Saint Matthew’s seeks city recognition for longtime teacher Sister Judy Lund as she plans retirement

A Saint Matthew’s Catholic School representative asked the Kalispell council July 28 to formally recognize Sister Judy Lund, who the speaker said will turn 90 on Aug. 31 and has been a longtime educator in the Flathead Valley. Melanie Goli, speaking for Saint Matthew’s, said Sister Judy “has inspired, nurtured, and guided hundreds of children” and described decades of volunteer work, including homelessness outreach. Goli asked the council to consider presenting Sister Judy with a key to the city or, if that is not customary, to pass a city resolution or other recognition at a planned school assembly after Labor Day. Goli provided the council copies of a local newspaper article and a written letter she had mailed to the mayor’s office and said Sister Judy had decided this will be her last year of teaching. City staff acknowledged the request and said they would follow up with Goli and the school. Staff told the council they would explore options for city recognition and coordinate details for a presentation at the school’s post‑Labor Day assembly if the council chooses to proceed. Details submitted by the speaker: Goli said Sister Judy would turn 90 on Aug. 31; that she has taught in the Flathead Valley since 1991; and that she is active in local homelessness and food‑bank work. Staff did not provide a formal commitment in the work session; they said they would follow up with the speaker by phone or email and bring possible forms of recognition back to council staff for scheduling.