Saugus seniors pause to remember

SAUGUS – The normal hustle and bustle in the Senior Center’s main hall was replaced with an afternoon of quiet reflection, songs of praise, prayers and the reading of a long list of names as residents paused for a Service of Remembrance.Sponsored by the Senior Center and the Clergy Association, about 50 residents attended the ecumenical service, but Council on Aging Vice-President Peter Bogdan read more than twice that many names while recognizing the attendees’ loved ones.When each name was read, family members or friends came forward and placed flowers on a makeshift altar. When Bogdan reached the end of his list there were three large vases filled with roses, carnations, mums and lillies of every color.Katherine Duffy left behind one rose in remembrance of her husband Sylvester, who died about 20 years ago.”It’s a nice little service,” she said. “I usually come.”When Bogdan called Sylv-ester Duffy’s name, he also paused to remember Katherine, who will turn 99 on Sunday.”I’m not 99 yet, not until Sunday,” she quipped.Following the ceremony, one woman stopped to tell Bogdan how much she appreciated the service despite the fact she initially didn’t want to come.”I just couldn’t go up there,” she said, indicating the altar. “My husband wanted to come but I just couldn’t go up there.”She wanted to pause to remember her son who died 17 years ago at the age of 34. Bogdan read his name for her, Pat McCarron.”This was a great opportunity to remember those who passed on,” Bogdan said. “Some long ago, some a short time ago. Hopefully they are all preparing a spot for us so when the time comes they’ve cleared the way and will be waiting.”Bogdan added that people needed to get on with life and be thankful for what they have, “and we have great deal to be thankful for.”Along with Bogdan, Pastors Nizzi Digan from the East Methodist Church and Martha Leahy from First Congregational Church along with Sister Mary O’Rourke of Blessed Sacrament and Andrea Roche from the Brazilian Methodist Church took part in the ceremony while Norman Daly played piano.Senior Center Director Joanne Olsen said she was pleased with the turnout and that she would keep the flowers on the stage so visitors could see them today, and once again, pause to remember a loved one.