One day her brother came home from school with a message from Sister Mary Angela: if they had older sisters at home who might want to be Dominicans they should send them to her. It was, to seventeen-year old "Phil," a call. She explained that she didn't have money or much education, although sh

Fourteen novices were there; ten postulants came and some went. Five received the habit in June; four made vows in 1935. Three (Sisters Emily, Gertrude and Patrick) celebrated their silver, then golden jubilees together. For the diamond (sixtieth) anniversary, only "little Emily" was left. No one who was with her during this busy time can forget her joy. She had recovered from strokes, and had learned to cope with hearing loss and more severe, loss of vision, working her way back to her morning receptionist post at Dominican Conference Center. Guests wanted to "put her in a pocket" and take her home.

Few may recall that she was also a gifted teacher. Sr.Mary Peter Casteix, then school supervisor, counted her one of the outstanding primary teachers of the archdiocese. Three of her first graders from St. Agnes, Baton Rouge, 1940, remembered and came to say their last goodbye.

Many gave witness to what she taught them outside the classroom. "I learned from her," was heard over and over. She had almost total recall of events, and though reserved, loved people, reaching out to strangers. Her ten-year career in the mail-room at St. Mary's Dominican College taught her of her power with people. She was loyal, trusting, and sensitive. Although fiercely independent, she learned to ask for the extra help she grew to need. A bundle of energy, she had to give up much of what was precious to her, like her sewing. She would tell you, if you were interested, how she wrestled with God and gave in. Just before her jubilee on June 4 she told a good friend, "I'm leaving everything in God's hands." She had only days left, but no one knew.

This diminutive, dynamic, simple, pure soul, full of wonder, faith, and humor has left her mark wherever she walked with her quick sure step. She left us so quickly. A wise friend said, "It was hard on everybody but her."