Sisters of St. Joseph Celebrate Special Anniversaries

9/23/2022 |

Three years of postponed celebrations were condensed into one joyful day-long gala on Wednesday, September 21 as several Sisters of St. Joseph marked their Jubilee and Special Anniversaries in Mont Marie Chapel.

The quote from Hildegard of Bingen, “You are embraced by the arms of the mystery of God” was a continued refrain as two celebrants, Sister Irene Fontaine and Sister Susan Swasey, finally celebrated their Golden Jubilees, postponed from 2020. Both marked fifty years of service to their Congregation and their dear neighbors, and they were likewise embraced by the love of their fellow Sisters on this special day.

“Each of us comes to this chapel today bringing the same gift,” said Father Mark Stelzer, who celebrated Mass. “We bring the gift of profound gratitude for the great blessing the Sisters honored today have been to each of us, to our world, and to our Church for 50, 60, 65, 70, 75,80 years, or more.”

“Today’s readings speak of resiliency. Today’s celebration also speaks of resiliency. The resiliency of women who entered religious life in vastly different times. Some in the wake of World War II and some in the wake of Vatican II. Women whose steadfastness and ‘yes’ – even in moments of doubt and crisis -- gather us here today.”

Sister Maxyne Schneider also spoke, as she had spoke at one of the last gatherings the Sisters would enjoy before the pandemic.”We were gradually coming to realize that this was a matter, not of weeks, but of at least months,” she reminisced. “Churches were closed, and most schools too. There was no vaccine and no expected date known for one. People were focused on keeping one another alive.”

“Though the stark challenges of illness, racism, and climate catastrophe will not leave us soon, we nonetheless have been called by the Spirit to live with deep joy, an emotion that can coexist even with sorrow. Today with Paul we pray: may our ‘love abound more and more.’ With Jeremiah let us say, ‘there shall once more be heard the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness.’ With Mary let our hearts sing -- and dance -- as we proclaim ‘the greatness of our God.’ Let our spirits rejoice in God our Savior!”

 

2020 Celebrants

50 Year Jubilee — Entered in 1970

Sister Irene Fontaine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. John’s Parish, Bangor, ME in 1970. Sister taught grades five through eleven, specializing in Theology and mathematics in various public and parochial schools in Maine and Massachusetts. Her assignments include Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke; Our Lady of Hope, Springfield; St. Agnes, Dalton; St. Mary’s, Milford; and St. Mary’s, Westfield. She has worked in Pastoral Care at the Dominican Monastery, West Springfield and also shared her skills with the sick and elderly in the Springfield area. Upon retirement Sister Irene has been volunteering as a Spiritual Care Associate at Mercy Medical Center, Springfield.

Sister Susan Swasey entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Matthew's Parish, South Royalton, VT. She served as an elementary teacher at Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke, St. Mark's, Pittsfield, St. Mary’s, Westfield, St. Matthew’s, Indian Orchard, and a high school teacher at Cathedral High School in Springfield. Currently she works as an elementary teacher at Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke, where she has served for 32 years. Sr. Susan lives in Holyoke.

 

60 Years — Entered in 1960

Sr. Anne Carroll (Jeanne Lawrence) was born in Woonsocket, RI and entered the Community from St. Augustine Parish, Millville, Mass. She first ministered for a time in schools in the Springfield Diocese and later in Newport and Middletown, RI. Sister served as principal of Central Catholic School in Worcester for 11 years and then for six years as a teacher at Trinity Catholic Academy in Southbridge. She went on to minister through the South Central Massachusetts Rehabilitation Resources in Sturbridge and South Central Massachusetts Elderbus in Charlton. Sr Anne is retired after serving the Community as Secretary for Social Security and Health Insurance. She lives in Holyoke.

Sr. Judith Carvalho entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Jesus Savior Parish, Newport, RI. She taught in schools in the Worcester Diocese for nine years including St. Mary’s School in Uxbridge, St. Stephen’s in Worcester and St. Mary’s in Milford. In 1974 Sister Judith was appointed principal of St. Agnes School in Dalton where she served for 14 years. Sr. Judith lives in Portsmouth, RI where she managed Maplewood Farm for 30 years.

Sr. Ann Marie McKenna (James Rita) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Community from Blessed Sacrament Parish there. She has taught at Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament Schools in Holyoke, Immaculate Conception in West Springfield and Annunciation School in Florence. She also taught at St. Thomas in West Springfield and at Holy Name School, Springfield, where she also served as a Minister of the Eucharist. Sister spent three weeks every year from 1968-2002 serving at the Summer School of Religion in Sheffield, MS, teaching First Communion classes. Sr. Ann Marie also served as a member of the support staff at the Mont Marie Health Care Center. She is retired and lives in Holyoke.

Born in Whitinsville, MA Sr. Marlene Mucha (John Anastasia) entered the Community from St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge. She began her teaching ministry at Marianhill High School in Southbridge. Then, beginning in 1969, she went on to minister as a secondary teacher at Holyoke Catholic High School in Holyoke. She received the Harold Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004 and has been recognized by the National Youth Leadership Forum. She continued her work at the new Holyoke Catholic, Chicopee and Pope Francis Preparatory School until her retirement in 2017. Beginning in 1996, Sister has served as a spiritual advisor on Cursillo Women’s Retreats. Currently Sr. Marlene lives in Chicopee and tutors at the College of Our Lady of the Elms Student Success Center.

