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Sister Mary Alma Brady
Reflections on the Life of Sister Mary Alma Brady written by Sister Betty Bagen, Sister Patricia Eileen McKeon, and Father Henry (Hank) Lemoncelli, OMI and read by Sisters Betty and Patricia Eileen on January 26, 2008 Good morning. Though you see only two of us here, you'll be hearing the reflections of three friends of Sr. Mary Alma. Fifty years ago, Sister Patricia Eileen and I went to teach at Holy Angels Grade School in Buffalo – our first assignment. Sr. Mary alma taught 3^rd grade there and Father Hank Lemoncelli, OMI, was a student in the 2^nd grade at the time. Yesterday, from Rome where he is stationed, Father Hank e-mailed his memories for us to share with you this morning. So picture Father Hank between Pat and me. Isaiah tells us in the 1^st reading, "I have called you by your name; you are mine." Rumor has it Mary Alma Brady was visiting her aunt Sr. Francesca Sloan at Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg when she heard that call. Her aunt advised her to enter religious life and she never looked back to her home, to family and friends, to her own country. "I have called you by name; I love you. You are mine." Friends say she was a special lady. Always a little ahead of her time. She lived 76 years in religious life – born in 1909 and died in 2008 at the age of 99. During those 76 years, she served as a teacher in grades 3-8, a switchboard operator, in clerical/office work, as a library assistant and driver at the Motherhouse for the sick and infirm sisters. Sister Mary alma was well traveled. She spent 23 years in various parts of New York State, 10 years in Ogdensburg, 8 in Buffalo – 8 also in Lowell, 6 in Atlanta, and only 1 year in Tucson, Arizona. She retired to the Motherhouse at the age of 73, where she was active in the service of others. She worked with Loretta Landolfi at the switchboard. Loretta commented on her neat appearance – always looking very professional. Alma had become a naturalized citizen but regretted having to give up her Canadian citizenship. Many years later, when dual citizenship became available, she was anxious to investigate that possibility. I have given you the very impressive vital statistics of Sister Mary Alma. Now we'd like to put flesh on those bones. Alma was a curmudgeon her whole life. Independent, opinionated, unique – she was one of a kind. Not one to be shy about her likes and dislikes in any area – She loved her cup of tea, Mexican food, and the Phillies (no matter how badly they played). She even wore her Phillies cap in the dining room. She enjoyed talking sports with other enthusiasts, especially Sister Anne Cecilia. They were sports buddies. Always proud of her heritage, Alma's Canadian flag moved from her bedroom door at the Motherhouse to her room at St. Joseph's Manor. In the heat of an argument, Alma once made a very nasty comment to another sister. When confronted, Alma said, "You're right. That was uncalled for. I'm sorry." She was faithful to prayer, enjoyed a good mystery, and loved animals, as our veterinarian, Dr. Tierney will attest. Dr. Tierney took care of Alma's two Motherhouse cats. One of y fondest memories is of Alma "walking" my medium sized, black dog, Sweetie, when she herself was in a wheelchair! Why don't we have a camera at times like that?! Now Pat and I will read to you excerpts from the e-mailed memories of Father Hank Lemoncelli, OMI. My sister, Bonnie, and I first met Sr. Mary alma when I was in the second grade. We daily went to Sister's classroom after school to clap erasers, wash blackboards and perform any other tasks that she might assign. I approached school the next year hoping that I would be assigned to Sr. Mary Alma's third grade, and not the other. Thankfully, my name, along with 37 others, appeared on her roster. Our "helping" after school continued during that year and beyond. The third grade was a delight! I recall Sister being an excellent teacher. In her classroom, we experienced much more than just the traditional classroom teaching and learning. We had parakeets, Princey & Trixi, and we had a turtle. At one stage, each morning no matter how cold it was (and those of you who know Buffalo know how cold it can get there), the three huge classroonm windows were opened wide and Sister led us in exercises. We would sometimes go to Sister's classroom on a Saturday afternoon and I can remember going to the school auditorium with her to catch parts of some sporting event on the television that was hiddel behind the curtains there. Other memories: her involvement with the charismatic movement; her misplaced hearing aid during her visit for my ordination. The family searching