Over her 40 years of teaching, Madame Elzbieta Reavis was one of the most beloved teachers at two Sacred Heart Academies in St. Louis, City House (1955-1968) and Villa Duchesne (1969-1994).

Madame’s Sacred Heart legacy was not limited to her classroom. In 1939, she graduated from the Sacred Heart Academy in Tarnów, Poland just months before the start of WW2. Her daughter, Teresa Reavis Wetzel, City House ’64, granddaughter, Maria Wetzel, ’88, and son, Toni Reavis, Barat Hall ’62, are also members of our alumni community.

An award-winning broadcaster and writer, Toni Reavis has authored a book entitled BISIA & ISHAM: The Countess & the P.O.W. that tells the story of his parents’ momentous meeting and marriage in February 1945, in the dying days of WW2.

Over the years, many students heard pieces of this amazing story of love, war, and perseverance. It is a remarkable tale that illuminates the extraordinary life of this strong, smart, and special woman, and the escaped American P.O.W. who offered his heart in a time of despair.

This Veteran’s Day—Saturday, 11 November 2023—Toni will share the gift of his parents’ story at a book reading and presentation at 10 a.m. at the Pavich Theatre on the campus of  Villa Duchesne, 10801 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63131. We look forward to sharing this heartwarming story.

Register for the Bisia & Isham Book Event HERE.