Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Sister Teresa Landy 1945-2009

Sister Teresa (right) with my mother-in-law having fun traveling around the world.

We arrived home Saturday to sad news. Sister Teresa, who I'd blogged about here, died. Though this was news we'd been expecting to hear for the last two weeks, the shock was still great. It was only last October when she first found out that she was sick. We went to her funeral on Sunday. Such a testament to the woman's life- the church was packed. It was standing room only and still others couldn't even make it into the front doors. Never have I known someone who touched so many.

The priests (23 concelebrated the funeral mass) used a bible verse in the funeral service that was so perfect for her:

Matthew 25:35-40 (New International Version)

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Sister Teresa was so energetic and so full of life. She spent her days from morning to night helping and loving others. She fed, clothed, looked after and visited all in need. It seems like overkill to me to keep harping on how good she was; she was a nun for heaven's (wink, wink) sake-- of course she was good. But it wasn't that way around... she was a nun because she was so good and kind and loving and generous and sincere. Like I'd said before, she'd make even a heathen like me wanna join the sisters of mercy.

I can't seem to articulate the way I feel. I just keep thinking, doesn't God know that we need her here? But, as one of her nieces said in a poem she read on Sunday, (and I badly paraphrase her words to God); "...you had to break our hearts to show us you only take the best"

3 comments:

Orflaith said...

Perfect.

A sad former student, mentee(if there is such a word) and friend.

She will be missed by all.

Rest in Peace Tessie.

Unknown said...

God bless Tessie

What a great woman and a sad loss for all. She taught me in school and was the only teacher to take the time or interest in you. She treated you as her peer, which for a mixed up school kid was important and something I thank her for and will always remember.

Tessie also made in my opinion the most amazing wedding cake ever for Simon and I. It was a work of art and has the most wonderful memories for both of us.

Thank you Teresa, may God bless you and rest in peace.xxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

I just found your blog by chance and recognize Sr Teresa from my schooldays. I can still hear her voice in my head; such a lovely soft accent from a lovely, kind woman. You've written a wonderful post about her. Thank you.