These recently deceased Associates are recognized for their contributions to the congregation and community. May they rest in peace.
Leonor Casas was born in Zacatecas, Mexico on Apr. 25, 1946. Leonor and her husband, Jose, met the Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Lawrence Brindisi parish (Los Angeles) in 1987. For 22 years, Leonor served as the Director of Religious Education. When Leonor saw many parents waiting on the school benches during religious education classes, she began a program for them as well. As a mother of 4 and grandmother of 6, Leonor understood what parents needed to form faith-filled families. Jose and Leonor became associates in 2005 in the first bilingual formation group, comprised of candidates who understood English but were more comfortable communicating and praying in their native Spanish. Leonor died on Sept, 21, 2021 after a short illness. Jose’s faith supported his children and grandchildren who were devastated by Leonor’s passing. Leonor always exemplified love of God and service to others.
Yolanda Nunez was a Thousand Oaks resident since 1962, and longtime parishioner of St. Paschal Baylon Parish. She volunteered in many capacities at St. Paschal’s, including RCIA, school parent volunteer, Project Response, Wedding Coordinator, and No Room at the Inn. After more than 40 years of collaboration with the Sisters of Notre Dame, she became an Associate in 2009. She held several jobs, including many years at May Co. in the cosmetics department, but the thing she most loved to do was sew. She was well-known for her seamstress skills, and many people came to her for alterations or custom-made fashions. All of her children and grandchildren had hand-made blankets, and she loved making scarves for all the priests at St. Paschal’s. In the last few years of her life, she developed dementia, but she never lost her cheerful disposition. In January of 2022, at 88 years of age, she went to join our good Lord.
Martha Huggins died on June 18, 2021 after a long and courageous illness. Martha made her covenant in 2013 and was a dear friend of Sr. Antonine Manning. Her daughter Carolyn graduated from La Reina High School. Martha was devoted to the prayer shawl ministry at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Westlake Village, CA. She also cheerfully volunteered at many Nun Run publicity and packet pick up tables. May she rest in peace. She is pictured here with Sr. Antonine Manning.