A native of Middletown, CT, Sr. Dorothy Pilkington (Theresa Eugene) entered the Community from St. Mary Parish in Windsor Locks, CT. She began her teaching ministry in Pittsfield at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph School, as well Holy Family in Springfield. She has worked in Family Counseling at Catholic Charities, Springfield and as Director of Lay Ministry Program at the Passionist Monastery, West Springfield, Massachusetts. She was also Coordinator for Religious Organizations at “Bread for the World”, Washington, DC. Sister Dorothy spent many years ministering in Africa, beginning in Kenya as a missionary and lecturer at Kisii College. She was Director of Social Services at the Jesuit Refugee Services Camp in Kenya, as well as for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Uganda, and Director of the Income Generating Project in Nairobi, Kenya. Sister’s last ministry in Africa was with the Missionary Benedictine Sisters in Tanzania, East Africa where she served as the coordinator of St. Anna’s Orphanage for Infants with HIV/AIDS. Currently Sr. Dorothy lives in Holyoke and is a Social Worker for the Department of Children and Families, Springfield.

Sr. Cornelia Roy (Margaret Charles) was a native of North Adams, MA and entered the Community from St. Francis Parish there. She taught at Immaculate Conception School, West Springfield, Sacred Heart and Holyoke Catholic High Schools, both in Holyoke, and served as Associate Retreat Director at the Passionist Monastery and Campus Minister at the Newman Center at UMass, Amherst. Sister has also worked at various times for Diocesan Offices including the Office of Youth Ministry and the Diocesan Schools’ Office where she served as Director of Religion Curriculum K- 12 and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. In addition to her years as a teacher at Holyoke Catholic, Sister also served as principal as principal there for six years. Sr. Connie is retired and lives in Holyoke.

Born in North Adams, MA Sr. Maxyne Schneider (Dorothy Mathias) entered the Community from St. Patrick Parish in Williamstown. She began her teaching ministry at Cathedral High School in Springfield and went on to teach at Elms College in Chicopee, where she served for a time as Academic Dean. She was a guest lecturer at Springfield College, a visiting lecturer at Fitchburg State College, and a part-time lecturer at Regis College in Weston, MA. In 1996, Sr. Maxyne co-founded the House of Peace and Education, Inc. (HOPE) in Gardner, MA, and served first as a staff member and then Executive Director for 12 years. She subsequently worked as grant writer for Weston Center for Women, Holyoke, until serving as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 2011-2017. Sr. Maxyne, now living in Holyoke, is retired and serves in various volunteer capacities.

 

65 Years — entered in 1955

Sister Shirley Ann Davis (James Bernard) was born in Brattleboro VT and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland from St. Michael Parish there. She taught at Christ the King School, Rutland and Mount St. Joseph Academy, Rutland, where she later served as principal. Sister also taught at The College of St. Joseph, Rutland before serving as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Burlington Diocese from 1998-2009. Sister has also served her Congregation for two terms both as Vice President and as a member of the Formation Team. She is completing her 10th year in the Foster Grandparent Program of the National Senior Service Corps of Vermont. Sr. Shirley lives in Rutland.

A native of Gardner, MA Sister Kathryn Flanagan (John Irene) entered from Sacred Heart Parish. She taught at St. Mary, Morning Star, Pittsfield; Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke; St. Mary Elementary, Westfield; St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield. She was principal of Our Lady of Hope School, Springfield, and she taught and worked as a reading specialist at St. Mary School, Lee. Sister is founder and a former director of St. Joseph’s Kitchen, Pittsfield. She also served as pastoral minister at Sacred Heart Parish. Sr. Kathryn is retired and lives in Pittsfield.

Born in Chicopee, Sister Diane Gaudet (Loretta John), entered from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. She taught in a number of schools in the Springfield Diocese: St. Mary’s, Pittsfield; Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke; Holy Trinity, Greenfield; Annunciation, Florence; and Holy Name and Cathedral High Schools, Springfield. In the Worcester Diocese Sister was principal of Worcester Central Catholic Elementary School 1973-1978 and associate superintendent for the Worcester Diocesan Schools 1978-1989. She also worked as a mental health clinician at Harrington Hospital and a guidance counselor at Trinity Academy, both in Southbridge. Most recently she worked at SCM Elderbus, Inc., Charlton and Tri-Valley Elder Services, Dudley. Sister Diane resides in Holyoke and volunteers at the Holyoke Senior Center.

