Obituaries. Sisters of Mercy South Central Community

Obituaries Sisters of Mercy South Central Community

Sister Mary Macrina Dorrian, age 88, October 27, 2015 Sister Mary Macrina Dorrian died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio. She celebrated her 70th Jubilee in September. Sister Macrina ministered at hospitals in Hamilton, Springfield, Toledo, and Tiffin, Ohio, as a nurse. For a number of years, she was director of the nursing school at Mercy Hospital in Hamilton. She also served as infirmarian at St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, Ohio, and St. Catherine Convent in Louisville, Kentucky. Most recently, she ministered in Springfield, Ohio, where she was involved in sponsorship and pastoral care. Sister Mary Marthalene Joines, age 92, October 24, 2015 Sister Mary Marthalene Joines died peacefully at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 71 years. Sister Marthalene began her long ministry in nursing at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, as a staff nurse in 1949. Her ministry positions included night supervisor, 1951 53 and 1958 60; obstetrical supervisor, 1958 62; nursing school instructor, 1957 58, orthopedic and rehabilitation nursing supervisor, 1964 72; and director of nursing services, 1972 74. She also served as director and a nursing supervisor at the Meacham Park Clinic in Kirkwood, Missouri, 1966-72; and as an administrative assistant at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, 1976-1985. Sister Marthalene then served as administrator of Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis from 1986 to 1988. She also had ministered at a nursing school in Illinois and a hospital in Mississippi. Sister Marie Pierre Martinez, age 88, October 19, 2015 Sister Marie Pierre Martinez died in Tamuning, Guam. She was a Sister of Mercy for 67 years. Sister Marie Pierre taught in Mercy schools and at her Alma Mater, George Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam. She served as principal of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and also of Mount Carmel School on Saipan, after completing degrees in American history and world history. After retiring from education, Sister Marie Pierre took on a new ministry of pastoral care, serving as a chaplain at Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning. Her special ministry focused on dialysis patients, starting with Archbishop Felixberto Flores.

Sister Ruth Graf, age 86, September 11, 2015 Sister Ruth Graf died peacefully following a brief illness at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a Sister of Mercy for 70 years. Known as an excellent teacher, Sister Ruth ministered most recently on the faculty at Xavier University, Cincinnati. She was the first woman religious to graduate from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, receiving a Ph.D. in Scripture there. Sister Ruth enjoyed gardening, animals and building simple furniture. She also was a seamstress and a good cook. She is remembered as a woman of integrity and deep faith, which she passed along to her students. Sister Marylin Ducote, age 80, September 6, 2015 Sister Marylin Ducote died peacefully surrounded by sisters at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 63 years. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she earned a bachelor s degree in education from Webster College in St. Louis and a master s in education from Loyola University in New Orleans. Sister Marylin ministered for 41 years in education, teaching at elementary schools in New Orleans, Jeanerette, and St. Martinville, Louisiana; and in Mission, Texas. She had lived at Catherine s Residence since September 2008. Sister Mary Prisca Pfeffer, age 99, August 12, 2015 Sister Mary Prisca Pfeffer died peacefully at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a Sister of Mercy for 81 years. Sister Prisca had a distinguished ministry in education, receiving many awards. She began as a teacher at Holy Family High School in Columbus, Ohio, later serving as teacher and principal of Mercy Academy, and was founding principal of Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky. In November 2013 Sister Prisca received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, the highest award of the Roman Catholic Church, for lifelong, distinguished service to the church. Sister Prisca had lived at Mercy Convent in Nashville since May 2014. Sister Mary Jean Powers, age 88, June 28, 2015 Sister Mary Jean Powers died peacefully at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. She had been Sister of Mercy for 68 years. Sister Mary Jean ministered as a teacher in Missouri and Kansas and in administrative support at Mercy hospitals in Springfield and St. Louis. A native of St. Louis, she studied at Webster College and St. Louis University. An organist, Sister Mary Jean loved music, especially instrumental. She had a gentle, quiet presence and a welcoming smile that could light up a room. She had lived at Catherine s Residence for the past nine years.

