In Memoriam » Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston

Sister Margaret Stinson, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟗 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | Thank you for believing and living so completely Jesus’ words from our Gospel Reading, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟗 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | Being kind, generous, cheerful and faithful to the God who called her, Eleanor had noble qualities so needed in today’s world. Great was Eleanor’s impact and we thank God for the gift of her life among us.

Sister Bernadette Marie Kenney, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟔 – 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | Being extroverted and social, Bernadette had a wide circle of friends, though none so close as Sisters Gail Ripley and Alice Kirby, who companioned her through all the seasons and ministries of her life. A unique and special gift of Sister Bernadette was her love of communities often on the margins

Sister Donna Curtin, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟑 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | From the time she was 12 years old, Sr. Donna Curtin knew she wanted to be a Sister, because she said, even then, “She loved God with all her heart.”

Sister Claire Arlene Morrissey, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟕 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | A picture that hung in her room shows an image of a path through a forest of trees, with areas of light amongst dark shadows. The direction is clear and focused, and the brightness overpowers the dark. Such an image perfectly illustrates her life’s work; her path was always a quest for God, and her destination the utter fullness of God.

Sister Martha Ann Kelley, CSJ

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟑 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | Keenly aware of the complexity of life, Martha Ann sought to embrace the interconnectedness that she learned of early in the Gospel, and as she grew into an evolving awareness of the God who is “I Am”, always and everywhere.

Sister Roberta Ristuccia, CSJ

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟗 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | People were a vital part of Roberta’s life. As we reflect on the gift that Roberta was to her Congregation, to her family, to her friends, to those with whom she interacted in ministry and in everyday life, we know that she made the words from our Constitution come alive.

Sister Therezon Sheerin, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟗 – 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | How often Sister Therezon enriched the lives of others – those who had a need, with her teaching, her presence, her wisdom, or with her prayerfulness!

Sister Paula Marie Finn, CSJ

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟔 – 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | Sister Paula Finn lived life gratefully. She knew she was blessed.

Sister Kathleen Moran, CSJ

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟖 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | Sister Kathleen Moran brought life into all whom she touched. In the classroom as a teacher or a student, in the Principal’s Office or at the Retreat Center, in Campus or Pastoral Ministry, or in Congregation Leadership, Kathleen brought life — her life, and God’s life.

Sister Jeanne Carol Leahy, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟏 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | Sister Jeanne’s poem, “A Reflection on Wild Flowers,” she extends an invitation to each one of us. “So, as you journey God’s pathway for you, be mindful of God’s deep call. Love justly, act wisely, and love tenderly,
bringing God’s loving care to all.”

Sister Gail Ripley, CSJ

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟔 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | “Who is this new lady trying to make us all behave?” quoted the younger sister of her brother in first grade. “By the time I was in first grade,” she said, “everyone knew that Sr. Gail was a tough but loving principal.” A faculty member said, “She’s woven a family here. We look out for one another, we’re supportive and we enjoy one another.”

Sister Eileen Marie Prior, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟗, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟏 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart…” Mt. 11:29… How many times in the past few days has that sentiment been echoed throughout our Congregation and I’m sure within Eileen’s family – she was a gentle and caring woman, who was kind and open toward all. She never complained but always looked on the positive side of life.

Sister Joanne Solari, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟔 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | There is a time for everything! – There is a season for peace. How appropriate the First Reading that Sister Joanne Solari chose for today’s liturgy!

Sister Margaret Reavy, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟖 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | “Exhibit kindness to all and unkindness to none.” Does that sound familiar? That was number twenty-six in the list of Maxims of Father Jean Pierre Medaille. Most of us memorized the maxims in the novitiate. We tried to live that maxim, but Peggy Reavy personified its essence. She truly loved the “dear neighbor.”

Sister Catherine Ginty, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟒 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | How perfect was Sister Catherine’s timing! The first Reading she chose from the Song of Songs, says, “Arise my love, my fair one and come away. Winter is past, the flowers appear on the earth and the time for singing has come.”

Sister Ann Marie Masone, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟐 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | Good is the Lord to one who waits for him. Every night, Sister Ann Marie Masone would say before she went to sleep, “I’m ready God if you want to take me.”

Sister Patricia Malone, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟑 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Sister Patricia’s ministry was extensive throughout her years of service. Her initial ministry was as a teacher in several of the Archdiocesan elementary schools. As the years of her ministry progressed, Pat was sent to receive post college degrees from Stitch College and Boston University.

