Our friend and colleague, Barbara Nowack, was buried today on Long Island, following a humble funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua in Rocky Point. Barbara came to National Review over 15 years ago, the secretary to our chairman and president, Dusty Rhodes. She was his right hand, and kept all the balls in the air and the plates spinning on their sticks. Meanwhile, she spread her good cheer and warmth into every nook and cranny of our offices. If she discovered you had a problem, you could be assured that very night, a decade of the Rosary would be appealing on your behalf. Her sincerity always resonated: When she wished you a good weekend, she truly meant it.

Barbara’s funeral service started late. Sitting there I couldn’t help but think of that old joke about being late to one’s own funeral. In Barbara’s case it was somewhat fitting: She just did not want to go. Discovering late in 2008 that she had very advanced cancer, she put up a diligent and painful fight, but the slim medical hopes eventually gave way this summer. A few weeks before she died this past Friday we spoke on the phone about a number of matters concerning her affairs. Jolly it was not: Throughout the long talk she wept over her fate. She did not welcome death. This very spiritual, prayerful, and holy woman — if there were ever anyone who could have been totally at peace with death, it should have been her, no? No: Barbara so loved life, and so appreciated everything — her siblings, nieces and nephews, co-workers, and all the glories of creation — that she found the earth a wonderful place. Could she not stay but a little longer, even if it meant suffering, even if it meant delaying being in the presence of her Savior and His Blessed Mother, whom she adored?

Her faith (and mine) is full of conflicts — even Jesus agonized at Gethsemane — and mysteries. But there is no mystery to the fact that Barbara Nowack was a good lady and a good friend. We who are blessed to work at National Review feel so not only because of the mission established by our late and sorely missed founder, but because of the merry band of colleagues, from editors to secretaries, who make this a distinct and special place in which to propagate conservatism. Goodbye Barbara — you were such a big part of NR and of the lives of your colleagues. I hope you rest in deserved peace. I know that you do.