News and Events

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

May 3, 1924 – May 16, 2020

Sister Paul Joseph Leary was born on May 3, 1924, to Cornelius and Eleanor Leary.  She was one of seven children with three brothers and three sisters. She is remembered as a kind and gentle first-grade teacher serving at St. Columbkille, Brighton, Holy Name, West Roxbury, St. Catherine, Charlestown, St. Matthew, Dorchester, and St. Catherine, Norwood. 

Teilhard de Chardin once said, “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” Sister Paul Joseph had a deep faith and devotion to the Eucharist.  From this sprang a joy that was shared in her storytelling, her laughter, her teaching, and her optimistic personality. 

Her many nieces and nephews tell of Sister Paul’s endless tales of her family growing up and of her escapades in the classroom.  She was a treasured member of her family, and her friendships were close and lasting. Nahant was a popular vacation spot when she and Ada were cooking, as sisters knew that they would have many laughs in addition to delicious meals.  Always a cheerful, smiling presence on the second floor at Bethany, Sister Paul Joseph will be missed by the staff who loved her.

Her kindness, spirit of fun, and support of others in community, as well as her love of reading and chocolate will be remembered. As she now knows the fullness of joy in God, we trust that God knows a joy in Sister Paul Joseph’s presence as well.   

Given by Betsy Conway, CSJ

May 16, 2020