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Remembering Sisters2023-03-30T19:56:56+00:00

Sister Anna May English (Martin de Porres)

Sister Anna May began her ministry in education as an elementary school teacher in Saint Patrick Parish, Roxbury, MA, and then at Our Lady of the Cenacle School in Richmond Hill, NY, and Our Lady of Angels in Brooklyn, NY. After several years of teaching, she felt drawn to the nursing profession and studied at Sancta Maria Hospital in Cambridge, MA, thus beginning thirty-five years of service as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She ministered in several hospitals in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, NY, during which time she also cared for her ailing parents. Sister Anna May had a deep sensitivity toward those who suffer, especially the sick and the poor. Upon retirement, she resided at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley, MA, and provided service to the community as a driver, a Eucharistic Minister, and spent many hours visiting with infirmed sisters at Elizabeth Seton Residence.

Sister Grace McColgan (Maria Robert)

The focus of Sister Grace's ministry was teaching at both grammar and high school levels. She was missioned in several locations throughout the Archdiocese of Boston during her time in ministry, beginning at Saint Patrick School in Lawrence, MA and then Saint Michael School in North Andover, MA. She also taught in the parish religious education programs of both of these parishes. Sister Grace then served as a business course teacher at Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School in Dorchester, MA for thirty years, until it closed in 2003. In her last formal assignment, Sister Grace served as an administrative assistant at Elizabeth Seton Academy in Dorchester, MA before retiring to Marian Community at Mount Saint Vincent and subsequently to Marillac Residence at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley, MA.

Sister JoAnn Bonauro

Her ministry began as a teacher at St. Patrick’s School, Brooklyn, and Our Lady of the Angelus Catholic Academy, Rego Park, NY. Sister JoAnn’s ministry continued at St. Aidan’s Parish. Williston Park, NY in various capacities including Religious Education Director, Director of Faith Formation and Director of Family Ministry & Evangelization. She was the Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Brooklyn and St. William the Abbot Parish, Seaford, NY. She devoted her skills, time and love to several diocesan and congregation committees including Saint Finbar Church where she gave joyful witness to love through her charism of charity.

Sister Margaret White (Margaret Pauline)

Sister Margaret (Peggy) was missioned in both the Canada and the United States throughout her time in ministry. She was, first and foremost, an educator and loved teaching grades three through eight, beginning at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Staten Island, New York and Holy Savior School in Westmont, New Jersey. Sister Margaret was then missioned to Saint Agnes School, New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Sainte Foy School in Quebec and Saint Theresa School in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her last formal teaching assignment was Saint Francis of Assisi School in Medford, MA. Sister Peggy spent several years at Immaculate Conception Convent in Winchester, MA before retiring to Marillac Residence at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley, MA.

Sister Maureen O’Neill

Sister Maureen obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University and her Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University.  Sister Maureen began her ministry teaching elementary education in New Jersey and then in Halifax at St. Joseph’s and St. Catherine’s. With a background in bookkeeping Sister Maureen was missioned to work in the Business Office at the Halifax Infirmary Hospital. Finding her gift in business, Sister Maureen returned to university and obtained Bachelor of Commerce degree 1974.  She joined the Business faculty at the Dartmouth Regional Vocational School and then the Community College of NS at the Ackerley Campus where she taught for 21 years. Sister Maureen was a lifelong learner returning to the classroom as a student throughout her life. As a mature student, she studied at Kisemanito Centre in Alberta, St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, and the Galilee Mission, Ontario. She obtained her Diploma in Theology and Ministry from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. Sister Maureen also worked in Administration with the Sisters of Charity and in Parish Ministry.

Sister Theresa Burbridge (Mary Paula)

Born February 19, 1925, Theresa entered the Sisters of Charity at Mount Saint Vincent, Halifax in 1945. She entered from her family’s parish in Bathurst, Sacred Heart, and shared life with the Sisters for over 77 years. She earned a BSc in Home Economics from Mount Saint Vincent University and spent her ministry in food sciences as a registered dietitian across Canada including Immaculata Hospital, Westlock, AB, the Halifax Infirmary, NS, and St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sydney, NS. She taught home economics at the Mount Carmel Convent, New Waterford, NS, and at Saint Patrick Convent, Quebec, PQ.

