Closure of Queen of Martyrs School: A Community Reflects

Kevin and Shannon Carbonneau from Oak Lawn discovered last year they were expecting a baby. Kevin hoped to send their child to Queen of Martyrs, the Catholic grade school he attended in Evergreen Park. ‘It’s tradition,’ he said, noting the school’s multi-generational history.

Two weeks ago, Lucy Carbonneau was born, yet she will not continue the tradition. Although schools are reopening nationwide this month, sorrow fills Queen of Martyrs as it closes. The Archdiocese of Chicago announced in June the school’s closure after opening in 1953.

Hundreds gathered Sunday at St. Gianna Parish for a final Mass, school tour, and opportunity to share memories. Kevin, shocked by the closure, recalled his disbelief. ‘I was devastated,’ he said. He fondly revisited Room 2, where he attended first grade with Mrs. Eleanor Griegel, who embraced him upon reunion and met Lucy.

Griegel, who taught for 18 years before retiring in 2003, remembered the school with warmth. Although Room 2 had changed, she reminisced about the coat area and the absence of a big-screen TV back then.

On August 9, 2026, visitors toured the empty classrooms. The closure after 74 years hit former students hard as they reflected on their experiences. In the library, four alumni found plaques commemorating their honors from the American Legion. Matt Reidy (class of 2015), Lauren Reidy (2017), Sarah Scott (2017), and Tim Reidy (2023) reminisced about their years at the school.

Matt Reidy shared his sadness, noting the legacy lives on in their hearts. The archdiocese closed the school due to declining enrollment, as revealed in a letter signed by Greg Richmond, Superintendent of Catholic Schools. From 325 students in 2016, enrollment fell to 178 in 2025-26. Faced with a projected $400,000 loss, they anticipated an even lower figure of 140 this year.

In January 1953, the school was preparing to open with over 500 students already enrolled. Alumni like Gary Grohovena, who graduated in 1964, remembered 50 students per class.

At Mass, Rev. Benedykt Pazdan, pastor of St. Gianna, urged trust in divine judgment, suggesting closure could bring new opportunities. He referenced presiding over June 2024’s final Mass for St. Bernadette Church, which merged with Queen of Martyrs.

The school served pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The announcement forced families to find new schools. Shortly after, the Queen of Martyrs Facebook page displayed ads from nine area schools, assisting families.

Jim Grohovena, a 1967 alumnus, expressed his heartfelt sentiment. ‘It’s heartbreaking,’ he said, reflecting on how attending Catholic school, thanks to his parents’ dedication, has been a lasting blessing.