Westfield parish
bestows honors
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
WESTFIELD – As a young girl, Lena Petrucelli, 103, wished she could attend St. Mary’s schools with her siblings.
Unfortunately, when Lena moved to Westfield with her mother and eight brothers and sisters, she was 14 and the oldest, and that meant helping take care of her family.
Instead of doing homework, Petrucelli went to work to help support and raise her siblings, all of whom went to St. Mary’s. Throughout the years, Petrucelli became an advocate for the schools and still today touts the merits of Catholic education.
Because of her dedication to the schools and church, St. Mary’s is awarding Petrucelli an honorary degree tonight at the annual St. Mary’s Wine tasting and 150th anniversary celebration.
Also being honored this evening are Daniel Howard, Class of 1979, and Ann Tucker Kousch, Class of 1070, as Distinguished Alumni for 2012.
Howard, general manager of the Westfield Gas and Electric, attended St. Mary’s along with his four siblings. His father, Tommy, was also a graduate of St. Mary’s. When it came time for Howard and his wife Liann to choose schools for their children, it was a no-brainer. Their children Anthony, Ross, Michelle, and Leah all attended the schools.
St.Mary’s Advancement director Kristin Hagan said Howard is a longtime volunteer.
“Dan started out years ago volunteering at the schools, and whatever the event, you will always find Dan helping out,” sad Hagan. “He served on my development committee and presents an energy awareness program to the students every year.”
Koush is also a tireless volunteer.
“Like Dan, she has been a silent volunteer for many years,” said Hagan. ‘She taught CCD for at least six years, served on the board of the soup kitchen, where she continues to volunteer, volunteers for United way, and is just one of those graduates to be proud of.”
Kousch is the postmaster for the Southwick Post Office. She and her husband Paul chose St. Mary’s elementary school for their children Amy and John, and they continue to support the schools, even though their children are grown.
Hagan said the Wine Tasting is a way to bring the community together to support the schools and enjoy a night out.
“We are very fortunate to have a great relationship with Mike Altobelli of the Spirit Shop,” she said. “His wine distributor, Butch Gearing, does a great job selecting the wine.”
The event will also feature beer tasting from the Baystate Brewery as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
Tickets are $30 and proceeds benefit St Mary’s schools. The wine tasting takes place tonight at Tekoa Country Club from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
Hope E. Tremblay can be reached at [email protected]
