Lucy Barnard

"...her kindness and generosity left a deep and abiding affection in the hearts of many," said her obituary. I am graced in being very much one of those to whom she left a deep and abiding affection in my heart, for which I am deeply grateful. Holy Rosary Church in Billings was among the many places in which she volunteered for a number of years during her years in Billings.. She lived close to the church and was a faithful parishioner. She was also a faithful volunteer, especially to "fill in" for the church secretary, as needed, and also to help out, wherever and however needed. Since I was a staff member and my office was right next to the secretary's office, she "got to help me" too! And that she did! For many of the years we were both there, she was indeed a godsend in ever-so many ways. Whatever needed doing, she could do, having been a bookkeeper and office manager. What a blessing she was to me and how grateful I was and am. Even better yet, we became good friends. When I left Holy Rosary and became the Pastoral Administrator in three small churches outside of Billings, Bridger, Fromberg and Joliet, guess who would drive up now and then? She would spend an entire day helping me "catch up" on the piles of papers etc. that seemed to collect more often than they should and became much larger than they should! She was a godsend many times and in many ways. Of course, we visited, caught up on things, had lunch, etc. Those were good times for both of us, times that I value and always will. She made a good decision, it seemed to me, when she moved to Westpark Village, and I think she thought so, too. It seemed to me that she was content there and also developed some "meal" friends and perhaps others also. I like to think that she believed she had made a good decision and was content. I regret not attending the Vigil Serve on Thursday; night, roads, etc. nor the Memorial Mass on Friday. On Friday, I have a Sisters of Charity meeting, l0 am - 3 p.m., which is important and required. I regret very much not being able to attend either service, as I very much would like to be at both, but that is not possible. Know that all of you and especially Lucy will be in my prayers these next few days. May Lucy be enjoying her new life in heaven! I am certain that she is and I am happy for her! Blessings to all of you. Sister Mary Lou smaryloumendel@gmail.com