In Memoriam

Help us remember our Sisters by sharing a story about a Sister who touched your life, or making a gift in their honor.

Sister Mary Aveline Smith
Blessed with a long life of service to others, Sr Aveline was very creative and crocheted avidly, every year gifting each Jubilarian with a lovely lap robe.  On May 11, 2021, at Ozanam in Queens, NY, she celebrated her 100th birthday with her community there. Though suffering from poor health and often in pain, Aveline enjoyed her special day very much, as it brought joy to the whole community. 
Through her many years of teaching, Sr Lori learned that those who are poor “are the rich ones, for they have hearts of gold and showed me how to love, to share, and to serve." S. Lori said "The BEST times of my life were the times I could make others happy or when others helped me to be happy."
Sister Rita’s compassion, sensitivity and thoughtfulness were her endearing qualities. She focussed her attention on others, not on herself. A former colleague recalls that when Rita was in Lima. Peru, she would leave the house in the morning, walking to her destination and spending time greeting the neighbors and children with a gift, word of hope, or consolation. Her life was lived happily, in service to others.

In death, we say our ultimate human yes to God. Trusting in God’s power to bring us to the fullness of life, we conclude our earthly life with an act of worship: in the action of death we proclaim God as God, and ourselves as God’s creatures. We are called by God and sent by the community; we go in joy!

- You Are Sent, Constitution of the School Sisters of Notre Dame