In Memoriam

Sister Mary Vincenza focused on Catechetics and especially loved working with teenagers and families. In her long career she published two books and worked with hundreds of people while presenting faculty retreat days for Catholic Schools, and setting up parish religious education, and youth ministry programs. Her good works will live on.

Sister Maureen Michael reflected that she lived “an ordinary life in an extraordinary way.” A gifted artist and dedicated SSND, Her calm, non-threatening manner gave adults and children the opportunity to create art that expressed feeling and developed spiritual growth. She touched many as she inspired and encouraged them to follow their hearts.

One of her outstanding gifts was her ability to teach. From middle school students to college students, her teaching skills and academic competence inspired her students to succeed. She also introduced young women to religious life, women who caught her God-centered spirit are living religious life fully, and women whom she helped to discern another path will always hold her in deep friendship. 

Sister Grace's love for SSND and the Wilton Province came through strongly in all she contributed to through the years:... all were carried out with her unique wit, good humor, and obvious enjoyment.

Sister Mary taught at many schools in New York City and Long Island from 1959 until 1996. With her dry sense of humor, Mary had a good rapport with others and her many students recall her with love.

When she returned to Connecticut in 2005, Claire became a part-time Hospice Nurse with Norwalk Hospice. Her work as a nurse, and her faithfulness to Weight Watchers, made her many friends in the area. Community service at Villa Notre Dame, especially driving, became Claire’s final gift to her Sisters.

Sister Eleanor was noted for her caring, compassion, and supportive attention to individuals and families. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her autobiography Sister Eleanor wrote that she was honoured to have been born in May, the month dedicated to Mary.

One day a friend said, “I’m good at recognizing future nuns and I think you are one.” Pat gasped and said that it was true. Pat entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame on Sept. 7, 1957, receiving the candidate’s veil in the chapel of Notre Dame College.

Sister Patricia, known then as Sister Mary Benedict, continued her education over the years, and received a B.A. in Sociology at Mt. Mary College in Milwaukee in 1967, and a Master of Pastoral Studies in Communication Arts from Loyola University in Chicago, in 1980.

Sister Rita once wrote;  “In our office, we try to maintain a deep concern for the needs of those we serve.  We also strive to keep a positive attitude, a friendly and welcoming office.  All this is done in a spirit of living faith, hope, and love of God expressed in a courteous regard for all.”    In these few words, Zita summarized the attitude which she had lived out in all her various ministries.