Fondly Remembering Father Lawrence

* At the funeral Mass of Father Lawrence Smith, the crowd, the religious and clergy gave testimony to the passing of one of our greats (“St. Jude Medical Center Chaplain, 76, Dies,” Oct. 14). His work at St. Jude for well over a quarter of a century has left a legacy which will not soon be forgotten.

For those of us who needed the services of the hospital, it was gratifying to know that Father Lawrence was there when we went under the anesthetic and there when we came out. He was there for the birth of our last two [children]. We watched him be there for every person, under every circumstance, during one particularly long hospital stay.

Even when we were there just visiting, our spirits were lifted, just seeing him come down the hall, whistling or singing, even through his own pain.

DORIS AND MARK ROYSTON

La Mirada