Queen of Martyrs School Closes Amid Declining Enrollment and Memories

Kevin and Shannon Carbonneau from Oak Lawn learned about their baby on the way late last year. Kevin hoped to send their child to Queen of Martyrs in Evergreen Park, where he once attended school. ‘It’s tradition,’ Kevin reflected, noting generations of families have gone there. But their newborn, Lucy, won’t have that chance. Queen of Martyrs School is closing.

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced the closure in June. The school, which opened in 1953, will no longer be a part of the community. On a recent Sunday, people gathered at St. Gianna Parish to hold a final Mass, tour the school, and share memories.

Kevin felt the loss keenly. ‘I was devastated,’ he expressed. He never thought the school would close. On Sunday, he experienced a poignant moment when he visited Room 2, where he had first-grade classes with teacher Eleanor Griegel. Griegel, who retired in 2003 after 18 years, was there. The room had changed, she noted, with new features like a big-screen TV.

Visitors walked through empty classrooms during the August 9 event, marking the end of Queen of Martyrs after 74 years. Several former students, including Matt Reidy, Lauren Reidy, Sarah Scott, and Tim Reidy, reminisced in the library, finding plaques with their names. Lauren Reidy and Scott searched for their checkout cards.

For younger alumni, the closure is difficult. ‘It’s sad to see it go,’ Matt Reidy said. Despite the school’s closure, memories linger in their hearts.

The school faced declining enrollment, dropping from over 325 students in 2016 to 178 in 2025-26. The archdiocese anticipated only 140 students this year and expected a $400,000 loss. These factors influenced the decision to close. Initially, in 1953, opening was eagerly awaited, with plans for over 500 students.

‘We had 50 kids in each classroom. No exaggeration,’ shared Gary Grohovena, class of 1964.

During the final Mass, Rev. Benedykt Pazdan of St. Gianna Parish encouraged faith in the Lord’s plans. He presided over closings before, including St. Bernadette Church’s final Mass in 2024. Queen of Martyrs, serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, merged with St. Bernadette to form St. Gianna Parish.

The archdiocese prepared for the transition, with leaders helping families find new schools for students. Their Facebook page became a hub for school ads soon after the closure announcement.

Alumni hold deep gratitude for their time at the school. ‘It’s heartbreaking that it closed,’ Jim Grohovena, class of 1967, lamented. His parents valued Catholic education, instilling faith that remains beneficial to him today.