IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE
DECEASED SISTERS OF SAINT
JOSEPH – 2006-8
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2008 |
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April 10, 2008 |
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April 2, 2008 |
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March 23, 2008 |
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March 20, 2008 |
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March 4, 2008 |
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February 28, 2008 |
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February 19, 2008 |
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February 1, 2008 |
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January 29, 2008 |
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January 18, 2008 |
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January 8, 2008 |
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January 6, 2008 |
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2007 |
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December 27, 2007 |
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November 22, 2007 |
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November 20, 2007 |
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November 19, 2007 |
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November 12, 2007 |
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Sister Mary Scanlon (Sister James Anthony) |
November 8, 2007 |
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November 8, 2007 |
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September 29, 2007 |
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September 11, 2007 |
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September 6, 2007 |
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September 3, 2007 |
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August 23, 2007 |
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August 16, 2007 |
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June 24, 2007 |
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June 22, 2007 |
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June 21, 2007 |
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June 11, 2007 |
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Sister Dorothy Emig |
May 24, 2007 |
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May 24, 2007 |
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Sister Pierre
Madeleine Kiernan |
May 19, 2007 |
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May 17, 2007 |
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May 12. 2007 |
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May 10, 2007 |
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April 29, 2007 |
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April 24, 2007 |
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April 5, 2007 |
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March 5, 2007 |
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March 2, 2007 |
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February 5, 2007 |
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February 4, 2007 |
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January 22, 2007 |
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2006 |
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November 23, 2006 |
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November 8, 2006 |
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November 1, 2006 |
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October 29, 2006 |
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October 6, 2006 |
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September 29, 2006 |
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September 26, 2006 |
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September 15, 2006 |
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August 26, 2006 |
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August 18, 2006 |
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August 16, 2006 |
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August 11, 2006 |
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August 2, 2006 |
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July 21, 2006 |
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July 17, 2006 |
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July 14, 2006 |
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June 24, 2006 |
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May 27, 2006 |
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May 19, 2006 |
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April 24, 2006 |
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April 12, 2006 |
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April 5, 2006 |
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April 2, 2006 |
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April 1, 2006 |
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March 25, 2006 |
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March 24, 2006 |
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March 6 , 2006 |
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March 5 , 2006 |
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February 22 ,
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February 22 ,
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February 13 ,
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February 7 , 2006 |
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February 4 , 2006 |
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January 28 , 2006 |
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January 21 , 2006 |
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January 15 , 2006 |
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January 11, 2006 |
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January 11 , 2006 |
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January 6, 2006 |
Sister Helen Veronica
McKenna, SSJ 
Sister Helen
Veronica (Mary F. McKenna) 87, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,
Chestnut Hill, for 69 years, died on January 6, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa,
Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph Villa on
January 11, 2006.
Sister Helen was
born in Philadelphia, PA and her early education was in parochial schools
there. She graduated from John W. Hallahan High School, Philadelphia, received
a bachelorÕs degree from Chestnut Hill College, a masterÕs degree from The
Catholic University of America, and a doctorate from Fordham University.
Early in her
apostolic life, Sister Helen ministered in elementary and secondary schools in
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Camden. Later and for nearly forty years,
Sister Helen served at Chestnut Hill College as a professor, Academic Dean, and
as a volunteer. During her time at Chestnut Hill, she witnessed significant
events and major changes.
In 1997, Sister
became a resident of St. Joseph Villa. In an interview with her while she was a
resident at the Villa, she shared that as a child, she wanted to be an altar
server and could not understand why this was not possible. She decided that it had something to do
with carrying the heavy books; it never dawned on her then that it was because
of gender. Since she could not be ordained a Catholic priest, Sister Helen
decided to enter the Sisters of Saint Joseph as a second choice. She joined her
sister and good friend, the late S. Pierre Marie, in the congregation in 1937.
