Today, the Algoma Conservatory of Music in Sault Ste. Marie dedicated a piano classroom to Sister Immaculata. Below is a photo of a photo of her, along with the sign and view into the piano room. The celebration was attended by many of Sister Immaculata's family and friends, including several of the local Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie and Associates. We were blessed to have Sister Immaculata join us by Skype! We also took this opportunity to wish her a happy 96th birthday!
One of the speakers, a former student and then colleague, spoke and read from his book, "Music's Life Lessons". Robert Ollikkala had this to say about Sister Immaculata: "...none have marked me more than Immaculata. She epitomized then, as she does today, the things that I believe matter most in a music teacher: kindness, compassion, selflessness, a firm conviction in the positive role that music can play in the lives of her students, a firm faith that enabled her to embrace all with love and forgiveness, and a vast knowledge of music combined with the ability to communicate that knowledge...The wise and saintly walk among us; we just need to be developed enough to recognize and appreciate them. In my fortunate case they were manifest in my wise, spiritually aware and devoted music teacher." What a fitting tribute!
We love you, Sister Immaculata!