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We were dazzled by appearances, and frankly speaking Nan’s appearance was quite ordinary, her smile gentle, not showy she wore big glasses. She didn't wear the latest teen fashions.. So much for the insight of teenagers. When Nancy died in 1997 an entire cathedral filled with mourners whose ranks included bishops and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. How did we get it so wrong in her brief and prosaic yearbook entry, “after school, it’s business?”
Immediately after school Nancy entered the Mother of Mercy Novitiate in Dallas, Pennsylvania and took her vows as a Sister of Mercy in August 1960. Until 1974 she taught grade school and middle school in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania diocese. She then moved to St. Aloysius Convent in Great Neck, New York as a member of the faculty. For the last nine years of her life she also worked in the ministry in the Diocesan Office of Rockville Centre. No public honors or awards, no prizes, no scholarly degrees or academic accolades brought her life to anyone’s attention. Yet she came to be known by many thousands as an extraordinary woman, not for a few outstanding achievements, but for her selfless daily service to other people.
A eulogy written by Sister Maureen McCann sums up the Nancy Baker most of us never knew or suspected. “Our Sister Nancy Baker would not have described herself as extraordinary. But, those who have lived with her, worked wither, received her care and known her friendship, would certainly say that there was something of grandness about her presence, her simple, down-to-earth generosity and largesse of heart, her matter-of-fact, no-nonsense loving.”
Our classmate Ruth Ahearn reported that she recently had lunch with Carole Brown and Joanne LaPierre and that, “They each spoke of a very humble, saintly Nancy who did great things but without any fanfare...she never spoke of her daily work.” But work she did as Sister McCann noted. “I hesitate to say that she is enjoying ‘eternal rest.’ I have an idea there may be some creative negotiation, and, in that unconditional love which we are promised, God will create the suitable alternative.”
In 1995 when the bishop chose Nancy as one of three from the diocese to meet Pope John Paul II, Nancy said, "I don't know why he picked me, but I'm glad he did." Even then Nancy was fighting the cancer that would soon take her life. Others knew. Sister McCanm said, “Nancy had a ‘get on with it’ attitude that drew people to her. . . .Choosing life for her was living fully and generously with and for others.”
“My Friendship With Nancy Baker,” by Joan Birchill Ryan
In those early years when so many Catholic children went to a Catholic school, Nancy and I became good friends at St. Boniface. We went to lunch and dinner together and spent nights at each other’s home.
The Baker house was always great fun! The family included two other children. Gayle was the baby of the family and seemed like such a child to us older and more sophisticated girls. Nancy’s older sister, Dolly, was someone we could admire but still have fun with. At no time was life in their house on Grove Street dull or boring.
Nancy’s parents during those years opened a delicatessen—to our great delight. They began their entrepreneurial adventure in a small store which is now the St. Boniface Outreach Center. As the business grew, they moved to larger quarters on the corner of Glen Cove Avenue and Lafayette Street. Nancy’s parents made a great success out of the business and were always understanding and kind when we raided the goodies.
Life was good for us then. We spent our time doing simple things that gave us so much pleasure. In those years school, the movies, birthday parties, the beach and shopping in Glen Cove filled our days. Nancy was always ready to laugh and have fun. As I think back and remember her face, I always see a smile on her mouth. Even then, I knew she had special qualities. A goodness and great gentleness emanated from her.
We graduated from elementary school and on to different high schools. We didn’t see as much of each other after that, but we did stay friends and talked every once in a while. She never talked to me about wanting to become a nun in the Catholic Church, but I was not surprised when she did.
After high school she entered the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Pennsylvania. We talked only occasionally until she was transferred to the Office of the Diocese of Rockville Center. Then we began to talk more frequently. I would always ask her what her job was over there. She would always say that she just helped some people out and handled some things for the Bishop.
We connected at the St. Boniface Reunion and had a great time. Meeting so many of our classmates was such fun and on one enjoyed the evening more than Nancy. As happens so often, promises were made to get together and see each other, but sadly it never happened. Then one morning, my long time friend Joanne La Pierre called and asked if I knew Nancy had passed. I was stunned but so grateful to learn that I hadn’t missed the funeral.
I immediately rushed over to the Great Neck Catholic Church. As I arrived there, I realized the area was around the church was crowded with cars. After I parked, I rushed up the stairs, opened the large doors and saw that people had packed the church. Never before or since have I seen such a large gathering to celebrate someone’s life. As the mass proceeded, the funeral cortege entered with so many of the Church’s hierarchy that I was mesmerized. AT one point I could easily see some twenty-five priests around the altar. The eulogies were many and all sang her praises while pronouncing great gratitude for her work and for having known her.
After expressing my condolences toher family before their trip to the Motherhouse of the Mercy Order in Pennsylvania, I drove away realizing how fortunate I had been to have Nancy share some of her life with me. This was a gentle soul who thought only of others by dedicating her life to helping people. Never did she need or want to receive any accolades or praises. Her whole life was spent doing all she could in every way for everyone.
She possessed so many wonderful qualities and accomplished so much in her short life onthis earth. Since that day, when I think of Nancy baker, I thank God that I knew her and feel so lucky that she was in my life.
