By Darlia Clerico
St. Matthew’s has been Sally and Roger’s place of worship for over 63 years. Married in 1951 at St. Augustine’s By-the-Sea Episcopal church in Santa Monica, they moved to San Francisco as bride and groom and then to San Mateo three years later. They were attracted to St. Matthew’s by the Gothic architecture, and because “stepping inside felt like home.”
The Krakows’ second baby, Bradford, was baptized at St. Matthew’s. Days later, a charming woman appeared at their door, inviting them to join the Young Marrieds Club. The group met each month in the Fireplace Room for fellowship, complete with a potluck supper and sometimes a sherry hour. The Krakows’ children’s godparents, and most of their Peninsula friends, originally came from that group.
Sally loved teaching Sunday School, and Roger regularly gathered supplies for it. He also painted the babysitting and Sunday School rooms. Sally joined the Garden Guild. Roger has served as an usher for thirty years, faithfully counting the offerings as part of the Head Usher’s job. Their four sons served on Sundays as acolytes (which was Sally’s inspiration for the petit point Unicorn Banner that hangs near the organ.)
This active couple enjoys spending time with family, volunteering for the Burlingame Library Foundation, and entertaining friends in their home. They have a deep connection to each other (always holding hands when walking together). Sally is a go-getter and networker with a dozen projects on her to-do list. Roger is a charming, soft-spoken, true gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. This picture of them was taken on Veteran’s Day. Roger is a World War II Veteran of the Eighth Air Force, flying out of England over Germany (Sally calls him Wonderman). Both of them “feel a spiritual connection” to St. Matthew’s and consider their lifelong attachment to the church a major part of their well-being.
We thank you, Sally and Roger, for your devotion of time, talent and treasure to St. Matthew’s.