Sister Mary Teresa Finnegan, age 87, June 20, 2015 Sister Mary Teresa Finnegan, a Sister of Mercy for almost 70 years, died at Convent of Mercy in Mobile, Alabama. Sister Teresa had a distinguished ministry in healthcare. She became a supervisor and director of nursing at hospitals in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and in Guyana. From 1976 to 1988, she was an assistant professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then served as consultant and director of other programs in healthcare and parishes. She also served in community leadership in St. Louis, Missouri. Sister Magdala Janz, age 88, June 17, 2015 Sister Magdala Janz died at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio. A Sister of Mercy for 65 years, Sister Magdala ministered as a teacher and as a pastoral associate at Immaculate Conception Parish in LaGrange, Kentucky, and St. James Church in Louisville, Kentucky. She moved to McAuley Convent in 2014. Sister Irene Chen See, age 90, June 16, 2015 Sister Irene Chen See died peacefully at The Claver Home in Kingston, Jamaica. Born in Springfield, Jamaica, she was a Sister of Mercy for 73 years. Sister Irene had ministered at the Laws Street Trade Training Centre in Kingston as director of special training projects. Sister Mary Noreen Gray, age 98, June 5, 2015 Sister Mary Noreen Gray died peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2015, at St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, Ohio. A Sister of Mercy for 68 years, she was 98 years old. She served in the United States Navy as a member of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from 1943 to 1945. In 1946 she entered the Sisters of Mercy and began her ministry in the Community s finance office. From 1952 to 1975 Sister Mary Noreen taught at several elementary schools in the Diocese of Toledo and for one year in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1975 she went to Jamaica, where she ministered for 16 years at St. John Bosco Children s Home. She also served at the Aurora House in Toledo helping women in need.

Sister Mary Reginald Mooney, Age 102, June 1, 2015 Sister Mary Reginald Mooney died peacefully in Barling, Arkansas. She was a Sister of Mercy for 84 years. Born in Newfoundland, Canada, she entered the Community on October 27, 1930, and made her perpetual vows in 1936. Sister Mary Reginald ministered for many years as a dietary specialist in hospitals and schools in Arkansas and Missouri. She served at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas; St. Joseph s Hospital, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Warner Brown Hospital, El Dorado, Arkansas; Our Lady of Mercy Convent and Mercita Hall in St. Louis, Missouri; and at St. Anne s Academy and St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Sister Mary Rebecca Elkins, age 90, May 19, 2015 Sister Mary Rebecca Elkins died in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a Sister of Mercy for 65 years. Born in Frederick, Maryland, Sister Mary Rebecca earned a bachelor s degree in nursing at Mount St. Agnes College and a master s in nursing administration from the University of Maryland. Sister Mary Rebecca ministered in healthcare, beginning as a nurse in 1954 at St. Joseph s Infirmary in Atlanta, Georgia, where she later served as associate director of nursing. She also ministered at St. Joseph s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, and at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. Sister Elizabeth Robertson, age 87, May 1, 2015 Sister Elizabeth Robertson died peacefully in Marian Center at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont, North Carolina, following a long illness. She was a Sister of Mercy for 68 years. Sister Elizabeth was born in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1947 she traveled south and entered the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont. After earning a bachelor s degree from Belmont Abbey College, she began her ministry in elementary education. She taught at Catholic schools in North Carolina, Florida, New York, New Mexico, and Saipan, and for four years in the 1990s lived with and ministered to the Zuni people in New Mexico.