Sister Bernadette Murphy

Her first ministry with the Sisters of Charity took her to Brooklyn, NY in 1957. There she served as housekeeper at Saint Sylvester Convent. She returned to Halifax in 1959. For 30 years, Sister Bernadette worked at Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse in the Cafeteria. She was appointed Cafeteria Supervisor in 1972 and served in that capacity until 1989.   Following her retirement, she continued to contribute to the quality of life at the Motherhouse, then at Caritas Residence by applying her talents where needed.  Sister Bernadette was a skilled seamstress tending to the sewing needs of the community.  She was mentored in the role of Sacristan while at the Motherhouse. When the Sisters moved to Caritas Residence, Sister Bernadette brought and upheld the Sacristans’ traditions and standards meticulously. She took great care and pride in everything she did, some even cited her work as perfection. Sister Bernadette’s quiet and gentle ways were her gifts.  She was faithful, observant, kind and caring. She was very devoted to her chapel ministry. Sister Bernadette was also a cherished member of the Sisters of Charity choir for many years and loved music throughout her whole life.

Sister Edna Clark (Robert Virginia)

Edna put her education to good use in the community. She was the Director of Computer Services for the Provincial Offices in Brooklyn and Middle Village. She computerized Provincial Office data across all departments; she created and published the New York Province Newsletter. She was also a talented photographer and took pictures at most community functions. She worked on various community projects; for example, the annual Golf Outing Committee, a fund raising project. Outside the community she gave computer workshops at St. John’s University while also working as a computer expert for various small businesses.

Sister Maureen Forde (Daniel Noreen)

Sister Maureen spent many years in New York teaching on Long Island and in Brooklyn parishes, as well as co-managing a group home for at-risk girls. She returned to her beloved home parish of Saint Peter's, Dorchester, MA, where she taught for several more years before retiring to Marillac Residence at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley, MA in 2013. Sister Maureen was known everywhere for her generous spirit, her wonderful laugh and big smile. She loved her students and treasured her years teaching, and especially loved mentoring new, young teachers.

Sister Joan DeGrace (James Kevin)

Sister Joan received her B.Sc. in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax and her post graduate diploma from UNB, Fredericton. Sister Joan began her ministry teaching in Williston Park and Richmond Hill New York, before returning to the Maritimes to teach in Bathurst NB; Halifax, Musquodoboit and Cole Harbour NS. In 1990 Sister Joan returned to university, obtaining her Masters of Theology from the Atlantic School of Theology and her Masters of Arts in Pastoral Care/Health Services from Saint Paul’s University Ottawa. She received her certification as a specialist in Pastoral Care in 1995 from C.A.P.P.E. in Halifax. While in graduate studies in Ottawa she served as Chaplain at Carleton Hospital. Upon graduation she served as Director of Pastoral Care at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in NB and then at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in NS. In 1999 she returned to Halifax and was appointed Hospital Chaplain at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. From 2001-2009 Sister Joan was missioned to Quebec to serve with the Spiritual Care Ministry at Saint Elizabeth Centre.

Sister Timothy Marie Hogan

Sister Timothy Marie Hogan, beloved Sister of Charity, Halifax for 82 years, entered peacefully into eternal life on August 28, 2022 at the age of 100. Missioned in 1943 to Our Lady Help of Christians School in Brooklyn, NY where she taught elementary grades for six years. She spent the next sixteen years of ministry in various school in Nova Scotia, returning to Saint Patrick School, Lawrence, MA in 1965. Sister Timothy spent twenty-three years teaching at Saint Patrick School. She took an assignment at Most Precious Blood School and then serving as volunteer substitute teacher at Saint Patrick’s until retiring in 1998. Timothy moved to Marillac Residence, Wellesley, MA in 2006. Throughout her ministry in education, she taught religious education classes in the parishes in which she served as moderating the parish sodality in Dartmouth NS.

