In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Suzanne, CSC
(Victoria Ioan Holloway)
Birth: December 14, 1913
Profession: January 6, 1935
Death: December 29, 2007

Sister Suzanne, Victoria Holloway, was born in Plymouth, Indiana, to Clarence Holloway and Elizabeth Molter Holloway. She was one of five daughters. She was named Victoria for the grandmother she dearly loved but disliked the name, so she went through life as "Tory."

Tory attended St. Michael's elementary school in Plymouth and then went to high school for two years at Sacred Heart Academy, Fort Wayne, where one of her special friends was the daughter of Knute Rockne, the famous football coach of the University of Notre Dame. She finished at the public high school in Plymouth and entered the community shortly after graduation. Sister Suzanne received the habit in 1933, made first profession in 1935 and final profession in 1938. She earned her bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's College and her master's degree from the University of Notre Dame.

After first profession, Sister Suzanne taught for nine years at St. Mary's in Michigan City, Indiana, and then in a number of schools in the Midwest. Sister taught mainly English to junior high students and many times also served as principal.

Sister Suzanne was a gift in the classroom and a teacher par excellence as she taught not only the academics, but more importantly she taught leadership and responsibility. "Be your own self" was one of her mottoes. How many teachers could leave their students, walk out of the classroom and have the students continue to work? Most teachers would dream of this but Sister Suzanne accomplished it. She loved her junior high students and they knew it. Sister always claimed there was never a dull moment with these students.

Art was another gift, and Sister Suzanne taught this subject so well that many of her students had work displayed in various places. Her artistic ability came forth in beautiful crocheted, hairpin lace afghans. It has been said that she made 90 afghans! Sister Suzanne was a perfectionist in everything—teaching English and art and crocheting. Nothing was ever out of place in her person or her room.

After her heart attack she retired from the classroom, and after recuperating Sister Suzanne spent six years working in the sacristy at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. She then became the portress at Bertrand Hall. Following heart surgery and cornea transplants, she retired from active ministry.

Her friends and bandmates shared that Sister Suzanne was gracious and loving and a gem to live with. She had the reputation and the gift of being warm, always the same and sharing her heart full of love. Many may not know about her great love of animals, especially dogs and a cat named Sadie Jane. The animals gave Sister Suzanne comfort, and they helped her to think beyond her illness. The past years of illness also found a woman of great faith in accepting what was happening to her. There was never a word of complaint or regret when she could no longer crochet, play cards or watch television. A gracious thank you was always given to the one who did anything for her. This thank you was extended even on her worst days.

On Saturday, Sister Suzanne went to God as she lived—quietly. May you now rest in peace.

Written by Sister Thomas Anne Haugh, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.