‘Madonnari’ drawings now seen on driveways or sidewalks hark back to 16th-century Italian Renaissance Since 2009, the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk, an annual chalk art festival, has occupied Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Jim Dodson, co-chair of Chalk Walk, states: “Beginning with humble roots, this art experience has enriched our …
Virginia Gaylor
Virginia “Gina” Postell Gaylor, age 83, of Knoxville, passed away on Oct. 8 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Gaylor was born in Alexandria, Va., on Feb. 2, 1942, to Paul and Patricia Postell. She was born into a military family that moved frequently until settling in …
Dr. John Dombroski
John Richard Dombroski entered into rest on All Souls Day, Nov. 2, after a period of declining health. Dr. Dombroski was born on June 6, 1941, and raised in Elmira, N.Y. He was educated with multiple degrees in New York, including a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from the State University …
Hugo Schielke
Hugo Josef Hans Schielke, age 87, of Monroe County, formerly of Boca Raton, Fla., and Rockville, Md., passed away quietly at his home in the Ballplay community on Dec. 13 after being under hospice care since January 2025. Mr. Schielke was born in Wehrden, Germany, on March 4, 1938. As …
New superintendent of schools named
Bishop Beckman appoints Martha Mundine of New Orleans Archdiocese The East Tennessee Catholic Martha Mundine, who currently serves as the deputy schools superintendent for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has been named superintendent of Diocese of Knoxville schools. Bishop Mark Beckman made the announcement on Feb. 11 following a comprehensive, …
Gail Nevins
Gail Louise Nevins, 80, of East Brainerd passed away on Nov. 22 at her home. Ms. Nevins, was born in Pittsburgh and was a longtime resident of Chattanooga. She was a retired educator from Notre Dame High School and was a member of St. Stephen Parish. Ms. Nevins was preceded …
Joan V. Zaar
Joan V. “Jody” Zaar, age 91, of Tellico Village, passed away peacefully on Dec. 19. Mrs. Zaar was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerry; her daughter, Leann R. Zaar, RN; and her sons, Dr. Gregory T. Zaar and John Zaar. Survivors include her daughter, Susan M. Zaar …
Preparing the way of the Lord
Lent 2026 is here, and Catholic faithful around East Tennessee are readying for Holy Week The East Tennessee Catholic and OSV News It has been just over a month since the feasts of Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord marked the end of Christmas. And now in 2026, Lent is …
Jacqueline Ellis Mathis
Our beloved Jacqueline Ellis Mathis passed away peacefully on Jan. 27 following a long and brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Mathis’ final moments were spent exactly where she was happiest: surrounded by her family. Mrs. Mathis was the heart of her home—a loving mother and teacher whose warmth touched everyone …
William ‘Bill’ Sullivan
Our father, William “Bill” Sullivan, went home to God’s celestial shore on Jan. 30. Known to many as “Sully,” Mr. Sullivan graduated from Townsend High School in 1971. After attending trade school in Atlanta, he moved to Knoxville where he worked as a video engineer for WBIR, Channel 10, for …
Snow days, celebrations, and Catholic schools
‘The fullest and best opportunity to realize the…purpose of Christian education’ By George Valadie For some, the week ended exactly as it had begun. Battles with the weather, shortened schedules, and a whole lot of smiles at the unexpected closures. Catholic Schools Week has again come and gone for our …
Sister Mary Kevin Cronin, OP
Sister Mary Kevin Cronin, OP, who was a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville for 67 years, died on Dec. 11. She was 85. Sister Mary Kevin was born in Chicago as the daughter of the late Michael and Alice Stephens Cronin. She attended St. …