Appreciation - Antoinette Soler

Ingrid Parlato Trigona, writes:

It was with great shock and sadness that we, members of the prayer group Praise the Name of Jesus, received the news that Antoinette Soler had left us early in the morning of May 18 to meet her Beloved Jesus, her Risen Lord. She was a mentor, a source of strength and, above all, a valuable friend.

Those who visited her in the hospital just before she passed away never realised for a moment that Antoinette's journey in this life was so soon to come to an end.

Although Antoinette was present at the very beginning of our group almost 25 years ago, her love for serving God and her enthusiasm for the prayer group never waned. On the contrary, she always felt a strong responsibility to welcome people and "to be there" for anyone going through a rough time. In fact, thanks to her sensitive nature, she would be the first to recognise someone who came burdened to the group and, with that gentle smile of hers, she would just give the person a hug. No words necessary. Later, of course, she would be available to listen to anyone who wanted to share a problem and being so humble and wise she would guide that person to the right source of help, be it a priest or a counsellor. Many, many are the women that she helped over endless phone calls, and in person, in these 25 years.

Antoinette was very humane and would always see the positive side in a person refusing to judge anyone and insisting that "only God can see the heart". This saying of hers, together with her favourite quote from Scripture: "God changes everything to the good for those who love Him", provided much comfort and hope to many including herself when facing her own problems.

Antoinette had a great generosity of heart and would buy many copies of her favourite Christian book I Am With You and, writing a personal note on the front page, she would hand them out as gifts. This was her way of evangelising. Her joy in praising God spontaneously and her love for the Holy Spirit were infectious. Paradoxically, her strength lay in her gentleness and in the unobtrusive way she managed to weave herself into our lives so that we all carry a part of her within us.

Antoinette, precious friend, you have won the Great Race and God in His Faithfulness took you to Himself the way you lived your life - with gentleness. Surely you now look down upon us from Heaven with that radiant smile that we shall never forget. You may not be here physically any longer but you are present in our heart forever.

To dear Victor, her husband, her son Jean-Carl, daughter Romina, and family whom she loved so much, our sincerest condolences in their great loss.