Sister Denis Anne…another Something Sweet & Sassy Send-off
Posted on May 29, 2009 in the Real Beauty category
It’s that time again – drats – another goodbye to another sweet & sassy someone. These are never easy or fun to write, yet it’s part of life, and I’m glad to curl up and remember special people who have touched my life.
When I was a wee one, I joined a leadership organisation called TACSC (The Association of Catholic Student Councils). Led by Marilyn Thickett (here’s Marilyn’s special tribute), I volunteered for many years (and worked for a few, too).
Marilyn’s gal Friday for quite of few of the early years was Sister Denis Anne. She was an incredibly cool chick. She was funny, spicy, straight-forward, and just a real comfortable and stable presence. I loved her immediately and enjoyed being a fellow staff member at summer conference.
When I arrived to high school, talk filled the halls about a stern sister. They were talking about Sister Denis Anne – I could not believe it! You see, I spent some of the most uplifting and awesome experiences with her and the rest of the TACSC staff.
But so many people didn’t get the fortunate opportunity to see her when she really shined. And she did – not in an American Idol way, but she was so real and true – and she loved every one of us.
I was one of the lucky ones. I laughed when people acted afraid of her. And I understand that is an easy judgment for the Girls Dean of a super Catholic School. But she always had a mischievous twinkle in her eye – that’s what I loved most about her.
After high school, I had an operation and had to spend time in hospital. It gets pretty lonely there, and an easy place to wallow. I was feeling sorry for myself and nervous I wouldn’t recover in time to go to University (and follow in the path of my favourite movie, Animal House). So you can imagine how pathetic I was.
But the best memory I have of that experience – the turning point – was when I opened my eyes from a nap and saw Sister Denis Anne and Marilyn at the foot of my bed. It was one of the nicest things to have happened to me. I don’t think I ever told either of them what it meant to have two such lovely and important ladies visiting me, but I felt like a VIP from that point.
Over the years, I saw her – she always had that twinkle and sassy nature. I stayed in touch with her and sent her cards when she was retired. But her health was declining. But I still wrote to her even though I didn’t know if she remembered me. It didn’t matter. I didn’t want her to forget how much someone loved her.
But there are so many people who cared for her. She wasn’t scary or un-hip. She was full of love and totally approachable.
She’s now another angel in my life. I’m sad I won’t be able to say a formal goodbye at her funeral, but just writing this post makes me feel closer to her.
Love you, Sister Denis Anne – thanks for shining so bright and warming me with your best self.
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It seems like life is handing us some losses of fabulous people. I think the important thing, as you have done, is remember with grace and honor and know how they touched our life’s. Lost a very sweet patient today. A lady who despite her own problems, continued to care for others. The world is such a better place because of Pat (my patient) and Sr. Denis Anne.