Sister Mary Marcia Voll, age 97, April 14, 2015 Sister Mary Marcia Voll died peacefully at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a Sister of Mercy for 74 years. Sister Marcia served as an archdiocesan school supervisor for 14 years and then as activity director at Mercy Sacred Heart Village in Louisville, Kentucky, for 10 years. She also taught in elementary and high schools in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky. After retirement from education, Sister Marcia volunteered at Sacred Heart Village and also for Sisters of Mercy ministries in Jamaica. She made clothes for children in the orphanage and raised thousands of dollars for Jamaican needs. She moved to Mercy Convent in May 2014. Sister Alice Marie Soete, age 95, March 31, 2015 Sister Alice Marie Soete died at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a long illness. A Sister of Mercy for 76 years, Sister Alice was 95 years old. A native of Cincinnati, she earned a bachelor s degree in education from The Athenaeum of Ohio and a master s degree in secondary education from Xavier University. She had ministered as an elementary and high school teacher and was co-founder of the H.O.M.E. program to assist the elderly. Sister Elizabeth Dowling, age 87, March 30, 2015 Sister Elizabeth Dowling died suddenly at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Monday, March 30, 2015. It was her 87th birthday. She had been a Sister of Mercy for 66 years and lived at McAuley Convent with her sister, Sister Patricia Dowling. A Cincinnati native, Sister Elizabeth earned a bachelor s degree in mathematics from Our Lady of Cincinnati College and a master s degree in secondary education from Xavier University. She had ministered in Cincinnati as a librarian at St. Mark Elementary School and as a reading tutor for adults at Winton Terrace Guild. She also tutored at Mount St. Joseph College and Growthways Tutorial Center, both in Cincinnati. Sister Theresa Mary Sumner, age 85, March 24, 2015 Sister Theresa Mary Sumner died peacefully at Mercy Convent in Savannah, Georgia. She was 85 years old and was a Sister of Mercy for 64 years. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she grew up on Tybee Island, Georgia. In 1950 she graduated from St. Vincent s Academy in Savannah and entered the Sisters of Mercy. She professed her perpetual vows in 1956 and began a lifetime ministry in child care. Sister Theresa Mary spent most of her nearly 50 years in child care at St. Mary s Home in Savannah. She also ministered at St. Vincent s Orphanage in Baltimore, Maryland, and at Villa Maria in Towson, Maryland.

Sister Mary Mel Gordy, age 89, March 2, 2015 Sister Mary Mel Gordy died peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2015, in Barling, Arkansas. A Sister of Mercy for 73 years, Sister Mary Mel was 89 years old. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sister Mary Mel earned her bachelor s and master s degrees from Loyola University. She ministered for many years as a teacher of fourth through eighth grades at schools in New Orleans, Metairie, and Jeanerette, Louisiana. Later, she served on the support staff at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans. She had lived at Catherine McAuley Convent in Barling since 2006. Sister Mary Felice Byrnes, age 98, March 1, 2015 Sister Mary Felice Byrnes died peacefully at Mercy Convent in Savannah, Georgia. She was a Sister of Mercy for 80 years. After receiving a bachelor s degree in education from Mount St. Agnes College in Baltimore, Maryland, Sister Felice ministered for many years as a teacher. She began teaching at St. Bernard s School in Baltimore, continuing at schools in Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. Before retiring to Mercy Convent, Sister Felice served as the coordinator for retired sisters in Savannah and Macon, Georgia. Sister Maria Carolina Hernandez, age 84, February 27, 2015 Sister Maria Carolina Hernandez died peacefully at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 53 years. Sister Maria Carolina, who became a registered X-ray technologist in 1959, ministered at St. John s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis and at hospitals in Kansas; Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Springfield, Missouri. She also ministered at McAuley Hall Convent in St. Louis, the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas, and McAuley Convent in Barling, Arkansas. Sister Ruth Nastold, age 84, February 17, 2015 Sister Ruth Nastold died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sister Ruth was a Sister of Mercy for 64 years. A Cincinnati native, Sister Ruth received a bachelor s degree in Latin from Edgecliff College and a master s degree in education from Xavier University. She ministered at Our Lady of Cincinnati College and Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Mariemont. From 1986 to 2013, she ministered as assistant to the president of Mercy Hospital Anderson in Cincinnati.

Sister Mary Carmel Heffern, age 97, February 8, 2015 Sister Mary Carmel Heffern died at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 77 years. Sister Carmel earned a bachelor s degree in biology from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1949 and a certificate in medical technology from Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1950. She taught at schools in Illinois and Texas. She then entered healthcare ministry, serving as the laboratory and X-ray supervisor at Mercy hospitals in Hutchinson, Fredonia, and Fort Scott, Kansas; and Slaton, Texas. Sister Carmel later served in pastoral care. Sister Mary Elizabeth Shea, age 84, February 6, 2015 Sister Mary Elizabeth Shea died peacefully in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 64 years. Sister Liz earned a bachelor s degree in elementary education from Misericordia University. She taught elementary school in Pennsylvania and New York before moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where she ministered as an administrative assistant at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center and as a volunteer attendant in chemical dependency at the Edgewood Program. Sister Liz also served as a volunteer at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis. Sister Mary Annice Quinter, age 75, January 31, 2015 Sister Mary Annice Quinter died in Springfield, Ohio. She was a Sister of Mercy for 57 years. Sister Annice was born in Burkettsville, Ohio. She earned a bachelor s degree in education from Our Lady of Cincinnati and a master s degree in education from Xavier University. She ministered as a teacher and principal in Ohio and later in pastoral care, most recently as spiritual care chaplain at Springfield Regional Medical Center. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery and other sewing crafts, and cooking. Those who knew Sister Annice describe her as a simple, humble and extremely generous woman who loved her family and was very loyal to her friends.

