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Mercy Alumna Eileen Courtade '42 Awarded the Franciscan Charism Award
From: Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
Eileen graduated from Mount Mercy Academy in June of 1942. She married Bill Courtade on August 4, 1945 and their marriage extended for 62 years until Bill passed away in 2007. Together, they had 10 children, 23 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren (with a 5th on the way!).
Eileen began her teaching career at Baker Victory High school from 1972-1976. She then spent 18 years at Sacred Heart, from 1976-1994. During that time, she became part of the fabric of our school, teaching a variety of classes to include Psychology, Sociology, Marriage and Family, Life Skills and Death and Dying.
Eileen is a life-long learner and continues to nourish her intellect! She graduated from the University at Buffalo with a B.S. in Psychology in 1983. She went on to graduate from the Catholic Biblical Studies Program in 2011.
Eileen embodies active volunteerism! She has served on the RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation in Adults) team at St. Mary of the Lake, as a Vice President (along with Bill) of the Federation of International Catholic Exchange Students, and as a Board Member of Our Lady of Victory Infant Home. As a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary of the Lake for over 66 years, Eileen has served as the Director of Religious Education, Parish Coordinator for Catholic Charities of Western New York, and as Parish Coordinator for Respect Life.
Eileen and Bill were recognized in 1965 as the National Catholic Family of the Year. In 1985, Eileen received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award by the Department of Catholic Education and the Dioceses of Buffalo. This award was given in recognition for her ongoing and significant contributions to Catholic education through philanthropy, volunteerism and professional service.
Living her Catholic faith through service, education and action is Eileen's hallmark. In addition, she is always quick with a smile and hospitality! Her daughter, Chris Courtade Herzog '83 remarks, "There were so many priests and nuns at our dinner table over the years that on any given night I didn't know how many dinner plates I needed to set!"
