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Memories for Beulah
From: Mary Kay Klev
Francis family please know I am thinking of all of you and
am sorry I can not be in Minot for Aunt Beulah's funeral. Over
the years I have been able have updates of your lives through
my mom and yours and now with her passing that connection is
gone. I will always cherish the memories of visits with all of
you in our childhood (we did get a little crazy)with the only
cousins I have (mom & dad are only children). If you choose
please stay in touch. My number is 952-906-1557. Love Mary Kay
Klev
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From: Steven & Penny McCormack
To the family of Beulah Francis,
Most of you don't know me, but I became acquainted with Beulah
way back in 1975 when she and Father McKenna hired me fresh out
of college to teach at St. Leo's School in Minot. That was 33
years ago and Beulah set for me an example I've tried to follow
throughout my teaching career.
Despite the fact that I am a non-Catholic, I was accepted with
"open arms" by the administration and faculty at St.
Leo's. I thought of us as one big family under the leadership
of Mrs. Francis. I remember Father McKenna remarking to me one
day that what was really important was not so much our demonimation,
but rather that we are Christians. That comment has always stayed
with me.
Beulah demonstrated day by day that she was a committed Christian.
She was also totally committed to her school and particularly
to each and every student. She wanted the best for them and she
informed me early on that I would be expected to organize a science
fair for grades 5-8 on an annual basis. That was a lot of work,
but its an example of an academic activity that I've continued
throughout my career, even when I wouldn't have "had to".
In addition, Beulah got me going with a bit of coaching and I
really enjoyed the relationships I developed with my students
in that endeavor. I always felt apreciated in that capacity--win
or lose. I worked with Beulah for five years, and when I left
she suggested that I might want to get involved in the administration
end of things. I never followed that path, though. I don't think
I would have had the "knack" Beulah had for that--and
probably not the energy either. Beulah led us all in such a positive
manner that it made yo!
u want to do your best. Each Friday we were expected to turn
in a lesson plan explaining what it was that we hoped to accomplish
in the coming week. The following Monday we would get our plans
back and every so often there would be a note, handwritten by
Beulah. In it she would share her gratitude for all the efforts
we put forth and basically give us a "pat on the back".
In fact, sometimes just as I was beginning to doubt myself, along
would come this note and what a motivation it provided! I doubt
if Beulah thought of it in these terms, though. I think that,
as busy as she was, she wrote those notes for us just because
that is who she was--a caring, appreciative person. I really
wish I still had those notes.
As I said earlier, Father McKenna stressed the importance of
being a Christian. Behlah definitely was that, but not in name
only. She was a committed Christian--and as such, what a legacy
she leaves in her family and in her extended family--her students
and all whose lives she touched! Beulah truly led a life in preparation
for her heavenly reward. It was a privilege to have learned from
her and to have had the opportunity to have known her. Although
she will be missed in an earthly sense, it is a joy to know that
she had accepted and embraced God's gift of salvation.
Steven McCormack
Our prayers and best wishes to all of you.
Steven and Penny McCormack
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From: Nancy Bergo O'Shea
Dear Millie & Family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts
are with you. She was a special lady and I know you will miss
hear dearly.
Sincerely,
Nancy O'Shea
341 S. Ellington Parkway
#220
Lewisburg, TN 37091
931-698-2500
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