Laura Elizabeth Rauch—the woman whose great generosity to the Academy resulted in the gymnasium being named in her family’s honor—has died at the age of 92. Mrs. Rauch was the mother of The Honorable Lucy Rauch, Academy Class of 1968.
Mrs. Jane Cannon, our former Alumni Director, shared the address she gave at an awards dinner honoring Mrs. Rauch some years ago:
When I was asked to say a few words on behalf of the Sacred Heart Academy about Elizabeth Rauch, a number of words popped into my mind—probably the same words that are on the tips of everyone else’s tongues when they think of her. Words like: assertive, down-to-earth, enthusiastic, optimistic, positive and, of course, the ever-popular “generous.” And then there are a few that give Elizabeth Rauch her unique panache. Words like: wit, style, and a very old-fashioned one: “pep”!
I can never think of Elizabeth Rauch without recalling the first time I met her. I had been asked to bring my camera to Sister Caire’s office to take a picture of our latest benefactress in the wake of a monumental gift to the school for our proposed new auditorium/gymnasium.
What I found there was not a pompous “Lady Bountiful,” but a charming and petite lady who had become, instantaneously, our friend. That day she was Elizabeth Rauch, the raconteur, who regaled us with stories about earlier days at the Academy and even earlier days in her own family’s history. And so my first introduction to this important guest was to Elizabeth Rauch, the tender mother of Laura, her deceased infant daughter; Elizabeth Rauch, the proud mother of Lucy; Elizabeth Rauch, the devoted daughter of Vara; Elizabeth Rauch, the loving wife of Henry; and Elizabeth Rauch, our new friend, for she was just that—not just some interloping philanthropist who has making a one-time appearance to bestow her beneficence on us, but an intelligent woman who was interested in our mission and ready to join ranks with us and work to further our efforts in the St. Charles Community.
Since that day I have come to know—and certainly to love—Elizabeth for the dear, energetic, resourceful woman whom we are honoring tonight. I have known others who have had much to give and have even done so generously; but few who manage to clothe the act in such impeccable style and such genuine concern as she—few whom you prefer to think of as your friend.
In addition to her gifts for Rauch Memorial and the Philippine Tree located outside the White Center, Mrs. Rauch initiated the practice of Silver Tea gifts for the Religious of the Sacred Heart and faculty.
Read the obituary for Mrs. Rauch on the Baue website. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m.
