Sister M. Oliviann Santilli, SNJM

Olive Gloria 

June 25, 1921–December 21, 2010 (Marylhurst, OR)

Sister M. Oliviann Santilli, SNJM, was born into eternal life on December 21, 2010, at Caritas House, Mary’s Woods, Lake Oswego, Oregon. She had celebrated 89 years of life and 64 years of religious profession. The Funeral Mass was celebrated December 30, followed by interment in the Holy Names Cemetery, Marylhurst, Oregon.

Among her many contributions, she helped to keep the SNJM community Chronicles for many years. With her gift for organization and attention to detail, her background as an executive secretary, and her sensitive understanding of what to include and what to leave out, she was ideally suited to recognize and record the meaningful activities that make up daily life and collectively establish the tradition and history of a community.

In addition to her professional work with the Provincial administration, she always kept herself and those around her up-to-date on matters of interest — she researched, studied, and collected pertinent information about new developments in health and sciences, social and religious issues, and world events. Her own diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease led her to learn more about this illness, so that she would know what to expect and how to handle many of the symptoms she would face — but also so that her learning could be shared, and her experience could serve to help others.

Whether in study or in prayer, she applied whatever she learned to deepening her spiritual life and understanding, and opening her heart to God. Writings on “Practicing the Presence” were especially precious to her in the last months of her life, as she wrestled with her illness and sought to feel God’s love embracing her in the midst of the large and small challenges she encountered each day. Even when coping with pain or confusion, she affirmed that she knew God was always with her, with every breath.