Sisters of St. Joseph Celebrate Special Anniversaries, 2023
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield held a celebration of Special Anniversaries on Tuesday, June 20th at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke, MA. Special Anniversaries recognize Sisters who entered religious life 60, 65, 70 or 75 years ago. Father Mark Stelzer celebrated Mass, followed by a private reception.
60 YEARS ENTERED IN 1963
Sr. Constance Cawley
Sister Constance Elizabeth Cawley (Dorothy Raymond) was born in Newport, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from St. Joseph’s Parish, Newport. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1968 and a Master’s degree in Special Education at St. Joseph College, Hartford, CT in 1978, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1968-1980. She was Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick’s Parish, Chicopee Falls, MA from 1980-1987 and then Principal of St. Patrick’s School from 1987-1999. From 1999-2001 she served as Parish Minister at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish and then was Principal at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Elementary School, Springfield, MA, and has been serving as Pastoral Minister there since 2000. Sister Connie lives in Chicopee, MA.
Sr. Maureen Charest
Sister Maureen Frances Charest (Marie Edward) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from St. Jerome Parish, Holyoke. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1968 and a Bachelor of Science degree (Physical Therapist Assistant) at Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA in 1980, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1968-1977. She was a Physical Therapist at Mont Marie, Holyoke, MA from 1977-1989 and at Olsten Health Care Services from 1990-1991. She also worked in Transportation Service at the Geriatric Authority, Holyoke, MA and at the Holyoke Council on Aging, Holyoke, MA. Sister Maureen lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Maureen Griffin
Sister Maureen Ann Griffin (Nora Michael) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from St. Jerome Parish, Holyoke. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1968 and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry at Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT in 1981, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1968-1980. She was Principal at St. Mary Elementary School, Longmeadow, MA from 1980-1987 and at St. Mary Elementary School, Westfield, MA from 1994-1999. She served as Pastoral Minister at St. Michael’s Parish, East Longmeadow, MA from 1987-1994 and at Mont Marie, Holyoke, MA from 1999-2014, and was Director of Pastoral Care at Mont Marie Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Holyoke, MA. Sister Maureen lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Elizabeth Matuszek
Sister Elizabeth Ann Matuszek (Stanley Pauline) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963, from Mater Dolorosa Parish, Holyoke. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1968 and a Master’s degree in Religious Studies at Boston College, Boston, MA in 1987, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1968-1976. She was Co-Director of the Center for Reflective Action at Mont Marie, Holyoke, MA from 1976-1980 and was Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph’s Parish, Springfield, MA from 1980-1989. She served as Pastoral Minister at St. Joseph’s Parish, Springfield, MA from 1989-1991 and as Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Springfield, MA since 1991. She was Chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission from 1983-1990 and served on the Board of Directors of Parish Religious Educators from 1986-1988, and published several articles in professional journals. She was recognized in 2007 for her “efforts to make full and meaningful participating possible for people with disabilities in faith communities” by Interfaith Connections of Western Massachusetts. Sister Betty lives in Chicopee, MA.
Sr. Jane Morrissey
Sister Jane F. Morrissey (Anna Richard) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from St. Mary’s Parish, Westfield, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1962; a Master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA in 1972; and a Ph.D. in English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA in 1976, and taught at Cathedral High School, Springfield, MA from 1969-1972. She has studied and done research in Massachusetts, Toronto, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru. From 1976-1990, she was Assistant Professor of English at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, MA, and co-founded Gray House in 1982. She was Coordinator of the Office for Justice and Peace at Mont Marie, Holyoke, MA from 1990-1993, worked in the Maryknoll Program in Cross-Cultural Ministry, Direct Service to the Poor with Open Pantry in Springfield, MA from 1993-1994, and served as Pastoral Minister at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Springfield, MA from 1994-1999. From 1999-2005, she was President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, and in 2005 she co-founded Homework House in Holyoke, MA. She has written several articles, books and book chapters and received numerous awards, the most recent of which is the 2023 Elms College Distinguished Alumni Award. Sister Jane lives in Springfield, MA.
