My first recollections of Aunt Virginia, I was very young when she became a nun.
I found her costume to be quite alien so I didn't quite know what to expect.
We didn't have much contact since she moved away from Rome while I was growing up there.
We became much better acquainted when I moved to Albany in 1984.
We shared a few precious moments
My daughter, Rachel's 1st Birthday party in November 1993.
Aunt Virginia's 60th Birthday party in 1994.
She recently hosted us in a family gathering at Crooked Lake.
Some of the things I will remember about Aunt Virginia
her grace,
calm demeaner,
playful humor and
her lack of self-importance.
She is a pretty big deal, had accomplished a lot in life
but she always engaged you on a peer-to-peer level.
She made you feel important.
Even though I am a prodigal son in the eyes of the Catholic church -
rarely go to church and I married a Jew, Aunt Virginia never judged me.
I appreciate that.
Her smile could light up a room. I am sure her talents will be missed by many.
Wish I got to know her better. I know she was cool, much more hip than you'd expect from a nun.
She was a skilled hostess with great appetizer and beverage recipes.
Scanning through the Academy of Holy Names website I came across their mission statement.
Aspirations for their students, to become
Life-long learners, thinkers, and seekers of truth
Moral decision makers
Confident leaders in service to others
Skillful builders of a better world
Crafters of peace
I'm sure this statement had her fingerprints all over it.
I can't think of a more purposeful calling.
I know you helped a lot of people over your 60 year career.
I will miss you. I'm happy my daughters got to meet you.
