Sister Claire Saizan

On January 1, 2010, the Oakwood Community celebrated the long-anticipated ONE HUNDREDTH birthday of Claire Saizan. RSCJ. A nine o’clock Liturgy of Mary the Mother of God was offered for Sister Saizan, ending with a sung blessing and a rousing “Happy Birthday to you!”

Joining Sister Saizan for the celebration were Anne Byrne, RSCJ, Mary Kay Hunyady, RSCJ, and friends from the San Francisco area, including the six Rhine brothers, who Sister Saizan has adopted over the years as her “Sacred Heart Society students.” They attended with their parents, who planned the refreshments and brought the balloons.A former pupil in Paris sent 100 pink roses to thank Sister Saizan for teaching her French - and another former student send a dozen deviled eggs!

A large “Happy 100th Birthday” banner in four languages was hung on the wall, with 100 tiny paper cranes of peace hanging on streamers from the banner.  Bunny Flick, RSCJ, led the champagne toasts and the “Saizan memories”, passing the microphone around the room as hands were raised.  Helen Lorch, RSCJ, age 99, capped the celebration with: “Claire, you’re a hard act to follow!”

Thanks to Be Mardel, RSCJ, for sending this story and photos.

Ian Rhine, a senior and Sacred Heart Society student, who is currently paired with Claire, helps her open a framed photo.

Sr. Bunny leads the sharing.

Many sweet memories, compliments and funny stories were shared.

Claire shares her lifelong motto: "Esse quam videre" (To be rather than to seem to be)