through the garbage before finally finding it in the house. As a child I remember Sister's silver jubilee and her having silver shoelaces in her shoes! Twenty-five years later, I had the honor of being celebrant of her golden jubilee and last year, I was able to celebrate a Mass for her at the Motherhouse. During my last visit to the Motherhouse while she was still there, I asked her, Since my work deals with consecrated life, what insights could you, who have spent 75 years as a sister, offer me?" Her serious response was, "I would have thought after all these years I would be more holy." Reflections by Sister Patricia Eileen McKeon on the Life of Sister Mary Alma Brady "Tuned in" to the end was our Sister Mary Alma. As Sr. Christina Mary said, "She went out like a lamb." I said "Can you imagine me telling the Sisters that she was like a lamb when so many of us knew her feistiness, as well as her fun-loving humor!" On Tues. Jan.15^th when the nurse said that there was a definite change with sister and perhaps I should call the Motherhouse, I did. I talked with Sr.Kathleen Scholette and she said would come within the hour. After Mass Fr. Harvey came and anointed Sister and at the same time Sr. Elizabeth Ann said she would like to be anointed also. So with five sisters and Father the sacraments were celebrated in S.M. Alma’s room. A short while later Sr. Kathleen Sholette said to Alma, "Alma, I'm going to leave now so that I can call Sr. John Helen and let her know you are not doing well." Well, at that, Sister beckoned to me and said, "YOU call!" And, pointing to Kathleen, she continued, "NOT her!" Needless to say, we all had a good chuckle and knew the end was probably not imminent! It was in 1946 that I met Sr. Mary Alma. She seemed austere to me and I was glad I was not assigned to her room , unlike Fr. Lemoncelli who first met sister when he was in second grade and hoped he could have her in third grade. I did like going to her classroom after school because she always had a radio and would give you the score and details of the game and always had a witty thing or two to say and make you laugh. My sister-in-law has always said that S.M. Alma was the best teacher she ever had and Fr. Lemoncelli said that S. Mary Alma was an excellent teacher and in her classroom you experienced much more than just traditional teaching and learning. I remember my sister Anne saying she always remembered Sister making a novena to the Holy Ghost while most in those days were making the Miraculous Medal novena , or one to the Sacred Heart or St. Joseph. The nurse, Marie, whom sister loved was with her on the night she was dying and Marie said to her “Sister, please ask God to let you give my husband a message from me." (Her husband died some time ago) and Sister opened her eyes and gave her a big smile and yes, Marie said she only prays to the Holy Spirit. Indeed, God is always working through us regardless of what condition is ours… Even though Sr. Elizabeth Ann had but shortly joined us she was so beautiful for Sister to have as a companion on her journey and praying constantly for her. I asked the nurses if they would be sure to get Sister if S.M.Alma need her and they promised. Sister Elizabeth Ann said, "Good thing -- Otherwise, I would not leave her room!" And we knew that she meant what she said! While Sr. Christina Mary and Sr. Elizabeth Ann are sorry to lose Sister, they rejoice in her peaceful and happy death. And all of us are delighted that Sr.Mary Alma enjoyed celebrating her 75^th Anniversay, 99^th Birthday and Baptismal Day with special gusto -- having had given all the directions as she wished for each event. Indeed it was also a very special day in September. when Fr. Lemoncelli and his dad and sister came to visit with her and that her ever loving friend, Julia, could share these times with her and is here with us today. It is nice to know as we celebrate Sister’s Mass here, Fr.Lemoncelli is saying one at this time in Rome and Sr.Christina Mary and Sr.Elizabeth Ann are also s at their 10 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Manor. Indeed the triune God is with us, no doubt just as Alma has arranged. We thank you, Sister Mary Alma, for your love for God, the poor, and your love for learning, even donating your body to science – enjoy your eternal rest! Sr. Betty concluded with these words: With Father Lemoncelli, we can all say: "My prayer today is that God has deemed her holy enough, even though not as holy as she might have wanted to be, to join Him in the heavenly banquet. In the name of all those whose lives she inspired, I thank God for the gift of Sr. Mary Alma."
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Sister Mary Alma Brady

