Sr Angella taught me math at ICHS, and being an educator who thought outside of the box, I will never forget our weekend when the math class took a little trip; we traveled outside of the school environs to have what I will describe as a math seminar with her. I think for many, it was the first time on the train. It was awesome! Just as she was awesome! And yes, we did learn math! She remained my counselor, my friend, thirty plus years on. She dropped me home from netball training on a few occasions, I went to church with Sr. Angella on a few occasions, and I myself being an Anglican and searching, we discussed many biblical principles and why her shift to the Catholicism. She was always willing to teach, to share her knowledge, her faith. I will never forget the first time I visited her at Mt Alvernia, it struct me that even as the Principal, she had a great rapport with the students, it was great to see, because she was disciplinarian, but she was reachable to all. This was also seen when in later years, at another visit, now principal at ICHS, she told me to walk with her, because her girls were playing a football match, and she had to go and support them.

In our last conversation she told me she had a ticket and would be heading to Africa, I was elated, I was now living in Africa and she could come visit with me! The small ICHS community here would welcome her! She never made the trip. The angel on earth transitioned.

As she hugged me once, she explained that to hug one must open wide one's arms and welcome the other whilst allowing oneself to be vulnerable and trusting that the warmth will be reciprocated. She lived her life like that, opening her arms and welcoming all with great love and devotion.
       "Behold I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a  moment, in the twinkling of an eye....   "     1 Corinthians 15:51

Deeply missed, but can NEVER be forgotten, your love, your hugs, your words of wisdom forever in my heart!

SISTER ANGELLA HARRIS’ 60th BIRTHDAY

Father Kingsley; Esteemed Nuns of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany; Birthday Celebrant, Sister Angella; beloved Family and Friends.

In wishing Sister Angella a happy birthday on her arrival at the golden age of “60”, I must advise her that Birthdays are very good for you. Statistics have shown that people who have the most birthdays live the longest.

However, there is also an alternative side to this statement, Sister Angella -- too many birthdays will eventually kill us. I must therefore say Sister Angella that I am so very happy that you are older than I am!

Also as your friend, now that you have arrived at this golden age, in the future I will endeavor to remember your birthday and not your age!

Sister Angella or as I simply knew her then Angella was my best friend in my childhood days. I am convinced that our childhood friends make an indelible impact on our lives, in that no matter how many years we don’t see each other or how far apart we go that friend has a part of our heart and will always be a valued, unforgettable part of our lives.With Sister Angella, whenever she and I meet up it is like carrying on a conversation we were having yesterday.

I have many happy memories of growing up in the Nautilus Avenue community of Harbour View.In this community families looked out for each other.My family lived at #60 Nautilus Avenue while Angella’s family lived on the opposite side of the road at #49.Our houses were fairly close with Angella’s house being about four houses below ours. Angella was always amazed that she could hear my mother’s outrageous sneeze all the way down at her house.

I spent many hours at Angella’s home mostly because her parents were stricter than mine were so she could not come over as often as I could get to go to her house.

Her parents most appropriately named her, Angella – her name meaning “angel messenger of God”. Angella was definitely “Ms. Goody Two Shoes”, she was also very feisty in her quiet reserved way and with her exceptional analytic ability, she automatically took the leadership role in our friendship. Of course being the daughter of two great teachers, her father being an eminent principal – I think she considered herself way above us, lower mortals! This was definitely indicative of things to come.

She is extremely intelligent and talented…she could pick out a tune on the piano with little effort, unlike me who was tone deaf and generally having very little musical ability. Our conversations (often lasting for hours – even after leaving her house I would then call her on the phone where we would have another long conversation) were always interesting.I can’t recall now what on earth we spent so much time talking about but I am sure we must have solved many of the world’s problems during those conversations.

At 10-11 years old, Angella was backing out and parking her family’s car on the road.I was truly awestruck at this accomplishment (as any 10 -11 year old would be) and so amazed that her father Mr. Nehemiah Harris (of blessed memory) never did limit his daughter’s confidence in her abilities.

Of course being children, there had to be a fight at some point! This happened one afternoon. In speaking to Angella recently, she says she doesn’t remember any such fight as she thought she had a clean slate. I can’t recall what that fight was about but as our neighbouring friends, Denise, Sandra, my sister Maria and others encircled us, Angella with fists poised in the air like a true boxer, was ready to take me on and the world, if necessary.

Whenever I have met an Immaculate student I have always been quick to tell them that Angella was my best friend and that she beat me up. They have been so impressed that I know their Sister Angella! However due to the fact that I am standing now in the hallowed realms of the Convent, I am compelled to tell the real end of that story – that is, being the true coward that I am, I hurriedly retracted whatever comments I had made that led to the fight and so the fight never actually got underway much to the disappointment of our community friends who had eagerly gathered for this unpropitious event.

