We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved Funeral – Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
In her own quiet and unassuming way, Sister Elizabeth embraced eternal life this morning at about 9:30 . She was fully prepared to meet her Provident God in death, the natural fulfillment of her life of dedicated service. With her good and faithful friend, Sister Beth Davies, CND by her side, she closed her eyes on this life, only to open them to the fullness of life, peace, and joy. A little more than a year ago, Sister Elizabeth was honored at the 2005 Assembly of the Marie de la Roche Province as the recipient of the Ketteler Award for Social Justice. This award was given to her as the “co-founder of a counseling center for low or no-income persons with addictions.” It was further noted that “Her continuous efforts to promote sustainable development and her work to combat racism in the Appalachian region parallels Bishop Ketteler's work for justice in the nineteenth century.” As daunting as the works that won her this honor, little did Liz know at that time that she would soon be facing her most difficult challenge! A few weeks after returning to Virginia from Pittsburgh , she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. On September 8 th she came back to Kingston for surgery in Boston and follow-up treatments in Plymouth . She did her best to beat the odds but the disease was just too powerful. She met each phase of her illness with patience and realism, finally discontinuing treatments when she knew in her heart that they could not effect a cure. Born in Chicago , Illinois , on April 30, 1928 , Sister Elizabeth was the oldest of Grace and Frederick Vines' three children. Her brother Dick and his wife Diane live in Scituate , the seaside town from which Liz entered the Community in 1953. They had the bittersweet pleasure of more frequent visits this past year. Their son, Rick, from Amsterdam, visited her just a few days before her death, leaving with her a picture of his 14 month old son - - a real sign of new life! Elizabeth 's brother Bill preceded her in death a couple of years ago. His wife Maureen lives in Florida and Maine . She and her daughter had also been able to visit a while ago. Although her family was scattered, their bonds remained close. Despite the length and severity of her illness, Elizabeth 's life was much more than the past year. After her entrance into the Community in Pittsburgh , she became know as Sister Maristelle - - “Star of the Sea!” - - one of Our Lady's more beautiful names. It was fitting for one who lived by the sea. As the stars guide mariners on the sea, so was Liz guided in her life and in turn became a guide for others, shedding light on the darkness of many lives. After completing her novitiate in Pittsburgh , Sister Elizabeth returned to New England in 1956, where she taught music at both Sacred Heart Elementary and Junior High Schools, first in Plymouth and later in Kingston . She also taught at Saint Bridget's School in Abington. In the early 60's she earned a Master's Degree in music from Duquesne University . She served as a member of the Provincial Council in the 70's and worked for a time with the Junior Sisters. During those years she earned certification in addiction counseling from Stonehill College . In the summer of 1979, she made her first trip to St. Charles , Virginia , where she volunteered her time working with Sister Beth Davies, CND doing tutoring and community work. After that experience, her reflections led her to say “I didn't think I could come back and live in such a desolate area, but God led me here.” (quoted in an interview in 1982). And return - - she did - - and did everything in her power to make the area less “desolate” in so many ways! Equipped with many natural gifts and supported by her educational degrees and certifications, Elizabeth was truly a gift to the people of western Virginia . She brought them the beauty of music, especially liturgical music for the parish community of the Holy Spirit. She and Beth welcomed the construction of their new church with the magnificent view of the mountainside. In her day-to-day work at the counseling center, Liz helped to shed light on many a life hidden in the darkness of addiction and alcoholism. Her caring presence and listening skills helped countless individuals recover their sense of personal dignity. On a wider scale, she and Beth became the voices of the voiceless confronting the big business of coal mining and those who continued to rape the land with their strip mining. Liz served on numerous boards whose tasks addressed the needs of poverty and discrimination among the people of their area. A longtime dream and the object of much work was fulfilled last fall with the opening of New Beginnings a residential treatment facility for persons with addictions in southwestern Virginia . Liz was only able to enjoy this dream come true through a DVD of the Open House. Perhaps it was her suffering that helped to bring this vision to reality. As she was missed on this occasion, so will she be dearly missed now by her family, her Sisters in Community, Sister Beth, and the countless beloved folks in St. Charles and beyond. Her legacy will continue to be a light that guides many along the ways to wholeness and holiness. Thank you, Liz, for being such a vibrant part of our lives. May you live in peace!
Sister Claudia Ward Birthday: April 30
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