This is a true story of six women, all 84 years old, pictured celebrating a birthday on January 4, 2025, as they do for every birthday for each of them. Their friendship began in September 1945 at Blessed Sacrament School in Springfield, just at the end of World War II. Over the years, the demands of school, work, and raising families—a total of 19 children—kept them from seeing each other frequently. However, as time went on, they found more time to be together. By the time they approached 60, they decided to travel together to Rome, then Paris, and now make an annual trip to Florida.
Their careers have included teaching (2), real estate (2), medical facility management (1), and political office (1). Like all lives, theirs have seen challenges and sorrows: two have lost children, two are widows, and a few face health issues. Despite this, they enjoy good health and clear minds. They are thankful for their happy lives and for each other, and they look forward to February, when two more birthdays will be celebrated.
Front row: Mary Ann Stephans Carey; Jan Giuffre Sables
Rear: Karen Churchman Hasara; Sister Brendan Jacoby, OSU; Octavia Bunn Casper; Barb Knox Leardi. Often included - Carolina Graham Cameron of Rapid City, SD.