What follows are the words Monica's brother, John, said during the funeral. Thank you for sharing, John.
Good Afternoon,
I’m Monica’s brother John Salle and it is my honor to say a few words today. Over the last thirteen months, as we traveled this journey with Monica, it became very apparent to me that in times of real need, when there is no doubt that your time on this earth may be limited, it brings you closer. Closer to your family, closer to your friends, closer to those you love, closer to many that you may not have heard from in a while. And of course, this experience teaches us all what really matters – the love of one another and the importance of family and community. This sense of community was so important and so appreciated by Monica. When reflecting on this past year, these past few weeks, and what to say today, the first thing that came to mind were the different communities that surrounded, blessed and informed Monica and her life.
First, our family. The Salle children were all three years apart. Maybe it was my dad, but I think my mom was the planner. Well this was especially convenient when it came time for high school. My brothers and I attended O’Dea, the all-boys High School, and Monica and Marie attended Holy Names. You see- Marie drove Joe to school when he was a freshman, Joe drove Tom when he was a freshman, Mike drove me when I was a Freshman, and I got to drive Monica when she was a freshman. When it came to my turn, being a senior and having to drive to the all-girls school, pulling up and dropping Monica off every morning, was not all that bad, although it never really worked out for me like I imagined. That was a special year for Monica and me spending so many mornings in the car, growing up at such a critical time together.
We grew up in South Seattle on Ryan Street, right across the street from St. Paul’s Parish. St. Paul’s was such a strong community of church and school, many families of which have been lifelong friends to the Salle’s and to Monica. Grade school friends, including Gina and Penny, from some thirty years ago came together to support Monica and that was something special to see.
Growing up in a family that owned a grocery business, the community around “the store”, as we simply called it, dominated the discussion around the Sunday night dinner table. Customers became friends, employees became family. This community even after so much time has passed, has been extremely supportive, not only of Monica, but to our entire family. Kathy, you were there for my father, for so many years and for my brother Mike and myself. I bet you thought when you moved to Gig Harbor, you were done with the Salles, but somehow Monica turned up here as well. Thank you for all you have done for her and for our family. The community of Holy Names Academy; the all-girls high school on Capitol Hill, more lifelong friends that came to her assistance and encouraged here throughout her battle. Her best friend went above and beyond what any of us would ever ask of a friend. Wendy, you have been such an example of friendship, compassion and selflessness. Thank you.
After her college years, Monica became part of a work community called MultiCare, where she loved her work and was so very proud of her career. She was a co- worker, a boss, an employee, but clearly she enjoyed the company of many in this workplace. This community has been so supportive over the last year. I only had the chance to meet a few of you: Karen and Juanita, but I know there were many, many, more. Thank you for all your support and friendship. Her community here, at St Patrick’s, where Aurora went to school, and now Gabriel attends school, and the family’s church. Where Karl is a member of the Knights of Columbus; a community that came together in support of Monica with a fundraiser dinner late last year. I’d like to especially thank Gabriel’s classmates from the second grade. Thank you for being here today and thank you for the wonderful prayer cards adorning the back wall of this church. Your continual support, prayers, and outreach have been very much appreciated. Last but not least, our extended family community: brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews. Your love for Monica, Karl and her family has been wonderful and reinforces to all of us what really matters. Joe, your morning Facebook posts, Tom, your phone calls, Marie, your compassionate care and Laura with a quip, a smile and sometimes shaking a much-needed cocktail, it mattered when Monica needed you most, and to my nieces and nephews. Monica was so pleased to have her girls, Aurora and Krista, swept unquestioningly into the mix called Salle Cousins, and when Gabriel finally arrived, that regardless of the age difference, he always was meant to feel part of the team, because he is. And last, my mother, who wore out her phone calling all the priests she has ever known asking for masses and prayers. And for all the other friends, family and acquaintances of Monica and Karl and their family, thank you for all you have done and for your support. I am sure Monica would like me to thank each and every one of you. I am sure there is a list somewhere…
Monica was a planner and a list maker. This last year she had a notebook at her side and with lots of tasks, or “to-dos” with a checkbox by each. Karl graciously agreed to share a list we thought all here today would appreciate. It’s on the back of the card. I’m not sure, but I’m guessing after all that time in the hospital, “Try Exotic Food” was one that really had a new meaning for her. And, the National Parks definitely remind us how Monica was a Biology major who loved and appreciated natural beauty and could see the science all around her. So next time you try some exotic food, or pick up a shell at the beach this summer, think of Monica.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you my appreciation for this community. We are here today for Monica, one big community celebrating her life. Monica’s spirit will live within each of us in its own special way. This journey, however painful it may feel today, has brought us all closer together. Karl, Aurora, Gabriel, Krista, I hope that you will find strength now and in the future in knowing that your wife and mother has impacted each of us and won’t be forgotten. We loved her very much.
Thank you.
John Salle
February 10, 2017
St Patrick’s Catholic Church