There has been a great deal of coverage on the death of Her Majesty The Queen, and while she was a woman of sacrifice and service in the world and should be remembered and honored, I would like to also note the passing of a more local “Queen,” in our parish community: Mrs. Dorothy Ianzito.

Dorothy was a long-time parishioner here at St. Catherine of Siena. She had a powerful presence and was filled with love and compassion, while at the same time she had an immense amount of hope for the future, and she loved to laugh.

She was beyond impressed with the people of this parish. She always noted how much they did for others and she wanted to be part of the “parish giving” for charities and the many activities of the parish. She loved to watch the youth ministry pitch the car wash to Feed the Hungry or note how many young people taught in our Faith Formation program. When there was something needed in the parish, she quietly stood up to help—from buying vestments for the celebration of the Mass to purchasing our new Baptismal font.

She was a devout Catholic who trusted in the Lord. She knew what she believed in and lived it. A widow for more than 20 years, she moved three years ago to a life care facility in Suffield to be closer to her family. She died this week at the age of 97, a few days after being anointed with the Sacrament of the Sick. Her funeral here at St. Catherine of Siena was joyful in that she lived a good life, fulfilled her purpose on earth, and now went back home to God the Father. Her family remembered her as a lady whose life was comprised of “Faith, Family and Friends.” She was a member of “the greatest generation” that felt they were here on earth for more than selfish living. She, like so many others of that time, were all about the Nation, the family, community and about faith.

In all that is going on in our world, the vitriol, in all the fighting in politics, in the divisions of faith, and in the fracture of the family and friends (community), sometimes it is a very good thing to slow down, take some time and remember what those who came before us did prior to all this technology, wealth and busyness: Time spent with God, family and friends. Thank you, Dorothy and all the others of your generation. Rest in Peace!