05/30/2026
Dear Father Hardesty, Mrs. Blankenship, and members and families of St. Athanasius parish,
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for our amazing retirement celebration.
First, we would like to thank Father Hardesty for orchestrating this May 17, 2026, celebration by honoring our years of teaching in such a meaningful and spiritual way.
It brings us much joy to know we are surrounded by such a loving and supportive Catholic community. Looking out at the pews and seeing so many familiar faces of current students, alumni, parents, and faculty is a precious memory that we will cherish forever.
A special thank you and deep gratitude go to Mrs. Blankenship and everyone who helped plan and organize our beautiful and memorable reception. Your hard work and generosity are greatly appreciated.
Your presence acknowledging our combined 78 years of teaching and mentoring was the highlight. Every family who attended showered us with thoughtful and touching cards, fragrant flowers, and gifts ranging from our years-of-service blanket, gorgeous vases documenting our years of teaching, melodious wind chimes, and the cherub with the saying, “Never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you touched.”
Especially touching were parents sharing memories of their children’s time in our classrooms. This brought smiles to our faces and made us realize the impact that we have had on so many.
Throughout the years, we were blessed with the opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of St. Athanasius children. We cherish and hold those years dear to our hearts, as children make the world a better place. It was an absolute privilege to teach, guide, laugh, and grow alongside your children.
While we are closing our classroom doors, the love and faith of this community will stay with us forever. We will miss all of you dearly.
Celebrating this beautiful milestone with our St. Athanasius community was a perfect way to close this chapter of our incredible teaching careers and to begin our next journey in life.
With love and prayers,
Mrs. Ellen Burkhardt and Mrs. Mary Dyar