Sr. Catherine Ormond
Sister Catherine Mary Ormond (Regina James) was born in Brooklyn, NY and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from Our Lady, Help of Christians Parish, Brooklyn. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms; a Master’s degree in Guidance at Springfield College, Springfield, MA in 1971; and a C.A.G.S. in Guidance at Springfield College in 1977, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1966-1969. She was a Guidance Counselor at Cathedral High School, Springfield, MA from 1969-1978; worked at “My Sisters’ House”, Holy Name Parish, Springfield, MA from 1978-1980; and was Director of Pupil Services at the Diocesan Schools’ Office, Diocese of Springfield from 1980-1987. She was a Counselor at Our Lady of Providence Children’s Center, West Springfield, MA from 1987-1988 and at Brightside Mental Health Clinic, West Springfield, MA from 1988-1991, and from 1991-1993, she was Coordinator of Services to Catholic Charities at Brightside. She was Guidance Counselor at Holyoke Catholic High School from 1993-2002, and has served as Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick Parish, South Hadley, MA since 2002. Sister Catherine lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Patricia Smith
Sister Patricia Ann Smith (Joseph Bernice) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, West Springfield, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1968; a Master’s degree in Home Economics at Framingham State College, Framingham, MA in 1973; and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies at Loyola University, Chicago, IL in 1995, and taught at Cathedral High School, Springfield, MA from 1969-1973. From 1973-2015, she was a teacher and Pastoral Minister in Tanzania, Kenya, and Sudan, in refugee camps and for HIV/AIDS and women’s education programs, and is fluent in DHO-luo and Kiswahili. Sister Pat is highly skilled in many textile arts and currently lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Diane Tetreault
Sister Diane Marie Tetreault (Edmond Katherine) was born in Greenfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1963 from Holy Trinity Parish, Greenfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1968 and a Master’s degree in History at Framingham State College, Framingham, MA in 1978, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1968-2020. She was honored in 2002 by the Diocese of Springfield as an outstanding teacher at Cathedral High School, Springfield, MA, where she had taught history for 32 years, and in 2009 was awarded the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Sister Diane currently volunteers in the SSJS Development Office and lives in Holyoke, MA.
65 YEARS ENTERED IN 1958
Sr. Jean Bostley
Sister Jean Regina Bostley (Margaret Gerald) was born in Greenfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Holy Trinity Parish, Greenfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Library Science at the State University of New York at Albany in 1974, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-1969. She was Librarian at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, Pittsfield, MA from 1971-1997 and from 2011-2017, and Executive Director of the Catholic Library Association from 1995-2011, and also served in leadership positions in the Catholic Library Association’s High School Libraries Section. She was awarded the Berkshire Interfaith Organizing MICAH Award in 2018 for her “quiet, determined and gentle presence” throughout Pittsfield “… guiding students … delivering weekly Meals on Wheels … consulting for the national Catholic Library Association … [and] welcoming visitors to Hancock Shaker Village”. She is a member of the Visitor Services team at Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA and also serves as a Meals on Wheels Driver at Elder Services of Berkshire County, Pittsfield. Sister Jean lives in Pittsfield, MA.
Sr. Mary Patricia Carr
Sister Mary Patricia Carr (Lawrence Margaret) was born in Boston, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Holy Name Parish, Springfield, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1972; a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry at St. Joseph College, Hartford, CT in 1980; an Advanced Chaplain certificate at the National Association of Catholic Chaplains in 1987; and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT in 1997, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-1984 and 1990-1993. She held certifications in Elementary and Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language and School Social Worker and School Adjustment Counseling. She was a Chaplain Intern at Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI and in the adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, Providence, RI from 1984-1986 and was Director of Pastoral Care and Chaplain at Providence Hospital, Holyoke, MA from 1986-1990. She was Coordinator of Pastoral Services at Charles River Hospital, Chicopee, MA from 1992-1993; Congregational Representative at Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, MA from 1993-1996; Field Placement Coordinator at My Sister’s Place, Hartford, CT and at Child & Family Services of the Pioneer Valley, Springfield, MA from 1996 –1997 through the UCONN School of Social Work, West Hartford, CT; and a Clinical Social Worker at Child & Family Service of Pioneer Valley, Springfield, MA. She became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in 2001 and also served on the Board of Directors of Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, MA and the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center, Westfield, MA. Sister Mary Pat lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Gloria Corriveau
Sister Gloria Rose Corriveau (Veronica Emile) was born in Southbridge, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Sacred Heart Parish, Southbridge. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1972 and an Elementary School Principal Certificate in 1981, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-2002. She was a Driver and Aide to Retired Sisters at Mont Marie, Holyoke, MA from 2002-2014. Sister Gloria retired in 2017 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sr. Patricia Curran
Sister Patricia Ann Curran (Dorothy John) was born in Southbridge, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from St. Mary Parish, Southbridge. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms; a Certification in Library Science at Worcester State College in 1975; an L.P.N. at Sowela Technical Institute, Lake Charles, LA in 1982; and a Certified Practitioner in Aromatherapy in 2003, and taught in schools in Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and Louisiana from 1961-1981. From 1971-1978, she was a Principal at Annunciation School, Florence, MA; Sacred Heart School, Gardner, MA; and Our Lady’s Regional School, Sulphur, LA. From 1982-1984, she served as an L.P.N. at Farren Memorial Hospital, Greenfield, MA and at Mont Marie Infirmary, Holyoke, MA. From 1984-1994 she served in various roles at South Korea BDC Community with the Maryknoll Sisters and in Lyon, France, and from 1994-2017 she served as Pastoral Minister at Holy Rosary, Hadley, MA; Congregational Representative at Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, MA; Mont Marie Gift Shop/Mini Mart, Holyoke, MA; Receptionist at the Congregation Offices, Springfield, MA; and Volunteer in the Congregation Development Office, Springfield, MA. Sister Patricia lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Mary Duffy
Sister Mary Margaret Duffy (Dolores Francis) was born in Pawtucket, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Sacred Heart Parish, Pawtucket. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970; a Master’s degree in Religious Education and Theology at Boston College, Cambridge, MA in 1974; and a Certification as Chaplain by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, Milwaukee, WI in 2004, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1961-1972. From 1972-2014, she served in many leadership positions in Religious Education and Pastoral Care across western Massachusetts, and she served on the Support Team to Sisters in Milton and Framingham from 2014-2017. Sister Mary retired in 2017 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sr. Kathleen Imbruno
Sister Kathleen Marguerite Imbruno (Alfred Theresa) was born in Milford, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Milford. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969; a Master’s degree in French at Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT in 1971; a Master’s degree in Spanish at Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT in 1974; and a PhD. In Modern Languages at Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT in 1986, and taught in schools in Rhode Island and Massachusetts from 1961-1975. She was Principal of Mary Immaculate School, Holyoke, MA from 1975-1977. She was Instructor at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, MA from 1977-1984, Associate Professor from 1985-1997, and Professor from 1997. She served as Coordinator of Membership and Association at Mont Marie, Holyoke, MA and on the Congregation Leadership Team from 2005-2011. She was Site Manager of Homework House, Holyoke, MA from 2011-2017, and continues tutoring students at the Elms, teaching art classes, and volunteering in the SSJS Archives translating Fall River documents from French to English. Sister Kathy lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Margaret Kenny
Sister Margaret Mary Kenney (Marie James) was born in Newport, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from St. Joseph Parish, Newport. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Education at North Adams State College, North Adams, MA in 1976, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-2011, also serving as Principal of Notre Dame Middle School, Pittsfield, MA from 1979-1991. From 2011-2018, she served as Tutor and Site Supervisor at Homework House, Holyoke, MA. Sister Margaret lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Paula Misitano
Sister Paula Anne Misitano (Vincent Anne) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-1974. She served as Secretary to the Ministry to the Elderly at Sacred Heart Parish, Milford, MA from 1974-1975; to the President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Holyoke, MA from 1980-1986; to the Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, West Springfield, MA from 1986-1993; to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Northampton, MA from 1993-1997; to the Office of Pastoral Ministry, Diocese of Springfield, MA from 1997-2000; and to the Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, MA from 2000-2013. Sister Paula lives in Framingham, MA.
Sr. Eileen Murphy
Sister Eileen Bridget Murphy (Henry Mary) was born in Newport, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from St. Augustin Parish, Newport. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969, a Master’s degree in Mathematics at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN in 1971 (on a National Science Foundation Grant), and a Master’s degree in Financial Administration at Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, IN in 1981, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-1984. From 1984-1996 and from 2006-2009 she was an Instructor of Mathematics at the Elms, and from 1997-2005 she was an Associate Professor. Sister Eileen retired in 2009 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Miriam Francis Predom
Sister Lucretia Mae Predom (Miriam Francis) was born in Ludlow, VT and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1958 from Annunciation Parish, Ludlow. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of St. Joseph the Provider, Rutland, VT in 1978. She served as Assistant Motherhouse Coordinator, Director of Temporalities and Motherhouse Coordinator at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse, Rutland, VT from 1962-1983. She was Cook, Dorm Director, Bookstore Manager and Director of Maintenance at the College of St. Joseph the Provider, Rutland, Vermont from 1964-1994, and served on the Board of Trustees from 1983-2001. She was a Council Member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland from 1975-1978 and from 1982-1994, and was President of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland from 1994-2001. She was instrumental in the establishment of a licensed Levell II assisted living facility at the Convent Avenue Motherhouse in 1994, and in the reunification of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield in 2001. She then served the Congregation in Maintenance and Cars from 2001-2004 and as Director of Operations from 2004-2005. From 2005-2009, she was Co-Director of Clementwood Spiritual Life Center, Rutland, VT. Sister Miriam lives in Rutland, VT, and still serves as the contact for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Rutland.