At her funeral, her
friend S. Mary Helen Kashuba shared with those present ÒSister Helen Veronica
always knew when it was time to move on, and she did it graciously and without
a fuss. É In my conversations with her in the past few months preceding her
sudden death, I knew that it was time to move on for one final step. Once
again, she moved quietly and graciously to a new and certainly better life,
where she now sees what eye has not seen, the glory of God bright as the
noonday sun.Ó
Sister Francis Daniel Brady, SSJ 
Sister Francis
Daniel (Catherine Brady) 95, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut
Hill, for 75 years, died on January 11, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown,
PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on January 16, 2006.
Sister Francis, one
of eight children, was born in Philadelphia, where she attended parochial schools
before entering the Congregation in 1930 from St. MichaelÕs Parish in
Philadelphia. She received a bachelorÕs degree in education from Villanova
University.
For more than 60
years, Sister ministered in elementary schools in the Archdioceses of Newark
Philadelphia and Washington DC as well as in the Diocese of Camden. ÒChildren always added to the joy
of my dayÓ, said Sister Francis, and she dedicated her entire years of ministry
to teaching elementary school students, primarily those in the middle grades. In later years, she served as school
secretary, receptionist and as an aide to the school nurse. Upon her
retirement, Sister served the members of her local community as a convent
helper before moving to St. Joseph Villa in 2000.
If education was
her primary ministry and love, shopping was a favorite avocation. For Sister
Francis, one of the benefits of being missioned at St. Callistus in
Philadelphia was its proximity to 69th Street where she could
window-shop and enjoy her favorite ice cream! While a resident at the Villa,
Sister Francis still liked to dress up, go shopping and eat out with
friends.
When asked what
advice she would give to new members of the Congregation, she said:
ÒGod
loves all of us and keeps us daily in His loving care. Try not
to fret or worry. Seek advice from your mentors; they are always
glad to help you. Be not timid about asking; we were all young once
and we all want to learn the best way to use our talentsÓ
What made her words
so powerful was the fact that she had lived them so many years with fidelity
and grace.
Sister Margaret OÕDonnell, SSJ 
Sister Margaret OÕ
Donnell (formerly Sister Flavian) 90, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint
Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 72 years died on January 11, 2006 at St. Joseph
Villa, Flourtown, PA. A Mass of
Christian Burial was celebrated there on January 18, 2006.
Sister Margaret
lived most of her young life in Bayonne, NJ where she met the Sisters of Saint
Joseph at St. MaryÕs Grammar School and continued her education with them at
Holy Family Academy, Bayonne. Soon after graduation in 1934, Margaret entered
the congregation. In preparation for her ministry of education, Sister Margaret
received a B.S. in education from Villanova University.
For 46 years,
Sister Margaret taught students in elementary schools and learning centers in
the Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia, as well as in the Diocese of
Harrisburg. She loved working with children and she continued to do so until
later in life when she became a local community helper in her beloved Bayonne,
her Camelot.
S. Margaret learned
about the importance of prayer from her mother. Her mother believed in the
power of prayer and once journeyed to the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre for the
sole purpose of asking God to have one of her girls enter the Sisters of Saint
Joseph. God heard her prayer and
called not one but two of her daughters, Margaret and Betty, to the community!
Betty followed Margaret into the community and became Sister Helena.
While a resident at
St. Joseph Villa, S. Margaret was asked what advice she would offer to the
younger members of the congregation. Her response was quite simple, ÒIÕd tell
them to always be prepared for the given work at hand, and constantly offer to
do for others.Ó That was how she desired to live her own life.
S. Margaret OÕ
Donnell was a no-fuss, private person who lived her life with humility and
great-heartedness- a gift to her family, her friends and her community and a
model for us all.
Sister Grace Agatha Rogers, SSJ 
Sister Grace Agatha
(Marie Elizabeth Rogers) 89, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,
Chestnut Hill, for 70 years died at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA on January
15, 2006. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on January 19, 2006.
The daughter of
Irish immigrants, Sister Grace was born in Philadelphia where she attended St.
Francis of Assisi School and graduated from John W. Hallahan High School,
Philadelphia, before entering the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1935. Sister Grace
received a B.S. from Villanova University and M.A. in Educational
Administration from Seton Hall University.
