May 29, 2020
Dear Family,
On May 15th, we celebrated a mass here in Misericordia’s Our Lady of Mercy Chapel for my sister, Pat Martin, and her immediate family. Pat’s death on Mother’s Day was sudden and unexpected. As you can imagine, we are still recovering from this shock, but we know she is resting in God’s love. We plan on celebrating with her extended family and many friends when the church doors are once again open for celebrations. Since we only could have immediate family in attendance for her mass, we will celebrate her “new beginning” later, when this difficult period of restrictions is over. I do believe Pat won’t rest totally until this is accomplished. As you know, her life won’t be complete until we have a “party to celebrate”.
The sudden death of a loved one surely places “life” in the proper perspective. How sad it would be to end life – whether it is sudden or not – and have to wonder how did I spend this special gift of life!?! Is there more compassion and love in the world because this “precious gift” of life has been mine? Will the love I shared in life continue on in the hearts of those whom I loved and love me? Will “this love” continue to motivate others to reach out beyond their own personal lives - to others - especially to those who are unable to create a “good life” for themselves and need our help? Will my life be testimony in itself, when I stand before God, my Creator, who will be there to welcome me “Home”?
Pat, along with my entire family, had been involved with Misericordia ever since I became administrator in 1969. Forty years ago, she and three of her friends began our Thrift Shop in Palatine, which continues to this day. Not only is it a great financial resource for Misericordia, but it also provides many opportunities for generous believers to do the “Lord’s Work”. Pat and her family and friends always coordinated Candy Days in their suburb. She, Bob, their entire family and now the next generation of grandchildren are actively involved in so many different and meaningful ways. Her love for Misericordia, like the love of my entire family, was a powerful motivation for being involved in many great and sometimes challenging ways. She loved Misericordia and she shared this love with her family and many good and generous friends.
Pat and Bob’s family’s involvement with Misericordia has always been a great gift. This is true of my entire big, Irish/American Family beginning with my parents' support and spanning five generations to my sibling’s grandchildren and now great grandchildren. They all have a special love in their hearts for Misericordia and I do believe this involvement has kept all of us close. Our nephew Brian’s presence as a resident has also motivated all to be involved. Everyone is grateful for the “good life” he shares with all our residents, whom we know deserve “the best”.
Saying good bye to one so loved as your youngest sister is very painful! Yes, we do believe Pat is now resting in God’s love – but being human, it is painful to let go. At a time like this, I always wonder how people who have no faith cope with such a loss.
Thank you to all who have shared so generously with all of us who mourn her loss. Your continuous prayers, especially for Bob, their children, and grandchildren will be appreciated. Thank you, as well, to the many family members who sent notes to me and Pat’s immediate family. Thank God for faith – for we believe with certainty that it is only “until we meet again”. There is sure to be a great reunion!
I am very grateful for your prayers for Pat and our family. Pat loved people and in turn was loved by many. She will be sorely missed. Please God, may this most difficult time come to pass.
God keep you safe and healthy!
Gratefully,
Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM
Executive Director