Sr Emmanuel Bali R.I.P

Lovable, kind and unique- what an excellent description of Sr. Emmanuel!

Emmanuel was always remarkably close to her family; we are delighted to welcome them

here today in person and via zoom.

Emmanuel was unique – she often remined us of “Maria” in the Sound of Music - How do

you keep a wave upon the sand? How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand? She had many

endearing qualities and made friends wherever she went. Many friends are here today; we are so

pleased you could come.

Born before the second world war Lila Catherine Bali grew up in a close-knit family; the

middle child with siblings Roy, Peter, Vera and Frank. Her parents chose the Ursuline at

Ilford for her education; she also spent a year as a boarder at Westgate.

Memories of Emmanuel are full of her sense of fun, her concern for others, her love of

travel and a sense of mystery – she loved a secret!

One person wrote:

I remember Sr. Emmanuel very fondly. Not only was she the school nurse when I was at

school at Wimbledon, but more significantly she was a very good friend of my parents.

She was full of fun and energy, deeply kind and interested in other people. As a child I

loved her being in our house and talking to us. 

These memories are echoed by one of her nieces:

Lila was a wonderfully kind and fun aunt - and great-aunt to my children. She was always

smiling, yet sincere and good when advice was asked for. I remember when we all lived in

Wimbledon her playing our favourite game of 'Hotel' when Adam, Mirek and I were

children and Lila pretending to be cross at getting the worse buildings on the board. She

made us laugh a lot! When I was a young adult she gave me a special bible that means a

lot to me and I carry it close.

Many years ago in the Ursuline House of Studies it was the eve of Emmanuel’s Craft

exhibition for her final Teacher’s exam; the provincial happened to be visiting. She came to

recreation where everyone seemed to be diligently occupied so asked what each one was

doing. First respondent said she was doing X for Sr. Emmanuel, 2 nd respondent: she was

doing Y for Sr. Emmanuel. And so on round the circle. She retained her ability for eleventh

hour rescues throughout her life!

Emmanuel’s life was full of variety. As a teacher she taught in schools in England, Spain and

the Caribbean. Her pupils loved her, especially the ones who were more timid. She enjoyed

being responsible for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme at Westgate. She worked for the

Fountains Trust Tape Ministry. Back in 1980 the Director of the Fountain Trust wrote:

She has brought a depth of spirituality to us and has enriched not only our ministries, but

each of us personally.

She frequently worked alongside Father Bob Faricy in his retreat work when he was in

England; he understood her personality and valued her ability to engage with people,

praying with them or listening to their stories. She always respected the privacy of the

countless people whose lives she touched, she prayed for each one. She was involved in

many prayer groups; her contributions were highly valued.

Emmanuel related well to young and old and excelled in training altar servers, though she

wasn’t too pleased if the boys (yes, only boys back then) creased her beautifully ironed

surplice!

It’s Emmanuel’s concern for others, particularly those on the margins, that was her

hallmark. For many years she worked at the parish of St Patrick’s Soho where they had a

project offering support to Au Pairs, who often found themselves lonely or in placement

difficulties. She was most attentive to each of the women she supported, some of whom

had awful experiences in their host families.  

As a holiday companion she was excellent. Sr Veronica speaks of the many joyful trips they

made together. There was always an element of “adventure” when you were with

Emmanuel!

Like all of us, Emmanuel had her faults and her “off” days; there were times when she

lacked confidence in herself or could be quite illogical. Things would worry her more as she

got older. But, that winning smile never left her. I was with her when she was anointed a

few days before she died. She seemed to be unaware of what was happening but just as the

priest was leaving she sat up and gave him a broad, friendly smile.

We thank Emmanuel for her presence amongst us, her generosity, her friendship and her

kindness. Each one of us has special memories of her which we will always value.

Rest in peace, Emmanuel.