Sister Mary Callista Camacho, age 88, January 25, 2015 Sister Mary Callista Camacho died following an extended illness at Mercy Care Center in Tamuning, Guam. She was a Sister of Mercy for 68 years. Sister Mary Callista ministered as a teacher or administrator at schools in North Carolina and Guam, including Cathedral Grade School, St. Anthony School, Santa Barbara School, and Bishop Baumgartner Middle School. She also served the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa at the Chancery Office and through pastoral ministry, and worked at Head Start. She also was a director of Guam s Insular Arts Council and a deputy director at Catholic Social Services. Sister Clara Virginia Kelly, age 79, January 23, 2015 Sister Clara Virginia Kelly, died at Marian Center in Belmont, North Carolina. A native of Spencer, North Carolina, she met the Sisters of Mercy when she attended Sacred Heart Elementary School in Salisbury, North Carolina. She worked for two years as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, then decided to enter the Sisters of Mercy in 1958. After earning a bachelor of science in nursing from Mount Mercy College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sister Clara moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where she ministered as nursing supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital. She earned a certificate as a family nurse practitioner at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. In 1994 Sister Clara moved to Florida, where she ministered as a nurse practitioner in several clinics, rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities. In 2011, she joined a new clinic Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine in Viera, Florida, and served as its medical director until her health deteriorated.. Sister Mary Cabrini Daulizio, age 91, January 19, 2015 Sister Mary Cabrini Daulizio died Monday, January 19, 2015, at The Villa in Baltimore, Maryland. A Sister of Mercy for almost 66 years, she was 91 years old. Sister Mary Cabrini was born in Hooversville, Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor s degree in elementary education from Mount St. Mary s College and a master of education degree in reading, as well as a certificate in theology, from Boston College. For 34 years, she ministered as a teacher at schools in Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. She had lived at The Villa since October 2006.

