To our dearest unforgettable Hedy:
Oh, how much will we miss good Hedy, especially Sr. Yolanda who has already considered her as one in the family.
How sudden has been the turn of events.Barely 4 months ago, we were happily exchanging emails and she was in her usual, lively self. Then the bad news came and so quickly did she deteriorate into something like depression, a common reaction among those afflicted with the Big C.I could hardly believe it.When I announced this to my co-sisters in the community, they were all surprised that she was already at stage 4 when the cancer was discovered.and learning that it was liver and stomach. They too were very sad as they have now established a deep affection and affinity with Hedy. My Mother Provincial through her Secretary communicated this at once to all the 20 FMA Houses in the Philippines to pray for her healing, if it was for her own good and in accord with God's Will and wisdom as only He knows what is best for His children. How many people in her own locality had she extended her unconditional assistance, service and consolation to the lonesome, the deprived, the depressed visiting them at home, preparing food for them, driving them to the mall to go shopping, accompanying them to the hospital and many other good deeds too numerous to mention. Her friends and colleagues can give testimonials of her goodness. She is an embodiment of compassion, patience, love and nobility of spirit.
And what is she to us in the Philippines?
Hedy had consistently sent hundreds of boxes to FMA Philippines Province and to our poor mission places since 2011 up to the very end of her life. Believe me that all the FMA here can never thank her enough. My co-Sisters will remember her for a long, long time but Sr. Yolanda will ever remain grateful to her till the end of her days What a friend and sister she had been to me and to us all. In all these years how many people did she make happy and contented from her generous self-giving through her regular donations of SPAM, pasta, and a variety of countless items. Every time we opened the boxes, how thrilled were we because of the various surprises contained therein. She was an angel that gave delight and joy to literally thousands of recipients who benefited from her extraordinary goodness and love for many years.
From the time I learned of her condition I was deeply saddened and all my every day Masses, prayers and Rosaries were offered for her and her intentions, especially praying that she be granted courage and strength to bear the accompanying pain.
When Bernardine informed me this morning that Hedy had passed away on New Year, I was at first shocked but was quickly relieved that Hedy's sufferings had already ended.Hers was a sad exit from this world but a glorious, triumphant entry into the next life. How blessed is she that the Lord took her away on this remarkable day - New Year and the feast of the Mother of God. All of us marveled at God's sign of special love for her. For us this is an indication of His predilection to His favored child and we imagine her being led by the Hand of Our Lady to enter into eternal bliss where the Blessed Trinity, all the angels and saints welcome this beloved soul. Mother Provincial through her secretary contacted at once to each of the 20 FMA communities in the Philippines to offer one Mass in suffrage for the soul of Hedy.
And to my dear Carmen, Rachel, Charlie and all relatives and friends of Hedy - a heartfelt condolence ! My good Carmen and Rachel, move on. How really painful it is when your beloved Mom is no longer with you visibly but trust in God, cling to his providential care and guidance no matter what happens, you have now with your Mom a powerful intercessor in heaven.
And to all my dear past pupils, Hedy's friends and relatives who at one or more times had supported Hedy's Food Drive, I will never be able to to express my deepest THANKS to your big-heartedness. I commend you all to the Lord and Our Lady promising that till the end of my life, before them, I will always remember you.
In Jesus and Mary,
Sr. Yolanda FMA
