I loved hearing Sr. Patsy's stories. She told them well and they were always interesting and funny.
Her sister, Sr Victorine was the serious one. She was very kind, wise, generous, and patient. I look like her but fail short of her attributes. She reminded us often not to have expectations lest you be disappointed. She loved surprises, picnics, tailgating, and family get togethers. When she replied to a question she put great thought into it.
We were so fortunate to have the sisters looking out for us.
When Sr. Patsy was old enough Sr. Victorine got her a job at the hospital in the Dietary Dept. After work on her first day her friend Maureen said she would love to have a job like that. Patsy went into her house, got her dietary uniform, and gave it to her.
Sr. Victorine was none too pleased to be informed that not only Patsy was a no show but someone else had showed up in her place.
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Sr. Patsy was gifted a ticket to Fla. by her friends (outside the convent). She was excited, covered her teaching responsibilities, and readied herself for a great time.
The day before she was to leave she was called in to see the Mother Superior who told her she could not go. 'Nuns are not allowed to make independent decisions,' she was reminded in no uncertain terms.
Patsy prevailed and enjoyed her time in Fla for the most part -but she did mention that many of the people on the beach were dead ringers for the Mother Superior and/or members of her family.
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Patsy was a notorious back seat driver.
"NO BSD!"Patty would say before admitting her into her car. She often reminded her that she needed a navigator not a nag -in- ator.
Patsy: "Use your signal Colleen!!!"
Colleen: "I'm trying to save on the life of the battery."
Patsy (considering)
Patsy: "Go! Go! Go Colleen!" (despite any traffic law forbidding it)
It was great when we got GPS because before that your stomach was in knots as she provided misdirection, barked out orders, and critiqued your driving -all delivered lovingly as only Patsy could.
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Patty called Patsy and Mom's lunch visits the 'Ella and Patsy Show'.
Patsy would tell her stories in high dramatic style while my mother would just laugh or smile in response.
For some time neither could hear well.
When I asked Patty if she needed anything at the store while we were at Mom's she would tell me to pick up some hearing aides.
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Patsy's lifelong Pomona friend Eileen told us that another friend told her that she decided to join the convent. The friend asked Eileen to accompany her there. Eileen went with her to the convent and rang the bell but her friend had second thoughts and ran away leaving Eileen to catch up.
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Patsy was once and always a principal.
She loved the students and she was a firm believer in discipline.
One former student told us his hands are still cold after having been told by Patsy to make 100 perfectly round snowballs after he got caught throwing snow balls at the bus windows when he was in grade school. "...but Sister I have no gloves," he protested. "You didn't seem to notice that when throwing them at the bus," she replied.