Sister Mary Giles Peresich, age 84, December 26, 2014 Sister Mary Giles Peresich died peacefully at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 66 years. A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Sister Mary Giles ministered in the Mercy schools of Mississippi before she became a librarian at Salve Regina College in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1970. From 1982 to 1996, she ministered in the biomedical library at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. She had lived at Catherine s Residence since 2006. Sister Mary Myra Kerley, age 96, November 29, 2014 Sister Mary Myra Kerley died peacefully in Barling, Arkansas. She was a Sister of Mercy for 69 years. A native of Bassfield, Mississippi, Sister Myra received a bachelor s degree in elementary education from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas. She ministered for 36 years as a teacher in Mobile, Alabama; Mission, Texas; and Hattiesburg, Meridian, Biloxi, Gulfport, Greenville, Jackson, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. She had lived at Catherine McAuley Convent in Barling since 2009. Sister Mary Robert Edwards, age 88, November 19, 2014 Sister Mary Robert Edwards died in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 70 years. Sister Mary Robert ministered for more than 40 years in healthcare, mostly at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, where she served as an administrator, as a nursing instructor and as chaplain. She also had taught nursing and served as director of the nursing school at St. John s Hospital in St. Louis, and at Mercy School of Nursing in Fort Scott, Kansas. She also had served as a formation director from 1968 to 1972 in St. Louis. A St. Louis native, she earned a bachelor s degree in nursing from St. Mary College, Xavier, Kansas, and a master s in nursing from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Sister Mary Roland Bienvenu, age 83, November 5, 2014 Sister Mary Roland Bienvenu died peacefully in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 66 years. Sister Mary Roland was born in St. Martinsville, Louisiana. She earned a bachelor s degree in elementary education and a master s in administration and supervision from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sister Mary Roland ministered as a teacher and principal of numerous Mercy schools in Louisiana. She also served as an assistant administrator at Harbor View Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and as vice president for mission effectiveness at St. Joseph s Regional Health Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Sister Virginia Graf, age 92, November 4, 2014 Sister Virginia Graf died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a long illness. She was a Sister of Mercy for 73 years. Sister Virginia entered nursing in 1951 after four years of ministry in elementary education. She earned a bachelor s degree in nursing from Edgecliff College in Cincinnati. She ministered in hospital administration at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Morganfield, Kentucky, from 1961 to 1971, and in pastoral care and patient relations at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky, from 1971 to 2001. Sister Mary Louise Wiesenforth, age 100, October 22, 2014 Sister Mary Louise Wiesenforth died at Marian Center in Belmont, North Carolina. She was a Sister of Mercy for 81 years. Sister Mary Louise graduated from Sacred Heart College and did graduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She devoted most of her 80 years of ministry to elementary education and administration. This ministry took her to Newton Grove, North Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina; Greenport, Long Island, New York; New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and Guam. In 1946 Sister Mary Louise, along with two other sisters, established a Community of the Sisters of Mercy in Guam. She ministered there for 19 years as a teacher and director of the formation program for young sisters. Sister Ina Rose Stautzenbach, age 90, October 15, 2014 Sister Ina Rose Stautzenbach died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a long illness. She was a Sister of Mercy for 69 years. A nurse for much of her ministry, she was the former director of nursing services at Mercy Hospital Hamilton and Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Ohio. In addition, she served as surgery supervisor at Mercy Urbana, Ohio, as well as in patient relations at Mercy Medical Center and in general services at St. John Medical Center both of which are in Springfield. Sister Ina Rose earned a bachelor s degree in nursing from Our Lady of Cincinnati College and a master s degree in nursing from Catholic University of America. She also received a master s degree in religious studies from the University of Dayton (Ohio).

Sister Kristen Lancaster, age 88, October 10, 2014 Sister Kristen Lancaster died peacefully at St. Joseph s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. She was a Sister of Mercy for 66 years. She received a diploma in nursing from Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and went on to obtain bachelor s and master s degrees in nursing, as well as a master s degree in hospital administration. Sister Kristen profoundly influenced many student nurses as director of St. Joseph s School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. Her final years in healthcare ministry were at St. Joseph s in Savannah, where she served as a vice president for quality assurance and risk management, as nursing home administrator and, finally, as an assistant to the hospital s president. Sister Maria Elena Maldonado, age 85, September 13, 2014 Sister Maria Elena Maldonado, died in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a Sister of Mercy for 66 years. Born in Mercedes, Texas, Sister Elena got to know the Sisters of Mercy when she attended Catholic schools there. She remembered the sisters as kind, loving, dedicated teachers, and wanted to become one of them. At age 19, she entered the Community in St. Louis, Missouri. After taking her perpetual vows in 1954, she returned to Texas and earned bachelor s and master s degrees in elementary education from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. Sister Elena ministered for 34 years as a teacher, counselor or principal at schools in Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. Later, she served as a religious educator and neighborhood volunteer, working with youth who had run afoul of the law. She had lived at Catherine s Residence in St. Louis since August. Sister Mary Victor Allain, age 97, August 30, 2014 Sister Mary Victor Allain died at Mercy Convent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was a Sister of Mercy for 80 years. Sister Victor was an elementary school teacher and librarian. She taught children in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and in Jeanerette, Kenner, New Orleans and St. Martinsville, Louisiana. She also enjoyed visiting New Orleans Parish Prison to provide spiritual support, correspondence assistance, and small gifts to female prisoners from 1968 until Hurricane Katrina destroyed the building in 2005. Sister Victor moved in March 2011 to Mercy Health Center Convent in Oklahoma City.

