Sister Gail Ripley, CSJ

(Sister Ellen Marie)

We Remember her in the blueness of the skies
and in the warmth of summer.

April 17, 1936 – June 8, 2025

In the 71ˢᵗ year of her Religious Life. Entered: September 8, 1954

“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 Sister 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.”

Gail Ripley, CSJ, was “tough” because she had expectations of her students and saw their potential. She was kind because she knew who they were in God’s eyes, and how they deserved to be treated.

As I listened to those descriptions of Sister Gail Ripley, I thought of the One whose bond we as CSJs, we as Christians, share – Jesus of Nazareth, tough in his expectations that we love and show up for each other NO MATTER WHAT. He was kind and compassionate because he knew whose we were, God’s own, and that each of our stories is sacred. In addition, Jesus went about trying to create a family of sisters and brothers, where we look out for each other, are supportive, and enjoy one another, as Sister Gail Ripley did in her schools. Sr. Gail’s faith was her foundation for her ministry, her life in community, and her relationship with family and friends. She brought her morning prayer into her day, every day.

Sister Gail Ripley loved and enjoyed her students everywhere she met them, at St. Lazarus, East Boston, St. Thomas, Jamaica Plain, at the School for the Deaf in Randolph for 21 years, at Holy Family in Rockland, and at Sacred Heart Roslindale for 23 years. Respect was the bottom line for everyone, and from everyone, and it is what enabled the environments she nurtured to flourish. The communities in which she was a part, in ministry, and in community were happy places where both learning and laughter were common. In her work with the Deaf Community in Randolph, Sister Gail Ripley was open to be challenged and to learn best practices as part of the faculty there. In Roslindale, the middle school students, often thought of as the most difficult to manage, were her favorites. “They have so much potential and to channel that energy in the right direction is a challenge. But I like a challenge,” she said.

Sister Gail Ripley, born to Charles and Madeline Corcoran Ripley, grew up in Norwood with her sister Mary, and her brother Charles. Her family meant so much to her. Her nieces, nephews and their families were devoted in return. “Malph” to her family, was a hands-on daughter, sister and aunt, especially when there were needs for caretaking. She was a part of every celebration and holiday, and her grandnephew felt she needed her own special name, which is how she became “Malph.” I remember how important it was to her to be able to watch Ryan and Kristen’s wedding on her iPad when she was first living at Bethany. In addition, in her own illness, Sr. Gail was in awe of her family’s dedicated care of her.

Though Gail would describe herself as quiet, she also loved to socialize and have parties, which worked out well because of her faithful and outgoing companions, Sisters Alice and Bernadette. In prayer, community life, and our mission, they forged a friendship that was steadfast, cherished, and that nurtured ever-widening circles of friendships over the years. Their home was a welcoming place for so many and their families learned about the gift of community because of the bond they witnessed in them.

You will hear in today’s readings that God has plans for us, and these include a future filled with hope.  In addition, Jesus reassures us in the Gospel that God is preparing a place for us, and that we will be at home there.

All through her life as Sister Gail lived out God’s plan for her, she knew of hope, love and purpose. How could she, and we, not trust that there is, indeed, a dwelling place where she now lives, with joy!

Given by Betsy Conway, CSJ

June 13, 2025