Reflections on the last days of Sr. Anna O'Leary Always a lady; always a religious, and thus to the very end was our Sr. Anna. I would like to share these past few days of Anna with you. Though gravely ill for a short while, Sister was so lovingly cared for and kept comfortable. If you could look nice on your death bed, Sr. Anna did! Her family always sent her lovely gifts and clothing and the staff knew how important to Sister was her appearance. Thus, when she met her God early Friday morning, she was in a lovely blue top (one of her favorites that her family had sent a while ago) and her hair was in place. The nurse manager on her floor would often say to Anna, as we would be going down to Mass, "Sr. Anna, you look so pretty today!" And as only Anna could, she would give a slight smile and a soft thank you. However, when Tonda was not in earshot, Anna would say to me, "Hmmm, no one before has ever said to me that was pretty!" And I responded, "See, Anna – If you live long enough you hear it all!" She laughed and agreed.
It was beautiful to see the housekeeping people and residents stop briefly to see how Sister was doing and offering prayers. Their reverence so evident. Yes, Sr. Anna – quiet and reserved, touched the lives of many at St. Joseph's Manor in her ever gracious and genteel way. At one point during the afternoon, as I glanced about Sister's room, I was touched, looking at the beautiful tulip plant Sister Marlene had sent on Holy Thursday (Easter plants were delivered to all our Sisters at the Manor that day) I never saw tulips so tall and all I could think of was -- Is this not Anna and God touching hands? And so they met about ten hours later, Sister leaving us peacefully, with Sr. Marie Cecile at her bedside. Sr. Mary Alma and Sr. Paula Marie were very aware of Sr. Anna's dying and when I told them of such Sr. Mary Alma said, "Pat, I think you're killing us here with too much kindness." And Sr. Paula Marie said, "Oh, my how peacefully she died, and to think she was in her nice blue top. It is a good thing this is coming from you because Sr. Anna would never say nice things about herself to anyone. It will be a strange journey for us these next weeks when we do not have Sr. Anna with us at Mass and our gathering after Mass. Anna, you will be missed, but, we rejoice with you being with your God and knowng you are watching over us. May your graciousness always remain with each of us. Rest in peace, Dear Sr. Anna.
|
Reflections on the Life of Sister Anna O'Leary -- "Aunt Annie" Aunt Annie was always a teacher. My sister, Rita, remembers as a young child of five the time Aunt Annie and one of her fellow sisters were visiting my grandmother. Nana and the sisters were saying the rosary. Rita was trying to follow along mumbling words. Sister Anna made it her goal to teach Rita her prayers that week. The next year Rita was the only student in CCD class who had already memorized her prayers before the year had begun. Rita still has the prayer book Aunt Annie gave her for First Communion. Sister Anna believed in the power of prayer. She always had a long list of family members she offered daily prayers for. Nana, her sisters and brothers always kept her informed of the family news. Aunt Annie was always very calm in any situation. Her niece, Joanne, had to pick up Sister at the airport in Boston. Joanne was a new driver and was understandably nervous. The expressway is a challenge even for the most experienced driver. Boston drivers are not known for their patience and politeness. Joanne cautiously crept onto the expressway amid blaring horns, Sister Anna never said anything but quietly took out her rosary beads and prayed the whole ride until they arrived safely home. Sister Anna looked forward to time with her family.. She enjoyed spending time at Rita's and John's homes and getting to know her nieces and nephews. She always tried to attend weddings, christenings, and family celebrations. Often she was a quiet observer but loved all the talk and laughter and being a part of it all. Christmases in Florida with Nana, Sis, Fr. Dan and Nancy were special. Going out to eat and being spoiled for the week was a great treat. Her niece, Nancy, owned a dress boutique so Sister always left with a new blouse or sweater to add to her wardrobe. Aunt Annie could be a "girl". She liked going shopping. I always remember when we were teenagers Nana would call and say Aunt Annie was visiting and wanted to go shopping. We would ride the subway to Downtown Crossing in Boston. Aunt Annie was very serious but would relax with children. She especially loved babies and the little ones. In the photo of Aunt Annie with her grandniece, Anna, Sister has a wonderful smile on her face. In later years when Aunt AnnIe visited, she would talk about her students. I can imagine that when she closed the classroom door she could be herself. Early in her career she enjoyed teaching the younger grades. She would share some of her experiences with the children and their families. The older students were more of a challenge. She said she would just give them a stare. "The Look" would silence any young man or girl who misbehaved. She cared very much about her students. In retirement she was always pleased when she went on her walks and met a former student. Her reserve hid a curious mind. She always read the newspaper from front to back. She loved to go places. Any suggestions ( a museum, the zoo, the mall, or visiting) and Aunt Annie was ready to go. Her one regret was that she never learned to drive. She loved mysteries and old movies. When she came to visit she loved to watch "Columbo" and "Murder She Wrote". Aunt Annie was an observer and people watcher. Nothing escaped her notice. I'm sure her students did not get away with much in her classroom. She would have made a great detective. As we all know she was very reserved but did have a sense of humor. My brother in law, John often picked Sister Anna up from the bus station when she visited me. John would always try to get her to smile. One time he said "Annie Baby, how's it going?" At first, the eyebrows went up and I thought here comes "The Look", but then she smiled. From then on she was Annie Baby to John. Sister enjoyed the affectionate nickname and teasing. Sister Anna was a woman of deep faith and dedication. She humbly went about God's work leaving her gentle imprint on all of us. Sister is now with the Lord, Nana and Pa, her brothers John and Charlie, family members, and her religious family members and friends who have gone before us in heaven watching over us. Thank you Sister Anna.
|