Sisters of St. Joseph Celebrate Special Anniversaries, 2024
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield held a celebration of Special Anniversaries on Tuesday, June 18th at the Sacred Heart Church in Springfield, MA. Special Anniversaries recognize Sisters who entered religious life 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 years ago. Monsignors George Farland and Chris Connelly celebrated Mass. The event was followed by a private reception.
60 YEARS ENTERED IN 1964
Sister Catherine Alaimo
Sister Catherine Alaimo (John Constance) was born in Thompsonville, CT and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from Holy Cross Parish in Springfield, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1957 and a Master of Arts degree in Urban Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1971, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1968-1983. In addition, from 1982-2006 she served as Curriculum Coordinator at the Springfield Diocesan School Office; Educational Coordinator at The Gray House in Holyoke, MA; and as Facilitator for Sisters of St. Joseph Quilters for Griffin’s Friends. Sister Cathy retired in 2006 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Mary Bisson
Sister Mary Bisson (Margaret Arthur) was born in Newport, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Augustin Parish in Newport. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Salve Regina College in 1964 and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1967-1978. In addition, from 1978-2000 she served as Co-Director of the Providence Family Learning Center, and at Stonewall Farm in Portsmouth, RI. Sister Mary continues to serve at Maplewood Farm and lives in Portsmouth, RI.
Sister Constance Daub
Sister Constance Daub (Margaret George) was born in North Adams, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Francis Parish in North Adams. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work there in 1996, and taught in schools in Massachusetts, Louisiana, and North Carolina from 1969-1988. In addition, from 1988-2022 she served at Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield; as Receptionist and Bookkeeper at Mont Marie Conference Center; at Montague Catholic Social Ministries; as Case Manager at Western Massachusetts Elder Care in Holyoke, MA; and at Reception at Sisters of St. Joseph Administrative Offices. Sister Connie retired in 2022 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Joan Dumais
Sister Joan Dumais was born in Central Falls, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Ann on August 13, 1964 from St. Cecile Parish in Pawtucket, RI, and transferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph on April 27, 1991. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at Anna Maria College in 1972; an Associate degree in Physical Therapy at Springfield Technical Community College in 1981; a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitative Counseling at Springfield College in 1987; a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy at Barry University in 1997; and a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy at Sacred Heart University in 1999, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1968-1977. In addition, from 1977-2004 she served in various physical therapy roles in Massachusetts, Florida, Vermont and Connecticut. Sister Joan retired in 2004 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Eleanor Harrington
Sister Eleanor Harrington (Robert Bernice) was born in Worcester, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Peter’s Parish in Worcester. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969 and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at Lesley College in 1981, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1969-1987. In addition, from 1987-2012 she served at the Mont Marie Child Care Center as Education Coordinator and then Director. Sister Elly continues to serve in the Sisters of St. Joseph Development Office and lives in Chicopee, MA.
Sister Mary Ann Hemenway
Sister Mary Ann Hemenway (Julius Ann) was born in Worcester, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Peter’s Parish in Worcester. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Spirituality at the University of San Francisco in 1979, and taught at Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA from 1968-1976. In addition, from 1979-2007 she served as Religious Education Instructor at the College of Our Lady of the Elms; at Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center in Narragansett, RI; as Advocate and Outreach at Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield, MA; as Pastoral Minister at Blessed Sacrament in Greenfield, MA; as Director of Queen of Peace Centennial House in Greenfield, MA; as Spiritual Director at Memorial House in Springfield and at Marion Retreat Center in Holyoke, MA; and as Pastoral Care Associate at Notre Dame Assisted Living in Worcester. Sister Mary Ann retired and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Sharon Knappe
Sister Sharon Knappe (Anna John) was born in Pittsfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Francis Parish in Pittsfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969; a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the Springfield Hospital Medical Center School of Nursing in 1974; and a Master of Education degree in Wellness Management at Springfield College in 1993, and taught at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary School in Holyoke, MA from 1969-1970. In addition, from 1974-2013 she served in various nursing roles at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MA; at the Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association; and at Greater Springfield Senior Citizen Services. Sister Sharon continues to serve in Reception at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield Administrative Offices and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Helen Perry
