In Memoriam

Sister Joan Minella, served as a Provincial Councilor in Baltimore from 1987 to 1996 and remembered the time very proudly. After her time on the Council, and at the Generlate she served as a Pastoral Life Director, and later as the archivist at the Institute of Notre Dame. Sister Rita Bueche shares this “‘When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I will be able to say I used every gift you gave me.’ That was you, Joan. Not an unused minute, not one word wasted… And when you entered heaven, Mother Theresa said to you: Relax, Joan. Everything is already well organized.” ”

Sister Norma's ministry was as a teacher from 1960 to 2001. For over 70 years, Sister Norma answered her call to work and pray for her God and others. When recounting her Perpetual Vows from July 29, 1960, Sister Norma said, “I think this fulfilled my fondest dream of becoming a School Sister of Notre Dame.” We remember and give thanks for Norma's generous spirit among us.

Sister Marie Vianney Gallagher wrote in 1986 “A religious vocation is certainly a gift, and the Lord invites us to accept this call. Why the Lord has chosen me is a mystery, but I am grateful and humbled. I am proud to be a professed religious woman.” In her vocation, she served as teacher, principal, and in many leadership roles that benefited many men and women religious. We are grateful for you, may you rest in the loving arms of our God.

Sister Mary served in leadership at Catholic schools for 57 years! She worked totally in education. . . the very essence of Mother Theresa’s vision. Sister Marie Kathleen Dunham shared about Mary at her wake service: "Mary was devoted greatly to the Blessed Mother, and always had a rosary. She frequently said that Mary took care of her. May she enjoy eternal happiness.

Elizabeth Marie Mathis was professed in 1952, given the name Donita, and began teaching primary grades. In 1975, she decided to become a nurse and served as an RN in the Chicago Area, retiring in 2015. Sister Donita is remembered as a gentle person with a beautiful smile… a calming, quiet authority, and a sense of balance, wonderful qualities when helping those in need. May Sister Donita rest in peace.

Blessed with a great sense of humor and a love of people, Sister Celeste taught and was involved in pastoral ministry at several locations in Ontario. From 1983 to 1989 Sister Celeste lived on the Reserve of the Ojibway community at Grassy Narrows, ON. She was honoured with a white eagle feather and the Asubpeeschoseewagong name Megezeequ, Eagle Woman. We trust that Celeste is experiencing happiness in the brilliance of heaven.

Sister Ann loved singing and serving, first as a creative and talented classroom teacher and later as a Pastoral Associate, Health Care Ministry Coordinator, and Coordinator of Pastoral Visitors. In retirement, She continued to be creative and energetic, "a gentle, loving woman, kind and compassionate, deeply spiritual, and a happy, joyful person". Sister Ann was beloved by many. May God welcome her home.

Sister Ellen spent 29 years as a teacher, and then moved into healthcare. She became a Home Health Aide and then a Licensed Practical Nurse. She especially loved providing home care, geriatrics, and therapeutic recreation. Sister Peg Regan said at her Wake, “She went beyond what was required and helped heal spirits as well as bodies. Ellen treated everyone with kindness and a listening ear and would bring meals to needy patients.” May Sister Ellen rest in peace.

Sister Irene Marie Hughes was educated by SSNDs and found them "joyful and caring.” After her novitiate year, she was sent to Puerto Rico and fell in love with the island, spending 19 years there. Eventually, teaching ESL classes at Caroline House in Bridgeport, she wrote “I found this to the perfect place at this time in my life.” She moved to The Watermark in 2021. We remember and give thanks for Irene 's generous spirit among us.

Creative, caring, generous, and perceptive are some of the words used to describe Sister Maria Natividad. For 70 years, Natividad served the SSND mission in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. No matter the location or service she provided “She was always in the right place at the right time, ministering gracefully and peacefully.”  We continue to thank God for the gift of Natividad and celebrate her entrance into eternal life.

Eileen was known to her large family and many friends in SSND and beyond by many names: “Rene,” Auntie, Eileen and Sister. Eileen was a lifelong learner whose interests were broad and deep. She was always ready and willing to share her learnings with others. She loved to introduce visitors, be they in Rome or Baltimore, to local historic, religious and SSND places of interest. We remember and give thanks for Eileen’s generous spirit among us.