Mrs. Leann Hendrix has been an organist/liturgy planner for St. Mary Cathedral School since August of 1994. Monsigner Rolwing asked if she would be willing to do this position when Sr. Rosel was assigned to a new position at a different parish. Mrs. Hendrix has an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also has a couple of semesters of organ lessons from Southeast Missouri University. In life she has learned to never stop trying to learn. The biggest influence in her profession was definitely her mother by encouraging her to take both piano and organ lessons. When she started to show some proficiency at piano, her mother and father purchased a brand new piano for their home. Her mother took her to piano lessons weekly and made sure she practiced. In fact, her mother often would sit in the recliner next to her and sing along while she embroidered or crocheted. Mrs. Hendrix was also encouraged by Pat Schwent, the Jackson High School Band director, who also happened to be her neighbor. Ms. Schwent challenged her with some difficult music and performances. Msgr. Rolwing also saw her potential and truly encouraged her to become more comfortable playing the organ. Mrs. Hendrix likes to work at SMS because it has a family atmosphere. Her husband Rob is a St. Mary alumni and she has become acquainted with many. They celebrated their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary this year. Together they have seven children: Elaine (Harrison), Robert (Sarah), Matthew (Kim), Phillip (Ashley), Lydia (John), Anneliese and Cecilia. They also have eleven grandchildren with one more on the way. She loves the mountains of Colorado. Besides playing the piano, she enjoys counted cross stitch and cooking for her family. She is passionate about her Catholic faith and pro-life causes. She finds fulfillment in walking and praying the Holy Rosary early in the morning. During the summertime, she plays clarinet for the Jackson Municipal Band and tending to her flowers. One of her favorite quotes: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” -John 6:68