started and where we are. It’s just amazing to see how far we have come. … I spend a lot of time at the school. It’s like my second home.”

Bennett wears multiple hats. Besides being the school secretary, she has helped as a substitute teacher, at recess and at lunch time.

“She always helped in whatever was needed,” said Gary Green, Saint Vincent de Paul School principal.

In 22 years a person can accumulate a wide range of fun stories and fond memories, and that’s the case for Bennett. All of her grandchildren have gone through the school; the youngest one will be entering third grade next school year.

“Watching my grandchildren going from pre-k all the way to graduation and being able to see them every day. ... Being able to meet and care for all the kids – I never treat anyone different. Trying to take care of them and being here for their needs has been great,” she said.

In two decades she has witnessed the growth of the school as well as the changes of how things are done.

“I have come a long ways, computer-wise,” she said. “Coming from everything being on paper, and now being sent through emails, from everything being manual to now being electronic, has been challenging, but I’ve enjoyed it.”

The time has flown, she said. “I have no idea where the time has gone. It’s been a joy and a pleasure to work here,” she said, emphasizing that she plans to return regularly because she will substitute in the lower grades and volunteer as much as she can.

“I want to thank everyone for the opportunity,” she said. “We are such a close community, we are a  loving, caring and giving community. Watching the kids grow has been a great experience. I loved my job.”

On May 22 the school offered a retirement celebration for her and Carol Barman (see story, right). Many of those who attended paid their respects and thanked Bennett for her years of service.

Mark Longe, now superintendent of Utah Catholics Schools, previously served as vice principal and principal of Saint Vincent’s. In his remarks at the celebration, he recalled her smile the first time that he met Bennett.

“She just lit up. .… You know what I mean when I say that Rosemary lights up. She really is the face of Saint Vincent’s School,” said Longe, emphasizing the importance of the person who is the first one everyone sees when they enter the school.

“That person at the front desk is the most important person that you can have at the school because they really transfer that message, that Gospel message of love … and that we are all for sharing that love of Christ for others, and that’s she,” he said.

Longe went on to say that Bennett has touched many lives. That feeling was shared by parents and St. Vincent staff who were present at the retirement party.

“In my opinion the school would not have been running without her,” said Elaine Belleick, who has two children at Saint Vincent’s.

“All those years of service are very inspiring for the rest of us that are staying on,” said Giselle Airriess, the school librarian.

“As former principal and now as superintendent I thank you for all you have done,” Longe concluded.