The handwritten note on Sister Connie Tarallo’s desk, which she has adopted as her motto, is easy to overlook, but it captures the way she has lived for more than six decades.
“Embrace the life you have, even if it is not the one you imagined.”
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Those words have taken on new meaning in recent years as she learned to live with the loss of her right leg. Yet they are not simply a response to hardship. They describe a way of life that began long before illness entered the picture, one rooted in gratitude, community and a belief that every stage of life offers another opportunity to love and serve.
At 17, Sister Connie left her home in Boston and boarded a plane alone for Kentucky to enter the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. It was 1960, and while today’s travel might seem routine, it was a remarkable step for a young woman who had never been so far from home. Her parents trusted the Congregation with their daughter, and over the years that trust grew into a deep affection for the Sisters and the life Sister Connie had chosen. They often said that Nazareth had become part of their family because it had cared for Sister Connie, educated her and given her a life filled with purpose.
That sense of family never faded. Sister Connie’s siblings, nieces and nephews continue to visit Nazareth, not simply to see her but because they have come to love the Community that has shaped her life. When her late brother-in-law, Larry, visited Nazareth for the first time after years of hearing Sister Connie’s stories, he left with a deeper appreciation for the Congregation and the people who have walked beside her throughout her vocation.
Sister Connie during her days teaching in Memphis.
Following formation, Sister Connie spent more than 50 years serving in Memphis, where she became known for her warmth, quick smile, and genuine interest in people. As a teacher, visiting with families, or encouraging someone through a difficult day, she believed ministry begins by helping people know they are seen and valued. Community was never simply where she lived. It was how she lived.
That conviction became especially important when serious vascular disease altered the course of her life. After years of surgeries and medical procedures, Sister Connie underwent a below-the-knee amputation in 2023 before returning to Nazareth. The adjustment was significant, but she rarely speaks about what she lost. Instead, she talks about the people who carried her through it. She speaks with deep appreciation for the Sisters, nurses, therapists, and caregivers who reminded her every day that she was never facing the journey alone.
Today, Sister Connie’s conversations are still filled with encouragement. She delights in hearing about a young person’s dreams, celebrates the accomplishments of others, and looks for reasons to be grateful. During a recent conversation, she reflected that if she weighs the positives against the negatives, “you know you’re in the right place.” That perspective has become one of her greatest gifts to those around her.
The note on her desk remains a daily reminder. Sister Connie lives it as an example. She has embraced a life she never expected, not by dwelling on what has changed, but by continuing to share joy, gratitude, and compassion with everyone she meets. Her witness reminds us that vocation is not defined by circumstances. It comes to us in the way we continue to love, no matter what life brings.
I am very blessed to have Sister in my life. She is such a support! She taught my 2 sons when they were in first grade at St Ann The I was honored to teach with her for many years. We had many laughs during those years!!
Today we still talk, sharing ups and downs.
Thank you, God, for our friendship❤️
Sister Connie,
I love your infectious smile! I always enjoyed seeing you at Saint Francis Church, and talking to you about the Patriots
You keep fighting like you were Brady! There is no stronger, sweeter or more inspirational person I know.
Know that you are in my daily prayers, and that you are very loved!
Go, Patriots!
Love, Lori Glasscock
Sister Connie,
You were a beacon light for so many in your years at St. Ann. We had so many wonderful conversations about tough life situations. Always full of encouragement and prayers. Truly a blessing. PS, life is great for my Lisa!!!
Love, Kelly Pettit
I am very late in commenting on your life, Connie. I too, entenered these hallowed walls in 1960. I don’t why God saw fit that we be friends but He did. A little girl from Massachusetts and a little girl from Ohio!!!! God knew we needed each other.
We have never been missioned together—–We got into a little trouble in the five years we were here at Nazareth for being “PFs” but that deep down , solid love that began only grew. We stayed in touch, we knew each other’s families and our love grew into something beautiful. When you lost your right foot a little of me got lost, too. You have braved this handicap so beautifully. Now that we are retired and live at Nazareth again I see how you handle everything and I am in awe of how you are endeared to all here. Everyone loves our “Sister Connie” People are drawn to you like a magnet.—–and it makes me so happy. Yes, you have embraced life –You give all of us life even though it is not the life you imagined.
I was in that 1960s novitiate with Mary Lou Arru, now Sister Constance Tarallo, or as she is affectionately called, Sister Connie. She was one of the nicest people! And yes, she always had a nice smile on her face. God bless you, Mary Lou and may you always be in God‘s care. May he wrap his arms around you and give you peace and comfort
Yes, Yes, Ditto, Ditto – to the comments here for You – Dear Sister Connie! It is You along with Your Loved Community, I am moving forward in my SCNA process. Sending Hugs 🤗 You Glow 💕🙏🧘♀️
Sister Connie is such a sweet person. She always has a lovely smile on her face. God bless her everyday 🙏
What a testament – a true woman of faith and trust. Connie, know that I admire you and keep you in my daily thoughts and prayers. Blessings to my 60 group friend.
We love Sr. Connie so very much in Memphis, TN. Sometimes I think she knows everyone here. God bless her! Always a true friend 🥰🙏
You see this in every interaction with S. Connie. The world would be a better place, and we would all be happier people if everyone could live by the same motto. I will certainly try! Thank you for sharing.
I have great respect for you. Your positive attitude is a living lesson for me. Your present ministry is to inspire everyone you come in contact with. Blessings ” sister group member. “
What a beautiful story of Sister Connie! I am a witness of the same beautiful qualities as we eat breakfast together every day!
Connie is a wonderful positive presence to everyone! Thanks for sharing her story!
Dearest sister Connie
Thank you for our chats n sharing in the Nazareth mother house garden when I was at Nazareth for your warmth and welcoming smile.
Little was I aware my life will take an unexpected turn but as children of God we should never be surprised when our life road takes a different path and we have to live like yourself
“Embrace the life you have, even if it is not the one you imagined.”
These words have deep meaning for me and others as we go through our challenges.
I miss you all at Nazareth and God willing I will return.
Bless you all. Sister Connie pray your family and friends in Memphsis is doing well 🙏🏾