I have only one correction to note - it's St. AlexiUs (with a U). I know this well, as I was born there. I don't believe your mother and I ever crossed paths, but she certainly would have known Sister Neone, OSB, one of the group of 6 nuns the bishop recruited from Minnesota to open a school, Hospital, and University. She had taken the name of a French Bishop (At least that was what we were told). After Vatican II (I believe), when religious reclaimed their baptismal names, she became Sister Elizabeth Novy - my aunt.
I joined other family members in Bismarck in late July, 2016 to celebrate her 100th birthday. Covid denied us the pleasure of celebrating her 104th birthday, but a few of us nieces and nephews were able to attend her delayed memorial service in 2021. I was honored to lead "How Great Thou Art" as we took our leave of Sister, standing in the small cemetery on a bluff among her Sisters who proceeded her.
Barbara - You are correct and it has been corrected. The weird things is, there is also a St. Alexis, patron saint of Substack columnists, I think. Your story is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it. As it turns out, Sister was born the same year as my mom. Again, with God there are no coincidences. Looks like my mom, born on June 1, was one month older than Sister. Got to visit the campus of the University of Mary with my family a few years ago. Very nice setting. Thanks for all the information. I think the Governor of North Dakota is still on hold, waiting to point out the error of my ways.
We have more in common, Dear Friend of 50+ years, than being "spitting images" of our Mothers. I never met yours but had I, I would have known where that face of yours originated. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dorothy.
I got to know Dorothy when she was a devoted volunteer at the consignment store supporting mental health which took the nickname Bob gave Davis, "All Things Right and Relevant." Reading Bob's essay mentioning Dorothy working nights when her kids were young, I wonder how she got enough sleep to stay cheerful.
Thanks so much, Helen. Yes, mom never forgot anyone's name, mostly I think because she regarded everyone she met as a special friend. Her cherished her days at Student Health and loved being around students every day.
Thank you so much for sharing more history about your Mom! I was born at the Woodland Memorial. She may have been on duty during my first days of life there. She was very special to me and she was very supportive of me! She was a true angel to so many! I credit her for being my second Mom. I returned to Davis for many years to visit her, go out to lunch and I took my babies to meet her!! Dorothy Dunning will forever be my beloved friend and mentor!
Your Mom, Mary and Patsy were always there for me when I most needed them! She was a wonderful loving and caring human being! Her generous legacy lives on in her children!
This is such a sweet and wonderful remembrance; thank you for sharing.
I know we all have those stories, Carolee. I feel lucky that I got to tell mine.
Hi, Bob -
I have only one correction to note - it's St. AlexiUs (with a U). I know this well, as I was born there. I don't believe your mother and I ever crossed paths, but she certainly would have known Sister Neone, OSB, one of the group of 6 nuns the bishop recruited from Minnesota to open a school, Hospital, and University. She had taken the name of a French Bishop (At least that was what we were told). After Vatican II (I believe), when religious reclaimed their baptismal names, she became Sister Elizabeth Novy - my aunt.
I joined other family members in Bismarck in late July, 2016 to celebrate her 100th birthday. Covid denied us the pleasure of celebrating her 104th birthday, but a few of us nieces and nephews were able to attend her delayed memorial service in 2021. I was honored to lead "How Great Thou Art" as we took our leave of Sister, standing in the small cemetery on a bluff among her Sisters who proceeded her.
Barbara - You are correct and it has been corrected. The weird things is, there is also a St. Alexis, patron saint of Substack columnists, I think. Your story is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it. As it turns out, Sister was born the same year as my mom. Again, with God there are no coincidences. Looks like my mom, born on June 1, was one month older than Sister. Got to visit the campus of the University of Mary with my family a few years ago. Very nice setting. Thanks for all the information. I think the Governor of North Dakota is still on hold, waiting to point out the error of my ways.
Such a beautiful tribute to your mom. ❤️
Thank, Jenn. We were all so lucky to have her so present in our lives.
We have more in common, Dear Friend of 50+ years, than being "spitting images" of our Mothers. I never met yours but had I, I would have known where that face of yours originated. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dorothy.
Thanks, Sherri. My mom would have loved you.
I got to know Dorothy when she was a devoted volunteer at the consignment store supporting mental health which took the nickname Bob gave Davis, "All Things Right and Relevant." Reading Bob's essay mentioning Dorothy working nights when her kids were young, I wonder how she got enough sleep to stay cheerful.
Susan - I don't think she slept until all five kids went off to college.
Great story, Bob!
Thanks, Marti. So many great memories.
I knew Dorothy through university farm circle. A true lady.
She loved being a part of University Farm Circle, Renee, and all the friends she made there, including you.
Your Mother was special Bob. I knew her best as a Nurse at the Student Health Clinic and as a
Volunteer at many Community events. She always had a smile and greeting for each individual person as I think she knew each by name
Thanks so much, Helen. Yes, mom never forgot anyone's name, mostly I think because she regarded everyone she met as a special friend. Her cherished her days at Student Health and loved being around students every day.
Your mom was the BEST nurse at UCD and the BEST neighbor on Campus Way.
Lots of great parents on North Campus Way, Molly, including yours.
Thank you so much for sharing more history about your Mom! I was born at the Woodland Memorial. She may have been on duty during my first days of life there. She was very special to me and she was very supportive of me! She was a true angel to so many! I credit her for being my second Mom. I returned to Davis for many years to visit her, go out to lunch and I took my babies to meet her!! Dorothy Dunning will forever be my beloved friend and mentor!
She was very fond of you, Lydia. She always loved it when you came by.
Your Mom, Mary and Patsy were always there for me when I most needed them! She was a wonderful loving and caring human being! Her generous legacy lives on in her children!
Truly sweet memories, Bob. Conjuring our personal memories as we read.
I like to say, of loved ones lost, (be it family or friends), If their song is to continue, we must do the singing..
Beautifully said, Bill
Thank you
Bob:
Your thoughtful love of family is welcome reading. Thanks for the column about your mother.
Carl