(January 30, 1913 - October 6, 2012)
Word has been received of the death of Sister Miriam (Eckenrode), who died at 6:25 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012, in Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Sister Miriam was a people person who excelled at public relations. She was gracious and kind to everyone; this warmth and openness endeared her to all. She could truly be called “Miss Hospitality” with all the attributes that go with that title. Here at Saint Mary’s she was given the official title of “Activities Ambassador” because of her ability to get everyone involved. She was such a positive person that if someone was having a bad day she could lift their spirits and give them a brighter outlook.
Sister Miriam loved to write, and she used this skill to enhance the lives of those around her. Maria Galicia, a caregiver on the second floor, tells of going into Sister Miriam’s room and seeing Sister gazing out the window. Maria saw only an ordinary scene until Sister Miriam pointed out the uniqueness of blossoms on a particular tree or how the sun reflected off the windows or some other beautiful insight. Then Sister would write a haiku for Maria that was appropriate to the moment.
Sister Miriam was a prolific and creative writer, completing as many as 20 haiku in one day. Her relatives and friends were the beneficiaries of this gift with the many letters, poems and cards they received. She wrote to them on every occasion and for no special occasion at all, but just for the joy of being in contact. The closeness of the family, from nephews and nieces all the way down to what she called “grand and grands,” kept her as an important part of their lives. Her nephew, Joe, in California, sent her flowers frequently just because she was cherished.
During her almost 40 years as a teacher of English in the high schools of the East, Sister Miriam used her talent in writing to inspire and motivate her students. She encouraged them to follow her example by using the “free writing” technique to develop their skills and individual creativity.
In 1973 Sister Miriam returned to her home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to care for her parents. For the next 14 years she engaged in various ministry activities in St. Anthony of Padua School and convent; she became a teacher, a secretary, a receptionist and even the religious superior. When the Sisters of the Holy Cross were scheduled to leave that Lancaster mission after 130 years of service, Sister Miriam chose to remain to “help complete the final year with a positive outlook and a celebratory flourish.” And true to who she was, she did just that.
For the next 12 years Sister Miriam involved herself in volunteer services in the Lancaster area, which she labeled “ones of which I am most proud.” She worked in the literacy program reading for Radio for the Blind at the Sight Seeing Center, was a member of the activity department at the Conestoga View Nursing Home, and tutored reading and writing for the Lancaster Literacy Council, all of which gave her great satisfaction and nourished her generous spirit.
Though she was a very outgoing person, Sister Miriam valued her “alone” time. In the late evening, when the halls of the first floor were empty and quiet, she could be found down in the convent library in her wheelchair contemplating the patio garden scene in quiet joy. Much of her inspiration came from her love and unique perception of God in nature.
Words of wisdom from Sister Miriam as published on the January 2012 activity calendar mirror her joy and outlook on life: “Anticipate the best, always look for a silver lining or count your blessing for all the things you do have. That’s what I do, think of all the wonderful opportunities I have had, all the wonderful generous people I know. Each day pick out one shining moment. I do.”
And finally, a haiku written by Sister Miriam that reflects her life:
It’s a work of art
With highlights and shadows
Truly a masterpiece!
May Sister Miriam rest in peace.
Sister Miriam was a people person who excelled at public relations. She was gracious and kind to everyone; this warmth and openness endeared her to all. She could truly be called “Miss Hospitality” with all the attributes that go with that title. Here at Saint Mary’s she was given the official title of “Activities Ambassador” because of her ability to get everyone involved. She was such a positive person that if someone was having a bad day she could lift their spirits and give them a brighter outlook.
Sister Miriam loved to write, and she used this skill to enhance the lives of those around her. Maria Galicia, a caregiver on the second floor, tells of going into Sister Miriam’s room and seeing Sister gazing out the window. Maria saw only an ordinary scene until Sister Miriam pointed out the uniqueness of blossoms on a particular tree or how the sun reflected off the windows or some other beautiful insight. Then Sister would write a haiku for Maria that was appropriate to the moment.
Sister Miriam was a prolific and creative writer, completing as many as 20 haiku in one day. Her relatives and friends were the beneficiaries of this gift with the many letters, poems and cards they received. She wrote to them on every occasion and for no special occasion at all, but just for the joy of being in contact. The closeness of the family, from nephews and nieces all the way down to what she called “grand and grands,” kept her as an important part of their lives. Her nephew, Joe, in California, sent her flowers frequently just because she was cherished.
During her almost 40 years as a teacher of English in the high schools of the East, Sister Miriam used her talent in writing to inspire and motivate her students. She encouraged them to follow her example by using the “free writing” technique to develop their skills and individual creativity.
In 1973 Sister Miriam returned to her home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to care for her parents. For the next 14 years she engaged in various ministry activities in St. Anthony of Padua School and convent; she became a teacher, a secretary, a receptionist and even the religious superior. When the Sisters of the Holy Cross were scheduled to leave that Lancaster mission after 130 years of service, Sister Miriam chose to remain to “help complete the final year with a positive outlook and a celebratory flourish.” And true to who she was, she did just that.
For the next 12 years Sister Miriam involved herself in volunteer services in the Lancaster area, which she labeled “ones of which I am most proud.” She worked in the literacy program reading for Radio for the Blind at the Sight Seeing Center, was a member of the activity department at the Conestoga View Nursing Home, and tutored reading and writing for the Lancaster Literacy Council, all of which gave her great satisfaction and nourished her generous spirit.
Though she was a very outgoing person, Sister Miriam valued her “alone” time. In the late evening, when the halls of the first floor were empty and quiet, she could be found down in the convent library in her wheelchair contemplating the patio garden scene in quiet joy. Much of her inspiration came from her love and unique perception of God in nature.
Words of wisdom from Sister Miriam as published on the January 2012 activity calendar mirror her joy and outlook on life: “Anticipate the best, always look for a silver lining or count your blessing for all the things you do have. That’s what I do, think of all the wonderful opportunities I have had, all the wonderful generous people I know. Each day pick out one shining moment. I do.”
And finally, a haiku written by Sister Miriam that reflects her life:
It’s a work of art
With highlights and shadows
Truly a masterpiece!
May Sister Miriam rest in peace.