Throughout her
life, it was characteristic of her self-effacing and humble posture to enhance
the gifts and goodness of others rather than her own.
In her over 60
years in active ministry, Sister Grace served thoroughly and graciously in a
variety of ministries: teacher, principal, assistant librarian, office helper,
healthcare provider, supervisor, academic and congregational leader, and
convent helper for her local community. For more than fifty years Sister Grace
ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and spent a short time serving in
the Archdiocese of Newark.
In 1998, Sister
Grace moved to the Villa as a resident where she spent her days visiting other
residents and faithfully attending to many sisters and friends. Sister Patricia
Kelly, Congregational President, noted at her funeral, that Ò For seventy years, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, along
with all whom Sister Grace loved and served were blessed with the presence of a
woman religious ,quietly receptive and responsive to every experience GodÕs
loving will unwrapped for her.Ó
Sister Jane Immaculate Matsinger,SSJ 
Sister Jane
Immaculate (Marie E. Matsinger) 86, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint
Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 69 years, died on January 21, 2006 at the Woods
Rehabilitation Center, Norristown, PA.
Sister JaneÕs funeral liturgy was celebrated on January 25,2006 at St.
Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA.
Sister Jane grew up
in Corpus Christi Parish, Philadelphia. Her association with the Sisters of
Saint Joseph who taught her at Corpus Christi School and Holy Souls Commercial
influenced her in her vocation. Prior to entering the Congregation in 1937,
Jane worked as a secretary for the WPA for two years. Sister Jane received a
B.S. in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College.
The education of
children was her primary ministry focus for more than forty years in the
Archdioceses of Newark, Philadelphia and Washington, DC and the Dioceses of
Harrisburg and Trenton. Just prior
to SisterÕs death, a former student from her first mission called the Villa to
inquire about Sister JaneÕs health.
During that telephone call, the student told how she loved Sister and
remembered her treating her and the children so kindly.
Immediately before
becoming a resident at St. Joseph Villa in 2001, Sister Jane enjoyed living in
an active senior house, St. Bartholomew in Philadelphia, from which she drove
to the Villa each day to chauffer the sister residents to doctorsÕ
appointments.
Sister Jane was an
outgoing, friendly person who enjoyed conversation, the company of other
sisters and sharing stories with others at the Villa. During her latter years,
she especially appreciated being at Saint Joseph Villa with her dear sister,
Sister Helen Christi, who was so faithful to her.
Sister Leah Marlene Jones, SSJ 
Sister Leah Marlene
Jones (formerly Sister Mary Eunice) 67, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,
Chestnut Hill, for 49 years died at Delaware County Hospital, Drexel Hill, PA
on January 28, 2006. A Mass of
Christian Burial was celebrated on February 1, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa,
Flourtown, PA.
Born in Scranton,
PA, Sister Leah attended grammar and high schools in Newark, NJ at St. Peter
School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Three years before her
entrance into the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1957,
Leah was initiated into the Catholic faith community. Leah had the unique
privilege of sponsoring her father at his baptism a short time later.
After attending
Montclair State, Sister Leah received her B.S. in Elementary Education from
Chestnut Hill College and her M.A. in Secondary Science from Villanova
University. Sister Leah was well prepared to become the teacher that she wanted
to be. Her preparation, study and enrichment choices for the teaching of
secondary science were abundant.
An administrator wrote of her: ÒShe challenges her students; creates a
healthy atmosphere; is positive with her students—and I do not believe
that anyone in our school is better prepared on a daily basis.Ó Her commitment
to Catholic education led her to teach on the elementary and secondary levels
for more than forty-five years in the Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia
as well as in the Dioceses of Allentown and Wilmington.
At her funeral
liturgy, Sister Pat Kelly offered this prayerful farewell to Sister Leah: ÒYou
have dismissed your servant, Leah, in peace, O God. We thank you for her life
among us. May she see your glory and unfold the beauty of your love always.Ó
Sister Joan Miriam Mullin, SSJ 
Sister Joan Miriam
(Marie Dolores Mullin) 75, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,
Chestnut Hill, for 56 years died on February 4, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa,
Flourtown, PA. A Mass of
Christian Burial was celebrated there on February 8, 2006.
