In Memoriam

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.

Sister Marie Edwin taught and was principal at schools in NY and Maryland. At St. Thomas Acquinas in Baltimore She took on many roles always there when comfort and support were needed. Little children loved her, attracted by her quiet demeanor.  A hidden talent was revealed in her love for Irish step dancing! Sister Betty enjoyed walking and usually could be seen saying her rosary as she made her paces.

Sister Gloria held a B.S. in Ed and two M.A. degrees, in Ed Guidance and Counseling and in Speech and Communication Arts.  She was a pioneer in the closed-circuit television studio at St. Margaret of Scotland School, as early as 1963. She says of her years of teaching. “I was most grateful for the diversity of activities in my background... teaching in small and large schools" She was very involved in the recovery from Hurricane Andrew in Florida.

In the 1960's Sister Mary John, was a licensed engineer and manager of a crew of four men, also engineers managing an 120-acre campus! She was an amazing problem solver throughout her many years of helping others. Sister Carol Bunner says “I think Mary John, in her humble manner, influenced and touched more SSNDs in the former Milwaukee and former Chicago Provinces than anyone else!".

In 1960, Joan began her teaching ministry at Notre Dame Prep eventually completing a 20-year career at there. She said “Though the seeds of my vocation were planted early, I feel that it was God’s will that directed me to the School Sisters of Notre Dame,”

A pleasant and sweet woman, Sister Marie Louise was praised for her wisdom and guidance. She was a spiritual presence in the schools where she taught and fostered that presence among the students and faculty. Sister especially cherished the time she spent before the Blessed Sacrament. She prayed that she would fulfill the purpose for which she entered “to bring souls to Christ through Mary.”

When she was missioned to the newly-opened Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester in the fall of 1963, she began 20 years of teaching math, a subject she loved at a school. She earned a M.A. in Math from Georgetown University in 1965 and another from the University of Detroit in 1970.

Sister Mary Anita was a woman of many talents; she was especially musical. She was a long-time member of the Handel Choir of Baltimore. She was kind, friendly, and helpful. Always positive, she enjoyed questioning and sharing opinions with others.

Sister Mary Trinitas was a brilliant woman.  Popular with students, she was a remarkable teacher and colleague.  She stood up for equality and was an advocate for women.  A smile on her face, she could be totally absorbed in a jigsaw puzzle.  Her tender side was revealed in her faithfulness to family and a close relationship with her nephews.