2022 Alumna of the Year

Barbara Thompson Keenan '71

Barbara Thompson Keenan has been selected as Cabrini High School’s 2022 Alumna of the Year. Barbara was surprised by Mr. Jack Truxillo, President; Ms. Sheri Salvagio, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumnae Affairs; Ms. Jillian Wohlgemuth, Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumnae Affairs; Madeline Suer ’71, and Jane Bartlett ’70. Madeline told Barbara that they were going to visit Mother Cabrini’s bedroom and the Cabrini Shrine. As they perused the relics, the group entered. Mr. Truxillo congratulated Barbara on being the 2022 Alumna of the Year and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Barbara, who is never at a loss for words, was silent, but her face displayed the surprise and joy. When she spoke, she stated that she couldn’t believe it; that this is such an honor. Tears filled her eyes as she thanked everyone around her – still in shock. She stated, “I am so honored! I can’t tell you what this means to me.” 

Barbara continued by telling Mr. Truxillo that she wanted to make sure all the young women who’ve just left Cabrini or are still there understand the depth of being a Cabrini High graduate; of all the wonderful things they have, are, and will experience in this special place. Barbara was forced to leave New Orleans after Katrina and moved to Houston, where she resided for many years. Her sons told her they wanted her back home in New Orleans. She was reluctant to leave her job (nursing), her apartment, and the life she had made for herself In Houston. But she says. “I heard God telling me that my place was in New Orleans, getting my classmates back together, back to Cabrini, getting the alumnae to realize the treasure we had at Cabrini.” 

Barbara Is really representative of what a follower of Mother Cabrini’s mission should be. In her long career as a nurse, she has shown so much compassion, generosity of spirit, and service to others. This is a woman whose deeds reflect the precepts of respect. excellence, and service. Her kindness is immeasurable and she goes the extra mile for the benefit of her family, friends, and her patients. Madeline Suer shared that, “Barbara is currently a hospice nurse…she tries to help her patients by singing hymns to them and praying with them. She also reads to them from the Bible. Barbara was one of the last people out of the hospital during Katrina.” 

Another classmate, Debbie Schmidt stated that, “Barbara organized our 50th Reunion. She started a Facebook page just for our class, which has grown by leaps and bounds, allowing all our classmate to catch up and share with old friends. She is a caretaker and doesn’t expect anything in return – a true giver. She loves Mother Cabrini and is a real believer in her – she even took her Mother Cabrini 50th Anniversary pin into surgery with her so that Mother Cabrini would watch over her.” 

Joy Hocke North ’71 said that Barbara has poured hard time love, and care into the Class of 1971, as well as the communities she touched in Texas and Louisiana. A

Another classmate, Antoinette Talluto also shared her thoughts about Barbara. “Barbara is the ultimate giver! She is unselfish with her time, talents, and treasure. She cared for her invalid mother for seven years (and relinquished her full-time nursing job and its benefits) and never complained. Barbara has said that being a nurse, a hospice nurse is ultimately her calling. Barbara loves Cabrini and has dedicated herself to keeping our class close. For her, it’s always about helping others! Barbara lives to SERVE others.” 

Barbara Thompson Keenan is a woman of character and compassion. In her life she has demonstrated all the traits of a Cabrini Alumna of the Year: Christian faith and charity, generosity and care for others; and dedication to Cabrini High and its mission. She is truly deserving of the honor of being Cabrini’s Alumna of the Year.

Barbara Thompson Keenan will be honored among her Cabrini peers at the Alumnae Luncheon held at Metairie Country Club.