Born on Christmas
Day, Sister Joan was one of four Mullin children raised in Southwest
Philadelphia. Sister attended Transfiguration School and West Catholic High
School before entering the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1950. Chestnut Hill
College awarded her a bachelorÕs degree in Elementary Education.
For more than 40
years, Sister Joan served as an elementary teacher and school librarian in the
Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia and in the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Sister knew the joy of good relationships with her students. Little ones desired her attention and
one group of older students protested when Sister was transferred! At different
points, she coached a
school basketball team and even practiced
roller-skating in the evening so that she could join the skaters on Saturday afternoons
in the school auditorium! When her health declined, Sister Joan moved from an
active senior house at St. BartholomewÕs in Philadelphia to become a resident
at St. Joseph Villa in 1999.
Sister JoanÕs
seven-year Villa experience was graced. She described herself changing from
being reluctant about being at the Villa, to being content with things, and
finally, to loving the Villa. Sister Joan took advantage of the gift of time
and learned to use the computer in order to write thank you notes and make
cards for her family. At the
Villa, Sister Joan continued her joyful spirit and her interest in new things.
Her wants were simple. What made this self-declared introvert happy? She appreciated it when people smiled
at her. Sister Joan rewarded the giver with a broad smile of her own!
Sister Joan bore
her illness with a holy and humble generosity of spirit. She now rests in the
arms of a loving God who probably welcomed her home with a huge smile she so
enjoyed receiving.
Sister Consolata
(Rita M. Currie) 90, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut
Hill, for 74 years died on February 7, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown,
PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was
celebrated there on February 13, 2006.
Sister Consolata
was born and raised in Philadelphia and attended parochial schools there.
SisterÕs mother, Ida, was a Quaker when she married her husband and she
practiced her religion very faithfully. One day, Mrs. Currie called her family
together to tell them that she wanted the family to be one and that she had
begun to take instructions to become a member of the Catholic faith
community. One of SisterÕs most
vivid memories of her childhood was the day that her mother was received into
the church!
Drawn to the
Sisters of Saint Joseph who taught her, Sister Consolata entered the
congregation from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Germantown in September 1932.
Sister received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College and
an M.S. in Library Science from
The Catholic University of America.
For the entire 64
years of her active ministry life, Sister Consolata served the children of the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia. What a gift she was to them! A lover of music,
Sister began her ministry as a piano teacher. Eventually she moved into her
role as a classroom teacher, a vocation that she came to love. She was a
thorough and conscientious teacher who encouraged her students to become
self-disciplined and critical thinkers.
In her later years in education, she taught small groups of students honors mathematics. In 1998, Sister Consolata became a resident at St. Joseph
Villa.
During her long
life, Sister lived through many changes in our world, in the church and in the
Sisters of Saint Joseph. She
humbly noted, ÒI have tried to accept any changes approved by the Church and
our community.Ó She lived her life that way. In 1932, her pastor recognized something special in her when
he wrote, ÒMiss Rita M. Currie is very anxious to become a sister and I can
recommend her most highly to your good care, feeling certain that she will be a
great asset to whatever sisterhood she may belong.Ó The Sisters of Saint Joseph
are grateful that she chose them!
Sister Marie Antoinette Jeffers, SSJ 
Sister Marie
Antoinette (Catherine M. Jeffers) 90, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint
Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 71 years, died on February 13, 2006 at St. Joseph
Villa, Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on
February 17, 2006.
The oldest child of
Irish immigrants, Sister Antoinette was born in Philadelphia where she attended
St. Columba and St. Francis of Assisi elementary schools and St. Francis of
Assisi Commercial School before entering the Congregation in 1935. Sister
Antoinette received a B.S. in Education from Villanova University.
