Notre Dame’s Memories with SNDdN Carol Shoup
On Oct. 21, 2024, beloved Sister Carol Shoup, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, passed away after a cancer battle of over a year. This past weekend was her funeral, where many of her loved ones shared their favorite memories that they had with Shoup.
The Crown and Shield asked the rest of the Notre Dame community to do the same, having them write in their own moments over her 15 years with the school.
Izabella Richbourg, ‘28
I didn't get to meet Sr. Carol, but I've heard really nice stories about her and that she was a sweet soul.
Elaine Saum, ‘28
I only got to meet Sr. Carol twice, and was only able to actually talk to her once. However, that one time made a difference. We talked about small things, like how her day was going and how school was, but seeing as it was early in the school year, it was so nice to feel like someone as kind and influential as her cared so honestly about me.
Ashley Bridgnell, ‘27
I’ll never forget it was freshman year and Sister Carol asked to see me during my free block. I had never met her before, but was immediately shown kindness and felt warmth in her presence. She thanked me for writing her a card while she was recovering, and expressed how much my little gesture meant to her. She was an inspiration to me, and I would frequently see her around campus: at our assemblies, looking out the window in the prayer and meditation room, and in the learning commons. Her heart is as wide as the world, heaven gained a beautiful angel.
Emma Seagrim, ‘26
When I was a freshman I was staying later in the Learning Commons and Sister Carol was supervising. I forgot my binder in my biology classroom and I really needed it for a test I had to study for coming up. I told Sister Carol and she told me she had the keys but she had to stay in the Learning Commons to supervise everyone. We then began to think of a way Sister Carol would know that I would come back, laughing as we were saying ideas. My shoe!! So I placed by black Nike shoe under Sister Carol’s desk. What makes me smile is that Sister Carol trusted I would come back because that is the kind of person she was. 2 minutes later I was putting my shoe back on with my binder in hand, and Sister Carol smiled at me sweetly.
Paramita Kadamby, ‘25
One day after school in my sophomore year, I was sitting with Sr. Carol and had the opportunity to talk with her about what being a nun in the 21st century was like as well as what she had done before her job in the Learning Commons. Her kindness, insight, and enthusiasm in our conversations have always been a delight, and learning from such a valuable member of our community is something I always look back on fondly.
Tina Paulson, Performing Arts Department, Music Director
I love how curious Sr. Carol always was about what musicians were learning – what was the music, where did it come from, why was it important – and without fail she would find a St. Julie tie-in somewhere! Everything always came back to St. Julie, and how she saw God's goodness at work in the world.
Monica Gomez, Alum Relations Manager
Sr. Carol was an angel. I will always cherish how personable she was with me, always asking me about my family and politics. And, her smile warmed a room.
Christina Morello, Creative Services Manager
My memories over 8 years with Sister Carol are endless. Some favorites always centered around photography and creative projects... from her avoiding my camera in the early years, to eventually feeling comfortable with me capturing her beauty, to helping her edit photos from her trip to Namur in Belgium, to our annual Christmas card project and all of the discussions about St. Julie, Francoise and the Sisters of Notre Dame in between. My last conversation a few weeks before her passing I will hold fondly as we exchanged our gratitude for one another. I am a better person for having shared a friendship with Sr. Carol and know she will watch over us all through the years to come.
An Tam Vu, Science Department
I miss you Sr. Carol. I will never forget your love and care for me since I first came to ND in 2011. I love your stories about St. Julie. We are with you in our prayers, for you and pray for us Sr. Carol.
Laura Diaz, Receptionist
Every time she would come into Manley, on her way to the LC, she would stop at the main office door and wait for me to look up and then she would wave and mouth a quiet hello before proceeding to her office.
Susana Garcia, Assistant Head of School
Sister Carol studied creation spirituality and was friends with Sister Dorothy Stang (who was martyred in the Amazon Basin in Brazil for her outspoken efforts on behalf of the poor and the environment). Sister Carol asked me once to translate a card of appreciation that she received from the community in Brazil. She was so moved by their words - and her tears brought me to tears! That happened a lot with Sister Carol; she loved deeply and invited others to do the same. Her joy was infectious. Her smile was contagious. Whether in stories or hugs, she demonstrated deep care and presence to those around her. I'm so grateful for her.
Olena Petrova, Science Department
Sr. Carol's kindness towards me and her support of me as the events in Ukraine have developed in 2022 are very special to me. She prayed for me and my family, and for all the people affected by the war. She knitted small pins in colors of the Ukrainian flag and was giving them out to students. I have one and it's a very special memory for me. She shared once that we can touch the earth without hand to 'send' our love. When I walk in nature, I sometimes do it, and I think about Sr. Carol.
Shoup was a rock in the many lives she touched. Her impact went way beyond her post in the Learning Commons, and even now exceeds her life on this earth. She always had a warm smile and kindness to her personality that instantly captured the room. Her contagious joy and unwavering support will be greatly missed by the Notre Dame community.
