Sister Theresa Alice Prior, CSJ

(Sister Eileen Marie Prior)

We Remember her in the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring.

May 9, 1931 – May 23, 2025

In the 69th year of her Religious Life. Entered: September 8, 1956

“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. 

Theresa Alice Prior was born in Roslindale on May 9, 1931 to John and Mary Prior, faith-filled Irish parents who nurtured their loving family. Theresa had a twin sister, Eileen, as well as her sister Mary, and three brothers, Francis, John and William. The family remained very close over the years to come, active parishioners of St. Andrew’s Parish. Theresa and her twin sister went to the Francis Parkman Elementary School and then on to Mission High School. After a year, Theresa left to attend Cathedral High School.  She graduated in 1949, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph that year, and received the religious name, Sister Eileen Marie. To make matters confusing, the following year, her sister, Eileen, who stayed at Mission High School entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame and received the religious name, Sister Mary Theresa.  How close this bond continued to be throughout their lives! 

Education of young children was the foundation of Sister Eileen’s life. Her early teaching experiences in Sacred Heart, East Cambridge, St. John’s in Swampscott, and St. James in Medford led her to become an elementary principal at St. Mary’s in Winchester. This was not where her heart lay and over the next 43 years, she was ministering to children at the Jackson School in Newton or briefly at Newton Catholic.  Between 1975 and 1983, Sisters Eileen and Theresa responded generously to a family need. With the support of their congregations, they lovingly cared for their parents, on alternate years, while teaching when they were not the caregiver.    

During these years and after, Sister Eileen lived at Maria Convent, a beloved and respected member of the local community. Her caring and compassionate manner enriched the lives of all with whom she lived.  Her dedication to school, the staff and especially her students was truly a gift. To quote Sister Eileen, “I believe that educating young children is most valuable and necessary in today’s Church and society. The work is both satisfying and fulfilling. The ministry empowers, energizes, and delights me. To have a chance to make a difference in the life of a young child is a wonderful privilege. It is a great blessing to serve the Church and society through the ministry of Catholic education, and I say, ‘Thank you God, for this blessing.’”

Eileen’s family was so very important to her. The care and healing presence that she and her sister brought to their parents was extraordinary; as the doctor said, their parents received phenomenal care. Her brothers and their families were very close and often visited and supported both Eileen and Theresa, though Eileen was local and Theresa was in Connecticut. Throughout the years, Eileen was a central figure at all family celebrations. She was the confidant of her nieces and nephews; she was a bridge, the glue that held them together. She knew what everyone was doing because they felt comfortable sharing with her.  She was accepting and devoted to them. Moreover, they were inspired by her life and commitment. Over the years, Eileen was extremely close to her sister, Marie. From the family perspective, the three girls were almost triplets.

When Maria Convent closed, Theresa lived with Eileen at Holy Name Convent, and Marie continued to be an integral part of their lives. After six years at Holy Name, Eileen moved to Fontbonne Convent for another six years, before moving to Bethany.

Shortly after Eileen went to Bethany, her sister Marie moved there as well and they continued to share life together. Their care for one another was so strong. 

Our Gospel Reading reminds us that the Holy Spirit will be with us and will teach us to remember God’s call to live in peace. Sister Eileen Marie Prior certainly heard God’s message to her about living in peace, about not being troubled, about having confidence that God has prepared a place for her and will come back to take her into God’s presence. Though Sister Eileen had health challenges in recent years, she was ready, because she knew so well the way to that place where God was calling her. Thank you, Sister Eileen for the ways that God has touched you and that you have touched each one of us while on your wonderful journey through life. 

Given by Mary Ellen O’Connell, CSJ

May 28, 2025