Because she loved
children, Sister Antoinette spent almost 60 years, her entire time in active
ministry, in the service of elementary schoolchildren in the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia and in the dioceses of Allentown, Camden, Harrisburg and
Wilmington. She had a tender spot for fourth graders, her favorite grade to
teach, and took great pride in their learning the times tables before the end
of the year.
In 1994, when it
was time for her to retire, Sister Antoinette became a resident at St. Joseph
Villa where she spent a great deal of time visiting the other sisters
there. She loved to talk and it
was not easy to end a conversation with her but she was always interested in
what the other sisters were thinking and feeling. Possessing a grateful spirit,
she was appreciative for even the smallest kindness that was extended to her at
the Villa.
Sister Antoinette
maintained a positive spirit and gracious manner until God called this woman
with a queenly name home on February 13.
Sister Elizabeth A. Daley, SSJ 
Sister Elizabeth A.
Daley (formerly Sister Elizabeth James) 71, a beloved member of the Sisters of
Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 44 years, died on February 22, 2006 at St.
Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on
February 24, 2006.
Sister Elizabeth
was born and raised in Heckschersville, PA. She attended St. Kieran Elementary
School there and Pottsville Catholic High School before entering the
Congregation in 1961 at the age of 27.
Sister received a B. S. degree in Elementary Education from Chestnut
Hill College.
In ministry, Sister
Elizabeth served in several different positions, elementary school teacher,
classroom assistant and social worker, in the Archdioceses of Baltimore, Newark
and Philadelphia, as well as in the dioceses of Allentown, and Metuchen. For her, teaching was the most
fulfilling ministry. In exit interviews with graduating eighth graders, the
students often named Sister Elizabeth as their favorite teacher and suggested
that other teachers could learn from her methods.
Though she had a
quiet demeanor, Sister Elizabeth had a spirit of adventure and once drove
cross-country, sleeping in a tent and experiencing lightning storms,
tumbleweeds, animals and all the things that came with roughing it. She liked
to fish and was very successful in snaring a catch. Bingo was a favorite pastime and often this seventh child of
a seventh child won!
In 1999, Sister
Elizabeth received the news that she had Alzheimer Õs disease. At that time, her response wasÓ Well,
itÕs the will of God.Ó Throughout her seven-year illness, she was the
beneficiary of much love and attention from her friends, members of her local community
at St. Ambrose, Old Bridge, and her dear family members. That attention and
faithful care continued when she became a resident of St. Joseph Villa in
2002. On February 22, 2006, God
called Sister Elizabeth to a new adventure and the promise of continued
unconditional love.
Sister Catherine
Lengle (formerly Sister James Laboure) 68, a beloved member of the Sisters of
St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 50 years, died on February 22, 2006 at St.
Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on
February 27, 2006.
A native of
Lebanon, PA, Kitty attended St. MaryÕs School there and was a graduate of
Lebanon Catholic High School. Born on her motherÕs birthday, Kitty was a great
gift to her parents and her family. She became a gift to the Sisters of Saint
Joseph who welcomed her after her graduation.
With an enormous
love for children, it was no surprise that Sister Catherine would be an
excellent teacher and a competent principal. She received an A.B. from Chestnut Hill College and an M.A.
from the University of Delaware that enabled her to meet the needs of the
children she encountered in elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia and in the Diocese of Harrisburg. For five years, Sister Catherine taught students at the
Catholic Mission, Liberia, West Africa.
When asked about her memory of Africa, her face lit up as she
responded,Ó The people-the people were so beautiful just like the country. They
were happy, friendly and full of gratitude for even the smallest thing.Ó Sister
Catherine was an assistant in the Dream Catcher, the SSJ Literacy Project, and
most recently served as a parish CCD coordinator.
Although Sister
Catherine was an extremely simple person, there was depth and wisdom in her
that was special. Sometimes that wisdom and depth evidenced itself in quiet
conversation, faith sharing, or a moment of serious conversation. However, much
of wisdom and good common sense was experienced over a cup of coffee in the
kitchen while she chopped vegetables for a pot of homemade soup.