As we grew into our later teenage years, we went to many places together.The Rockfort Mineral Bath, Gun Boat Beach, the movies at both the Harbour View and the Carib cinemas, church events etc.This was a period in which our spiritual yearnings deepened. Our section of Harbour View surrounded as it was by the beautiful mountain ranges easily aroused our inner search for a deeper spiritual life.

We went to Christian camps together and I am happy to note that it was at one of my church camps (the United Church in Jamaica & the Cayman Islands) under the directorship of the late Rev. Earl Thames (of blessed memory) that Angella gave her life fully to the Lord…of course, much more fully than me! Ironically, this would be her first step in her journey to the Convent.

I have found that Angella has a way of dropping bombshells of information on me.Firstly when she decided to become a nun. I was mortified as in my script of both our lives I saw each of us getting married …We would both marry tall handsome men and each of us would have maybe 4 – 6 children (like our parents).Our children would then become childhood friends just as we were.Nonetheless, as I said earlier, Angella lived a life above us ordinary mortals.

God’s plan was for Angella’s life meant that she would touch the lives of thousands of children not merely 4 - 6 as I envisaged.

After she became a Novice, we did not see each other for many years as we each pursued our respective life’s journey.I got married, had children and Angella, just to let you know, I am sure my children caused me to pray just as much or even more than you did in the Convent!!!

Whenever we met, such as when she attended my Dad’s funeral, we easily fell back into our comfortable friendship. She graciously invited me to attend mass when she took her final vows during the mid 90’s.

We then lost touch…meeting briefly in 2010/2011. Today is the first time we are seeing each other since that time.

Then the second bombshell came last year when I got news, unwittingly, through an acquaintance, that Angella had been diagnosed with cancer.This occurrence however proved for me the truly indelible cords of friendship. I questioned God on why this had to happen, I cried, I prayed and fasted for her just as if she were my own sister.

Do you recall when I said earlier that Angella is a fighter (she definitely would have been a great boxer)…well my brave, courageous friend took on the fight with cancer in true form and God’s willing she will indeed succeed. Angella, may I just advise notwithstanding your wonderful ability to take on the world, this battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s. So hand over this one totally to Him.

Well, back to the birthday, I am very, very happy that Angella has reached 60 before me so now I can call her “old lady” for a few months before I get there.

I have stopped telling God what the script should be where our friendship is concerned – He has a better script - but just to say, I will be eternally grateful that He gave me the best childhood friend ever.

Angella, I have been so proud of your many accomplishments and I look forward to many, many more. That best seller that you must write now; work on a Caribbean genre of religious music as carried on by Father Holung and others; and God’s willing we will have do some traveling together to places like Japan and Russia. So Girl, just as back in those childhood days we still have people to meet, places to go and lots of things to do!

Finally, Angella this being such an auspicious birthday, as your friend, I cannot end without giving you some words of wisdom:

Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed; and

Smile while you still have teeth. Congratulations!

I love you, my friend!

February 20, 2020.

Sr. Angella you made a remarkable difference at Mount Alvernia High. You were feared by many; not because of your demeanour, but because of what your girls knew you stood for and the high expectations you had of us. I am happy that I had the opportunity of meeting you and knowing that you played a part in my development during my adolescent years.

You have now gained your heavenly wings, Sleep In Paradise Sr. Angella. 

Sr. Angela Harris, I didn't know that February 25, 2020 would have been my last encounter with you. I remember that hit you gave me, which was followed by your warm smile. That was your Hi and goodbye to me, I will always remember that moment. One of my favorite memories of you, was when we were having our first spirit day assembly and the school song was remixed, you were shock you came out of your office and took the mic and asked what was going on? We all thought we were in trouble, but, all you did was said that you would allow it this one time and never again. We were all able to have a laugh that morning. "Keep Simple Things Simple" even after 7 years, this phrase is something I say on days when everything seems very hard. I will forever remember the great words that you have spoken into our lives 'Phenomenal young Ladies'. Your words will forever echo in my life. I won't forget the health tips that you gave us as well. I will remember them. Thank you for being such great role model. Thank you for being such a positive influence in our lives. Thank you for always looking out for us. I am were I am right now because of the words that you have spoken in my life. Thank you. You were an angel sent from above. Sleep in Peace We shall meet again

My daughter has only been at the school almost 2 years but for the little time she has been there I have really admired how organized Sr Angela is and how much she communicate with the parents about everything about the school events and the welfare of our future ladies. Like a comet blazing across the sky gone too soon Sr. Angela. My daughter remembers her favorite quote which says - keep simple things  simple and if it can't work for all it shouldn't work for one . Forever missed by Breanna and Lesleen

