Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Sister Norah and I share Johnville roots. The Riley family farm was adjacent to that of my paternal grandparents. She and my father grew up together , and even before I knew her myself, I heard stories of what a lovely person she was.
My personal acquaintance with her only confirmed that reputation. She and my parents occasionally shared meals and stories, tears and laughter, at our home, while I kept to the background - because she was also my teacher (junior high at St. Dunstan’s School).
It was here where I more personally experienced, her kindness, patience and quiet sense of humour. She was always smiling, and rarely raised her voice, commanding respect by her sincerity. . She was one of the teachers I remember most clearly - and always with a smile. As I came to know her on an adult level, I saw how much she was at peace with her place in the world, and how humble and genuinely spiritual she was. My father called her “the gentlest of people” . She was indeed.
Mary Kilfoil McDevitt
