During my first 15 years, I shared family life with my dad, Edward; my mother, Bertha; and my sister, Betty, who was two years older than me.
This began difficult years for all of us. Shortly after I was born, my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Because of her MS, she struggled to continue to play the piano, but she did teach us to appreciate good music. Later, Betty took piano lessons but when I started, the music teacher suggested some other pursuit would probably be more enriching for me. I was delighted to end that endeavor! However, in grade school, music and recess were my favorites.
Betty and I had different gifts in high school. I was assertive and she was more reserved. I was chosen first for outdoor games and she was chosen last. Since my mother taught us to use good grammar, English became my major. I chose home economics as a minor, thinking I would not have too much homework. My friends were kind and accommodating, helping me with my sewing.
While we were in high school, my mother died and big changes were about to happen in our lives. Dad sold our house and Betty and I moved in with Aunt Tilly, whom we had never met. She was a great step-aunt of our mother. Following this move, Dad flew to California to explore a job opportunity, which did not materialize. When he returned, he found a small apartment near our place so he could be close to Betty and me.
Another change occurred when Dad met Cassie and married. Two years later, Betty married Walter and was delighted to find a new life. For me, the parents of my friend Lu Lu invited me to move into their second-floor apartment, where I lived for two years. My dad and Cassie built a home in Greendale with a second-floor apartment for me. To my surprise, Cassie’s mother moved in with me. What a pair we were, age wise.
My mother left me an inheritance with which I bought a car. I didn’t know much about caring for cars so I asked my dad about the strange noise the motor made. He asked how often I changed the oil. “Oh,” I said, “I thought a car used only gas.” Dad merely shrugged his shoulders.
After high school, I worked at Allen Bradley Company for five years. I participated in many of the after work activities the company provided: softball, basketball, archery, and tennis. Unfortunately, there was no swimming pool for me to enjoy. It was at this time I became engaged to my basketball coach. However, the Korean War interfered with our future plans. He believed it was his duty to join the army as a good citizen, so we postponed the wedding. During this interval we both had time to appraise our lives and we decided not to marry.
After much reflection and discernment, I joined and was received as a School Sister of St. Francis and graduated from Alverno College in three years. I received a master’s degree in administration and supervision at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and I served as principal and teacher at several Catholic schools in the Milwaukee area. I found that junior high was my best fit. While teaching seventh grade, I served as a cooperating teacher for Alverno Student Teachers.
Like all School Sisters of St. Francis, I continued to seek opportunities to develop my spiritual, personal, and professional life. According to a workshop dealing with signature themes, I have and have used the following talents:
- Connectedness: I am sure things happen for a reason.
- Communication – I like to explain, to describe, to host, to speak, and to write
- Developer – I see the potential in others
- Individualization – I am intrigued by the unique qualities of each person
- Includer – I want to include people and make them feel part of the group
It was at St. Matthias Parish School that I met Sister Bernadelle Mehmert and our good friend Sam. Sam shared with me that she was very disappointed in 1957 not to be assigned to my seventh-grade homeroom. Yes, she said, I was strict, no nonsense, and demanded our best. But I also told jokes, had a smile, and had empathy for kids and their problems.
Sam and her family lived in the apartment across the street from St. Matthias Parish which was managed by Sister Bernadelle and me. When Sam’s 18-month-old daughter crawled upstairs to our apartment and pounded on our door, she was welcomed and would visit us, her godmothers. Since Bernadelle’s death, Sam and I have shared lunch on Tuesdays which involved prayer, discussion, and always some laughter that fills the restaurant.
Recently Sam’s five-year-old granddaughter was told to draw a picture of her family. As she drew all the family members she looked at her mom and said, “And Sister Beverly is in our family, right mom?” Without a beat, her mom replied, “Of course she is.” Sam described me as a bright, unique, caring, loving, spiritual, generous member of her family and said she and her family would greatly miss me after I had gone to my eternal reward.
After my ministry in the educational field, I worked at Sacred Heart in the personal services department, and then 26 years at the motherhouse. I ministered in almost every department at St. Joseph Convent starting in the printing department when I was a Postulant. My only disappointment was that because of my schedule, I was unable to join the choir.
I have very fond memories of Sister Bernadelle, who was my dear friend for 50 years. She inspired, supported and mentored me during my struggles and successes. She was a beautiful, loving and giving person.
I have been totally blessed as a School Sister of St. Francis. I love and appreciate all of you so much. I am most grateful. I have had the best.