Sister Ann Louise Willman, age 102, August 29, 2014 Sister Ann Louise Willman died at St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, Ohio, She was a Sister of Mercy for 81 years. Sister Ann Louise was a teacher and principal in Ohio schools for 42 years. Following that, she served as director of volunteers at Mercy Hospital in Tiffin, Ohio. In addition to her other ministries, she was archivist for the Toledo-Cleveland area. Sister Mary Rosanne Hailey, age 91, August 28, 2014 Sister Mary Rosanne Hailey died at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a Sister of Mercy for 70 years. A Nashville native, she received a bachelor s degree from The Athenaeum in Cincinnati, Ohio. She taught at several schools in Tennessee, then tutored at Mercy Convent. Sister Mary Gerard Donovan, age 89, August 22, 2014 Sister Mary Gerard Donovan died at Marian Center in Belmont, North Carolina. She was a Sister of Mercy for 64 years. Sister Gerard worked in the finance office at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, before ministering as a teacher in New York, North Carolina and Guam. She spent 15 years on Guam, where she served as treasurer and director of formation for Sisters of Mercy on the island. She returned to Belmont and served as Sisters of Mercy local treasurer and as business office manager at Holy Angels Residential Center. Sister Mary Melanie Boyd, age 86, August 21, 2014 Sister Mary Melanie Boyd died at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a Sister of Mercy for 70 years. Born in Greenbrier, Tennessee, she earned a bachelor s degree in English from Siena College and a master s degree in reading from Peabody College. Sister Melanie ministered from 1978 to 2002 as academic dean and principal of St. Bernard Academy in Nashville. She later volunteered at Christ the King School in Nashville and as a neighborhood volunteer at Catholic Charities, North Nashville.

Sister Mary Margaret Durick, age 93, July 27, 2014 Sister Mary Margaret Durick died at Convent of Mercy in Mobile, Alabama. She was a Sister of Mercy for almost 76 years. Born in Bessemer, Alabama, she entered the Community in September 1938 and professed perpetual vows on August 16, 1944. Sister Margaret earned a bachelor s degree in education from Mount St. Agnes College in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1951 and ministered in education for 40 years at schools in Baltimore, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Sister Margaret loved music, singing and reading. She is remembered for her desire to live simply and for her deep spirituality, easy-going nature, kindness, and joyful spirit. Sister Mary Evaristus Pellegrini, age 88, July 27, 2014 Sister Mary Evaristus Pellegrini died at Mercy Convent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, following a short illness caused by chronic medical conditions. She was a Sister of Mercy for 70 years. Sister Evaristus ministered as a teacher for 26 years at schools in New Orleans and Kenner, Louisiana, and Little Rock, Arkansas. She served in varied ministries in Mercy Health Center, Oklahoma City; St. Johns Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri; Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana; and Mercy Generalate in Bethesda, Maryland. Because of illness, her retirement years continued at Mercy Health Center Convent, Oklahoma City. Her many needlepoint projects were distributed to friends and those involved in cancer research. Sister Evaristus interests continued through email correspondence, daily prayer, compilation of the daily Chronicles of the Convent and concern for sisters, co-workers and world events. Sister Rita Lenora Braun, age 89, July 16, 2014 Sister Rita Lenora Braun died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sister Rita was a Sister of Mercy for 71 years. She earned a bachelor s degree in education at The Athenaeum of Ohio, a master s degree in chemistry education from Xavier University and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Boston College. Sister Rita ministered as a teacher at Mother of Mercy High School and as director of guidance at Edgecliff College, and she later did counseling and retreat work in Cincinnati.

