WILTON—Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School-Wilton held its annual gala on Saturday, May 18 at the Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield. Sponsored by the Fatima School Board, the gala is the major fundraising event for the school. This year’s event was entitled Pink Gala “Celebration of Life.” The event honored two beloved, long-time Fatima School teachers and breast cancer survivors, Mrs. Geraldine Galasso and Mrs. Patricia O’Shea.
Principal Stanley Steele noted, “It is the long-term teaching staff that makes Fatima such a unique environment for our students. I am very grateful to both Geri Galasso and Patty O’Shea for their dedication to the school, even as they faced personal health challenges. They have lived the Fatima motto of “Service above Self,” and are true examples to our students.” Clara Taveras, gala chair and school board member also noted, “We are thrilled to have an opportunity to recognize these two teachers who educate and nurture the Fatima student body with tireless devotion and love.”
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School-Wilton is a co-educational, National Blue Ribbon School offering a Pre-K 3 through grade 8. For tours and admissions information, contact Stanley Steele, Principal at ssteele@olfcatholic.org. The school is located at 225 Danbury Road, Wilton Conn. Phone: 203.762.8100.
(For more information visit www.fatimaschoolwilton.org.)
About our honorees
Mrs. Geraldine Galasso
Mrs. G, as she is affectionately known, is a teacher, Fatima Alumni mother, and a Fatima parishioner for over 26 years! She has been a stalwart fixture at Fatima School for over 17 years. During her tenure, Mrs. G has taught Grades 1, 4 and most recently, middle school math. She is devoted to her students, spending extensive time with extra help throughout the year and guiding their preparation for high school entrance exams. Geri also serves as the advisor to Student Council. Diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2017, Geri began remission in 2019. She has been an active participant in the Wilton Relay for Life and Whittingham Cancer Center Walk & Run. Geri is extremely appreciative of the love and outpouring of support she received during her battle with breast cancer. “My students were my inspiration. Having their support motivated me each day.”
Mrs. Patricia O’Shea
Mrs. O’Shea launched her illustrious Fatima School career 19 years ago and has taught third grade ever since! Starting in 2018, she began teaching multi-ages—grades 2 and 3. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. O’Shea has been involved in the after school program, served as a Peer Mediation mentor and assisted in a variety of capacities for the school plays. The entire school awaits the annual Nativity pageant and the October Living Rosary, both of which she has spearheaded every year since her arrival. In 2005, Patty was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and underwent surgery, treatment and reconstruction. She has been active in supporting Breast Cancer initiatives, participating in the 2010 36.0 Mile Avon Walk in NYC, the Wilton Relay for Life and Whittingham Cancer Center Walk & Run. Patty is grateful to Fatima students for helping her “get through” her treatment. “I focused on getting to my classroom each day and teaching…having those little faces looking at me with eager expectation kept me from being discouraged or sad. “