Sister Shirleyanne Greene (Richard Louise) was born in Springfield, MA and entered from Immaculate Conception Parish, New Lebanon, N.Y.  She taught at a number of schools in the Springfield Diocese: Holy Name, Springfield; St. Thomas the Apostle, West Springfield; St. Michael’s, Northampton; St. Joseph’s, North Adams; and, St. Joseph’s, Pittsfield. She was director of religious education at St. Joseph Parish, North Brookfield, St. George Parish, Worcester, and St. Teresa Parish, Pittsfield, as well as parish minister at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Worcester. She has been a receptionist at Good Will Industries of the Berkshires, Pittsfield, and worked in the Senior Community Service Employment Program of Elder Services of the Berkshires, Pittsfield. She also worked as assistant ombudsman program manager for Elder Services of the Berkshires, Pittsfield and Spiritual Care Coordinator at Mt. Carmel Health Care Center, Lenox. Sr. Shirleyanne is retired and lives in Pittsfield.

Sister Mary Harvey (Maureen Joseph) was born in Duxbury, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland from St. Andrew Parish, Waterbury, Vt. She taught at St. Peter’s School and Mount St. Joseph Academy, Rutland, and at the Community College of Vermont Rutland Site. From 1988–2003, Sister Mary served on the Board of Trustees of the College of St. Joseph. She was a journalist for the Vermont Catholic Tribune, Burlington and remains contributing reporter to Mission, a publication of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. She was a member of the Leadership Team of Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland 1994–2001. After her retirement she was part-time group leader of discussions of Spiritual, Literary, and Artistic Topics at St. Joseph/Kervick Residence in Rutland. She has given talks about the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph, including its LePuy beginnings, and the Vermont Associates. Sister lives in Rutland and continues her work on a history of the first three presidents of the College of St. Joseph.

A native of Holyoke, Sister Kathleen Kirley (Catherine Thomas) entered from St. Jerome Parish. She taught at both St. Joseph Elementary and High School, North Adams before becoming an assistant professor in the Education Department at Elms College, Chicopee. Sister was director of Continuing Education at the Elms 1977-1990, and dean of Continuing Education and Graduate Studies there 1990-1998. Later, she continued to serve on the faculty and worked as assistant for planning. Before she retired, Sister served as archivist for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. She resides in Holyoke.

70 Years — Entered in 1950

Sister Claire Belforti (Sr. Grace Edward) was born in Milford, MA and entered from Sacred Heart Parish in Hopedale. Sister has spent most of her time in education ministry in the Worcester Diocese at St. Peter’s and St. Ann’s in Worcester, St. Mary’s Southbridge, and St. Mary’s and Milford Catholic Elementary schools in Milford. She also taught briefly in the Springfield Diocese at St. Thomas the Apostle and Cathedral High Schools. She served at the LaSallette Conference Center in Enfield, NH and as an administrator at Mont Marie. Sister began her work as a parish minister at Sacred Heart Parish, Milford in 1985, where she remained until her retirement in 2008. She lives in Framingham.

A native of Holyoke MA, Sister Mary T. Shea (Kathleen John) entered from St. Jerome Parish there. She taught for 25 years in the Springfield Diocese including Annunciation School, Florence, Immaculate Conception School, Easthampton, St. Michael’s High School, Northampton, and Holyoke Catholic, Holyoke. She also taught at Sacred Heart High School, Pawtucket. In 1978, she became Director of Career Services at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, a position she held for 20 years. In 1998 she became Tech Prep Coordinator in the Career Service Office at Holyoke Community College. In 2003 she became the Web Site Coordinator in the Information Technology Department there, and held that position for the next 10 years.  In 2013 she was reassigned to the Helpdesk and continues to work in that capacity today. Sister Mary lives Holyoke.

Sister Mary Magdalen Ward was born in County Leitrim, Ireland and entered from St. Joseph Parish, Pittsfield, MA. She taught in the Diocese of Springfield for many years, including Cathedral High School, Springfield and St Mary School in Northampton. She was principal for a time at Holy Trinity School in Greenfield and later at St. Agnes School, Dalton. In 1991, sister journeyed to Tarime, Tanzania where the Sisters of St. Joseph were opening a high school at the Kowak Catholic Mission. Assisting with the opening of the school, she remained until 1993. Upon her return, she served as a receptionist at the Dominican Monastery of the Mother of God in West Springfield. Sr. Mary Magdalen is retired and lives in Holyoke.

 

2021 Celebrants

60 Years — Entered in 1961

Sr. Maureen Broughan (Shawn Mary) was born in Greenfield, MA and entered from Blessed Sacrament Parish there. She taught at St. Stephen and St. Ann Schools in Worcester and then at Holyoke Catholic High School in Holyoke. She did pastoral ministry at St. Cecilia’s Parish, Wilbraham served as Associate Director of Admissions for Elms College and then on the Bureau of Exceptional Children & Adults at Jericho. Before her term as Vice-President of the Congregation sister served the missions in Guatemala through Maryknoll, and was Associate Director of Cross-Cultural Services in Maryknoll, NY. Sister is also a co-founder of Homework House of Hermano Pedro House. Sr. Maureen lives in Holyoke and has recently worked in pastoral care at Mary’s Meadow.

Born in Westfield, MA, Sr. Barbara Faille (Francis Richard) entered from St. Francis of Assisi Parish, North Adams. Sister taught at Cathedral High School, Springfield and then served as Principal of Marianhill Junior/Senior High School, Southbridge for two years. She taught at Joseph Catholic Central High School in Pittsfield, where she also served as Director of Development for the Pittsfield Catholic Schools. Sister ministered for 20 years as Pastoral Associate at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Pittsfield. Sr. Barbara is retired and lives in Pittsfield.

Sr. Joan Magnani (Alice Peter) was born in Springfield, MA and entered from St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish there. She taught at Our Lady of Hope School, Springfield and Immaculate Conception School, Easthampton until she began work through the Bureau of Exceptional Children there. She also ministered through Alleluia House, Holyoke. For the last 47 years she has served through the Bureau for Exceptional Children, as a Special Religious Educator in Holyoke, and as Associate Director and Director of Jericho House where she continues to serve as Ministry Coordinator. Sr. Joan lives in East Longmeadow.

Born in Webster, MA Sr. Elaine Moskal (Beatrice Joseph) entered from Sacred Heart Parish there. She taught for many years in the Diocese of Providence, RI including Bishop Keough High School, Pawtucket, St. Francis Xavier Academy, Providence, St. Francis Xavier Academy, Coventry (Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island), and Coyle-Cassidy High School, Taunton. Sister served the Congregation by documenting Community events through digital recording. Prior to her retirement she worked at Video Production/Tele Communications in Pawtucket. Sr. Elaine is retired and living in Framingham.

A native of Springfield, MA Sr. Judith O’Connell (Martin Elizabeth) entered from Immaculate Conception Parish in West Springfield. She taught at Cathedral High School, Springfield and St. Mary School, Milford, where she served as Guidance Director part-time for a year. She also ministered as Catholic Chaplain at Smith College and worked in Development at Elms College. Most recently Sister served as Vicar for Religious in the Diocese of Springfield for 26 years. Sr. Judith is retired and living in Springfield.

Sr. Janet Provost was born in Webster, MA and entered from St Louis Parish there. She has taught at a number of schools for the Springfield Diocese including Our Lady of Hope and Holy Name Schools in Springfield, St. Mary School, Northampton, St. Mary School, Westfield, and Mary Immaculate School, Holyoke. She also taught at Sacred Heart School, Pawtucket, RI and Marianhill Junior/Senior School, Southbridge. She was a parish team member at St. Joseph Parish, Vinton, LA and a Pastoral Associate at St. Louis Parish in Webster. She served as a guidance counselor at Holy Name High School and St. Peter Marian High School in Worcester. Sr. Janet is retired and lives in Worcester.

A native of Worcester, Sr. Julia M. Sullivan entered from St. Stephen Parish there. She taught at St. Rose of Lima School, Warwick, RI and for 9 years at St. Joseph’s Central High School, Pittsfield where she went on to become principal and serve in that capacity for 14 years. She ministered at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Corrections where she was Assistant Deputy Superintendent for Programs and Treatment. Sr. Julia is retired and lives in Lee.

 

 

65 Years — Entered in 1956

A native of Uxbridge, MA,  Sister Mary Lou Brennan (Francis Elizabeth) entered from St. Mary’s Parish there. She taught at Sacred Heart, Pawtucket; Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke and Holy Cross, Springfield. She has been a supportive reading teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School, West Springfield. Sr. Mary Lou lives in Holyoke.

A native of Worcester, Sister Eileen Joseph Christopher entered from Our Lady of the Angels Parish there. She served as a teacher at Holy Trinity, Greenfield; Annunciation, Florence; Sacred Heart, Pawtucket; Sacred Heart Academy and Worcester Central Catholic, Worcester. She worked in the religious education program in Forester, MA and as a library media specialist at Notre Dame Academy, Worcester. Sr. Eileen Joseph is retired and living in Framingham.

Sister Mary K. Dutko (Mary Jonathan) was born at Langley AFB, VA and spent some years in Springfield, MA before entering from Our Lady of Hope Parish, there. She taught at several schools including Blessed Sacrament and Sacred Heart, Holyoke; St Louis, Webster; Immaculate Conception, West Springfield; St. Patrick’s, Chicopee and Cathedral High School, Springfield. She ministered at Christ the King Parish, Tompkinsville, KY, and worked as an administrative assistant at the Myotherapy/Exercise Center, Easthampton. She also worked as a videographer assistant at MA Medical Society. She was a switchboard operator at Mont Marie, the Congregation’s administrative offices in Springfield, and the Marian Center in Holyoke. Sister is also a former member of the Dan Kane Singers. Sr. Mary K. is retired and lives in Chicopee.

Sister Joan Hawkins (James Joseph) was born in Pawtucket, RI and entered from Sacred Heart Parish, Pawtucket. She served in elementary education at St. Joseph’s, Pittsfield; Sacred Heart, Holyoke. Sister served at St. Francis School, Warwick for 36 years, the first sixteen years as teacher and the final seventeen years as principal. She served at the Washington Park Community Center in Providence for 19 years before her retirement in 2016. Sr. Joan resides in Warwick.

A native of Worcester, MA, Sister Maryanne Guertin (Mary Edmond) entered from St. Andrew the Apostle Parish there. She taught at St. Mary High school, Westfield; Holyoke Catholic High School, Holyoke; St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, Pittsfield and Sacred Heart High School, Pawtucket. She also served as principal of St. Peter-Marian High School, Worcester before becoming a lecturer at Assumption College. Sister served as executive director at St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, CT and worked as the ecumenical and interfaith officer for the Dioceses of Worcester and Norwich. She Maryanne worked as an advocate in the Hampden County Sheriff's Department. She lives in East Longmeadow.

