Tom and Alyson Mauk reflect on a combined 57 years working at St. William of York Church.
After nearly 60 years of combined employment in the Arlington diocese, there is very little Tom and Alyson Mauk will not miss in retirement — except their daily I-95 commute.
“Fortunately, we both started our workday early so the inbound commute wasn’t too bad,” remarked Alyson. “But the trek home could be tough sometimes.”
Alyson, who was born in New York in 1961, started her career at St. William of York Church in Stafford in 1985 when then-pastor Father Edmund V. Kollar brought her on staff as the cook and housekeeper. “That was over 37 years ago,” Alyson said. “I had no idea what the future would hold, but I was very grateful to Father Kollar for giving me a chance.”
Eight pastors, 12 parochial vicars and countless baptisms, first Communions, confirmations and funerals later, Alyson has been a part of the spiritual life of nearly every parishioner. She officially retired as office manager last month, while her husband Tom, who was born in West Virginia in 1953, finished his career at St. William of York in June.
Tom and Alyson have been married for 32 years. After a career in construction and industrial maintenance, Tom sought a job that would provide more stability than contract work. At that time, Alyson mentioned that the parish had an open position in the maintenance department. Tom came onboard in 2002, and the couple has been a fixture at the parish ever since.
The years have brought many new friends and experiences for Tom and Alyson, and family is the backbone of their stability and commitment to their work, as well as to each other.
“Tom and I really enjoy camping,” Alyson said. “When our kids were younger, we would camp as much as possible. In retirement we hope to travel around the United States and see more of this beautiful country. We really enjoy each other’s company and the blessings God gave us.”
Their son, Thomas James, and his family settled in Ecuador after finding success in the country’s steel industry.
“TJ and his family have truly enjoyed their experience abroad,” said Alyson. “The separation is difficult, but it makes reunions so much more special.”
Their daughter Katherine and her husband live with their two children next to Tom and Alyson, however, and the grandparents get the pleasure of seeing their two other grandchildren nearly every day.
After almost three decades of “joint commuting” in north and southbound traffic, the last thing that would be expected of Tom and Alyson in retirement is to hit the road.
Yet now, Tom and Alyson will fulfill a long-standing dream of theirs: to set out in their RV to new destinations. Several of Alyson’s brothers have RVs, and they plan on touring the United States a little bit at a time as a family. She and Tom also plan on spending more time with their grandchildren.
“I’ve truly enjoyed being here. Coming to work has been like coming home,” said Alyson. “It’s been a blessing.”
Looking back on their time at St. William of York, Alyson said that they both will miss the people the most.
“God blessed us with great clergy, colleagues and parishioners who were often as close as family,” Alyson said. “We will miss that interaction but revel in the memories and blessings God gave us for so many years at St. William of York.”
In reflecting on her and Tom’s journey from converts to dedicated parish staff, Alyson advised, “Keep Christ first. That is always number one.”
Wahlin is business manager at St. William of York Church in Stafford. Catholic Herald Intern Anna Harvey contributed to this story.
