Kevin and Shannon Carbonneau from Oak Lawn were elated to expect a baby late last year. Kevin had hopes of enrolling his child at Queen of Martyrs, the Catholic grade school he attended in Evergreen Park. The school held a tradition dear to many — generations of families sent their children there.

However, their daughter, Lucy, born just two weeks ago, will not follow this family tradition. Classes may resume nationwide, but Queen of Martyrs will not. The Archdiocese of Chicago announced in June the school would close after being open since 1953.

Last Sunday, hundreds gathered at what is now St. Gianna Parish for a final Mass and tour, reminiscing about and mourning the school’s closure. Kevin, a former student, expressed his disappointment. The news shocked him since he never imagined the school closing, a constant presence in his community.

Kevin had a touching reunion with his first-grade teacher, Eleanor Griegel, in Room 2. Entering the room, he brought back memories of his first grade in her class. Griegel, who taught there for 18 years, found many memories in the school before leaving in 2003. The classroom had changed, now featuring technology like a big-screen TV, which was absent in her time.

Throughout the building, former students like Matt Reidy, Lauren Reidy, Sarah Scott, and Tim Reidy wandered through, exploring old haunts and recalling achievements. The library displayed plaques of honors from the American Legion which carried their names. Despite their time at the school being relatively recent, the closure left them saddened, yet they determined to carry on its legacy.

The school will close due to a steep decline in enrollment, stated the archdiocese in a letter to families involved. Signed by Greg Richmond, superintendent of Catholic schools, the letter acknowledged the closure comes partly due to a troubling incident involving a former substitute teacher. Additionally, the school’s enrollment numbers fell drastically from 325 students in 2016 to 178 in the 2025-26 academic year. Facing anticipated further decline and financial losses of $400,000, the decision was made to close the school.

In contrast, when it opened in January 1953, excitement surrounded the $500,000 endeavor, and enrollment exceeded 500 students. Alumni recall crowded classrooms with 50 children in each. Gary Grohovena, Class of 1964, remembered this vividly.

The Mass presided over by Rev. Benedykt Pazdan encouraged the attendees to trust in God’s plans. While understanding their sense of loss, he suggested this change could bring new learning opportunities. Pazdan emphasized resilience, having overseen other religious establishment closures, including St. Bernadette Church, which merged with Queen of Martyrs to form St. Gianna Parish.

Serving from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Queen of Martyrs’ closure prompted a scramble for school families to find alternatives. Quickly, the school’s Facebook page listed many options in the Chicago area.

Former students, like Evergreen Park’s Jim Grohovena, felt the loss deeply. Graduating in 1967, he cherished the Catholic education, believing it instilled values lasting a lifetime.

More than a learning center, Queen of Martyrs served as a community cornerstone, shaping lives as it educated the children within its walls.