Sister Gertrude Weldon, age 93, July 15, 2014 Sister Gertrude Weldon died peacefully Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Marian Center in Belmont, North Carolina. Sister Gertrude, who ministered as a nurse, healthcare administrator and educator, was a Sister of Mercy for almost 75 years. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Belmont. She went on to study nursing education at Marquette University and nursing education and psychology at St. John s University. Sister Mary Mark Walsh, age 97, July 12, 2014 Sister Mary Mark Walsh died peacefully at The Villa in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a Sister of Mercy for 77 years. Sister Mary Mark grew up on a farm in Reisterstown, Maryland, where there was no Catholic school. The Walsh children learned their faith from their parents and the Jesuits at Woodstock College. Sister Mary Mark chose as her ring motto, All for the greater glory of God, the motto of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits. In 1936, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Mount Washington, Maryland, where an older sister, Blanche Elizabeth, preceded her. Her lifetime ministry in elementary education began in 1940, and she taught for 50 years in 14 parish schools in several states. Sister Mary Remi Stoeser, age 90, July 7, 2014 Sister Mary Remi Stoeser died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a Sister of Mercy for 69 years. Born in Cincinnati, she received a bachelor s degree in nursing from Our Lady of Cincinnati College, founded by the Sisters of Mercy there. Sister Remi ministered as a nurse and physical therapist at hospitals in southern Ohio Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Coldwater; Mercy Hospital, Hamilton; Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Mariemont; and Mercy Hospital, Fairfield. Interested in nature, Sister Remi loved to spend time outdoors, and she enjoyed taking rides to local parks. She also liked listening to classical music. Sister Barbara Anne Kilpatrick, age 82, June 20, 2014 Sister Barbara Anne Kilpatrick died at Convent of Mercy in Mobile, Alabama, after a long illness. Sister Barbara Anne was a Sister of Mercy for 65 years. Born in Bessemer, Alabama, she received a bachelor s degree in education from Mount St. Agnes College and a master s degree in library science from Emory University. She ministered for 44 years as a teacher and librarian at schools in Baltimore, Maryland; Mobile, Selma and Bessemer, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Sister Mary Angelique Foto, age 79, June 11, 2014 Sister Mary Angelique Foto died in St. Louis, Missouri. Sister Angelique was a Sister of Mercy for 61 years. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she entered the Community in 1953 and professed perpetual vows in 1959. Sister Angelique served at Mercy hospitals in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and she had a long ministry at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis in radiologic technology and healthcare administration. Sister Mary Pelagia Head, age 83, June 6, 2014 Sister Mary Pelagia Head died in Nashville, Tennessee. She had been in hospice care for some time. Sister Mary Pelagia attended Mercy elementary and high schools, and she entered the Community in 1948. She ministered as an elementary school teacher and high school librarian. She later became an avid crafts maker and won nearly 400 awards in many county fairs, as well as the Kentucky State Fair. Despite her illness, she still flashed a smile that could light up an entire room, friends said. Sister Celeste Thibeaux, age 89, May 29, 2014 Sister Celeste Thibeaux, who died in Louisiana, had ministered as a healthcare administrator, nurse, dietitian, and teacher. She was a Sister of Mercy for 72 years. Sister Celeste had lived at Coolock House in Metairie, Louisiana, since 1985. Born in Jeanerette, Louisiana, Sister Celeste entered the Community in Webster Groves, Missouri, in 1941 and professed perpetual vows in 1947. She earned a nursing certificate from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1950 and a bachelor s degree in dietetics from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas, two years later. In addition, she held certificates in operating-room supervision and hospital administration. Sister Celeste taught at St. Alphonsus Elementary School in New Orleans before joining the nursing staff at Mercy Hospital. She later ministered at hospitals in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Texas; and Vicksburg, Mississippi, as well as in New Orleans.

Sister Estelle Marie Wallace, age 85, May 27, 2014 Sister Estelle Marie Wallace died at Mercy Health Center Convent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was was a Sister of Mercy for nearly 54 years. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she earned a bachelor s degree from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1965. She taught for one year at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Mission, Texas, and for 15 years at St. Francis Xavier School in Metairie, Louisiana. From 1982 to 1987, Sister Estelle served on the Education Department staff at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City, and from 1987 to 1993, she taught at St. Alphonsus Elementary School in New Orleans. Sister Helen Kain, age 73, April 10, 2014 Sister Helen Kain died at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee, after an extended illness. She was a Sister of Mercy for 56 years. Sister Helen was born in Nashville. She received a bachelor s degree in education from Our Lady of Cincinnati College in Ohio and a master s degree in education from Memphis State University in Tennessee. She entered the Community in 1958 and professed perpetual vows in 1966. She taught at St. Bernard Academy in Nashville for 20 years, from 1986 to 2006, then served as a community organizer and secretary for Catholic Charities in Nashville. Sister Mary Elizabeth Barrett, age 84, April 1, 2014 Sister Mary Elizabeth Barrett died at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, after an extended illness. She was a Sister of Mercy for 65 years. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Sister Liz earned a bachelor s degree in education from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. She taught elementary school for nearly 40 years in Louisville. She later cared for retired sisters in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and was a caregiver for the elderly in Cincinnati.

