Cathy Rempe, known to her preschool charges as “Miss Cathy,” retired from Providence School on June 30 after devoting 47 years of service to the children and families of Santa Barbara.
She faithfully served the school through three iterations El Montecito Nursery School (1958–2002), El Montecito School (2002–18), and Providence School (2018-present).
Rempe originally planned to be a high school teacher, earning a degree in education with a math major. But when she began working at El Montecito Nursery School in 1974, she discovered her passion for early childhood education.
After settling into her teaching role, she began helping with administrative tasks, including developing curriculum, maintaining an attractive facility, and ensuring students had appropriate supplies for their classrooms. She served in this dual role for many years.
After longtime preschool director Jeannine Morgan retired in January 2017, Rempe stepped into the director’s role. In the final three years of her career, she oversaw the entire preschool program.
Under Rempe’s watchful eye, and with the support of admissions director Julia Davis, enrollment in the Providence preschool steadily increased.
Throughout the years, Miss Cathy loved every day she spent with her preschoolers. “It’s a wonderful feeling to see them grow, not only in size, but in their relationships with friends, their connections with the teachers, and most of all, their love for Jesus,” she said.
Rempe had a profound impact on her students and their families.
Goleta resident Katherine Farhadian’s children were among Miss Cathy’s charges. “I learned so much from her when I was a young mother bringing my kids to preschool at El Montecito School,” Farhadian said.
“Cathy Rempe had such a huge impact on our family, and she did it in her signature, humble, under-the-radar way. I think few people have contributed so much to so many,” she said.
Rempe and her late husband George Rempe have two children Michael and Stephanie, who attended El Montecito Nursery School in the early 1970s.
A resolution by the Providence School board of directors recognizing Rempe’s long career reads in part: “Miss Cathy has been a beloved part of our preschool program and we are grateful for her service.
“We hope the next years in retirement will be rewarding, joyful, and filled with time with her children and grandchildren.”
Former students and their families who would like to honor Cathy Rempe may contribute to The Cathy Rempe Preschool Fund to support preschool operations. The remembrances will be honored with a bench and plaque in the San Roque garden, a place loved by Miss Cathy and the children she has taught.
To make a gift, visit www.providencesb.org/give or contact Caroline Corazza, director of advancement, at ccorazza@providencesb.org.
Tracy Larson, who has taught preschool students at El Montecito School and Providence School for more than 20 years, will serve as interim preschool director for the 2020-21 school year, while staying engaged with preschoolers.
Providence Preschool opens to in-person instruction for 2-year-olds through kindergartners on Aug. 18.