We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved + Sister Gabriella Trabert who departed this life on Friday, February 22, 2008
On a day of intense, wintry cold and ice-glistening beauty, Sister Gabriella made her final preparation to leave this earthly life and to begin an unending life with God. That same day, as though in tune with her journey and assuring her final act, the responsorial psalm at the liturgy began, The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Beside restful waters God leads me and refreshes my soul. Helen Trabert left home at age 16 to give her life to God. As she responded to God's call and entered the community, she joined a group of idealistic and dedicated young women who generously made themselves available to serve others in need. As she grew in her relationship with God, Sister Gabriella also grew in her understanding of living a life of consecration, compassion and witness in the midst of a community dedicated to the God of Providence. Her experience of God's faithful presence, You spread a table before me ; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows, provided the trust and hope she needed to live through difficult times. Trained as an educator, throughout her almost sixty years of teaching a few years in Wheeling , WV and Detroit , MI , but primarily in western Pennsylvania Sister Gabriella was a beloved teacher, literally, of thousands of students. As she gained confidence in her skills and became aware of the children's needs beyond learning, she taught them about the natural seasons and introduced them to the care of creation by bringing fish, gerbils, and birds into her many classrooms. In her daily living, in her maturity and aging, Sister Gabriella met others with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips. Throughout her years in community, she connected with and supported her Sisters through her quiet, gracious presence. Since her retirement and growing infirmity at Providence Heights , Sister Gabriella was determined and courageous as she experienced pain and struggle. She believed, Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. SMFF Birthday: December 4
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