In Memoriam

As a young girl Sister Mary Jane was inspired to become a nurse by the Public Health Nurses she encountered during her mother's extended illness. This experience proved significant and Sister Mary Jane became a licensed RN in 1970 from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Her care for others was evident in all she did through many years of service in Baltimore and Florida. May Mary Jane rest in peace.

Sister Frances taught mathematics and physics at schools in Wisconsin and Chicago from 1970 til 1983. She also worked at the Academy of Our Lady in Chicago and the Archdiocese of Chicago. In retirement Sister Frances continued inspiring those around her with her gentle and loving spirit. May God welcome her home.

Sister Maggie was a dedicated teacher focused on teaching math and reading in many schools, and eventually became a specialist in teaching reading to students who were struggling. She said, "With a slower pace and persistent work, I have seen a lot of formerly unsure children be able to read and do math.” May Sister Maggie rest in the arms of God.

Sister Claire Marie was a member of SSND for 65 years. She taught grade school, and worked in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction throughout her career. She also served the congregation with dedication, serving on the provincial council and many other ministries including the provincial chapter, general chapter (1982), and interprovincial spirituality committee. We thank S Claire, may God welcome her home.

Sister Doreen’s spiritual life and dedication to community were foremost. She was always pleasant, serene and smiling. Helping others in various ways was important to her. Being mechanically skilled, she was often called upon to fix and repair everything from boilers to plumbing. In 1964 she became certified as a Stationary Engineer, the first woman in Ontario to be certified! To quote Bob Hudson, our devoted engineer, “Sister Doreen worked from dawn to dusk and never complained.”

Sister Gail Marie taught at schools in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois. She also served at the Generalate in Rome, for the Archdiocesan Office in Chicago and elsewhere. Sister Gail acted with great attention to detail and a love for service and family. May she rest in the arms of God.

Sister Jackie always valued community life, even during her many years teaching, she continued to live at the convent at Notre Dame Prep. Jackie retired to prayer and presence first, at the Notre Dame Community, Hampton and then at Villa Assumpta.

In keeping with the loving spirit that Sister Henry fostered in her many years of service, Sister was nominated by the Archdiocese of Newark for the NCEA Distinguished Principal Award. Part of John Street in Secaucus was named for her on Arbor Day in 2001. And in 1998, the Jubilee medal Pro Meritus, recommended by her Pastor, was given to her by the Archdiocese of Newark, for distinguished service in school and parish.

After graduating from Hamilton Teachers’ College, Sister Kathleen taught at St. Helen’s School, Hamilton, Sacred Heart School, Kitchener and St. Mary’s School, Owen Sound. Sister Kathleen was librarian at Sacred Heart and St. Anne’s Schools, Kitchener and at St. Clements School, Cambridge. In 1976 she moved to Beardmore in northern Ontario and taught at St. Theresa’s School. In 1980 she transferred to Pine Point, Northwest Territories and later to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories where she initiated a religion program which involved parents as well as youth in religious education. 

From the very start Sister Rita had a happy disposition, a love of storytelling and conversation, a natural openness and kindness. As homilist at her funeral, Father John Clooney, former Watertown Pastor, shared some humorous stories and called Rita, “a good and faithful servant.” He recalled “her integrity and uprightness” and expressed the gratitude of the parish “for all she had been and done for us.” We also thank S Rita, may God welcome her home.