Susan Riley, Galesburg, IL: “They worked magic”

This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Susan Riley, Galesburg, IL, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana.

I’m convinced the Sisters of Providence who staffed Costa School in the 1970’s were the most dedicated, devout, creative and resourceful group of religious to ever assemble. They ran the school on a shoestring, looked for donations from whomever was willing and worked magic within the walls. My classmates and I gained a solid foundation in academics; those nuns were incredible teachers. More importantly, we learned the value of caring for others and sacrificing for something greater than ourselves. After my parents, the Sisters at Costa provided the most significant influence on my life. Without their lessons in faith, in service and in work, I’d be a much different person. While many of those ladies have left this life, their legacy remains.