Then

“I know first hand that there are angels who come into our lives and do not realize the change they make. When a young girl is raised in obscurity and insecurity, she will search out light in her life — and sometimes not be fortunate enough to find it. And then there was me. In Sister Denise Olshausky I found a flame that opened my soul like that of radiant sunshine and it entered my heart. It burned through me to make me transparent so that I may receive what I found had always been my own — love, understanding, patience, gentleness and acceptance. Thanks to you, my sweet Sister Denise, for lighting the path that became my life. Without you, I sincerely think it could not have been done! You were able to open the eyes of a young, sad, lonely girl at the end of the rope she called life. You placed choices in my path that gave me the tranquility to carry on.”

— Anita Cavazos Parazo (St. Francis Academy-Texas Class of 1976)

“Sister Denise Olshausky was quite influential in my life — as a teacher, vice principal and, most of all, as a friend. We have been in contact with each other forever now. Lessons I learned from her impacted my life. I thank her every time I write, text or call her.”

— Hortencia Zamarron (St. Francis Academy-Texas Class of 1976)

Now

“I am very proud to say that I was the first student to graduate in a three-year period at SFA,” Anita says. “In 1976, St. Francis had just implemented what was known as the modular way of learning so, of course, I was excited about taking full advantage.”  She still lives in San Antonio, where she and her husband of 34 years, Abraham, have raised four children, including twins. “We are still very much in love,” she says. “We have three grandchildren who bring so much joy to our lives. My family has been my greatest accomplishment, without regret.”

After serving 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Hortencia worked with AMAT Healthcare Institute in Austin, Texas, Gary Job Corps, San Antonio State Hospital and with Northside Independent School District. She currently works in transportation.

Following her tenure as principal of SFA-T ended in 1984, Sister Denise served in her native Pennsylvania, as well as in Mexico and Chile. In February 2021, she returned home from nearly 20 years of ministry in Barberton, South Africa, where she cared for AIDS-afflicted children at St. John Care Center. She will reside at Mt. Assisi Place.