In Memoriam

When she retired from over 60 years of teaching, Sister Mary Earle summed up her belief in education saying “Girls are women of the future, and that’s very important. Women have much more influence than they realize, and they have always had that.” We remember Sister Mary Earle and give thanks for her generous spirit among us.

Sister Clare was a teacher, creator, leader, witty, brilliant, and theatrical. Clare was the embodiment of a missionary. She dedicated her life to teaching about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. While she was not known for being a woman of few words, her main message, with all the flair of her personality, was to tell us that, “Jesus loves you!” even if it took her 45 minutes! We give thanks for Sister Clare's generous, creative spirit!

Sister Lorraine "Ronnie" Burns was a Buffalonian, deeply committed to her friends, family, and SSND. After teaching in Baltimore, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and Africa, it was in Rochester, NY that she founded the Notre Dame Learning Center. As was said by a colleague, ‘Lorraine’s service focused on the Gospel message—she was kind and loving to all. We will remember Lorraine always! May God welcome her home.

Sister Val grew up on a farm one mile south of Denzil, Saskatchewan. She went on to work in religious education in Ontario, Saskatchewan and ministered to Indigenous communities in Keewatin-Le Pas, Manitoba. Later, In 2000, she served as Provincial Councilor for the Canadian Province. We remember and give thanks for Sister Val's generous spirit among us.

Sister Margaret (Renate) endured many hardships as a child before becoming an SSND in 1948 in Munich. She lived and taught in England, Peru, Bolivia, and Canada. For years, Sister Margaret served as a translator for our congregation. She valued these experiences and the opportunity to go to Brazil, Ghana, and Hungary. Sister Margaret was generous with her language skills and assisting others, such as volunteering to assist migrants at the border in Texas. May Sister Margaret enjoy eternal happiness.

Sister Kathleen spent over 25 years at St. Jane Frances de Chantal School and parish, in Riviera Beach, Maryland. She loved people and sharing her gifts with them. She had a great wit and helped others feel at ease. When anyone visited her to catch up on her recent doings, the conversation would take a turn around with her question: “What’s new in your world?”  We remember and give thanks for Kathleen's generous spirit among us.

Inspired by her work and the influence of Vatican II, Sister Carol spent many years inspiring renewal in lay groups and was personally deeply fulfilled by it. Later in life, she developed a gift for watercolor, producing many lovely pictures, especially landscapes, most accompanied by her verses. We remember and give thanks for Carol's generous spirit among us.

Sister Mary Margaret was a dedicated teacher, helping students in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago through the years. As a leader of SSND Associates at St Columba she assisted many. Her life of service continued in retirement at Marian Village in Homer Glen, Illinois. May Mary Margaret rest in peace.

Judy’s life in mission included formal education at schools in the Baltimore area. She taught mathematics and served in administrative roles as dean of students and vice principal. She returned to her alma mater, the Institute of Notre Dame (IND), and ministered there for twelve years as a teacher, vice-principal, and finally as principal. We continue to thank God for the gift of Judy, her service, and her loving presence.

Sister Margarida was born in the Azores and moved to Ontario with her family as a teenager. After working for 14 years, She became an affiliate with SSND and in August 1982 she entered the formation house as a postulant. This path led to her life as an educator, administrator, and beloved SSND. Sister Margarida truly cared for others, her generous spirit and joyful presence will live on in all she touched.

Sister Liliette shared her many gifts, musician and guitar teacher, softball and cheer coach, youth minister, and Math teacher with a warm and friendly smile. As a first-year Aspirant, she said she would never leave religious life, a youthful desire to which she had been faithful during her 65 years of vowed life. May God welcome her home.