 Sister Ellen Mary died at Saint Joseph Villa on September 9, 2011, and her funeral took place at the Villa on September 14. Sister was 91 years of age.
Born Helen Jane, Sister Ellen was the third child of Samuel and Jane Grover. She had two brothers, Charles and Arthur; a younger sister died at 14 months.
After Sister’s mother died when Helen was in first grade, the young Helen went to live with her maternal grandmother while her brothers stayed with their father. Helen’s good grandmother instilled a deep sense of religion and family. On Sundays, her grandmother went with young Helen to meet with her brothers in New Jersey to take them to Mass and to breakfast.
Our Sisters at Immaculate Conception grade school also made an extraordinary impact on Sister’s early life, especially, Mother Mary Calvary.
She frequently accompanied the Sisters on shopping errands and on home visits. Her relationship with Sisters continued at Hallahan High School.
Always a lover of music, Sister Ellen developed her love and talent with music by playing in both the band and orchestra in high school. Summers found her visiting with relatives in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. It was no surprise when Helen entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph upon graduation.
Ellen Mary described herself as “just a teacher,” She was so much more to those who knew and loved her. She spent most of her years in the classroom, ministering in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Newark and the Diocese of Allentown, and later continuing her ministry as tutor. She counted many friends, and was responsible for a good friend becoming a convert.
Her last days at the Villa were prayerful and loving, always aware of others’ needs and responding to them as far as she was able. Villa aides could not praise her enough.
Sister Ellen Mary found new life in her new home in Heaven. |
