It’s always been considered a tall order to surprise Robin Okolowitcz at St. Rocco’s School.

Not only has she been at the school for more than 30 years, but her title, director of non-academic affairs, has meant that she helps with almost everything that goes on at the school – from assisting teachers in getting their classrooms ready every fall to fielding a daily barrage of questions from students who have missed their bus, lost their knapsacks or just needed a little boost for their day.

As a result, St. Rocco’s staff and students were thrilled last week when they were able to surprise Okolowitcz on her last day before retirement.

She walked into the cafeteria expecting to help out with a routine assembly, only to find out that she was the main event. The school chorus burst into song, her handprint was taken for the school’s hall of fame, and she was bestowed with flowers and dozens and dozens of handmade cards.

“She is the heart of St. Rocco’s,” Principal Melissa D'Amico said. “It takes a village to surprise ‘Mrs. O.’ ”

The school even had family members in attendance, and they beamed proudly as Okolowitcz fought back tears and was smothered in hugs from other faculty members.

“This school has pretty much been her life,” said her husband, Jim Okolowitcz, noting that she has been at St. Rocco’s either as a volunteer or employee for most of their 44-year marriage. “They lover her and she loves them.”

Faculty members said she will be remembered not only for her ability to juggle so many tasks at once, but also for her unfailing kindness – comforting students if they had a tough day and reminding everyone that it’s okay to not be perfect.

Before the special assembly ended Friday, Okolowitcz found tears welling up again as she told her school family that the best part of every weekday was walking into St. Rocco’s.

“I did my best to try to make every day a little special,” she said. “I hope I did.”