The story about Rebeca Perrone, Cook County’s first indigent coordinator was very interesting and moving. Her job, described as being a social worker for the forgotten dead, is probably unknown to the vast majority of people, as it was to me.
Perrone is on the front line for trying to identify deceased persons who, for one reason or another, go unclaimed by friends or family. If these people remain unclaimed, or in some cases unnamed, then she, along with charitable organizations and cemeteries, makes sure these souls are laid to rest in a dignified place and in a dignified manner.
What came to mind for me are the words found in the Book of Genesis: “So God created mankind in his own image.” Yes, human beings are the closest to God’s image, even if we sometimes don’t live up this amazing gift given us. This is why even those who apparently lived lives of evil are buried with some semblance of respect.
This article made me feel humble. One day it shall be my turn to die, and I will be indebted to those who gently lay me to rest because they believed in my dignity as a child of God.
Perrone is an extraordinary woman extending a final work of mercy toward the most unfortunate of people.
— Sr. Kathleen Melia, Niles
