In Memoriam

Margaret "Peg" Mattare, SSND - 1936 - 2025

Sister Peg lived a life of service. Rev. Lawrence B. Terrien, PSS, presided over her service, memorializing Sister Peg, saying, I join all of you in giving thanks to God, who, by showing us in the life of his daughter and disciple, Sister Peg, helped us to see that Jesus did not take the kingdom back to heaven with him at his ascension. He continues to manifest his presence in people like Sister Peg, who took those beatitudes to heart, who worked to serve that kingdom and to show that it is possible to live here and now - the way I believe she is still living that life fully in the presence of her and our mighty Lord.”

Sister Henrice Eckert, SSND - 1923 - 2025

Sister Henrice had a gracious and supportive way. Her motto in life was, “It doesn’t matter who gets the credit, as long as the work gets done.” She lived a long life and had a profound effect on her faithful students, former colleagues, parish friends, and her family. She found something beautiful in everyone. We are grateful for you; may you rest in the loving arms of our God.

Virginia Stasium, SSND - 1946 - 2025

Sister Virginia was dedicated to spiritual life and sharing her love of connection with others. Her leadership was evident even after a diagnosis, which limited her mobility; she maintained an attitude of compassion for others and a sense of humor sprinkled with sarcasm. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us.

Carol Brunner, SSND - 1947 - 2025

After becoming a teacher in the Chicago area, Carol continued pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. She ministered at Resurrection Life Center for over 20 years, 7 days a week, even during the pandemic. When no one was allowed inside during COVID, she went outside the Sisters’ windows, showing pictures and signs, and talking to them on the phone. She was kind and loving. Although she had great health challenges, she prayed at the bedside of people who were dying, comforted and visited many. A minister to the end!

John Mary Hayes, SSND - 1938 – 2025

Always a responsible and industrious person, Catherine Hayes worked in various jobs as a teen. In her senior year of high school, she asked to enter the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It was the example of the sisters that attracted her. She took the name John Mary. After years of teaching and caring for others, she moved to Ozanam Hall, where she would regale her sisters with music in the day room. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us.

Sister Adele Shea, SSND - 1933 – 2025

At her 60th Jubilee, Adele wrote, “Early on I fell in love with Jesus Christ. He was so important in my life. My love has grown, and my trust in God’s love has been strengthened.” For twenty-five years as sacristan, she meticulously prepared the Lord’s table for the Eucharistic Celebration and other prayerful events. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us!

Sister Mary Lynch, SSND - 1941 - 2025

As a Teacher, Religious Education Director, and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Sister Mary offered a “beautiful presence” to all. In retirement, Sister Mary visited sisters in assisted living, remembered their birthdays, and was responsible for numerous acts of quiet kindness. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us.

Sister Dorothy Mary Leising, SSND - 1924 - 2025

Sister Dorothy's parents, Mary Smith and George Leising, instilled deep faith in their 9 children, with two sons, ordained as priests, and their daughters Dorothy, Blanche, and Florence all becoming School Sisters of Notre Dame! In her words, “I felt drawn to them in a special way. Their whole-hearted, self-sacrificing lives radiated through every day.” May Dottie’s boundless love and energy permeate our SSND life.

Mary Michael Tashiro, SSND - 1931 – 2025

Agnes (Ume) Tashiro's grew up in Japan, becoming a teacher in Kyoto, where she met the SSNDs. After taking vows in 1957, she eventually became the President of ND Women’s College in Kyoto. In 2004, Mary Michael transferred to the AM Province. She is remembered for her love of cooking, singing, and ability to make joyous connections with many people, especially her students. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us.

Patricia Anne Ferrick, SSND - 1943 - 2025

Pat’s kind and gentle heart was shared with sisters and laity alike. Many will remember her simple greeting, “How are you doing?” After her teaching years in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, her dreams Mission work finally came true. Pat spent 33 years in South America, where she had key responsibilities in the transition of our Latin American missions to become the District of Latin America. Pat walked right into heaven! We’ll miss her, but we can’t take that joy away from her.

Rose Sylvia Lindner, SSND - 1933 – 2025

Sister Rose Lindner's ministry was focused on animating others through education, advocacy, and action in response to urgent social needs. Rose served in a variety of ministries including teaching, prison ministry, parish outreach, and evangelization. She served for many years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in DC, also at St. Bernadette in Severn, St. Joseph in Cockeysville, and later volunteered at Mother Seton Academy. We thank God for bestowing the gift of Rose upon her family, religious communities, ministries, and the people of God.

Sister Ann Louise Impink, SSND - 1939 - 2025

In her ministries both as a Sister of Christian Charity and a School Sister of Notre Dame, Ann Louise served as teacher, Director of Religious Education, and Pastoral Associate in a variety of locations in NJ and PA. A highlight of her ministry came in 1992 when she was missioned to La Paz, Bolivia for a year. Ann Louise entered eternal glory at Stella Maris after a day shared praying with her sisters. She is remembered fondly for her love of butterflies and dancing. We are grateful for you, may you rest in the loving arms of our God.

Sister Teresia Spodnik, SSND - 1920 - 1925

On Palm Sunday, March 29,1920, a tornado hit Connecticut, but more important was the birth of baby Irene to John George and Mary Elzabeth (Burchik) Spodnik. She is one of three of the Spodnik sisters to become a School Sister of Notre Dame. In her ministries, she served Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. On the morning of May 15, Teresia quietly and peacefully surrendered her spirit into the arms of her Loving Father and joined her parents and brothers, Fr. Leo and Larry.

Sister Joan Minella, SSND - 1935 - 2025

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.” ”

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis

Remembering Pope Francis

It is with great sadness that we, School Sisters of Notre Dame of the Atlantic-Midwest Province, join with the global community to mourn the passing of our dear Holy Father, Pope Francis. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the gift of his life and pontificate.

Sister Norma Loraditch, SSND - 1932 - 2025

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.

Mary Earle Doohan, SSND - 1928 - 2025

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 Marie Vianney Gallagher, SSND - 1943 - 2025

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 Clare Fitzgerald, SSND - 1924 – 2025

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 Mary Kelly, SSND - 1935 - 2025

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.

Sister Lorraine Burns, SSND - 1931 – 2025

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 Donita Mathis, SSND - 1929 - 2025

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.

Sister Valentia Leibel - 1935 - 2025

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 Celeste Swan, SSND - 1942 - 2024

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.

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