On Saturday, April 14, 2010, Nancy Huber was called home to God. She is survived by two brothers, Jim and John, and other family members as well. Nancy was a giant in the Catholic Deaf Community. According to her biography submitted as part of the "Deaf Person in the Life of the Church", Nancy started her career as a teacher of the Deaf in December 1961 at a Catholic day school for the Deaf. What began as a catechist (teacher of religion) for the Deaf in 1961 evolved into her ministry as "a catechist for deaf/Deaf children and hearing children of all ages; youth ministry, family programs, 30 years as catechetical leader of an archdiocesan deaf program; catechist training; adapting catechetical curriculum for deaf children; and numerous national gatherings and contacts."
These simple words do not even begin to sum up Nancy's impact on the Deaf community. She was constantly challenged with new obstacles, new needs, and was always able to not only meet them but exceed them. She loved God, loved teaching children, and excelled at both. She was a principal founding member of the National Catholic Office of the Deaf, which works to network pastoral workers around the US.
I first met Nancy when I was in the Ministry Formation Program for Catholic Deaf Adults that is run in Chicago. One of Nancy's many challenges was severe food allergies, so she had brought her own food with her. She was very matter of fact about this and simply said, "This is the way life is." I would apologize that she could not share some of the snacks that students would bring for the weekend to share at the all-important nightly socials, but she would never complain. I have a wonderful memory of being at the National Catholic Office of the Deaf Pastoral Week celebration in January 2008 in New Orleans when Nancy was presented with the Father David Walsh Pastoral Worker of the Year Award. Nancy was unable to attend in person, but as soon as I saw the presenter describing the person receiving the award, I knew it was her. Once her name was announced, the entire room erupted in joy, applause and wild "waving of the hands". We all knew how important she was - and the impact she had made.
Last year, I was in Rome with Nancy at a historic conference on Deaf People in the Life of the Church at the Vatican. She was so overwhelmed to be involved in such an event, and I was so happy to be a part of it. We saw Assisi together and rejoiced in the goodness of God.
When I heard last week that Nancy was in the hospital and suffering from pneumonia, I prayed that God would heal her suffering. God answered my prayer - her suffering is now ended. I am sure that she is now wrapped in the loving arms of our Savior, in the presence of all the angels and saints, and can see God the Father Signing to her "Well done, good and faithful servant, well done!" I know He is Signing - not because Nancy is Deaf, because she is hearing, but because she had so much of an impact with the Deaf, God would want to make sure that all of the Deaf angels in Heaven are able to join in the joy!
I am sad that I will not see Nancy again here on Earth, but I rejoice that her suffering has ended and she is now home. Tonight is her wake in Chicago. Tomorrow morning, her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Borgia Deaf Center. I will not be able to be there physically but I will be there in spirit.
Rest in Peace, Nancy - may the angels lead you into Paradise and the martyrs greet you on the way, and lead you into the Holy City, the New and Eternal Jerusalem.
