Visitors entering the Benedict Center at Chicago’s Queen of All Saints Basilica will now find a beautiful new addition in the first-floor hallway—a plaque dedicated to Mary Lou Wetzell, BVM.
The plaque honors Mary Lou’s 25 years of dedicated service. After founding the Queen of All Saints Preschool in 1994, she taught its students until her retirement in 2019. Her vision and commitment created a loving community where children, families, and educators found a home centered in faith, kindness, and learning.
Mary Lou was honored during the 11 a.m. Mass on Sept. 20. Parishioners and community members gathered to celebrate her achievements, send warm messages via a card-writing station, and perform a musical tribute entitled “Because You Planted the Seed,” written by Queen of All Saints Music Director Dr. Ken Sotak.
During her speech Annie Gunther, a teacher Mary Lou taught alongside described her as a mentor whose influence had a great impact: “Her wisdom continues to guide me, and so much of what I learned from her lives on in our preschool today.”
Expressing her gratitude to all those who helped build the school, Mary Lou shared in a tribute letter that its continued growth fills her heart with joy: “It was a privilege to begin our state-of-the-art preschool with the best teacher assistants, helper moms and dads, generous volunteers, visionary administrators, school board, Parish council, and pastor. I’m especially proud of all of our alums! I’m grateful to those who carry on our preschool with their kind words, happy thoughts, and love for all at Queen of All Saints.”
Today, the seeds of love, faith, and care that Mary Lou planted more than 30 years ago continue to grow in the hearts of students, families, and alumni who walk through the doors of Queen of All Saints Preschool.
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