I attended a funeral today. It wasn’t an easy event to attend and I ended up with a painful headache from trying not to cry. As I sat through the ceremony and memories of my dear friend were shared, I realized how very much I had learned from this special lady. I also realized just how powerful one person can be.
My friend was a tiny Irish Catholic nun many years my senior who started out as my boss and ended up owning a big piece of my heart. A woman ahead of her time, she held most of the administrative positions at the small two year college where we worked. She knew it all. She did it all. But rather than hold her cards close to her vest, she shared her knowledgeable hand with anyone who wanted to learn. She was both a team leader and a team player.
Sister Gregory Naddy RSHM was an inspiration, a teacher, a mentor, a caring ear, and a helping hand to many of us who had the pleasure of working with her. She never judged, but she also wasn’t afraid to tell you when you were barking up the wrong tree. One look into those sparkling blue Irish eyes and you quickly understood that you had better reconsider your actions. In other words, go back and try again. You also knew that she would have your back as you worked things through.
I carried many memories of Sister Gregory home with me today as I thought about all of the people whose life she had touched. She freely contributed her knowledge and support, but she also shared her passion for life, her laughter, her commitment to her religious beliefs and her love for anything blue, i.e. Marymount College and the Dodgers.
Her loss is tremendous, not only to me, but also to her religious community, her family and all of the countless Marymount College staff and students she touched. She left us all with a challenge and I could almost hear her saying, “Well, if I can’t do it anymore - you better!”
So for all of us who were mentored, loved and supported by this wonderful Sister of the Religious Heart of Mary, I guess it’s our turn to follow her lead and to work hard to show kindness and love as we try our best to mentor, support and empower others. Wow, for such a tiny lady, she sure does have big shoes to fill!
Thank you for everything Sister. Rest well.
My friend was a tiny Irish Catholic nun many years my senior who started out as my boss and ended up owning a big piece of my heart. A woman ahead of her time, she held most of the administrative positions at the small two year college where we worked. She knew it all. She did it all. But rather than hold her cards close to her vest, she shared her knowledgeable hand with anyone who wanted to learn. She was both a team leader and a team player.
Sister Gregory Naddy RSHM was an inspiration, a teacher, a mentor, a caring ear, and a helping hand to many of us who had the pleasure of working with her. She never judged, but she also wasn’t afraid to tell you when you were barking up the wrong tree. One look into those sparkling blue Irish eyes and you quickly understood that you had better reconsider your actions. In other words, go back and try again. You also knew that she would have your back as you worked things through.
I carried many memories of Sister Gregory home with me today as I thought about all of the people whose life she had touched. She freely contributed her knowledge and support, but she also shared her passion for life, her laughter, her commitment to her religious beliefs and her love for anything blue, i.e. Marymount College and the Dodgers.
Her loss is tremendous, not only to me, but also to her religious community, her family and all of the countless Marymount College staff and students she touched. She left us all with a challenge and I could almost hear her saying, “Well, if I can’t do it anymore - you better!”
So for all of us who were mentored, loved and supported by this wonderful Sister of the Religious Heart of Mary, I guess it’s our turn to follow her lead and to work hard to show kindness and love as we try our best to mentor, support and empower others. Wow, for such a tiny lady, she sure does have big shoes to fill!
Thank you for everything Sister. Rest well.
