Operating at a Different Level

Safe home Aunt Alice

“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”

-Saint Augustine

One of the many occupations that has fallen victim to the tsunami of technology flooding our world is that of telephone operator. These pleasant, patient, headset-wearing women—who did everything from patch through calls to dole out information—were staples in the land-line era of American communication. They were in many ways the first true search engines, and before the world was introduced to Alexa, we could depend on people like Alice, my aunt, who last Sunday entered into her eternal reward after a life that reflected her noble profession.

My Aunt Alice was married to my dad’s older brother Leo one day shy of 63 years. The couple had three sons, Michael, Jim, and Marty (who was born a mere 12 days before me). Marty, in many ways, has been like a brother due to the small amount of time that separates our grand entrances into the world. As kids, Marty and I spent a lot of time together with Aunt Alice usually driving us to a variety of favorite childhood spots. Looking back, it’s apparent that the same characteristics expected of her at work were always on full display throughout her life.

Making Connections

Alice Fox’s ability to connect wasn’t limited to just those who pressed 0 on their phones, but it applied to everyone she met. Her kind and gentle demeanor would immediately put folks at ease. She had a sincere interest in the lives of all she knew and loved, especially her grandchildren. Among the many connections she treasured, the one she had with The Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Cleveland, a group of cloistered nuns, was especially important throughout her life. It is believed she had a direct line with the sisters for prayer requests. My aunt understood that our connection with God was more important than any other.

Dependable

Like telephone operators of old, my Aunt Alice could always be depended on. The amount of time she spent helping her five grandchildren was something I was able to see early on. She was always dropping off, picking up, and babysitting—and she loved every minute of it. It was apparent throughout her life that she was the most dependable person in her family. The ability to be there all the time for those you love takes sacrificing your own needs—something my aunt happily did until health problems started to slow her down. As my Mom said the other day, “Alice NEVER let anyone down.” She was always there, just like back in the day when you dialed 0 on an old rotary phone.

Supportive

Customer support used to mean that there would immediately be an actual person on the other end of the line. Automation of course has ruined this. It takes pressing a bunch of numbers and jumping through a variety of hoops to get the help we need today. The primary goal for operators back then was to first and foremost provide support to those with an issue or problem. Throughout her life, this was my aunt’s primary purpose outside of work as well. I can’t think of a time when she missed a family event or forgot a birthday. Her support in good times and bad was always there.

Positive and Polite

In all the time spent with my Aunt Alice, I don’t remember her having a very negative outlook on much. As was expected by so many of her fellow operators, she was extremely positive and incredibly polite. For those that remember Lily Tomlin’s character Ernestine the Telephone Operator, my aunt was the polar opposite—never sarcastic, never degrading, and genuinely happy to see or talk to you. She was authentic in every sense of the word.

Empathetic

Showing empathy to frustrated callers was the hallmark of the profession my aunt dutifully performed for over 30 years. Even during the toughest parts of her life, Alice Fox never lost her ability to share in the feelings of others. In June of 2012, she and my Uncle Leo lost their grandson Kevin to an automobile accident just days before he graduated from high school. As our family, and all of Northeast Ohio, mourned Kevin and the three other beautiful souls lost that terrible day, I remember my aunt—in all of her grief—comforting many of the mourners at his wake. At a time when she had every right to be wrapped up in her own grief, there she was, doing what she has always done—showing empathy for others.

Heaven’s gain is certainly our loss. It’s hard thinking of a world without her, but you can’t help but smile knowing she was undoubtedly greeted by her beloved grandson Kevin, her dear sister, Lucille, and cherished parents, Ida Mae and Alfonse the moment she entered paradise. She was an absolute gem who operated at a different level of goodness than most. Safe Home, Aunt Alice, you will be missed.

-Tommy O’Sionnach