Sister Dorothy Mulcahy (Maria Dorothy)

Sister Dorothy was involved in Education, serving as a teacher and administrator for thirty-six years. She taught in New York (Woodside), Nova Scotia (Halifax, New Aberdeen, Bedford, Lower Sackville and Enfield) and British Columbia (Vancouver). She served as a principal in Nova Scotia (Port Hawkesbury) and Province of Quebec (St. Michel).  She worked with the Halifax Municipal School Board, teaching special education classes. She also taught Religious Education classes. For seven years, Sister Dorothy served at Seton House of Prayer in British Columbia (Summerland and Kelowna) where she supported pastoral ministers, directed retreats, and provided spiritual direction.  In 1991, she transferred to St. Vincent Convent, Edmonton, Alberta where she was involved in congregational administration. She continued working in administration when she returned to Halifax and served in leadership at Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse. She moved to Caritas Residence and served as a volunteer from 2008 until she retired in 2011.

Sister Anne McGovern (Hugh Francis)

Sister Anne entered the Sisters of Charity, Halifax in 1948 and was missioned to Saint Peter School in Dorchester, MA where she began her ministry as an elementary school teacher. Following this assignment she served at Saint Pius Memorial School in Halifax, Saint Mary School in Port Hawkesbury, and Saint Catherine School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, coming back to Saint Peter School, Dorchester in 1967. Sister Anne returned to native New York in 1972 to teach at Saint Barnabas School, Bellmore, Our Lady of the Cenacle School, Richmond Hill where she served for several years and continued on as a substitute teacher there and at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine School, Jamaica into her retirement years. Sister Anne’s ministry was not confined to the classroom. She found herself involved in many parish activities wherever she was missioned—Religious Education, Sodality, adult and children’s choir, training Alter Servers, Sisters of Charity Auxiliary and as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

Sister Joan Meeks (Joan Stephen)

Sister Joan entered the Sisters of Charity, Halifax in 1949 and began her ministry as a teacher at Saint Patrick School in Quebec. Sister Joan was then missioned to Boston where she taught at Saint Kevin School and Saint Peter School, Dorchester, MA and Saint Michael School, North Andover, MA for almost fifteen years. In 1967, Sister Joan returned to her native New York to teach at Resurrection-Ascension School and Maria Regina High School in Uniondale, NY. She then was missioned to Saint Barnabas School in Bellmore, where she served as Principal. Toward the end of her educational career, Sister Joan accepted a position as a Residential Counselor at Boys Hope International in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she worked with adolescent boys in need of support and direction. Following this, she returned to New York to serve in the New York Childhood Center at Saint Brendan School in Brooklyn as an Educational Assistant. Her last teaching assignment was at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine School in Jamaica, NY before retiring to Marillac Residence at Mount Saint Vincent in Wellesley in 2012.

Sister Dolores Russo (Robert Martin)

Beloved daughter of the late Louis and the late Edith (Diedrick) Russo. Beloved sister of the late Linda Dombroski and husband John. Loving aunt of Dolores Gold and husband Mark, Robert Dombroski and wife Ingrid. Loving grand aunt of Michael & Daniel Gold, Robert John Dombroski and wife Tabitha, Kristyn Kieran and husband Kevin. Loving great grand aunt of Dustin Dombroski and Ella Chase. Devoted member of the Sisters of Charity - Halifax Cherished colleague, friend, and educator.

Sister Joan Butler (John Anne)

Sister Joan began her career teaching at Mount Saint Vincent Academy in Halifax. From there her teaching ministry brought her to Bridgewater NS, then across Canada to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, before returning east to Ontario and then New York.

Sister Catherine McGowan (Joseph Maria)

Sister Catherine received her BSc in Home Economics from Mount St Vincent College in 1948. She taught Home Economics in New Waterford, and later at Mount Saint Vincent College from 1958-1965. Sister Catherine spent four years as the Dietician at the Halifax Infirmary. In 1968 Sister earned a master’s degree in nutrition and management from Cornell University, N.Y. In 1970 when the call went out from the congregation for the Sisters to go to Latin America, S Catherine volunteered and first went to Chiclayo, Peru for six months. From there she went to Bani, Dominican Republic where she would spend the next 40 years.

