Rae Fox ‘21
In my freshman year, I went to Public Service Night for the first time. I was nervous about what to expect from the whole experience but once I got out of the very backseat of the car, I was greeted by Luella, her infectious smile decorated with seamless makeup that perfectly matched her outfit for the night, and my anxiety melted away. At only 4 feet 10 inches tall, she beamed at the group of kids walking towards her with her arms held out wide. The Cate kids accepted her embrace one by one, pausing for an extra moment to appreciate her hug fully. With my hug, I found the first place at Cate that I felt like I belonged.
Luella taught me to take pride in the seemingly small details because that is what makes the big differences in people’s lives. After each round of bingo, she strolled around the room, reminding everyone to eat her homemade peanut butter cookies and apple slices. It didn’t matter if you were a regular at Shepherds or if you were tagging along with a friend for the first time; Luella would take the time to ask you about your classes or your family.
Luella made Shepherds what it is today, but her absence doesn’t mean her work is forgotten. She no longer needs to be sitting in her weekly bingo seat at the small square table by the pillar, her coin-purse at the ready to buy into the first game, for Shepherds to be the special place it is; Shepherds will always be Luella’s place. Every corner of the bingo room still holds a Luella memory for some Cate student, whether an alum or a current student. I will always remember Mr. Holmes slow dancing with Luella at her birthday party or her wide-eyes when she bit into a brownie Mr. Holmes had baked for her.
Every bingo game played in that room will be dedicated to the woman who gave life to a simple board game. She had a remarkable life, and I feel fortunate to have known her and take part in something she was so passionate about. My last hug with her was when we left her 87th birthday party junior year; just like the first hug she ever gave me, I took that extra pause in the hug to enjoy it and say goodbye.
Dear Luella, we love you forever and will never forget the kindness you passed onto each of us who had the pleasure of meeting you. We know you are watching us from heaven.
With all the love in the world, the Cate community.
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