SVdP, New Orleans Community Loses Advocate for Education and Equality
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of New Orleans , and faith based organizations around the city and state mourn the loss of Sr. Lory Schaff, CSJ, who lost her battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma on January 21st.
Sr. Lory Co-founded and taught at the SVdP Adult Learning Center from 2006 until her death, and was the co-founder of Hope House, here in New Orleans. Before Sr. Lory joined the SVdP staff, she taught at various schools, including Mercy Academy (locally).
She was not only an advocate for literacy, but a champion in the fight to end the cycle of crime, poverty and injustice. In 2010, Sr. Lory published A Tale Seldom Told-an account of her experience living in the St. Thomas Housing Development. She lived in public housing for nearly 15 years, and stated her book served as a voice for her neighbors-giving a glimpse of their struggles and triumphs. As a result, Hope House was established, addressing those issues of poverty.
On January 27th, family, friends, former students and colleagues filled St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Church for a memorial service to honor Sr. Lory by sharing stories and memories. A Christian Burial Mass took place on Saturday, January 28th, at St. Paul Church, in Baton Rouge.
For more on Sr. Lory's life, visit:
http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=lory-schaff&pid=155626777