Remembering Annette - Her Memory Is a Blessing

 It was 5th November (Bonfire Night/Fireworks Night/Guy Fawkes Day), in either 2003 or 2004.  I was in England and staying with my brother Martyn and his wife Wendy.  We were in the back garden letting off a few domestic fireworks.   

The 'phone rang. My brother answered it and then called for me.

At the other end of the line was the Revd. Ian Douglas, one of the Priest Associates at St. James's in Porter Square, Cambridge, MA

He had devastating news.  Annette S. Hunter the Sexton at St. James's had been killed in a road accident.   Oh no, not our beloved and quirky Annette.

She had gotten off a 'bus after dark  on a ill lit Boston Ave. in Somerville/Medford.  As she crossed the road she was hit by what must have been a speeding driver. 

The entire parish was in deep grief. Oh no, not our beloved and quirky Annette.

The Parish Vestry had already gathered and they gave me a gift.  They said "Do not break your vacation to fly back for Annette's Funeral. We can take care of things" (as they could and did).

Sometime later I was able to lead the prayers when Annette's mortal remains were laid to rest in Lexington, MA.

There are loads of  stories about Annette - a "character". 

One parishioner is fond of saying "Annette confirmed me".  Annette was a parish gatekeeper.

Those of us who saw her every day will remember her chorus of "oh shit, oh shit, oh shit" as she went about her work.

Another of her expletives was "Jesus Mary and Joseph".  Annette told me that my predecessor (Christopher L) once scolded her for this.  She retorted "Father Chris I was praying!"

And my stories

After my breaking in days she told a parishioner  "I like Michael he doesn't have an attitude" .  That's music from a staff member to any Rector's ears.

I drove to work from my home in Medford on that same Boston Ave. From time to time I would see her at her 'bus stop and give her a ride.  The routine became familiar.  I would stop in Davis Sq. Somerville to get coffee at "Dunkin". Always I asked "may I get you a coffee?"  Always I asked . Always she said "no".  As I got out of my car I would always say  "and don't talk to any strangers"

Best of all.  

On the day that I left the office for my holiday in England I cleared my desk and went to my car,

Then I remembered that I'd neglected to say good bye to Annette. I went back inside and said "bye-bye Annette, I'll see you in two weeks".

Annette wished me well.  Then, all off script, Annette hugged me,

We never could have guessed that we'd never again see each other this side of the veil.

After all  these years on her memory is a Blessing.