by John Notaro
In the quiet early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Calvary Hospital, my dear mother Juliana peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. As my siblings — Michelle, Jennifer, and Patrick — and I shared memories of our mom, she sent us signs that her most enduring gift to us was our Catholic faith.
My mom’s journey began on the modest streets of Williamsburg — long before its transformation into the vibrant, gentrified neighborhood we know today. Her first encounter with Catholic education at St. Mary’s Elementary School sparked a lifelong devotion to her faith, and she went on to graduate from Christ the King High School and St. Joseph’s University.
For over 20 years, she poured her heart into teaching first grade at St. Cecilia’s — a role that brought her so much joy. My mom would smile when a former student would walk down the block and yell, “Ms. Notaro!”
Inevitably, I would then hear how she was their favorite teacher and how much they were cared for and loved.
Those encounters are what first struck me about her impact as a Catholic school teacher. Each day, my mom did more than teach — she nurtured souls.
For her kids, it was Catholic education all the way. We attended Catholic elementary and high schools, and college, learning and growing in our faith as we went along. That tradition continues now with her 11 grandkids. Every time I pick my kids up from Our Lady of Hope and see their bright smiles, I am so grateful she showed me the importance of Catholic education.
Her commitment to faith extended far beyond the classroom; it was the heartbeat of our home. I think I learned to serve at the altar before I learned to walk. She encouraged us to be active participants in the liturgy –– modeling service through her volunteer work at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
In her last years, my mom once more showed her tremendous faith, carrying her cross as she endured her debilitating illness. Despite the mental and physical toll, she persisted with the same determination with which she lived her life. If I visited her in the morning when Mass was broadcast on NET TV, she would tell me to shush and then let me know what she thought of the priest and the homily.
Shortly after mom arrived at Calvary Hospital, a chaplain visited her, and we all had the chance to pray together. It was an inspirational moment
As I work to fulfill the Church’s mission in my role at the Catholic Foundation and Futures in Education, I join my siblings in prayer for the strength and wisdom to be able to pass on the faith to our family.
Mom, well done, good and faithful servant. Rest assured that your legacy of faith lives on!
John Notaro is the executive director of Futures in Education and the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens.