MIMI LOWREY: GENEROSITY CREATED A COMMUNITY BUILT ON KINDESS BY MICHAEL FERREBOEUF, Former Headmaster
counsel. To my good fortune, more times than not, I had her on my side, which made my job a lot easier. When the time came that she no longer could make it to Board and committee meetings, her absence left a hole that could not be filled. Mimi was of a generation that gave selflessly, wanting nothing back for her long hours and generosity other than to see the School thrive and to see boys of all backgrounds reap the benefits of what the School could give. She wanted no recognition, no plaque on a wall, no special favor. There is no doubt that she influenced many lives at our school and those, too, well beyond its walls. For decades after her son had graduated, Mimi continued to host the eight-grade class day at her beach house at Stinson Beach. It was always a special event with boys and parents attending. Mimi also loved being there. Her face would light up with joy to see the boys playing on the beach and eating the ice cream sandwiches she provided. It is the image I see when I think of Mimi: that bright, infectious smile that expressed such joy for life, and joy in giving selflessly to others.
Mimi has not only left behind a great legacy that has benefited each of us, but she also leaves behind the responsibility and charge to keep the School and its Mission alive and thriving. She will be deeply missed. FOUNDERS MURAL Painted by Antonio Sotomayor (1902 -1985), the CSB mural inside Grace Cathedral depicts, in five panels, the first day of school in September 12, 1966, in the recently constructed school building. Until that day classes were held in various rooms around and in Grace Cathedral. The first panel shows the boys in the choir along with the choirmaster Richard Purvis. The second, shows teacher Paul Pierson and students. The central panel depicts a symbolic woman teacher with students as well as the Cathedral’s Rose Window. In the fourth, Canon David Forbes, CSB’s Founding Headmaster guides a young student. The last panel shows Dean C. Julian Bartlett along with alumni parent and lifetime trustee, Mimi Lowrey.
and a commitment to social justice and service. It was a mission that Mimi defended fearlessly, and was never afraid to let anyone know - be it Headmaster, Dean, or Bishop - when she felt it was being compromised or diluted. As Headmaster, I experienced that passion and fearlessness on more than one occasion. Mimi was always an active participant at Board and committee meetings from the day the School began until deep into my tenure as Headmaster. Before any Board meeting where decisions needed to be made that might be controversial, I always gave Mimi a call. Not only because I wanted her on my side, but because I deeply valued her
WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY TENURE AT CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, one of the things that I am most grateful for is being there at a time when I could benefit from people who were instrumental in the founding of our school and its unique mission in boys’ education. Not only was I able to rely on the wisdom of our founding head of school, The Rev. Canon David Forbes, but also a remarkable woman, without whom our wonderful school might not be here today. Mimi Lowrey loved Cathedral School for Boys with a great passion. She helped form the Mission of our school, one that emphasizes developing young men of character, compassion,
The School gratefully acknowledges Mimi for her Legacy Gift to support the School's endowment.
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