Sister Norene Golly (formerly Sister Charlotte Ann)

Sister Norene Golly

“ … a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap, because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.” (Luke 6:38)

“Listening to her sisters and friends, this reading seemed appropriate for our celebration of life this afternoon for Sister Norene Golly. Several have referred to her generosity in taking care of details, whether or not anyone else noticed, helping to keep things running smoothly. Describing her ministry at Guerin High School, Sister Norene herself wrote once, ‘My doing things behind the scenes, taking care of the nitty gritty, enables the president, other administrators and faculty more time to make Guerin the best school possible.’ And so she worked in the background, taking care of preparations, setting everything up, taking care of the background which made things go smoothly, seeing to details, ‘quietly and without fanfare,’ as Sister Nancy Nolan described it,” said Sister Margaret Quinlan in her commentary for Sister Norene Golly, who died July 22.

Entering this world Jan. 12, 1932, in Chicago, Norene Frances Golly had one brother, Jerome. She was the daughter of Charles and Harriet (Bubacz) Golly. She attended St. Mark Grade School and graduated from Providence High School, both in Chicago. Entering the Congregation July 22, 1950, she received the religious name Sister Charlotte Ann. Sister Norene earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Norene commenced her ministry in education in 1953 at St. Patrick, Indianapolis. She served three years as teacher and principal at Corpus Christi, Oklahoma City, Okla. The majority of her years in the teaching ministry were spent in Illinois — St. Genevieve, St. Mel and St. Angela, Chicago, and St. Dennis, Lockport.

Sister Margaret shared about Sister Norene’s years of teaching. “Sister Norene wrote of herself, ‘I particularly enjoyed the years I spent as a first grade teacher. … I experienced a great deal of satisfaction in watching the progress that students made in learning to read.’”

In 1982, Sister Norene began her service at Providence-St. Mel, Chicago, initially as the assistant to the development director and later as the development office coordinator. From 1994 to 2008, Sister Norene ministered at Guerin College Preparatory High school, formerly known as Mother Theodore Guerin High School, in River Grove, Ill. She served as a secretary and later as Campus Facilities director and secretary. In 2008, Sister Norene provided service at Guerin Convent in River Grove.

“Sister Joan Zlogar, her band member and friend, described Sister Norene as an excellent cook, often preparing holiday dishes to take with her to her brother’s home for family gatherings. According to Sister Noralee Keefe, she was famous for her Harvey Wallbanger cake, her taco casserole, and her caramels for Christmas, which her good friend Sister Mary Magdalen [Schwartz, RIP] helped her with. She loved to read, usually mysteries, and made many trips to the local library, bringing home all the latest books,” said Sister Margaret.

“Sister Joan also recalled that she was a big fan of the Chicago Bears, while Sister Noralee told how she loved playing cards with her family, and especially enjoyed beating her nephew at cards — particularly when they played for money,” said Sister Margaret.

“Sister Norene’s illness made for a difficult time for her friends and family. But last Sunday evening — the anniversary of her entrance to Community and also the feast of Saint Magdalen, reminding us of her friendship with Sister Mary Magdalene — she slipped away from us. Surely our Providential God had gifts for her, full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, because the amount we measure out is the amount we will be given back,” concluded Sister Margaret.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Norene was celebrated July 27, 2012, with the Rev. Daniel Hopcus presiding. She is survived by her brother, Jerome, of Carol Stream, Ill.