Sister Ellen Stephen Boykin

Sister Ellen Stephen entered the Sisters of Charity, Halifax in 1944 and began her ministry as a teacher at Saint Joseph School in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Moving to New York, she served as a skilled mathematics teacher at Saint Sabastian School, Woodside, NY; Saint Nicholas of Tolentine School, Jamaica, NY; Seton Hall High School, Patchogue, NY; Saint Francis Prep School, Fresh Meadows, NY; Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School, Dorchester, MA; Keith Hall High School, Lowell, MA; Saint Mary's Girls High School, Manhasset, NY; Dominican Commercial High School, Jamaica, NY; Saint John's University, Queens, NY; Archbishop Molloy High School, Briarwood, NY. In between teaching positions she served briefly at the Catholic Medical Center, Jamaica, NY. Upon her retirement to Marillac Residence, Wellesley in 2006, Sister Ellen Stephen welcomed several volunteer ministries as Eucharistic Minister, Assistant Librarian, account assistant for special needs as well as visiting sisters at Elizabeth Seton Residence.

Sister Winifred Cunniff (Anne Mark)

Sister Winifred entered the Sisters of Charity, Halifax in 1957 and was missioned to New York where she began her ministry as an elementary school teacher at Saint Sylvester School in Brooklyn. Following this assignment, she served as teacher and vice principal at Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, NY. Sister Winifred subsequently moved into parish ministry, in Saint Barnabas Parish, Bellmore, NY; Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Forest Hills, NY; Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, Springfield Gardens, NY; Saint Laurence Parish, Brooklyn, NY; Saint Gabriel Parish, East Elmhurst, NY and Our Lady of Loretto Parish, Hempstead, NY serving at different times, as the Director of Religious Education, Pastoral Associate and Retreat Director.

Sister Natalie Morris (Annina Marie)

Sister Natalie entered the Sisters of Charity, Halifax in 1951 and was missioned to New York where she began her ministry as a elementary school teacher. In 1973, she took a position as a House Parent in a New York State youth hostel. In 1974 she and her close friend, Sister Patricia Tobin, SC, established Conklin Residence and together were House Parents for exceptional young adults. Sister Natalie ministered in New York until moving to Marillac Residence, Wellesley, MA in 2016.

Sister Maureen Harris (Margaret Dennis)

Sister Maureen's ministry as a Sister of Charity began as a teacher and then as a guidance counselor in several parish schools in Bellmore, Brooklyn, Rego Park and Patchogue, New York. On returning to Boston, she served as a teacher and guidance counselor at Saint Patrick High School in Roxbury. Later, Sister Maureen took on a new ministry at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Boston, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury, MA as an Education Specialist before retiring to Elizabeth Seton Residence.

Sister Ann Regan (James Mary)

Sister Ann's desire to serve the poor and disenfranchised found her missioned to Saint Peter Parish, Lowell, MA, Saint Kevin and Saint Peter Parishes in Dorchester, MA. Sister Ann also served as a member of the Community Leadership Team at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley, MA, and as a Congregational Councilor on the Congregational Leadership Team.

Sister Evangeline Thompson (Helen Stephen)

Sister Evangeline grew up in Enfield, NS and attended E.H Horne School.  From 1955 to 1971 she was missioned at Saint Brigid’s Home in Quebec, Saint Joseph’s Orphanage in Halifax, Mount Saint Vincent Mother Berchman’s Residence in Halifax and Seton Academy in Vancouver. While missioned in BC she received her certificate as a kindergarten teacher and later studied human resource management in Halifax.

Sister Frances Ryan

RYAN, Sister Frances, SC In her 70th year as a beloved member of the Sisters of Charity, Halifax, NS, "Sister Fran", passed peacefully into the heart of God on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln

Sister Barbara Joseph Walsh (Barbara Walsh)

Sister Barbara Joseph Walsh of Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley Hills, MA, passed away December 8, 2021 at the age of 85. A Sister of Charity for 65 years, she was a devoted educator, missioned in Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

I see the everlasting hills so near,
and the door of my Eternity so wide open.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

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