In Memoriam

In Memoriam - Sister Barbara Ann Perry

Barbara enjoyed working with children and wanted to dedicate her entire life to their service. She credited the realization of her religious vocation to the prayers of the Sisters and the children. Drawn to the School Sisters of Notre Dame “by their sincerity and good example,” Barbara received the Postulant’s veil at St. Vincent’s Home, Tacony, Pa., on Sept. 7, 1965

In Memoriam - Sister Vincenza Gagliostro

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Maureen Michael Byrne

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Mary Ellen Dougherty

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Grace D'Amico

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Mary McGrory

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Claire LoMaglio

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Eleanor Olinski

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Patricia Ann Warnick

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Patricia Ostdick

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Zita Gilles

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.

In Memoriam - Sister C. Elizabeth Sokel

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.

In Memoriam - Sister Gloria Rosales

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 Memoriam - Sister Mary John (Geraldine) Zielinski

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 Memoriam - Sister Joan Mary Gluth

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,”

In Memoriam - Sister Marie Louise Koenig

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.”

In Memoriam - Sister Mary Joannene Merendino

“Her mind was brilliant, her faith was steadfast and her love for all around her never-ending. No one ever forgets Sister Joannene. She is more than a person; she's an experience!”

In Memoriam - Sister Yvonne Nadeau

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.

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Anita Saffran

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.

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Trinitas Bochini

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.

In Memoriam: Sister Maryann Sheehan

Sister Maryann loved working with small children and served in a number of positions working with infants and toddlers in New Jersey. In Naples, Florida, at Fun Time Early Academy, she was a pre-school teacher, tutor, and receptionist until 2018, when she retired to Villa Notre Dame. She very much enjoyed the Bingo games at VND and was a very frequent winner!

In Memoriam: Sister Kenneth Marie Botta

Our beloved Sister Kenneth Marie/Sister Cass loved sports and her Baltimore teams: the Orioles and the Ravens. She showed her loyalty by decorating her room to follow the sports seasons. For her knowledge she was called an encyclopedia of sports. Her BINGO calling skills and the humor she brought to them were also greatly appreciated.

Celebrating with all the Saints: Our Dear Departed Sisters

Please join us this Sunday, on the Feast of All Saints, to honor the 41 Sisters of our Province who have been called home to God since the first of this year. Let us gather in spirit with their spirits to remember their lives.

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Xavier Linz

Soft spoken, petite and full of energy, Sister Xavier was especially talented in art and music. She was “a big sister” to the youngest of the Linz family, Sister Theresa Mary, SSND. Speaking of her vocation, Sister Xavier said, “I have tried to keep the rules and to progress toward my ideal of a good religious.”

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