In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Martin Colbert

On a trip to Ethiopia in 1965, Sister Martin met Emperor Haile Selassie, and she wrote, “I was experiencing the continent [Africa] for the first time, and it really touched me… Someday SSND would be on that continent, and I wanted to be there, too.”

In Memoriam: Sister Mona O'Connell

By February 1995, Mona began to minister in a particular way to God’s beloved at Good Counsel Homes, “a private Catholic Agency whose mission is to help homeless, pregnant women by providing a loving, family environment in a safe and secure shelter.”

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Bann

Sister Mary was an outstanding grade school teacher, using her talents primarily with children in very poor areas in Chicago. She also served as Postulant Director in the Chicago Province from 1993 to 1998. Mary’s dry wit and clever greetings gave much delight to all who lived and worked with her.

In Memoriam: Sister Carmen Marie D’Adamio

Carmen was a dedicated educator, a gifted teacher and an administrator who challenged her students to be the best. She was very caring and an excellent role model for her students. An outstanding communicator, she was able to provide both the teacher and administrator’s viewpoint, and her students were confident in the advice she gave.

In Memoriam: Sister Stephania Walczak

SIster Stephania spent 50 years of her life at Bishop Kearney High School. She had many ministries there as a teacher and assistant campus minister. Of these years she wrote, “I treasure the time I spent with teachers and students.” She was also a tutor at Notre Dame Learning Center, a sponsored ministry of the Atlantic Midwest province.

Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Rosser

For two wonderful years, Betty became more and more involved in parish activities and teaching religious education. She said, “It was then that I realized that God was calling me, not only to the Catholic faith, but also to religious life.”

In Memoriam: Sister Margaret Ann Curtin

One former student commented, “Sister Margaret Ann inspired me to be a better reader and to speak properly at all times. She always had these really funny sayings that have stayed with me over the years.”

In Memoriam: Sister Estelle Malleck, SSND

Sister Estelle died at Notre Dame Convent, Waterdown, Canada, on March 7, 2020, 17 days after her 104th birthday. She was in her 83rd year as a SSND.

In Memoriam: Sister Marie Patrick McDermott, SSND

Membership in the Legion of Mary inspired her devotion, and she prayed unceasingly for guidance and courage. In 1962, “Our Lady really directed me right to her Son and herself, to the SSNDs at Wilton.”

In Memoriam: Sister Doris Mary Turek

Doris was a woman of quick wit and gentle teasing, tempered with a warm heart. She was at her best when she could minister to those in need. Sister Doris died suddenly on Feb. 4, 2020 at Villa Assumpta.

In Memoriam: Sister Marie Irene Scarola

Irene always knew that she was the beloved of God, and that this was the source of her joy and energy.

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Elizabeth Sharp

Sister Mary Elizabeth knew from a very early age that she wanted to devote her life to God. Her last mission as a SSND was at Ozanam Hall, where Sisters from our province created a new community last September.

In Memoriam: Sister Martin Therese Gensler

Sister Martin Therese taught for over 44 years. She was a dedicated and creative professional and was greatly appreciated at the St. Alphonsus School. She was very close to her family and had nineteen nieces and nephews, thirty-eight great-nieces and nephews, and five great-great-nieces and nephews!

In Memoriam: Sister Joan Durkan

Joan was quiet and unassuming but a strong and determined woman. When she spoke, her words were filled with wisdom. Her insights and knowledge will be missed, especially at ACE, the Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford, PA. Joan was instrumental in the founding of ACE. She cared deeply about the vulnerable, was a strong advocate and touched many lives.

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Elizabeth Burke

Sister Mary Burke was a daughter of Boston who loved everything “Boston.” She inherited a great love of history and politics from her dad, and her reading reflected that love. Mary enjoyed life and had a quiet sense of humor. Her big blue eyes radiated a warm composure and her personal relationship with God.

In Memoriam: Sister Patricia Huesman

Prayer and unity with the SSND mission were key aspects of Pat’s life. The fulfillment of Mother Theresa’s desire for response to the needs of children, the poor and the elderly was lived by Pat. Looking back, one can see all the good things Pat brought to life as she lived the SSND directive: “Love gives everything gladly.”

In Memoriam: Sister Dorothy Elizabeth Daiger

In her autobiography, Dorothy wrote, “I gradually realized that the best and happiest people I knew were those closest to God. I learned that the only way to accomplish any lasting good is to save one’s soul and help others to do the same.” A fellow teacher gave a fitting tribute to Dorothy when she said, “I will forever smile when I think of Sister Dorothy.”

In Memoriam: Sister Magdalita Wyczalek

Sister Magdalita lived a truly exceptional life. Her companion sisters described her as a “model” religious in the finest sense of the word. She was a wonderful principal and educator. Former students remembered that she always had a smile on her face and spoke kindly to them.

In Memoriam: Sister Petra Klotz

Sister Petra embraced ministries across Western Canada to Ontario and from South America to the Northwest Territories. Her missionary spirit took her to Comas, Lima, Peru. Sister Petra was instrumental in instructing youth groups to teach catechism.

In Memoriam: Sister Dorothy Rachuba, SSND

Dorothy was a woman with a calm and generous spirit. She shared her beautiful singing voice and enjoyed playing the piano. As she entered the novitiate, Dorothy had written in her autobiography, “My only desire was coming true, my only dream. Little did I realize that the long dress I wanted was the pattern of the seamless robe of Christ.”

In Memoriam: Sister Lucy Caporaso

Sister Lucy had a love for sports organizing many teams, she said. “I realize how much sports can contribute to a child’s maturing process,” In May 1976, she appeared with nine other SSNDs who were “Named Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America.”

In Memoriam: Sister Marie Michelle Walsh

Described as “the kind of Sister you wanted to live with,” Sister Marie Michelle was affectionately nicknamed “Mitch” by her companion Sisters. Quiet and unassuming, always pleasant, always grateful, she was the gentlest of souls and was loved by her Sisters.

In Memoriam: Sister Gladys Murphy - The Running Nun

"Probably the most life-changing event for me was being involved in the New York Marathons over 34 years....In all, I ran 34 New York Marathons and two in Boston."

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Ann Tantalo

On July 16, 1947, Mary Ann became Sister Mary Prudentius, a name she had requested in honor of her beloved grandmother. She was professed on August 3, 1948, and missioned to St. Rita School in Brooklyn.

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