In recent years,
Sister CatherineÕs increasing physical limitations seemed to be matched by an
increasing ability to know what the important things in life are. Daily prayer,
retreat, quiet and solitude were core parts of her life. These empowered her to
be among GodÕs people in very ordinary situations with extraordinary love. It
was fitting that she chose for her funeral a gospel hymn, His Eye is on the Sparrow. Now, Sister Catherine too Òsings
because sheÕs happy. She sings because sheÕs free.Ó
Sister Mary Audrey OÕConnor, SSJ 
Sister Mary Audrey
OÕConnor (Rita M. OÕConnor) 83, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint
Joseph, Chestnut Hill for 66 years, died on March 5, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa,
Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on March 8,
2006.
Born in Bridgeport,
PA, Sister attended St. Matthew Elementary School and graduated from St.
Matthew High School, both in Conshohocken, PA, before entering the congregation
in 1940. Sister Mary Audrey received a B.A. from Chestnut Hill College and an
M.A. from Columbia University.
In ministry, Sister
Mary Audrey shared her gifts with those in the Archdioceses of Newark,
Philadelphia, and Washington, DC as well as in the dioceses of Allentown and
Trenton. Sister had a very
rich ministry experience and served in a variety of educational ministries
including elementary and preschool teacher, tutor, diocesan Religion
Coordinator for elementary schools, and diocesan Director of Elementary and
Early Childhood. As she reflected back on her years in active ministry, Sister
shared, ÒThere were so many wonderful adults from so many areas whom I
encountered, so many little children-and not so little-who helped to keep me
young-each one bringing joy into my life!Ó
In 2001, Sister
Mary Audrey decided to go to St. Joseph Villa where she made herself
responsible for several small but important tasks. She gave time to being a
receptionist and was very faithful to visiting the sisters who were unable to
leave their rooms. She also
enjoyed spending five years with her little sister and best friend, Sister
Daniel Margaret.
While a resident at
the Villa, Sister was asked what advice she would offer to newer members of the
congregation, Sister stated, ÒI would tell them to look on each day as a
journey of faith. My experiences have led me far, but as I traveled along in
faith, I have been strengthened, graced and rewarded.Ó Sister Mary Audrey now
enjoys her eternal reward.
Sister Patricia Ann Brennan, SSJ 
Sister Patricia Ann
Brennan (formerly Sister Robert Loretta), 71, a beloved member of the Sisters
of Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 53 years, died on March 6, 2006 in Naples , Florida. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated
at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA on March 13, 2006.
A native of
Heckschersville, PA, Sister Patricia entered the congregation from St.
PatrickÕs Parish, Pottsville, PA.
There, she attended St. PatrickÕs Elementary School and Pottsville
Catholic High School. Sister Patricia earned a B.A. degree from Chestnut Hill
College.
Early in her
ministry life, Sister Patricia taught elementary and high school students in
the Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia and in the dioceses of Allentown
and Harrisburg. She then felt
drawn to move into retreat work, which she expected to be nice and calm.
Instead, she moved to where she thought that God was calling her to serve. Her
life became a bit more messy and chaotic as she began shelters for homeless
women and children. She established homes for the elderly, and for women and
children. Sister Patricia
advocated for the poor and raised money for city shelters and soup kitchens. Later, her pastoral work included
visiting the sick in their homes and in hospitals. From her life, we learn about being open to the transforming
power of GodÕs grace, which is often full of surprises and takes us where we
least expect to go. Illness forced Sister Patricia to retire in 2005.
In the final stages
of her illness, Sister Patricia continued to live with a heart open to the
voice of her God, and she was comforted by this relationship. In the Scripture
reading on the day that she died, it was so appropriate that Jesus talks about
final judgment. ÒCome you have my fatherÕs blessing; inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the creation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave
me food, thirsty and you gave me to drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, ill
and you visited me. I assure you that
as often as you did this to the least of my brothers and sisters you did it for
me.Ó She taught us well.
Sister Mary A.
Gillespie (formerly Sister Thomas Catherine) 83, a beloved member of the
Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill, for 64 years, died on March 24, 2006 at
St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA. A
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on March 28, 2006.