Sister Ernestine Quealy, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟒 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Sister Ernestine was a woman who knew in the depths of her being who God was to her. A loving God who delighted in her love for life, her friends, especially, Sister Mary McCormack, her family, Sisters with whom she lived and ministered.

Sister Miriam Theresa Ringer, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟔 – 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Sister Miriam is our miracle worker. She has given us her love and we thank her with gratitude…

Sister Mary Agnes Mills, CSJ

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟓 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Because Mary’s roots were in New York, she was a loyal and unashamed Yankees fan. Despite this, she won her way into our hearts.

Sister Mary Cahill, CSJ

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟗 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | In one of her writings, Mary expressed her life with a quote from St. Luke, “The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me to proclaim the Lord’s year of favor?” As all of us who knew her, we observed Sister Mary Cahill lived these words during her 77 years as a Sister of St. Joseph.

Sister Cecilia Corbett, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟔 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Well, did not Jesus show his love for Sister Cecilia Corbett! To be invited to her heavenly reward on Easter Sunday was not only an honor for her, but a sacred event!

Sister Helen Sullivan, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟗 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Because Helen Sullivan, Sister Xavier Marie, walked humbly with her God, she also loved tenderly and acted justly. Her desire from a young age was to be pleasing to God, and the way she believed that she would be, was to follow her call to be a Sister of St. Joseph and to live her life in a way that service to those most in need was the focus.

Sister Theresa Pond, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟕 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | One statement I found referring to St. Therese seemed to resonate with Sister Theresa Pond: “Kindness is a guiding star. One does not calculate, instead they act with kindness and compassion always at the forefront of their mind.”

Sister Florence Patricia Kahler, CSJ

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟒 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Every life has a story, and every story is sacred. When we celebrate a person’s life, we do so by sharing stories, and the stories of Florence have been rich and abundant.

Sister Prudence McCarthy, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟐 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | Love expresses itself in many ways. Sister Prudence served her God as advocate and mentor in the classroom and in the principal’s office, We say and believe that relationship is at the heart of our CSJ mission. Our God is a God of relationship. Though she would tell you that she is shy, “Prudy” formed meaningful relationships easily.”

Sister Katherine Green, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟗, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏- 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | From her entrance into the Congregation in 1959, Kathy understood her call to serve the cause of right – be a covenant for the people – be a light of freedom and hope for all people.

Sister Claire Rita McDonald, CSJ

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟕- 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | To me, this word- GRACIOUSNESS epitomizes Sister Claire McDonald! During her whole life, Sister Claire demonstrated these qualities of graciousness.

Sister Margaret Nichols, CSJ

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟖 – 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | Through the years, Sister Peggy Nichols ministered in a great variety of ways and places, but she always was confident that God was leading her in these varied pathways.

Sister Marie Therese Keough, CSJ

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟎 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | Thank you, Sister Marie Keough for the ways that you lived our mission of unity — amidst all types of diversity — every day of your life.

Sister Ellen Powers, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏 – 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | Thank you, Sister Ellen, for the many ways you provided your helping hand, God’s helping hand within educational, congregational and family situations. We know that you now experience that future full of hope that God has promised and prepared for you.

Sister Patricia McLaughlin, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟕 – 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | Her natural disposition as well as her faith life made her approachable and warm, a favorite with young and old, a beloved aunt, and a genuine reflection of the generosity of God’s love.

Sister Rose Agnes Urban, CSJ

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟎 – 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | “How beautiful on the mountain top are the feet of those who bring good news.”

Sister Helen Callahan, CSJ

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟎 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” When I think of Helen Callahan, the first word that comes to me is gracious. Google defines this as “marked by kindness and courtesy, generosity of spirit. Scripture says, “God’s response is to call God own self “gracious.” So, Helen is in good company.

Sister John Mary Quirk, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟎 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | John Mary would be celebrating sixty-five years as a Sister of St. Joseph in October of this year. She began her ministerial journey as a teacher in Sacred Heart School in Weymouth. How she loved teaching first graders. Her gentleness and nurturing manner were life-giving gifts for the children to whom she ministered. She went on to teach first grade at St. Pius, Lynn.

Sister Patricia Ann Logan, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟑 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | “This is what God asks of you, only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.” How often have we heard these words – words that Sister Patricia chose for today’s celebration?