Sister Mary Fidelis Barragan, age 88, February 11, 2014 Sister Mary Fidelis Barragan died peacefully at Mercy Convent in Savannah, Georgia. She a Sister of Mercy for more than 70 years. A Savannah native, Sister Fidelis graduated from St. Vincent s Academy there and entered the Sisters of Mercy with three classmates in 1943. She received a bachelor s degree in English from Mount St. Agnes College in Baltimore, Maryland, and a master s degree in guidance from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Sister Fidelis taught in both elementary and secondary schools. She was a teacher at St. Vincent s from 1950 to 1959, and was its principal from 1960 to 1965. She went on to serve 18 years as principal at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia. Sister Fidelis also taught in Baltimore, and in Pensacola, Florida. In hospital work, she was a pastoral care provider at Mercy Medical in Mobile, Alabama, and at St. Joseph s Hospital in Savannah. In 1993, Sister Fidelis received the McAuley Medal from St. Vincent s Academy for dedicated service to God, to her Alma Mater and to humankind. In 2007 she received the St. Francis de Sales Award from the Alumni Association of Mount de Sales Academy. Sister Mary Bernadette Little, age 89, February 9, 2014 Sister Mary Bernadette Little died peacefully Sunday, February 9, 2014, at Mount Mercy Convent in Kingston, Jamaica, after an extended illness. She was a Sister of Mercy for nearly 69 years. Sister Bernadette was a member of Jamaica Local Administration. Her ministries included serving as community life coordinator at The Claver Home for retired sisters and as administrator of Alpha Academy in Kingston. She wrote a book, You Did It Unto Me: The Story of Alpha and The Sisters of Mercy, published in 2012. It tells of the sisters role in this refuge for Jamaicans who were economically disadvantaged, particularly children, founded in 1880. An Alpha Academy graduate, Sister Bernadette was regarded as a mentor and role model for thousands of other alumnae as a teacher and leader at the school for more than a half century. She earned a bachelor s degree in English literature, Latin and geography from London University and a master s degree in education from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Sister Bernadette served as vice president of the Jamaica Council of Churches and president of the Jamaica Catholic Education Association. She received a national honor, Order of Distinction, Commander Class, in 1977 and the papal award Pro Pontifice et Ecclesia in 1979. She also received a Fulbright award and spent six months visiting more than 80 schools in 30 states.

Sister Mary Jacinta Robson, age 88, February 7, 2014 Sister Mary Jacinta Robson died peacefully Friday, February 7, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a Sister of Mercy for 63 years. A Baltimore native, Sister Jacinta studied medical technology at Mount St. Agnes College in the city s Mount Washington neighborhood. She served at Mercy Medical Center for more than 60 years, working in the microbiology department for decades and later volunteering at the hospital. She also taught in the Mercy School of Medical Technology. Sister Jacinta lived throughout that time at Mercy Medical Convent within the hospital until 2012, when she moved to The Villa. Sister Colette Marie Yap, age 79, January 13, 2014 Sister Colette Marie Yap died at Claver Home in Kingston, Jamaica. She was a Sister of Mercy for 57 years. Sister Colette Marie was a native of Kingston and entered the Sisters of Mercy at Alpha Convent in 1957. She received her bachelor s degree in sociology from Our Lady of Cincinnati in 1964 and ministered in education as a teacher and principal, most recently at Alpha Academy in Kingston. She also taught at St. Catherine Prep and Alpha Kinder Prep and was principal at Mount St. Joseph Prep School in Mandeville, Jamaica. Sister Mary Lois Mueller, age 98, January 8, 2014 Sister Mary Lois Mueller died in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a Sister of Mercy for 82 years. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Sister Mary Lois began her ministry in education at Sacred Heart School in Mt. Washington, Maryland, in 1935 and taught in many schools in Maryland, Georgia and Washington, D.C. She received her bachelor s degree in education from Mount Saint Agnes College and a master s degree in psychology from Loyola College. She loved music and to write. Sister Mary Lois provided music for Mass and community ceremonies and especially liked to listen to Elvis Presley sing hymns. She was a kind and gentle person, and could usually be found with a smile on her face. Sister Mary Lois is survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.