Sisters Share Father's Day Memories
As Father’s Day approaches, we celebrate the profound impact of fathers and their enduring legacies of love, service, and support. In these special interviews, we share the heartfelt reflections of Sr. Ann Casagrande, DW, and Sr. Pat Schmidt, DW, as they honor their fathers—Harry Casagrande and August Schmidt. Through their stories, we glimpse the quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering dedication that shaped not only their families but also their wider communities. Their memories invite us to reflect on the importance of gratitude and the lasting influence of a father’s example.
To honor and remember her father, August Schmidt, Sr. Pat Schmidt, DW, shared heartfelt memories of him in this special Father’s Day interview.
Sr. Pat describes her father as a supportive, open-minded, and generous man who played a major role in her life and in the Daughters of Wisdom. August Schmidt encouraged his children to choose their own paths, influenced by his own experience of being pushed into his father’s trade. He was quietly strong at home, close to Sr. Pat, and fostered her sense of curiosity and adventure through family outings.
August was a key supporter of the Daughters of Wisdom. Drawing from his previous leadership with the Trinitarian Sisters' auxiliary, he proposed and helped establish an auxiliary for the Daughters of Wisdom, organizing card parties and bingo fundraisers that raised significant funds over 27 years. These efforts supported the sisters' education and helped improve the congregation’s facilities.
Throughout his life, August remained active, valued community, and maintained a deep relationship with his family. Sr. Pat shares heartfelt memories of his later years and their close bond, highlighting his legacy of support, generosity, and love for both his family and the Daughters of Wisdom.
In this Father’s Day interview, Sr. Ann Casagrande, DW, fondly remembers her father, Harry Casagrande. She highlights his reputation for being helpful—earning him the nickname “Helpful Harry”—as well as his quiet generosity and steadfast dedication to helping others through both personal acts and community service. Notably, she recalls his decades-long involvement with St. Vincent de Paul, his leadership in organizing church fundraisers, and his pioneering membership in the Daughters of Wisdom's Auxiliary Committee alongside August Schmidt.
Sr. Ann shares how her father used his skills as an accountant to empower others, whether assisting struggling families or patiently helping her with her homework. She talks about family dynamics, including the support and love in their home, and the influence of her grandfather, a multilingual chef.
As the conversation draws to a close, Sr. Ann expresses deep gratitude to her parents and reflects on the importance of honoring both mothers and fathers for the love and security they provide their children.