Reflections on the Life of Sister Mary Alma Brady

written by Sister Betty Bagen, Sister Patricia Eileen McKeon,

and Father Henry (Hank) Lemoncelli, OMI

and read by Sisters Betty and Patricia Eileen on January 26, 2008

Good morning. Though you see only two of us here, you'll be hearing the reflections of three friends of Sr. Mary Alma.

Fifty years ago, Sister Patricia Eileen and I went to teach at Holy Angels Grade School in Buffalo – our first assignment. Sr. Mary alma taught 3^rd grade there and Father Hank Lemoncelli, OMI, was a student in the 2^nd grade at the time. Yesterday, from Rome where he is stationed, Father Hank e-mailed his memories for us to share with you this morning. So picture Father Hank between Pat and me.

Isaiah tells us in the 1^st reading, "I have called you by your name; you are mine." Rumor has it Mary Alma Brady was visiting her aunt Sr. Francesca Sloan at Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg when she heard that call. Her aunt advised her to enter religious life and she never looked back to her home, to family and friends, to her own country. "I have called you by name; I love you. You are mine."

Friends say she was a special lady. Always a little ahead of her time. She lived 76 years in religious life – born in 1909 and died in 2008 at the age of 99. During those 76 years, she served as a teacher in grades 3-8, a switchboard operator, in clerical/office work, as a library assistant and driver at the Motherhouse for the sick and infirm sisters. Sister Mary alma was well traveled. She spent 23 years in various parts of New York State, 10 years in Ogdensburg, 8 in Buffalo – 8 also in Lowell, 6 in Atlanta, and only 1 year in Tucson, Arizona.

She retired to the Motherhouse at the age of 73, where she was active in the service of others. She worked with Loretta Landolfi at the switchboard. Loretta commented on her neat appearance – always looking very professional.

Alma had become a naturalized citizen but regretted having to give up her Canadian citizenship. Many years later, when dual citizenship became available, she was anxious to investigate that possibility.

I have given you the very impressive vital statistics of Sister Mary Alma. Now we'd like to put flesh on those bones.

Alma was a curmudgeon her whole life. Independent, opinionated, unique – she was one of a kind. Not one to be shy about her likes and dislikes in any area – She loved her cup of tea, Mexican food, and the Phillies (no matter how badly they played). She even wore her Phillies cap in the dining room. She enjoyed talking sports with other enthusiasts, especially Sister Anne Cecilia. They were sports buddies. Always proud of her heritage, Alma's Canadian flag moved from her bedroom door at the Motherhouse to her room at St. Joseph's Manor. In the heat of an argument, Alma once made a very nasty comment to another sister. When confronted, Alma said, "You're right. That was uncalled for. I'm sorry."

She was faithful to prayer, enjoyed a good mystery, and loved animals, as our veterinarian, Dr. Tierney will attest. Dr. Tierney took care of Alma's two Motherhouse cats. One of y fondest memories is of Alma "walking" my medium sized, black dog, Sweetie, when she herself was in a wheelchair! Why don't we have a camera at times like that?!

Now Pat and I will read to you excerpts from the e-mailed memories of Father Hank Lemoncelli, OMI.

My sister, Bonnie, and I first met Sr. Mary alma when I was in the second grade. We daily went to Sister's classroom after school to clap erasers, wash blackboards and perform any other tasks that she might assign. I approached school the next year hoping that I would be assigned to Sr. Mary Alma's third grade, and not the other. Thankfully, my name, along with 37 others, appeared on her roster. Our "helping" after school continued during that year and beyond.

The third grade was a delight! I recall Sister being an excellent teacher. In her classroom, we experienced much more than just the traditional classroom teaching and learning. We had parakeets, Princey & Trixi, and we had a turtle. At one stage, each morning no matter how cold it was (and those of you who know Buffalo know how cold it can get there), the three huge classroonm windows were opened wide and Sister led us in exercises.

We would sometimes go to Sister's classroom on a Saturday afternoon and I can remember going to the school auditorium with her to catch parts of some sporting event on the television that was hiddel behind the curtains there.

