On Tuesday evening Fr John Garry celebrated Mass in the school chapel, for staff gathered together to pray for the repose of Tina Graham’s soul.
Since her death last week there have been so many beautiful words spoken about Ms Graham, who was a beautiful person.
Reproduced and shared with his permission, these beautiful words are taken from Fr John’s homily, shared this week with staff.
We gather today with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of Tina Graham who died last Friday. Her passing leaves a void filled with sadness and a profound sense of loss. Tina was a passionate educator but more than this was a guiding light and a wonderful human being who touched the lives of countless students and staff, through her love of life and of drama, her faith and her commitment to nurturing the talents of others during her 26 years here at Notre Dame, where she embraced the charism of St Jeanne de Lestonnac and her devotion to Mary, Mother of God.
Tina’s untimely death at the age of 61 is a reminder of the fragility of life, and the enduring power of God’s unconditional love. Love was the foundation of her teaching, the engine of her creativity, and the source of her strength. Let us remember her love for her students, her colleagues, her family, and Notre Dame. Let us also remember that love is eternal, and that even in death our love for one another continues to bind us together.
We mourn her absence, but we also rejoice in the hope of eternal life. As Jesus said, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” We know that Tina is now at peace, reunited with God and with those who have gone before us. This is not the end, but a transition, a new chapter in her eternal journey. Let us pray for her soul, and for all who are grieving her loss. May the light of God shine upon her, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.
In the face of grief, let us find solace in our Christian faith and in the love of God and in the support of one another. Let us remember Tina’s legacy of love, creativity and faith. Let us honour her memory by continuing to nurture the talents of our students, by fostering creativity, and by living a life filled with love, compassion and faith. The world and Notre Dame is a better place because Tina lived and loved here.