Born in Florence, MA, Sister Irene Mizula (William Alice) entered from St. John Cantius Parish in Northampton. She taught for 15 years in the Diocese of Springfield and then served as administrator at the Mont Marie Infirmary. She worked as a residential supervisor at Youville House and pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish, Worcester. She was a medical technologist at Medical Science Lab, Worcester and inter-library coordinator at Holy Cross College Science Library. Sr. Irene is retired and living in Framingham.

Born in Pawtucket, RI, Sister Arlene Kalin (Walter Madeline) entered from St. Edward Parish there. She has served as an elementary school teacher at schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She was director of religious education at St. Ann Parish, Cranston and St. William’s, Warwick where she subsequently served as pastoral minister. She was director of operations at Warwick House of Hope and worked at The DaVinci Center for Community Progress and Kent House in Warwick. Sister Arlene is retired and lives in Framingham.

Sister Ann Lynch (Alice Edmond) was born in Springfield, MA and entered from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, West Springfield. She taught in schools in the Springfield Diocese including Holy Family and Cathedral High School. She was director of public relations for the Sisters of St. Joseph, editor of their newspaper, Mission, and served as coordinator of the Office of Peace and Justice. She also served as co-coordinator of the Congregation’s Ecology Committee. Sr. Ann is retired and lives in Holyoke.

A native of Rutland, VT, Sister Margaret McDevitt (Matthew Joseph) entered from St. Peter’s Parish there. She taught at Christ the King and St. Peter Schools in Rutland; St. Mary’s School, Fairhaven, VT; and Sacred Heart School, Bennington, VT She also served as religious education coordinator at Sacred Heart Parish, Bennington. Sister served as pastoral minister at Rutland Regional Medical Center for 33 years. Sr. Margaret is retired and lives in Rutland.

Sister Margaret O’Neil (Maria Francis) was born in Florence, MA and entered from St. Mary’s Parish, Northampton. She taught at Our Lady of Hope, Springfield; St. Matthew’s, Indian Orchard; St. Mary’s, Southbridge; St. Peter’s, Worcester and St. Mark’s, Pittsfield. She served as pastoral minster at St. Joseph Parish, North Scituate, RI and as pastoral minister and director of religious education at St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham. She was also director of religious education at St. Mary’s, Westfield and was founder and director of the Divine Mercy Intercessory Prayer Ministry at the Marian Center, Stockbridge, MA. Most recently, she was pastoral minister at St. Mark’s Parish in Pittsfield. She is retired and living in Framingham.

A native of New Bedford, Mass., Sr. Claudette Samson (Lucille Marie) entered from St. Theresa Parish there. She served at Blessed Sacrament, St. Jean Baptist and St. Matthew Convents in Fall River and St. Joseph Convent, New Bedford. She was community driver for the Blessed Sacrament Convent, Fall River and did domestic work at the Oblate Retreat House, Hudson, NH. She served the Congregation as appointment driver for many years. Sr. Claudette is retired and living in Chicopee.

Sister Kathleen Wallace (Margaret Kenneth) was born in Springfield, MA and entered from St. Matthew Parish, Indian Orchard. She taught at Cathedral Elementary, Springfield and St. Joseph, Sacred Heart and St. Mark schools in Pittsfield. She served as pastoral minister at St. Teresa Parish, Pittsfield before becoming principal at Sacred Heart. She also served as principal and later religious liaison at St. Mary’s, Lee. Sr. Kathleen is retired and for the past 15 years has been a volunteers at HospiceCare in the Berkshires. She resides in Lee.

 

 

70 Years — Entered in 1951

A native of Newport, RI, Sister Mary Behan entered from St. Joseph Church, Newport and worked in education for 14 years in the Dioceses of Springfield, Worcester, and Providence. Leaving the schools, Mary opened the Adult Religious Education Department at the Diocese of Springfield CCD Office, was a staff member at the Spirituality Center in Bloomfield, CT, directed retreats at numerous retreat centers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. She served as Family Life Minister in St. Jude Parish, Lincoln, RI and pastoral minister at St. Teresa of Avila and St. Barnabas parishes, also in Rhode Island. For the last 20 years of her ministry she directed retreats at Mercy Center, Madison, WI; Our Lady of Peace, Narragansett, RI; and Genesis and Miramar in Mass. She also served the Congregation as a member of the Leadership Team and as a member of the Federation Formation Team. Sr. Mary is retired and living in Holyoke.

Born in West Springfield, MA, Sister Mary Gallagher (James Irene) entered from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish there. She taught for nine years in schools in the Springfield Diocese until she became assistant librarian at Elms College, Chicopee. She was also a research scholar at Emmanuel College, served as an editor for Catholic Library World and was an officer of the Catholic Library Association. Sister became the Elms College archivist in 2000 and served for 12 years. Sr. Mary is retired and lives in Framingham.

Born in Florence, MA, Sister Irene Mizula (William Alice) entered from St. John Cantius Parish in Northampton. She taught for 15 years in the Diocese of Springfield and then served as administrator at the Mont Marie Infirmary. She worked as a residential supervisor at Youville House and pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish, Worcester. She was a medical technologist at Medical Science Lab, Worcester and inter-library coordinator at Holy Cross College Science Library. Sr. Irene is retired and living in Framingham.

Sister Joan Pollock (Maria William) was born in Philadelphia, PA and entered from St. Joseph Parish, Newport, RI. She taught for 30 years in the Dioceses of Springfield and Worcester including 13 years at Cathedral High School, Springfield, two years at St. Joseph’s Central Catholic High School, Pittsfield; 5 years at St. Peter’s Catholic Central High School, Worcester; and, 10 years at St. Peter Marian Central Catholic High School. She worked in Accounts Receivable at Worcester’s Catholic Free Press. Sr. Joan lives in Worcester and continues to work at the Worcester Diocesan Chancery Office as payroll and benefits administrator.

Born in Pawtucket, RI, Sister Vivian Pyne (Michael Agnes) entered from Sacred Heart Parish there. She taught for 18 years in the Dioceses of Springfield, Worcester and Providence. She founded Mont Marie Day Care Nursery and served as director for 12 years, followed by 12 years as registrar at Genesis Spiritual Life Center in Westfield. She then served as elder service research coordinator at Mont Marie. Sr. Vivian is retired and living in Framingham.

 

75 Years — Entered in 1946

Sister Frances Barry (Philip John) was born in Woonsocket, RI and entered from St. Louis Parish, Webster, Mass. She taught for 26 years in the Dioceses of Springfield and Providence and served as principal of St. Charles School, Pittsfield for four years. She began her work in pastoral ministry at St. Charles Parish, Pittsfield and served later at St. Paul Cathedral Parish, Worcester. She worked in outreach to the elderly at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish and at Dodepark Rest Home, Worcester before serving as pastoral minister at St. Joan of Arc Parish. She retired in 2015 and lives in Framingham.

Sister Mildred J. Marengo (Maria Peter) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered from Holy Rosary Parish there. She spent 33 years as a teacher in the Dioceses of Springfield and Worcester including 21 years at Cathedral High School. She worked in Campus Ministry at the Newman Centers at both Amherst College and UMass, Amherst. Following that, Sister served as coordinator for Vocation Education at Mont Marie, Holyoke. She then worked writing grants for the benefit of several offices at Mont Marie. Sr. Millie is retired and lives in Framingham.

Sister Estelle Santarpia (St. Pierre) was born in Fall River, MA and entered from St. Elizabeth Parish there. She was a teacher for 14 years in the Diocese of Fall River and Superior at St. Joseph Parish in Vinton, La. She served her Congregation as mistress of novices and provincial before a 1974 merger with the Springfield Sisters. She worked at the La Salette Retreat House in New Hampshire and in parish ministry at Sacred Heart Parish, Milford, MA. Sister is retired and lives in Framingham.

 

 

2022 Celebrants

 

 

60 Years — Entered in 1962

Sr. Natalie Cain (Marjorie Joseph) was born in North Adams, MA and entered from St Francis of Assisi Parish there. Her various ministry experiences include that of a primary grade teacher at St. Mary’s School in Longmeadow and St. Agnes School in Dalton; parish visitor and outreach minister at St. Mark’s in Pittsfield; Berkshire Regional Religious Education Consultant and Director of Religious Education at Notre Dame in Adams, and Parish Renewal and Outreach Coordinator at St. Francis of Assisi in North Adams. Throughout this time Sister also developed and offered numerous adult education experiences in parishes throughout the diocese and beyond. For 17 years she worked in North Adams with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition where, as a community organizer she helped to develop and grow the Northern Berkshire Neighbors program. At the same time she helped develop the Women’s House of Peace as a place in the Northern Berkshire Community for women to connect and nurture their spirituality in community with one another. Sister Natalie served the Congregation as Coordinator of Vocation Ministry and currently works as Coordinator of Membership/Community of St. Joseph. She lives in Holyoke.

Born in Boston, MA, Sr. Barbara Hesselton (Ann James) entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Holy Name Parish, Springfield. She served in schools of the Springfield Diocese for more than 35 years including St. Mary’s, Northampton; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Holy Family, Our Lady of Hope, and Sacred Heart Schools in Springfield; and St. Matthew School, Indian Orchard. Sister then worked for a time with Gentiva Health Services in Springfield and most recently was a tutor at the Gray House in Springfield. Sister is retired and lives in Holyoke.

Sr. Kathleen Knowles (Walter Grace) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered from St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley Falls, MA. She taught at Cathedral Grammar and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Schools in Springfield, and served as principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Holyoke. She was Supervising Teacher at the Hamilton Learning Center at St. Paul’s Parish, Holyoke. Most recently, Sister served in a variety of positions in the Holyoke Public School’s Alternative Program She is retired and resides in Holyoke.

