This story was originally featured in the Communiqué (Spring 2026 edition).

The story of former Holy Angels music teacher Mary Poepping and her daughter, Jess Poepping Allured ’97, is a unique and beautiful example of how musical traditions can echo across generations.

Mary Poepping served as the music teacher at Holy Angels from 1980 to 1990. During those years, she shared her love of music with CoStars through choir, liturgies, and the school’s musical and theatrical productions. One of her favorite memories from that time was her involvement in the musical Once Upon a Mattress, a production that, in many ways, captured the vibrant spirit of the performing arts at AHA.

For Mary, teaching music wasn’t simply a job; it was a calling. Now, years later, she is grateful for the opportunity Holy Angels gave her to nurture students’ talents while helping build a vibrant musical culture.

While Mary was leading rehearsals and involved in theater productions, her young daughter Jess was often nearby. Jess remembers visiting her mom’s fourth-floor office, attending concerts, and watching the musicals that filled the stage with excitement. Those early experiences immersed her in the life of Holy Angels long before she became a student herself.

Years later, Jess officially joined that community when she enrolled at Holy Angels. During her time as a student, she became involved in singing, band, and acting in Starlight Productions.

After high school, music remained a central part of her life. Although Jess originally thought she might become a band teacher, her path shifted after college when she accepted her first choir position. She went on to teach middle school music and eventually started her own music studio.

Over time, her connection to Holy Angels drew her back. In 2016, with the recommendation of Gregg Sawyer, AHA music teacher Cathy Anhut hired Jess as an accompanist, bringing her back to the campus that had played such an important role in her life.

Today, Jess serves in several roles at Holy Angels. She teaches Living on Your Own, Theology classes, and Concert Choir, directs Academy Singers and Praise Group, and serves as the school liturgist while leading the Liturgy Squad for the Campus Ministry Team. She also serves as the musical director and orchestra conductor for the spring musical. In her short time as a faculty member, Jess has doubled the participation in music groups and has made great strides in getting student athletes to give music a try!

Mary often returns to campus as well, playing piano at school Masses, concerts, and the musical performances. These moments give mother and daughter the unique opportunity to share the same musical ministry at Holy Angels, something neither could have imagined decades earlier.

Seeing Jess carry on the tradition of excellent music at Holy Angels has been deeply meaningful for Mary, and she cherishes the joy of making music together with her daughter.