Sister Ellen Pumphret, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟑 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | Ellen Cecilia Pumphret was a woman of deep faith. She was a resurrection woman. Is it any wonder that God called her home during this Easter season – a season of new life and hope, a season of promise?

Sister Nancy Brennan, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟗 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 | If anyone ever “flew below the radar”, it was Nancy Brennan! The original founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph exhorted them to be a “hidden design”, so Nancy was merely following that guideline.

Sister Mary Kelleher, CSJ

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟕 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Mary’s life was not always easy. She didn’t always believe in her own goodness and kindness even as she affirmed and championed the goodness in others.

Sister Patricia Cushing, CSJ

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟔 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Patricia approached her last journey with grace and resolve and when she had accomplished her task, she allowed her spirit to rest in the Lord. A woman of courage!

Sister Anna Bridget Crann, CSJ

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Anna Crann was a lifelong giver of joy and service to others – especially at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham. Hers was a spirituality of waiting: accompanying the sisters in their last moments of life to their eternal life. How she loved her ministry.

Sister Geraldine Shea, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟔 – 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | For many years, Sr. Geraldine volunteered at Camp Pablo in Haverhill, nurturing children with muscular dystrophy with her good cooking and happy spirit. Just prior to her move to Bethany, Gerry volunteered at Mt. St. Joseph Academy and St. Joseph Prep.

Sister Rita Virginia McCarthy, CSJ

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟑 – 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | In the late sixties, early seventies, Rita, like some other sisters at that time, began to work in the courts, advocating for and supporting adolescents who were having difficulty navigating home and school.

Sister Mary Ann Alves, CSJ

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟑 – 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Her students described her as an excellent math teacher, one colleague saying, “She could teach math to a wall.”

Sister Rena Foley, CSJ

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟏 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | With a twinkle in her eye, a great sense of humor and a fondness for mischief, Rena kept fifty-three postulants, literally and figuratively, “on our toes!!”

Sister Doris Langlois, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟔 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Sister Doris Langlois delighted in life. There was a quiet joy deep in her being! That joy spilled-over whenever she met someone.

Sister Edna Marie Barbadoro, CSJ

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟐 – 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Sister Edna lived her life with love, prayer, grace, compassion, dignity, gentle strength, and faithfulness to her calls as a nurse and a Sister of St. Joseph for seventy-three years.

Sister Mary Olsen, CSJ

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟒 – 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Mary, like your namesake, you have blessed all those who have had the good fortune to know you. You have blessed them by your genuine care, your graciousness, and your warmth.

Sister Patricia Ellen Corkery, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟑, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟓 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Sister Patricia Corkery filled our world with love. What a gift and blessing she was and is to us: Sisters of St. Joseph; her family; her many friends; her Church; and this fragile world. She spent her days making people happy.

Sister Mary Claire O’Connor, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟓 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | As a teacher in elementary education at St Benedict’s in Somerville, St. Joseph’s, Lynn, St. John’s, Quincy, St. Catherine’s, Norwood, St. Theresa’s, West Roxbury and Sacred Heart, Weymouth, Mary Claire was a witness to God’s love to the students, parents, and teachers with whom she ministered.

Mary Teresa Norton, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟏 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Mary valued her “call” to be in the service of God. At her jubilee in 1978, her theme in both readings and music was, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Sister Vida, whose name means “Life” had given her life to the One who knew her and called her by name. Work was also a value to Mary Teresa, as a teenager and as she lived into the winter of her life.

Catherine Mary Meade, CSJ

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟏 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | After her studies in higher education, she began her long (40 plus years) ministry at Regis College in the History Department. She soon became the chairperson of that department as well as a Student Advisor. She was well known for her creative curriculum development and collaborative teaching. She introduced Museum Studies into the History Department. Catherine, along with other faculty members, became immersed in women’s history. She believed, for women, the path to equality stretched far ahead, and the journey had only begun.

Sister Mary Malone, CSJ

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟗 – 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | The image of the Good Shepherd is one of gentleness, peace and compassion. These qualities describe Sister Mary Malone, who is remembered by all as a gentle and kind person. We bless you, Mary, for the gift of joy as manifestation of the love of God, which you so readily shared with us. All the happy memories of your presence among us will provide comfort in our loss. Our prayer is that you now experience the eternal joy, which is your reward for a life of gentle, humble and loving fidelity to your Good Shepherd!

