“Helen McLaughlin was the housekeeper for Father Burkley, our third pastor, and secretary at St. Mary’s parish for more than fifty years. She was called to a “vocation” that required heroic dedication, far beyond that required in the mission field or the monastic life. Imagine cooking and cleaning for a group of eccentric bachelors, or trying to prepare a meal while answering phone calls about bingo and other parish activities. Dinner is almost ready to put on the table and several priest-visitors drop in for an unexpected visit. Father Thomas McLaughlin recalled that his Aunt Helen usually saw a special message on the Christmas cards she received from Monsignor Burkley. “The best friend a feller ever had,” the message read. When Helen passed in 1971, Father Burkley mourned her death, repeated the expression and added, “My seeing eye is gone.” Helen had literally become the eyes and ears of the old priest as he lost the use of his senses. “Her whole life was dedicated to looking after Monsignor Burkley,” Father McLaughlin said.
Requiescat in Pace.” - Ed Quickert