Dear Editor: It was with deep sadness that I read about the passing of Sister Mary Matthias Slaymaker, C.S.J. in The Tablet (Obituaries, Aug. 6). I had the good fortune of having her as my grade-eight teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grammar School, Sunset Park. I had had a difficult grade seven and was fearful that grade eight would be more of the same. The intensity of my anxiety was made worse my older siblings, with comments like “Grade eight is really bad. The Sisters make you work really hard so you can get through the grade eight Regents. You also have to be in school by 8:30 a.m. for Regents review before class begins at 9 a.m.” This is the worry I carried in September 1956.

However, all this worry gradually passed as Sister Mary Matthias introduced herself. Her calm and quiet dignity was immediately revealed. I’ll never forget her opening words: “Gentlemen (all 60 of us), I’ve never taught a class of boys. You’ll have to help me teach you!”

WOW! Here is this lovely Sister, in her beautifully veiled coronet with the linen triangle, asking us to help her teach. WOW! Sister’s serenity remained with her all through the year. If anyone needed “to be encouraged” they were asked to please meet her outside for a moment. After a moment she and the student returned and the day went on with its usual quiet and peacefulness. She made us feel safe and school was really enjoyable!

We made contact with Sister in her retirement at Brentwood. We sent her “goodies” for the holidays and exchanged cards during the year. I remembered Sister Mary all during my teaching career. I would frequently ask myself, “How would Sister Matthias react to this situation?” She and the other C.S.J.’s were always a good example to draw upon.

To her family and the C.S.J. Community, allow me to express my sympathy at this great lady’s passing. I promise you she will never be forgotten but will be remembered and prayed to always.

 

GERARD AND JANIS MOAKLER

Kennebunk, Maine