A native of Springfield MA, Sr. Paula Robillard (Anita Paul) entered from Holy Cross Parish there. She has taught in schools of both the Springfield and Worcester Dioceses including Immaculate Conception, West Springfield, St. Louis, Webster MA; and, St. Mary School, Milford, MA. Sister has been involved in Catechetics for many years as Director of Religious Education at St Mary’s Parish in Milford, MA; St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Springfield and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Boylston, MA. Most recently, she served as Director of Faith Formation for the Springfield Diocese. Sister is retired and lives in East Longmeadow.

Sr. Maureen Sheehan was born in Springfield, MA and entered from St. Paul Parish there. She has served the Diocese of Springfield in a number of ministries beginning with teaching at Cathedral High School. She was also Director of Admissions at Elms College in Chicopee, Director of Guidance at St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield, MA, and principal at St. Mary’s High School in Westfield, MA. She later returned to Cathedral High School as associate principal and guidance counselor for a time. Sister served as assistant principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School in West Springfield until 2017, and beginning in 2019 served for a year as a part-time guidance counselor at St. Stanislaus School, Chicopee. Sr. Maureen is retired and lives in Longmeadow.

Born in Springfield, MA, Sr. Betsy Sullivan (Johanna Michael) entered from Our Lady of Hope Parish there. She served for 10 years in schools of the Springfield Diocese, beginning as a teacher at St. Agnes in Dalton, MA and Holy Name, Springfield, before becoming principal of Sacred Heart School, Holyoke, MA. Sister also served as Religious Education Coordinator at Sacred Heart Parish, Holyoke. She then worked as administrator of the Mont Marie Infirmary. Following her 22 years of service as administrator of the Mont Marie Health Care Center, Sr. Betsy served on the Congregation’s Leadership Team as Vice-President. She ministered as OCM Coordinator and Patient Advocate at Mercy Medical Center. Currently, Sister serves as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph and resides in Springfield.

Sr. Frances White (Walter Marion) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Holy Family Parish there. She taught Physical Education at Cathedral High School and Our Lady of Hope School, Springfield, as well as St. Mary’s in Longmeadow and Immaculate Conception, West Springfield. She began her ministry in Religious Education at Immaculate Conception Parish, Easthampton. She went on to serve as Pastoral Minister and cantor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Agawam, and later was cantor at Holy Name Parish, Springfield as well as other parishes in the Diocese. She was a Chaplain on Call for the Springfield Police Department for 10 years. Sister served the Congregation as a member of the Leadership Team from 1999-2005. Most recently she worked as Pastoral Minister at Ste. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee from 2006 until 2019. Sister is retired and lives in Chicopee.

 

65 Years — Entered in 1957

Born in Pittsfield, MA, Sister Joyce Culverwell (Agnes Bernadette) entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Agnes Parish, Dalton. She taught at Blessed Sacrament School, Holyoke, after which she ministered for many years as a high school teacher at St. Peter’s, Worcester; St. Mary’s, Westfield; and St. Mary’s, Southbridge. She served at the Mont Marie Conference Center for a time before her ministry at St. Joseph Central High School, Pittsfield, where she served for 30 years beginning in 1978. She is retired and lives in Holyoke.

Sister Maureen Kervick was born in Springfield, MA and entered from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish there. She taught at schools in the Springfield and Providence Dioceses before becoming administrator at Mont Marie Infirmary. She was Director of Student Services and Dean of Students at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, associate retreat director of Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery, West Springfield, and a nursing instructor at Springfield College. She also served as vice-president of the Sisters of St. Joseph 1987-1993. Sister was both administrator and executive director at St. Gabriel’s Youth House, Shelter Island Heights, NY, and the director of programs for Catholic Charities of Greater Boston. She returned to Elms College to minister as director of the Campus Ministry Department. Currently, she is the site supervisor for Passionist Volunteers International in Jamaica, West Indies.

Sister Mary McGeer was born in Ireland and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Jerome Parish, Holyoke. She taught at St. Peter’s and the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Worcester; St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield; and St. Mary’s, Westfield. She has served as religious education coordinator at Holy Name Parish, Springfield, pastoral minister at Blessed Sacrament, Springfield, and was director of On-Campus Admissions Programs at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee. Sister served as pastoral associate at St. Michael’s Parish, Longmeadow from 1997 until her retirement in 2019. She resides in Holyoke.

Born in North Providence, RI, Sister Mary Petisce entered from Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish there. She has served as an elementary teacher at St. Agnes, Dalton; St. Francis, Warwick, RI and principal of Notre Dame - Immaculate Conception School, Easthampton, MA. She was a counselor at the Marriage Counseling Center of Springfield before ministering as principal of St. Mary's School, Longmeadow. Sister was a counselor at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee and Director of Family Life in the Office of Pastoral Ministry for the Diocese of Springfield for 14 years. In the last two decades Sr. Mary was a facilitator for Healing After a Suicide, East Longmeadow, Rachael's Vineyard, Lenox, Divorced & Separated, Marriage Preparation and Bereavement Groups. She also was a chaplain on call for the Springfield Police Department. Most recently Sr. Mary served as pastoral associate at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Springfield. She is retired and living in Chicopee.