Sister Anna Edge, CSJ

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟑𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟒 – 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Anna spoke out against injustice at the School of the Americas in Georgia, stood with the migrant workers in North Carolina and with the people of El Salvador. She spoke out wherever the dear neighbor suffered. Her light shined on all with whom she came in contact. What did Anna do with her one, precious life? She gave it away, to God and others, unconditionally. And that has made all the difference.

Sister Barbara Reney, CSJ

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟑 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 | Threaded through all of Barbara’s ministries was the expression of her experience in writing. Not only did Barbara craft lovely prose works, but she also had a gift for poetic expression. Her poem about the one hundred one windows of the retreat center serves as evidence of her romance with language. Among her favorite poems were the works of Mary Oliver, whose books lined Barbara’s shelves.

Sister Mary Scanlon, CSJ

May 22, 1932 – December 20, 2021
Mary educated and impacted the lives of thousands of students; she cared about and loved her students; she lived life well; she was selfless; she was dedicated to God and God’s children; she was a great math teacher and made math understandable to those who had a hard time with math.

Sister Thomasine Knowlton, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟕, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟑 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | It was her thirty-six-year tenure at Spellman that served as the highlight of her ministry. Beginning as a teacher of Latin and Russian, Thomasine soon became assistant principal, principal, and finally, president of a thriving school. “Sister T” endeared herself to faculty, students, and parents alike because of her sincere dedication to all who comprised the school community.

Sister Marie Ancilla McCarthy, CSJ

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟑, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟓 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Ever gracious, kind, and gentle, Betty, Sister Marie Ancilla has gone home to her God with hands full of blessings – both those she gave and those she was for others. May her reward be truly a heavenly feast to rival that of Isaiah’s!

Sister Margaret Crann, CSJ

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏 – 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Margaret loved all things spiritual and she was a true seeker of God. Their daily ride to Framingham became a prayerful event for them because they witnessed the sun rising. And now the sun has set on Margaret’s life. I can hear her uttering her favorite words: If the only prayer you ever say is “thank you” that is enough.

Sister Rita Anne Davis, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟗, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟖 – 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Rita Anne Davis was steeped in joy. Everyone who knew her would tell you that she was filled with joy; always with a smile on her face and a quick laugh. She loved to tell stories that would make you laugh – and she would laugh right along with you.

Sister Lorraine DiMare, CSJ

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟐 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | “Gentle Woman”, the hymn chosen by Lorraine Marie for today’s liturgy, is an apt description of Lorraine herself. Anyone of whom I asked information about her responded with adjectives such as “quiet, gentle, faithful, gracious…”, all those qualities that one would associate with a woman, who modeled her life on St. Joseph.

Sister Rose Joseph Murphy, CSJ

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟒, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟖 – 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | When I received word that Rose Joseph was making her way home to God, I drove to Bethany Health Care Center. As I drove, I reflected on this woman’s life, and the song that kept coming into my head was Frank Sinatra’s song, “I DID IT MY WAY”! Rose Joseph lived her life doing it her way, while always attentive to the God she served so faithfully.

Sister Jeanne Marie Doherty, CSJ

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟔 – 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Our desire and call as Sisters of St. Joseph is to be a unifying and healing presence, and this describes Jeanne Marie so well. In her quiet way, she was a calming, gentle soul who was a peacemaker, a blessed peacemaker. In the sometimes chaos of everyday life, she was a balm for those around her, with her easy going way.

Sister Patricia O’Connell, CSJ

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟖 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Pat often took The Ride to Brighton to tutor in the Literacy Connection: no easy commute. “Her hands and heart were eager to help others” as was stated in her yearbook.

Sister Janis Delaney, CSJ

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟗, 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟒 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Her faith was strong, and she had a particular devotion to the double Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, and Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – a faith that saw relationship at the heart of everything that is. Sister Janis loved to learn and her mind was always in search of deeper knowledge and understanding as she attended lectures whenever she could and read until her last day.

Sister Marie Louise McCarthy, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟑 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | Though Sr. Mary Lou described her disposition as “average” on her entrance application, those who have known her over her nearly 88 years of life would describe her as compassionate, spiritual, dedicated, stubborn, brave and loving. Her relationship with her God was active and strong.

Sister Helen Thomas Colbert, CSJ

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟑 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 | How do you measure a lifetime of love? On this day, which marks the 88th birthday of Sister Helen Thomas Colbert, we acknowledge that her lifetime was one of boundless love. Helen loved her God, her extensive family, her ministry, her congregation, and her countless friends.

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