I remember Sister Angella when I was a student at Immaculate. I knew she taught math but I wasn't fortunate to be in her class. Although she never taught me I admired her from afar on campus. I was impressed by her decorum and her quiet confident presence as she walked the hall on her way to class. I was impacted by the fact she always smiled at me as she passed by. I was not a student of hers but she found the opportunity to acknowledge me anyway.  
Fast forward to 2015. I had the pleasure to work with Sister Angella as the president of the new International Alumnae  chapter.  We had the pleasure to work with sister Angella in getting the Chapter off and running. She understood our vision of establishing a remote (virtual) Chapter to galvanize more graduates to support the ICHS community in our technology driven age. We could capitalize on zoom  or any video meeting forum to address our worldwide membership vision. We met with her from time to time to address the needs of the ICHS community. We were a small chapter quite frankly the smallest in numbers of all the chapters with minimal resources but she always made us feel like giants in our contributions back to ICHS. Our last visit with her was in March 2019 when she shared with us what was ahead for her. We were heartbroken on many levels but we understood why she needed to retire. She took time out to meet with us on the day after one of her cancer treatments.  Even then she was a source of strength in her weakest moment.  I grew to admire her even more but was not surprised because of my childhood memories of her. We will miss her insight, her vision and her support. Sister Angella it was an honor to know you and I treasure the moments I had with you. Rest well. We love you dearly. We miss you.

It was our first day as fifth formers and we had a general assembly with our parents and teachers. I was sitting with my friends and as expected when you leave a group of teenagers together, especially right after summer break, there was bound to be talking. We weren't loud but with that many teenagers in a confined space the chatter was definitely felt. Suddenly the noise stopped. My mom likes to tell me that she turned to the parent beside her and commented "Wait, light gone?". When she looked towards the stage sister was standing at the microphone. Whenever she tells me this story I laugh and tell her that she didn't understand the culture that existed. Sister Angella wasn't the type to get mad or threaten, no it was much easier and more effective to inconvenience. So for morning assemblies and afternoon announcements she'd let you know what time it was and then calmly wait. She had the patience of Job too because for however long it took for us to be quiet she'd wait and we'd have to sit there. After maybe 2 weeks we learnt and soon students would be the ones policing the outliers because we wanted to go home or get out the patio. Those are some of the lessons I took forward with me. You may not always be able to kill them with kindness but you can definitely kill them with patience. Sister's formula was simple; you need silence for announcements then wait for silence. She always believed and embodied "keeping simple things simple". Rest well Sister Angella, you have more than earned it. 

I remember when my dad got a stroke, she was there to pray with me and right throughout the day she ensured I had a teacher walking with me to my classes. She always greeted me with a smile and I am grateful the last time I saw her at Sister’s praise I got the opportunity to thank her for five amazing years of high school. She has truly made a difference in my life. 
Sister Angella you will be greatly missed.

Sr Angella was not only a educator , but a visionary and someone who lead with love and Care.  On my daughters entry into Immaculate September 2017 she was using a wheel chair / crutches .  However registration day when my daughter was waiting in her wheel chair  to take her School ID picture , Sr Angella came up with a smile and said " Hello and what is happening here? We told her Of my daughters 'medical situation . Sister wished her well.

1. A few weeks later I got a follow up call from Ms. Pinto to see how my daughter recovery progress was going.   Following that   I visited the school to go to the bookstore  I saw construction going on the walk way  and other areas of the school. To my surprise my daughter would be one of first students to benefit from the wheel chair ramps constructed  in the school. I was told I would have a designated parking in the mornings to drop off  Sarai so she would have easy access for her wheel chair to go to classes. Sister even went further to make her car available to take my daughter to classes that were not on the main block e.g Music house and Swimming. When my daughter had to be out of school for several  weeks due to another surgery . Sister ensured the class notes were made available for my daughter to keep updated on the school work.. On my daughters transition to grade 8 and 9 she kept my daughters homeroom on the first floor so she would to make access to classes easier. My daughter is now in third form and Sister always had her interest at her. " she said to me " Its a blessing to have my daughter in ICHS" Sister's big heart of helping did not see her making ammemdments to her school a blessing but how she could help in  making the learning experience a good one for each child.. My daughter is now out of the wheel chair and I am happy sister was around to witness that.
   

Sr Angella  and  ICHS Team's vision to make ammendments to the school's infrastructure to accomodate children with physical challenges is commendable. .
Sr not only checked in on  Sarai but always checked in on me as a mother to see how I was coping . Always giving an encouarging word.
I will miss her dearly and will always love her.  May her Soul Rest in Peace

A phenomenal woman with a dashing smile. A smile that often reminds me of my late husband when I am around Sister Angella. Sister was a gem,  a true February born, First Quarter Birthday group will not be the same because a link has been broken.

 "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30 )

I didn't encounter Sister Angella very much but the one time I did she said something I will never forget.
" Welcome to the school of phenomenal women, I can see the spark in you."
Rest well Sister Angella

I remember when Ms.Robinson had died and it was announced at school. That day I had a panic attack because it brought back so much memories of my grandmother. I will always remember this day because when i was struggling to get up the stairs you held my hand the whole time. I’ll miss you ❤️