Extra chairs had to be set up to accommodate the attendance of the funeral here in Austin, on June 16. Nell Madura was being shown appreciation, the recall of memories, and the best word for me, honored.

We often refer to persons who touch the lives of others. Ms. Madura not only touched lives, she impacted them. I write this as a friend in her late middle years, and in my living in Austin in my retirement years.  She was the kind of person who with her life, spoke (no shouted) to me.  She spoke to a wide swath of persons in the greater Austin area. The message:  “Never retire.”  That is part of the message of this beautiful life.  She lived to the age of 92. Until the last couple years of her life, she said: “There is more in this world to be done. Our accomplishments are lights to brighten the path of others.”

The saying — you know it — could be heard from Nell’s lips:  “You have a choice, you can be part of the problem or part of the solution.”

As the pastor for a few years of her church, the Fellowship United Methodist Church, her enthusiasm, I noted, rubbed off on all persons who surrounded her.  Her leadership was also expressed for years as the choir director.

In my attempt to encompass the likes of one of the rare, compassionate, talented lives of all of the history of Austin (and I mean that), my thoughts float back to a couplet I came upon years ago:

“Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king,

He would not in mine age have left me naked to mine enemies.”

I choose these lines written long ago by Cardinal Wolsey, to stake out a contrast. Nell was known for her abundant zeal. She served her God in the identification of the life of Jesus Christ, no apologies.  Friends will agree — we make no apologies; she shared a devotion that was radiant and carved new and lasting paths for others. She was always well-groomed and dressed.  No nakedness here, Mr. Wolsey.

To the reader of these remarks, I challenge you to join my twisting and turning; my consulting of memory to make a statement related to Nell Madura.

Some hours before writing this little essay, I let my mind roam. I jotted down a dozen words that flashed by in thinking of Nell. They are partial, of course; you are invited to make your associations and add to them. It is to answer how one defines a life.

My words and terms are:

1. Graciousness/friendship

2.  Music

3.  Church

4.  Community

5.  Education

6.  Initiator

7.  Ecumenical

8.  Goals

9.  Family, including her dog

10. Laughter

11. Travel

12. Swimming

Among preferred memorial gifts, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is listed.

Decades ago, Nell was a primary influence in the creation of the orchestra. As an accomplished musician, she for years, was a mainstay.

Among the writings of Helen Keller, is her idealism:  “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”  Let us vote.  I place Nell’s accomplishments among the great and noble.  Agree?

The leaflet placed in our hands at her funeral, referred to a Biblical statement from the writings of the Apostle Paul.  They splendidly refer to Nell’s life.  They speak of having “fought the good fight.”  We may agree with St. Paul speaking of Christian peace: “I have finished the course.”