Other memories: her involvement with the charismatic movement; her misplaced hearing aid during her visit for my ordination. The family searching through the garbage before finally finding it in the house. As a child I remember Sister's silver jubilee and her having silver shoelaces in her shoes! Twenty-five years later, I had the honor of being celebrant of her golden jubilee and last year, I was able to celebrate a Mass for her at the Motherhouse. During my last visit to the Motherhouse while she was still there, I asked her, Since my work deals with consecrated life, what insights could you, who have spent 75 years as a sister, offer me?" Her serious response was, "I would have thought after all these years I would be more holy."

Reflections by Sister Patricia Eileen McKeon

on the Life of Sister Mary Alma Brady

"Tuned in" to the end was our Sister Mary Alma. As Sr. Christina Mary said, "She went out like a lamb." I said "Can you imagine me telling the Sisters that she was like a lamb when so many of us knew her feistiness, as well as her fun-loving humor!"

On Tues. Jan.15^th when the nurse said that there was a definite change with sister and perhaps I should call the Motherhouse, I did. I talked with Sr.Kathleen Scholette and she said would come within the hour. After Mass Fr. Harvey came and anointed Sister and at the same time Sr. Elizabeth Ann said she would like to be anointed also. So with five sisters and Father the sacraments were celebrated in S.M. Alma’s room. A short while later Sr. Kathleen Sholette said to Alma, "Alma, I'm going to leave now so that I can call Sr. John Helen and let her know you are not doing well." Well, at that, Sister beckoned to me and said, "YOU call!" And, pointing to Kathleen, she continued, "NOT her!" Needless to say, we all had a good chuckle and knew the end was probably not imminent!

It was in 1946 that I met Sr. Mary Alma. She seemed austere to me and I was glad I was not assigned to her room , unlike Fr. Lemoncelli who first met sister when he was in second grade and hoped he could have her in third grade. I did like going to her classroom after school because she always had a radio and would give you the score and details of the game and always had a witty thing or two to say and make you laugh. My sister-in-law has always said that S.M. Alma was the best teacher she ever had and Fr. Lemoncelli said that S. Mary Alma was an excellent teacher and in her classroom you experienced much more than just traditional teaching and learning. I remember my sister Anne saying she always remembered Sister making a novena to the Holy Ghost while most in those days were making the Miraculous Medal novena , or one to the Sacred Heart or St. Joseph. The nurse, Marie, whom sister loved was with her on the night she was dying and Marie said to her “Sister, please ask God to let you give my husband a message from me." (Her husband died some time ago) and Sister opened her eyes and gave her a big smile and yes, Marie said she only prays to the Holy Spirit. Indeed, God is always working through us regardless of what condition is ours…

Even though Sr. Elizabeth Ann had but shortly joined us she was so beautiful for Sister to have as a companion on her journey and praying constantly for her. I asked the nurses if they would be sure to get Sister if S.M.Alma need her and they promised. Sister Elizabeth Ann said, "Good thing -- Otherwise, I would not leave her room!" And we knew that she meant what she said!

While Sr. Christina Mary and Sr. Elizabeth Ann are sorry to lose Sister, they rejoice in her peaceful and happy death. And all of us are delighted that Sr.Mary Alma enjoyed celebrating her 75^th Anniversay, 99^th Birthday and Baptismal Day with special gusto -- having had given all the directions as she wished for each event. Indeed it was also a very special day in September. when Fr. Lemoncelli and his dad and sister came to visit with her and that her ever loving friend, Julia, could share these times with her and is here with us today. It is nice to know as we celebrate Sister’s Mass here, Fr.Lemoncelli is saying one at this time in Rome and Sr.Christina Mary and Sr.Elizabeth Ann are also s at their 10 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Manor. Indeed the triune God is with us, no doubt just as Alma has arranged.

We thank you, Sister Mary Alma, for your love for God, the poor, and your love for learning, even donating your body to science – enjoy your eternal rest!

Sr. Betty concluded with these words:

With Father Lemoncelli, we can all say:

"My prayer today is that God has deemed her holy enough, even though not as holy as she might have wanted to be, to join Him in the heavenly banquet. In the name of all those whose lives she inspired, I thank God for the gift of Sr. Mary Alma."

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