(May 15, 1911 - August 13, 2014)
Word has been received of the death of Sister Agnes Solari, who died at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, in Saint Mary's Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Sister Agnes was a devoted and prayerful religious and a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her favorite prayer was the Apostles’ Creed and even as her strength diminished, she could still recite that prayer; it always brought a smile of contentment to her face. Possibly the reason it was special was because it was the introductory prayer to the rosary, which was not recited in the usual repetition of the Hail Mary, but in a contemplative way as she spiritually stepped into the action of each mystery and became a prayerful part of the scene. This contemplative approach to prayer was reflected in all of her interactions — whether with students, their families, her friends or ministry associates.
There is a letter in Sister Agnes’ personal file from a former student, whom she taught in the primary grades, years and years and years ago, which relates how it was Sister’s kindness and compassion that the student remembers and cherishes today. This same woman, now in her 90s, remained in contact with Sister Agnes.
Though in her heart Sister Agnes wanted to serve the sick, she accepted her assigned ministry to teach in the primary grades and did so successfully for over 30 years in the elementary schools of the West. Then in 1968 she went from ministering to 6-year-olds to those of 80-plus years when she was assigned as superior to the sisters in retirement at Saint Catherine’s by the Sea in Ventura, California.
Because of her deep inner peace, Sister Agnes did not find the move problematic, and the transition reflected her own flexibility. In the next 30 years of her religious life she accepted roles as diverse as could be imagined. Sister Agnes became the manager and overseer of a large apartment complex that housed senior citizens in Biloxi, Mississippi, a school secretary in Texas, a business manager in the Valley Home Health Agency in Raymondville, Texas, a regional councilor in the East stationed in Austin, Texas, a financial assistant and medical records accountant at Wynhoven Health Care Center in Marrero, Louisiana, and finally back to Ventura, California, where she offered community service wherever it was needed. During all of these moves she remained her usual self-contained peaceful self, and this enabled her to be successful in meeting each of these unique challenges.
Because of the onslaught of diminished eyesight and hearing, Sister Agnes retired to Saint Mary’s after 70 years of active ministry, where in spite of these personal challenges she continued to serve in whatever capacity she was able. Her constant concern was for the sisters with whom she lived, and the sick were always in her prayers.
Sister Agnes was profuse in her gratitude; no small favor or help was ever offered that she did not immediately respond with a “thank you” or “God bless you.” She was a self-effacing religious and never wanted to draw attention to herself. Because of her deep spirituality, daily Mass was very important to her and, as long as she was able, she never missed attending. However, she would be embarrassed if she had ever been aware of the warm smiles that appeared on her sisters’ faces when, because of her hearing loss, her responses were like a quiet echo as she caught up with the rest of the worshipers. It was a privilege to pray with her and to be wrapped in the aura of joy that surrounded her. Sister Agnes now rests in peace with the Blessed Mother and Jesus for whom she had boundless love.