PHOTO: Retiring lay employee Brenda Holtman (left) and Benedictine Sister Lynn Marie D'Souza, OSB share a laugh during Holtman's celebration of more than 30 years of employment with the community.
The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration celebrated the retirement of lay employee Brenda Holtman on May 23, honoring her more than 30 years of employment with the community.
Holtman worked as the head cook and whose cheerful presence in the kitchen was genuinely loved.
During the celebration, Sister Lynn Marie D’Souza, OSB, who serves as the kitchen manager, thanked Holtman for her unfailing loyalty and dedication to her Sisters throughout the years. Sister Lynn Marie shared an example of Easter morning in 2008 when a fire broke out at the congregation’s health care center, and Brenda showed up in the kitchen that morning - still in church clothes - to help prepare the Easter dinner because she knew her Sisters needed her.
“It's that love and kindness that will be the most greatly missed,” Sister Lynn Marie noted. “Brenda is eager to spend more time with the grandchildren and family and will continue to be the Kansas City Chiefs #1 fan.”
The community gifted Holtman with a beautiful frame Sister Sean Douglas, OSB handcrafted using century-old wood, glass and tin ceiling pieces that had been carefully salvaged from the monastery deconstruction years ago.
“We are grateful for Brenda’s many years of excellent service to us and look forward to welcoming her back frequently for visits!” Sister Lynn Marie said. |
