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We remember her in the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter

November 14, 1926 – February 8, 2019

 At the most recent chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph we were urged to tell the story of the congregation.  Telling our story has become an important directive for our future.  As we all know, the story of the congregation is made up of the individual stories of all our Sisters.  The story of Sister Mildred Malone (Millie) is one rich with accomplishments but perhaps more valuable because it is uniquely Millie’s. 

As one of nine children born to Patrick and Catharine Malone, Millie grew up in Haverhill and was ever loyal to her roots. Upon graduation from St. James High School Millie joined the ranks of many young women who entered the Sisters of St. Joseph.  She was soon followed by her sisters, Mary and Patricia.  Growing up on Primrose St., the Malone children often were asked to run errands for the Sisters at St. James Convent.  As a result, the Malones created a well-worn route from Primrose St. to Merrimack St.

As the quote from the Constitution of the Sisters of St. Joseph on the cover of the program states:” We see relationship at the heart of mission”, so Millie wove relationships with many as she journeyed through her ministries.  As an elementary school teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes, Jamaica Plain, and St. Joseph, Amesbury, Millie acquired a foundation for excellent teaching, which she brought to her ministry at the Boston School for the Deaf. 

It was at the BSD in Randolph that Millie dedicated herself to the professional development that would greatly benefit the students whom she taught. Long hours of hard study resulted in degrees and certifications that earned Millie respected status among special educators.  She was in demand to teach courses at Northeastern University and Bridgewater State College at that time.  So, her relationships extended to practicing teachers and to those who were aspiring to the role.

When the education of students with hearing deficiencies no longer required dedicated schools, Millie shared her expertise with public school systems in Milton and Randolph.  They became the beneficiaries of her wealth of knowledge and experience in special education. From this ministry Millie moved into religious education and then to pastoral ministry, which took her back to her beloved Haverhill and ultimately to New Hampshire.  There are countless stories of the connections and the generous outreach that Millie performed at All Saints in Haverhill. It was later in New Hampshire that Millie joined her sister Mary in ministry and in local community.  Perhaps you may have noticed the picture of the Malone Sisters on the table outside the chapel.  Taken in an earlier time, it portrays the radiant smiles of these young sisters.  If you note the laughter in their eyes, you can just imagine what a vibrant local community Millie and Mary created!

The three Sisters were reunited in 2010, when they came to Framingham.  Here they enjoyed each other’s company, especially when there was a second floor song fest at which they could sing the St. James Blue and White song with great gusto!  You may have noted a copy of the words to the song enshrined on the memory table.

Yes, the telling of our CSJ story is the sum and total of the stories of wonderful women, who faithfully dedicated their lives to ministry.  Millie served as an outstanding example of that dedication.  In the book of the prophet Daniel (12:3) we read that “Those who instruct others unto justice shall shine like stars for all eternity”. Millie, gentle soul, gracious and graced, may you know the reward of your labors and may you shine with the brightest among the stars!

Given by Judith Costello, CSJ

February 13, 2019