Sr. Patricia Rahaim
Sister Patricia Therese Rahaim (Paul Marie) was born in Worcester, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Worcester. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970 and a Certificate in Microcomputer Software Applications at Bryant College, Smithfield, RI in 1996, and taught in schools in Rhode Island and Massachusetts starting in 1961. She also served as Vice Principal at St. Raphael Academy, Pawtucket, RI from 1988-1995. Sister Patricia lives in Riverside, RI.
Sister Simone Rodrigues
Sister Simone Rodrigues (Marguerite du Sacre Coeur) was born in New Bedford, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 7, 1958 from St. Joseph Parish, New Bedford. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of the Sacred Hearts, Fall River, MA in 1968 and a Master’s degree in Religious Education at Notre Dame Seminary School of Theology, New Orleans, LA in 1976, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Louisiana from 1961-1971 and from 1987-1988. She was Religious Education Coordinator at St. Joseph Parish, Vinton, LA from 1971-1975, at St. Peter Parish, Worcester, MA from 1975-1977, and at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet, MA from 1980-1987. She worked at the Oblate Retreat House in Hudson, NH from 1977-1979 and at Still Point House of Prayer, Stillwater, NY from 1979-1980. She served as Secretary at St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet, MA from 1988-2009, with a short sabbatical in 2001. Sister Simone retired in 2009 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sr. Eunice Tassone
Sister Eunice Alberta Tassone (Lawrence Anthony) was born in North Adams, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1958 from St. Anthony Parish, North Adams. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969; a Master’s degree in Education Guidance at North Adams State College, North Adams, MA in 1975; a Master’s degree in Theology at Fuller Theological University, Pasadena, CA in 1988; and a Master’s degree in Youth Ministry at Fuller Theological University, Pasadena, CA 1988, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1961-1977. She taught Religious Education at Black Tickle, Labrador, Newfoundland, Canada from 1977-1980, and was Director of Faith Formation, St. Francis Parish, North Adams, MA from 1980-1982. In addition, she was Founder and Director of Church Outreach To Youth Project and Haiti Plunge in North Adams, MA from 1983-2012, and Chairperson of the Religious Studies Department at St. Joseph Central High School, Pittsfield, MA from 1993-1996. Among the many awards she has received are the 2010 Unsung Heroine Award from the MA Commission on the Status of Women and the 2010 Peacemaker Award from the Martin Luther King Committee. Sister Eunice lives in North Adams, MA.
70 YEARS ENTERED IN 1953
Sr. Ann Gibeault
Sister Ann Dorothy Gibeault (Dorothy Alfred) was born in Pawtucket, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from Holy Trinity, Central Falls, RI. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1958 and a Master’s degree in Education from Westfield State College, Westfield, MA in 1975, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1958-1978 and from 1987-2007. She was Principal of Sacred Heart Academy, Pawtucket, RI and of St. Joseph’s School, North Brookfield, MA. In addition, from 1978-1981, she served in the CCD Office at St. Joseph Parish, North Brookfield, MA and was Director of CCD at Pawtucket, RI from 1981-1987. Sister Ann retired in 2010 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sr. Esther Hannigan
Sister Esther Mary Hannigan (Timothy Therese) was born in Milford, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from St. Mary’s Parish, Milford. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1949 and a Master’s degree in Theology at St. Michael’s College, Winooski, VT in 1972, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1956-1979 and from 1984-1986. She also served in Interfaith Health Care Ministries in Providence, RI and in Pastoral Ministry at St. Joseph’s Parish, North Brookfield, MA and in Jamaica, NY. From 1986-2002, she served in various roles at Fidelity Financial Planning, Worcester, MA; Family Learning Center, Providence, RI; Adult Education Project RIRAL, Manville and Woonsocket, RI; and as Volunteer Chaplain at Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI. Sister Esther retired in 2002 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sr. Judith Kappenman
Sister Judith Kappenman (Kathleen Frederick) was born in Ethan, SD and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, West Springfield, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1958, a Master’s degree in Education at Worcester State College, Worcester, MA in 1973, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies at Assumption College, Worcester, MA in 1984, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1958-2000. She wrote a biography of her grandfather in 2010 titled To Dakota and Back: The Story of an Orphan Train Rider, supported in part by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council, and in 2012 was Co-Editor of the book Irish Legacy: The History of the Irish in Western Massachusetts. She also served as a volunteer at the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College and as its Executive Director from 2003-2012, and sang in the Springfield Symphony Chorus. Sister Judy lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Paula A. Kelleher
Sister Paula Ann Kelleher (John David) was born in Worcester, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from Blessed Sacrament Parish, Worcester. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1958; a Master’s degree in Education at Westfield State University, Westfield, MA in 1973; a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Community Affairs at American International College, Springfield, MA in 1975; a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Human Relations/Community Affairs at American International College, Springfield, MA in 1978; and a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies in Theology at Assumption College, Worcester, MA in 1996. She taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1958-1976, and was Principal of Mary Immaculate School, Holyoke, MA from 1971-1975 and of St. Joseph’s School, Cherry Valley (Leicester), MA from 1976-1979. She then worked at Marrilac Manor (Unwed Mothers), Worcester, MA from 1986-1989; was Pastoral Associate at St. Mary’s Parish and Holy Rosary Parish, Spencer, MA from 1988-1991; and served as Vicar for Religious, Diocese of Worcester, MA from 1992 –2014. She lives in Worcester, MA.
Sr. Jeanne O’Shea
Sister Jeanne Margaret O’Shea (Margaret Brendan) was born in Northampton, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from St. Mary Parish, Northampton. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1951 and a Master’s degree in Library Science at Villanova University, Villanova, PA in 1962, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1956-1978. From 1987-1998 she served as a Home Health Aide in Springfield, MA and volunteered with the Diocesan Ministry for the Deaf from 1999-2003. In 1988, she started making fully furnished dollhouses to be raffled at the annual SSJS Craft Festivals, and did so for more than 14 years. Sister Jeanne retired in 2000 but volunteered indexing Mission for the SSJS Archives from 2003-2011, and lives in Chicopee, MA.
Sr. Constance Quinlan
Sister Constance M. Quinlan (Madeline Leo) was born in Pittsfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from St. Joseph Parish, Pittsfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1958, and a Master’s degree in Education Administration & Supervision at Boston College, Cambridge, MA in 1975, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1958-1969. She was Principal of St. Mary High School, Westfield, MA from 1969-1979 and was Director of the Office of Family Life, Diocese of Springfield, MA from 1987-1988. She served as Vice-President of the Congregation from 1978-1987; Mont Marie Infirmary Administrator from 1988-1991; Director of Social Services and Congregational Representative at Mont Marie Health Care Center from 1991-1993; President of the Congregation from 1993-1999; and SSJS Director of Development from 1999-2012. She received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1999. She has also served on many local and national boards and committees. Sister Connie retired in 2012 but continues to volunteer in the SSJS Development Office, and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Eileen M. Shea
Sister Eileen Mary Shea (Rita James) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1953 from St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish, Springfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1958; a Master’s degree in Education Counseling at Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA in 1974; a Nursing Assistant Certificate at Lifetime Medical Nursing Services in 1991; and a Level I Bereavement Facilitator certification in 2001. She taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1958-1971, and was Principal of St. Michael’s School, Northampton, MA from 1971-1976, and of Holy Cross School, Springfield, MA from 1976-1991. She then served as Certified Nurse Assistant at Aquidneck Island Medical Resources, Middletown, RI from 1992 –1994, and as Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator at Visiting Nurse Health Services, Portsmouth, RI from 1994-2008. Her awards include Highest Academic Achievement from Lifetime Medical Nursing Services in 1991 and Rhode Island Home Health Care Worker of the Year in 1995. Sister Eileen continues to sell Maplewood Farm potatoes at the farmers market near her home in Portsmouth, RI.
75 YEARS ENTERED IN 1948
Sr. Anne Marie Wildenhain
Sister Ann Marie Wildenhain (Cecilia John) was born in Pawtucket, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on July 2, 1948 from St. Joseph Parish, Pawtucket. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1959 and a Master’s degree in Education at Worcester State College, Worcester, MA in 1973, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1951-1987. She coached girls’ softball and basketball, and played on a slow-pitch men’s senior softball team as well as in a women’s softball league. She also served as Pastoral Associate at St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Sterling, MA. Sister Ann lives in Worcester, MA.