b'these staff members have found their own ways to Watching work friends go through painful times ismark important milestones. hard, says Kathy, because you dont always know whatThe artist Mary Engelbreit has a saying: When a to do. So just listening and being present are importantchild is born, so is a grandmother, says Pat. Wevetwo attributes that reflect Marianist spiritual values.looked for ways to celebrate and laugh with one another,especially when a grandchild is born or one of our Laughter and a lending handchildren gets married. Its that kind of relationship- All four women have been working for the provincebuilding that makes it fun to come to work. since it was formed in 2002. Along with Gina Marty,On the other end of the spectrum, having people administrative assistant for the Office of Temporalities,to grieve with during difficult times is an unanticipated who came on- board in 2014, they are the backbone ofblessing. Donna Tucker, 69, administrative assistant our office staff, says Provincial Father Oscar Vasquez.for the Office of Education, recalls the support she They have been on the West Pine administrativefelt when her son, Joshua, 28, died suddenly in 2011. team through three provincial administrations. WeI remember calling all of the staff together in a room are truly thankful for their day-to-day efforts to keepso I could explain what had happened, she says. the mission of the province going, especially duringThat was important to me. So was their kindness these transitions.and understanding. The women all agree that it can be challenging toAnn also recalls the care she received after the death adjust to new provincial leadership. Those sameof family members. Between 2003 to 2009, I lostbrothers that I love, says Ann, well, they make memy two brothers and my mom and dad, she says.crazy sometimes! She lets out a big, hearty laugh, theAnn Mueller, communications I remember the staff and Marianist Father Jim Fitz kind that fills the room with warmth and her self-specialist, who will retire inJanuary 2022, and Kathy were especially helpful during those years. He often deprecating humor. But then, Im an introvert, soCooper, donor relations checked on me to see that I was okay. people in general can overwhelm me, she explains. 20 Call 1.800.348.4732'