Nat was a special blessing to our family. He was the only son of six daughters to my dear parents. I would like to share a few reflections in the name of my three surviving sisters, Mary, Dora, Ilda and myself.

We will always remember that Nat was the only boy in our family and he was our parent's pride and joy. With five sisters, Nat was spoiled, in a good sense. There was always one of us to do things for him, especially my sister Mary.

My brother Nat was a unique person. He loved to write letters to his children and friends. I will never forget his faithfulness to me. Ever since I entered the Dominican Order, over 45 years ago, Nat wrote to me every week or every two weeks. Not just a few words, but two or three pages sharing with me all about his family, his grandchildren, his friends, his trips to Florida, trips with the senior citizens, and his interest in fishing and gardening. The Sisters I lived with were envious of his letters to me. He was just as good about calling me on the phone. He always wanted to know how I was doing.

Our brother was always thoughtful, thinking about others by visiting his friends that were sick and participating in benefits as a Knight, to help others in need. By his love and kindness, he showed us how to be hands to help others, feet to help the poor and needy, eyes to see those in want, ears to hear the sorrows of others. His examples have enriched our lives for he always tried to be a good example of God's love.

There can be many fitting memorials to Nat, but I believe that the greatest memorial is not found in stone, but in the way we live our Christian commitment after his example. This would be the greatest memorial to him.

Nat enjoyed the joys of celebrations and accepted the pain of disappointments, but he never gave up as a husband, father, brother or friend.

Our brother Nat reminds us of an image of a ROSE. The rose simply is and is there for us to enjoy. The rose begins as a bud on a stem of THORNS that reminds us of the pain that we will meet along the path of our life. We step aside, watch, wait and allow the life of the rose to happen as it unfolds in full beauty that reveals and radiates the center. It is open, alive and awakens and becomes part of our lives. When the rose has completed its life, it returns to the Creator. NAT HAS BEEN A ROSE IN EACH ONE OF OUR LIVES through his life on earth. Nat has completed his earthly life and has journeyed into eternal glory as a ROSE THAT WILL ENJOY GOD'S LIFE FOREVER.

NAT, WE WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.

Your sister,
Sister Maria DeMonti