Monarchs in our Prayers
The following Monarchs have requested our prayers. Please remember these fellow MDHS Family Members in your thoughts and prayers during their time of need.
If you or someone you know is in need of prayers, please contact: Kathleen Kelly '94 at [email protected] or call (714) 850-9536
Prayers for comfort and healing for those who are ill:
Christine Sta Ana '94 - is undergoing recuring treatment for pancreatic cancer, please keep she and her family in her prayers. Read More
Michael Rasch '98 - is undergoing treatment for colon cancer.
Susie Bennett '84 - suffered a stroke in May 2025.
Chetna Desai - former MDHS Librarian - a note from her son:
"Mrs. Desai was recently diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. The last couple years have been pretty tough for her, but I know that her work at Mater Dei, especially with the many students who came through the library, was a highlight of her life. I know everyone has moved on from high school, they have their own lives, families, children, jobs, etc. but it would mean the world if you could reach out and share stories, give her a call, or stop by to see her. She still has random ceramics projects and paintings students gave her, but if you have any photos, stories, crafts, anything from your time at Mater Dei High School you think might have fond memories, please send me a message. We do not want anything monetary. No gofundme, nothing like that. I just want her to remember and know how loved she is before she isn't able to at all. If you have any questions or would like to try and arrange a time to visit, send me a message." If you would like to visit or share a messages for Mrs. Dasai, please reach out to [email protected].
Rob Dust - husband of Susie Otis Dust '83 was diagnosed with brain cancer. Read More.
Juanita Vasquez '77 - was recently diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment.
James Tobin '73 - was diagnosed in 2005 with a rare tumor cancer. He continues to undergo constant treatment. He is grateful for your prayers. Read More.
May They Rest in God's Eternal Peace. Prayers of comfort and healing to the family and friends of the following Monarchs who have passed away:
Danielle Que '13 - passed away in August 2026. Read More.
Sylvia Robles Velarde '63 - passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on August 11, 2026, in Walsenburg, CO. Obituary.
Lorraine Morales - wife of Larry ' 67 passed away on August 12, 2026. Services: Rosary - August 20 6 p.m. McCormick & Sons Mortuaries, Laguna Woods. Funeral Mass - August 21 11 am. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. 1:30 p.m. Burial at Holy Sepulchar, 2:30 p.m. reception at San Juan Hills Golf Course.
Barbara (Capozzoli) Bellis '64 - passed away on July 29, 2026. Obituary
Jorge Reyes '94 - passed away on July 25. Obituary.
Joseph Requejo '11 - passed away on July 17, 2026.Obituary.
David Greiner - passed away on July 14, 2026.Obituary.
Sr. Nuala Ryan - former MDHS teacher, passed away on June 24. Obituary.
David Mesesan '76 - passed away on June 22, 2026.Obituary.
Steve Kelso '60 - passed away on June 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer since December 2025.
Thomas Kelly '67 - passed away on May 9, 2026. Obituary.
Chaz Castillo '24 - was tragically killed in a freeway car accident on April 25, 2026.
Marlan Merhab '56 - passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 14, 2026. Obituary.
Jennifer Cox '99 - passed away on March 28, 2026.
Al and Yvonne Verkuylen - father and mother of Annemarie '20 and Paula Vrzic '10 passed away on March 19 and February 4 respectively. Obituary - Al. Obituary - Yvonne.
Brother Aquinas - Longtime Mater Dei English teacher passed away on March 13, 2026.
Darren Swift '69 - passed away on March 4, 2026.
Fred Loya '57 - passed away on February 21, 2026. Obituary.
Robert Westhafer '62 - Passed away on February 21, 2026.
Frances Wagner O'Connor '62 - passed away on February 20, 2026. Obituary.
Chris Layton '62 - passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026. Obituary.
Sr. Bridget McKeever - MDHS teacher and lyricist of the Alma Mater. Obituary
David Patrick Frayne '83 - passed away peacefully on January 16.
Jimmy Morgan '67 - passed away on January 10, 2026.
Letitia McCarthy Clifford '73 - passed away on December 28, 2025. Obituary.
Chuck Severino '76 - passed away on December 17, 2025.
Steve Kasper '67- passed away on December 10, 2025. Obituary.
Thomas Gorman '70 - Father of Rhionnon Gorman Smith '00 passed away on November 25, 2025. Obituary.
Arthur Brock '61 - husband of Carol '63 and brother of Tony '56, passed away on October 23, 2025.Obituary.
Ed Fredette '59 - passed away on October 17, 2025.Obituary.
Larry Williams '81 - passed away on October 16, 2025. Obituary.