One of ten children
of Irish immigrants from Donegall, Sister Mary was born in Philadelphia, where
she attended parochial schools. She graduated from John W. Hallahan High School
in 1940. Though she felt called to
religious life, the death of her mother, and the ominous world situation
delayed her entrance into the Sisters of Saint Joseph until September of 1941.
Subsequently, Sister Mary received a B.S. from Chestnut Hill College and an
M.A. from Kutztown University.
For more than 60
years, Sister MaryÕs ministries introduced her to many diverse people in many
different geographic locations. As
an elementary school teacher and principal, she served in the Archdioceses of
Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC in addition to ministering in the
dioceses of Arlington and Harrisburg. When the principal at her first school
heard that she had six brothers, she immediately assigned Sister Mary to a
first grade class of nearly 100 boys!
She survived and so did they. Sister Mary also spent six summers working
with postulants and novices at Fontbonne Hall. Again, she dealt with large
numbers well. In her later years,
she served as a school librarian before becoming a resident of St. Joseph Villa
in 2003.
Sister Mary had a
friendly manner and a contagious laugh that endeared her to her family, her
students, to children and adults, and to her sisters in community. Her
welcoming manner helped to put others at ease and enabled her to draw forth the
best in them. She spent hours in prayer for so many intentions. Her last days
were spent reminding God through her continuous prayers to Jesus that she was
ready, ready to go home. God took her home on March 24.
Sister Kotska Brady
(Helen Marie Brady) 93, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,
Chestnut Hill, for 73 years, died on March 25, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa,
Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on March 30,
2006.
Born in Baltimore,
MD, Sister Kotska completed her elementary and secondary school education at
the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore.
In 1932, she boarded a train to Philadelphia and began her life as a
Sister of Saint Joseph. She continued her academic life and received a B.S. in
Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College and a M.A. in Religious Studies
from St. Charles Seminary.
For 59 years,
Sister Kotska served as a dedicated and caring educator in the Archdioceses of
Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, DC and in the dioceses of Allentown,
Camden, Harrisburg and Wilmington teaching both elementary and secondary
students. In her own words,Ó
Teaching was a fulfilling ministry because I was able to live my desire to be
kind and helpful, in this instance to the students.Ó
Later in her life,
she returned to her beloved Baltimore area and became Òthe sister in charge of
attendanceÓ. Her principal later wrote in tribute,
Ó You have given
admirable service as a model Christian educator, a woman of principle, skill,
energy, organization and compassion.Ó In her attendance office position, she
was beloved by parents who trusted her judgments and students who tried to get
away with things but were delighted when she caught
them! Into her eighties, she was open to change and involved in many
activities. She might be found at an evening prayer service to honor slain Salvadorian
churchwomen or cheering on the school basketball team at a tournament. She
became a resident of St. Joseph Villa in 1996.
On the feast of the
Annunciation, Sister Kotska Brady began another leg of her journey,
the reward for a life lived in attentiveness to GodÕs commandment to choose
life and to connect in love.
Sister Ann Ignatius Wagaman, SS J 
Sister Ann Ignatius
(Gladys Wagaman) 93, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut
Hill, for 74 years, died on April 1, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA. A
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on April 4, 2006.
Born in
McSherrystown, PA, Sister Ann attended elementary and secondary school at St.
MaryÕs School there before entering the congregation. In support of her
application to the congregation, her pastor wrote, ÒGladys M. Wagaman is known
to me as a young lady of excellent character. She was always faithful in the
performance of her religious duties and was an excellent student while in high
school.Ó How blessed the
congregation was to have her leave her beloved McSherrystown and journey to
Chestnut Hill!
Sister Ann received
a bachelorÕs degree from Chestnut Hill College that prepared her for her life
long ministry as an educator. For more than 60 years, Sister taught elementary
school students in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Washington, DC and in
the Diocese of Harrisburg. Her
many years in active ministry were dedicated to teaching all types of students,
those who learned quickly and those who needed to learn differently because of
physical and mental handicaps. She was a beloved teacher and her students
remembered her with gratitude and described her as kind, firm, challenging and
patient.
