May 23, 2026
Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.”
I am confident that Nancy’s heart is no longer troubled. In fact, she’s at peace with our Maker and is free of pain and all worries. In fact, she might be even chuckling in joy, knowing just how much she was loved by so many!
My first encounter with Nancy took place in the hallway from here to the office twelve years ago. Even though it happened moments before the opening hymn, how can I forget?
We were both in a hurry, going in opposite directions. I was nervous, wondering if I had shocked Nancy, but that concern soon faded when she gave me a big smile. “Oh, hi! So YOU are the new priest! I am Nancy Fred. Nice to meet you, Father! I am sure you won’t remember me, but I am glad you are here!”
In that brief moment, I found her quick remark, “I am sure you won’t remember me,” rather strange. “Oh yes, I will, Nancy. In fact, here is what I am going to do!” I wrote down her full name and mentioned that she was a choir member with my turquoise-inked fountain pen. “Oh, you don’t need to do that, Father! Aww, it has been ages since I saw someone using a fountain pen.” Nancy did not miss any small details.
So, I have always seen her name at every service ever since. Beside her name now live memories – joyful ones, serious ones, even tearful ones–that stay with me. The last conversation I had with her was about her name in my prayer book to remind her that she was truly one of a kind. She teared up with joy.
What I find amazing is that, of all the things she did for others, including me, she didn’t think people would remember her. How can we forget about her, like after this one time when I surprised her with FaceTime while she was in a rehab facility? All I could see was her ear, so I told her it was a video conversation. Oh, she got so flustered! “Oh Father, I don’t know what to do. I’ve never done this before! I have not even brushed my teeth!” To calm her down, I said to her, “Nancy, don’t you worry. Your morning breath won’t travel over here through the phone.” She just laughed. How can we forget a moment like that? Everyone privileged to have known her has a Nancy story. Oh, Nancy. You made me chuckle.
Last week, someone quietly left a poem on my desk in memory of Nancy. The moment I read it, I knew it belonged here today.
‘We Remember Them’ by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer
At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.
Indeed, we remember Nancy, as the poem says. Nancy continues to live with us. Just look at Mitchell and Chris! When I look at them and talk with them, I see and hear Nancy in them.
Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.”
Nancy is at peace with our Maker; she might even be chuckling, knowing her love continues to live among us. We love her dearly. We miss her dearly. Yet, even in our grief, we give thanks to God for the gift of her life. So to that, let us say, “Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” Amen.
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