Legacy of Faith and Strength

by Sr. Pauline Lally

The celebration of the life and death of Sister Kathryn (Blanche La Fleur) was just that — a celebration, and a promise of her own transformation within the celebration of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. It was truly a tribute to this remarkable woman from her numerous friends, many colleagues, relatives, priests and sisters attending the funeral liturgy in our sunny, spacious, flower-filled chapel on Saturday, September 22.

Weeks before her death, Sister Kathryn was never alone, it seemed. There was always someone in her room, or waiting outside to see her. Her sisters, Sister Mary Joan and Marie, were such faithful vigil-keepers, as well as Sisters Judith Ann and Sheila Langton. I loved going in to tell her what I was up to: what I intended to do or where I was going. She was always so interested. She never seemed to lose interest in us and what we were about. Often we would pray together before I left her room. I enjoyed those moments, sad though they were, at times; they were special. I always left uplifted by her interest and her deep, encompassing prayer.

Over these past four years Sister Kathryn lived in confidence within her reality. No one knew her diagnosis better that she. But she did not wallow in it. No pity parties for our Kathryn. She lived in great faith with a strong hope in her Provident God. She lived her reality with compassion especially for those who suffered, in particular for those who were living with cancer. For example, “Bishop Tony,” our Archbishop Anthony Meagher, and Kathryn became good friends as they supported each other through their journey. She went to her treatments at the clinic with her faithful companion, Sister Diane Brennen, in an unbelievable upbeat fashion, giving hope and strength to the others who were receiving treatment with her. Several attested to that at her wake. And she lived that kind of spirit for the whole congregation.

A little over four years ago, before we were elected, she told me, “I love this congregation so much. I could die for it.” And she did. The last time I was with her, it was before I left for our Western Fall Gathering in Edmonton. Sister Diane was on the other side of her bed, and she said, “Pauline, why don’t you mission her?” I answered, “Oh, Diane, I don’t want to do that.” At which point, Kathryn opened her eyes, looked at me and said, “Why not?” So I said, “Alright, I mission you to whatever God wants. I mission you into the hands of Providence. And when you get to heaven, don’t you dare forget us. Send us a sign with some roses or those purple flowers that you and St. Louise de Marillac loved so much.”

Believe it or not, the first flowers to arrive in my office after her death were a beautiful bouquet from the Women of Providence in Indiana with purple flowers in them!

Thank you, Kathryn, for that gift and the gift of your life with your service, your compassion, laughter and joy. But above all thank you for teaching us how to live fully until death.

Farewell, dear friend. Don’t just rest in peace.

Continue to live as you lived here - with joy!