Sister Patricia Quinlan entered from St. Mary Morningstar Parish, Pittsfield. She graduated from St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield; Elms College, Chicopee; Boston University-ED.M., and the Dean LPN Program. Sister taught for several years in Catholic high schools: St. Louis, Webster; St. Mary’s, Milford; St. Stephen’s, Worcester; St. Joseph’s, Pittsfield and Bishop Maginn H.S., Albany, NY. Following her years in education, she entered the health care field and worked as a certified home health aide, a licensed practical nurse and a certified nursing assistant in the Holyoke-Springfield area. She is retired and lives in Holyoke.

Sister Mary M. Shea is a native of Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Holy Cross Parish. She taught at St. Peter and St. Stephen schools in Worcester; St. Joseph’s, North Adams; St. Mary’s, Milford and Bishop Keough High School, Pawtucket, RI She served at Our Lady of Providence Children’s Center, West Springfield and was religious education coordinator at Sacred Heart Parish, Holyoke. Sister also worked as a coordinator with the retired sisters at Mont Marie and most recently served as assistant congregational representative at Mont Marie Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She is retired and resides in Holyoke.

 

70 Years — Entered in 1952

Sister Winifred Butler (David Patrick), born in Pittsfield, entered from Our Lady of Hope Parish, Springfield, MA. Sister served for many years in various schools of the Springfield Diocese, including St. Thomas the Apostle School, West Springfield and St. Matthew School, Indian Orchard. She also worked as a counselor at the Springfield Boys Club/Carew Hill Girls Club for five years. She then served for 16 years as principal of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School before beginning her service at Cathedral High School as bookstore manager from 1996-2012. Sr. Winnie is retired and lives in Holyoke.

Born in Saugus, MA, Sister June Mary of Jesus Fanti (Sr. Jacinta Marie) entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland from St. Mary Parish, Lynn, MA. She served in many schools in the Burlington Diocese including St. Peter and Christ the King Schools in Rutland; Sacred Heart School, Bennington; St. Charles School, Bellows Falls and St. Michael School, Brattleboro. Later, she served at the College of St. Joseph the Provider, and at both Mount St. Joseph Infirmary and Convent. Currently she ministers through St. Joseph and Theresa Lifesong Healing Ministry, Sherman, Maine, where she also resides.

Born in Springfield, MA, Sister Kathleen Keating (Sr. Maura James) entered from Our Lady of Hope parish, Springfield. She taught at St. Joseph High School, North Adams and then Elms College, Chicopee. Sister served as national chairperson of the National Assembly of Women Religious (NAWR) in Chicago, after which she was elected President of the Congregation. After her term as president she worked as a Missionary Associate of Maryknoll in Managua, Nicaragua. She was president of Elms College from 1994 – 2001. Sister also served as director of the Office of Ministerial Services at Mont Marie. She is retired and living Holyoke.

Sister Marilyn Logan (Sr. Mary Arthur) was born in Springfield, MA and entered from Holy Cross parish there. She served at both Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic High Schools. She went on to teach at Western New England College, Springfield, and then Elms College, Chicopee. Sister also served as case manager and supervisor for Greater Springfield Senior Services, pastoral minister at Holy Cross parish in Springfield, and a certified home health aide for the Pioneer Valley Visiting Nurses Association. She received her certificate as a Residence Service Coordinator from the MASS Association of Resident Service Coordinators (MARSH) while serving in that role at Emerson House, Longmeadow. She is now retired and residing in Framingham.

Born in Westfield, MA, Sister Maureen Martin (Sr. Thomas Mary) entered from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament parish there. She taught at St. Jerome’s, Holyoke and Holy Name, Springfield before ministering as principal at Holy Family and Holy Cross schools, Springfield. Sister also worked on the Congregation’s Team for Christian Growth and as formation director. She served as staff director of volunteers at Jesse’s House in Northampton and then as director of The Shelter, Springfield. Sister has also worked at Open Pantry/Loaves and Fishes Kitchens and Community Services, Open Pantry in Springfield. Sr. Maureen is retired and living in Framingham.

 

 

75 Years — Entered in 1947

Sister Irene Comeau (Sr. Paul Joseph) was born in Providence, RI and entered from Christ the King Parish, West Warwick, RI Sister taught for more than 40 years in the schools of the Fall River Diocese including St. Roch’s, Blessed Sacrament St. Joseph Montessori School, and the Montessori School of the Angels, Fall River; and St. Joseph School in New Bedford. She also taught and was principal at St. Michael’s, Swansea and St. Matthew’s, Fall River. In addition she taught at Newport County Catholic School in the Providence Diocese and St. Joseph School, Conway, Arkansas. She has also ministered at Mont Marie Child Care Center and at the Gray House, Springfield. She is retired and lives in Framingham.

 

80 Years — Entered in 1942

Sister Therese L'Heureux (Therese Albert) was born in Fall River, MA, and entered from Blessed Sacrament Parish there. She taught in the schools of the Fall River Diocese for over thirty years, including at St. Joseph and St. Therese schools in New Bedford, and 13 years at St Joseph School, Vinton, Louisiana. She then turned her talents to maintenance, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, at the Atlantis Charter School. She retired in 2019 and lives in Fall River.

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