In 1996, Sister Ann
became a resident of Saint Joseph Villa where she continued to pray for the
intentions of all those whom she loved, especially for those in her beloved
McSherrystown, a place that she described as Òa neighborhood full of love and
respect for one another and all of earth.Ó On April 1, 2006, Sister Ann Ignatius found a new
neighborhood of love where for sure Òshe will see the face of God face to
face.Ó (Revelations 22)
Sister St. Colette
(Anna Louise Grier) 92, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,
Chestnut Hill, for 73 years, died on April 2, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa,
Flourtown, PA. A Mass of Christian
Burial was celebrated there on April 6, 2006.
Born in
Philadelphia, Anna and her family lived in North Philadelphia and then moved to
St. Francis deSales Parish in the southwest section of the city where she
completed elementary school. Her
first attraction to religious life occurred while she was still in grade school
but it was while at West Catholic High School that she gave it serious
thought. She felt called; but
where- the Sisters of Saint Joseph or the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart? At
one point she thought:ÓIf I step on the lines, I will enter the IHMÕs , but if I step on the spaces, IÕll enter the
SSJÕs. She later said, ÒI believe
that I made myself step on the spaces.Ó
On her reception
day, Anna received the name Sister St. Colette. Her fatherÕs aunt had been
Mother Colette, SSJ and the family was delighted with her new name! Her dad had
a great love for the Sisters of St. Joseph who raised him at St. JohnÕs
Orphanage. It was ironic that by profession he was a carpenter and he died on
March 19, the Feast of Saint Joseph. So many connections!
Sister St. Colette
received an A. B. from Chestnut Hill College and an M.A. from Villanova
University. During her many years of ministry, Sister taught mathematics to
elementary and secondary students in the Archdioceses of Newark, Philadelphia
and Washington, DC and Diocese of Trenton. When poor health caused her to stop
teaching, she assumed responsibility for a school bookstore and turned it into
a gift shop!
In 1992, Sister St.
Colette requested permission to move to the Villa. While there, she was
determined to remain active, always planning what to do next. In her words, ÒWe
all make our own happiness.Ó It
was her great faith in our loving God and devotion to prayer that enabled her
to say before she died, ÒI have never been unhappyÓ. What a wonderful, full life Sister St. Colette enjoyed!
Sister Paul Anthony Kronberger, SSJ 
Sister Paul Anthony
(Mary Kronberger) 98, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut
Hill, for 77 years, died on April 5, 2006 at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA. A
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on April 7, 2006
Born in
Philadelphia, Sister PaulÕs father died when she was very young. One of six children, she went to live
for a while at Catholic Home where she met the Sisters of Saint Joseph for the
first time. Later she attended
John W. Hallahan High School in Philadelphia. Before entering the congregation at 22, Sister Paul worked
as a stenographer at a company that was close to St. Agnes Church that housed a
shrine to St. Anthony. There she prayed every day on her lunch hour and was
inspired to enter religious life.
It was fitting that she received the name Anthony as part of her
religious name!
Sister Paul Anthony
received a B. S. degree in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College. For
most of her life, Sister Paul taught and tutored young children in the
Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia and in the dioceses of Arlington,
Camden, Harrisburg, and Trenton. For a nine-year period, Sister Paul was a
member of the staff that oversaw the formation of congregational postulants at
Fontbonne Hall. Sister Paul served as the infirmarian and even after many
years, she greeted former postulants by name. No easy task when hundreds passed
through her life at that time!
After that, Sister became a Technical Aide at St. Joseph Villa before
becoming a resident there in 1992.
In her own words,
Sister Paul described her life as one that had been richly blessed and mostly
prosaic. She lived a simple life extraordinarily well. Sister PaulÕs friends on the fourth
floor of the Villa held her in great esteem for her goodness and kindness to
everyone. Perhaps God welcomed her
on April 5 with words similar to these: ÒWelcome home, my chosen one in whom I
delight. Come and enjoy the place that I have prepared for you.Ó