Sister Helen Perry (Patricia Jane) was born in Passaic, NJ and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Mark’s Parish in Jamestown, RI. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969 and a Master of Education degree in Reading at American International College in 1984, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1969-2012. In addition, she served as Congregational Representative to the Mont Marie Health Care Center. Sister Helen retired and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Lillian Reilly
Sister Lillian Reilly (Joseph Lillian) was born in Philadelphia, PA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Mary Parish in Shrewsbury, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1969 and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education at Fairfield University in 1978, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1969-2009. She retired in 2010 but then served as Site Manager at Homework House in Holyoke, MA, and also on the Leadership Team from 2011-2017. Sister Lillian lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Judith Rosenthal
Sister Judith Rosenthal (Anna Roy) was born in Greenfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. James Parish in South Deerfield, MA. She earned an LPN at Holyoke Trade High School in 1969, an Associate of Science degree in Gerontology at Springfield Technical Community College in 1984, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1988, and served as a Nurse at Mont Marie Infirmary from 1968-1971; a Medic at the Medical Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard in Westfield, MA from 1971-1993; Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley, MA from 1972-1998; Case Manager at West Mass Elder Care in Holyoke, MA from 1998-2006; and Office Assistant at Sanctuary Animal Clinic in Holyoke, MA from 2006-2020. Sister Judy retired in 2020 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Winifred Roulier
Sister Winifred Roulier (Marion Joseph) was born in Pittsfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from St. Mary Parish in Pittsfield. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970 and a Master of Science degree in Social Work at the University of Connecticut in 1984, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1969-1977. In addition, from 1977-2015 she served in Urban Ministry in Holyoke, MA; at the Providence Learning Center in Providence, RI (where she co-authored the book Diapers, Decisions and Other Dilemmas: a guide for young parents in 1981); as Social Worker at Children’s Study Home and at The Shelter in Springfield, MA; on the Leadership Team from 1993-1999; as Coordinator of the Group Adult Foster Care Program at Mont Marie; and on the Support Team to Sisters in Milton and Framingham. Sister Winnie retired in 2015 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Eleanor Spring
Sister Eleanor Spring (Martin de Porres) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1964 from Holy Name Parish in Springfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1963, a Master of Arts degree in Psychology at Fordham University in 1973, and a PhD. in Psychology at Fordham University in 1978, and taught at the College of Our Lady of the Elms from 1973-1982 and from 1993-1998. In addition, from 1979-2012 she served on the Executive Board of the Sisters of St. Joseph; as Congregational Administrator at Mont Marie; with the Female Offender Program in Springfield, MA; at Weston Rehabilitation at Mont Marie; and at the Western Massachusetts Regional Correctional Center in Chicopee, MA. Sister Eleanor is retired and lives in Holyoke, MA.
65 YEARS ENTERED IN 1959
Sister Marilyn Bello
Sister Marilyn Bello (Claire Elizabeth) was born in Vinton, LA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 7, 1959 from St. Joseph Parish in Vinton. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at Sacred Heart College in 1970 and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education at Notre Dame Seminary in 1976, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Louisiana from 1964-2000. In addition, from 2000-2008 she served at Open Window in Chicopee, MA. Sister Marilyn retired in 2008 and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Lorraine Durand
Sister Lorraine Durand (Joseph Edouard) was born in Fall River, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1959 from St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at Sacred Heart College in 1967 and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1962-1972. In addition, from 1972-2017 she served as Pastoral Team Member in Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen, TX; in Administration at Mont Marie; in Central Services at the College of Our Lady of the Elms; at Six Flags; and as Director of Congregational Services at the Sisters of St. Joseph Administrative Offices. Sister Lorraine retired in 2017 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Catherine Homrok
Sister Catherine Homrok (Marie Andrew) was born in Holyoke, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1959 from St. Michael Byzantine Rite Parish in South Hadley, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1972 and a Master of Arts degree in Theater Education at Emerson College in 1972, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1962-1979. In addition, from 1979-2008 she served as Foundress and Director of the Jericho Players at the Bureau for Exceptional Children at Jericho House in Holyoke, MA; as Residential Coordinator at PACE Center for Human Development in West Springfield, MA; at the Chalice of Salvation in the Catholic Communications Office in Springfield, MA; on the Congregational Leadership Team at Mont Marie; as Director of Career Planning and Placement at the College of Our Lady of the Elms; and as Director of Pastoral Ministries and Coordinator of the Diocesan Catholic Women’s Conference in the Springfield Diocese. Sister Cathy is retired and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Carol Lareau
Sister Carol Lareau (Joseph Marie) was born in Worcester, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1959 from St. Peter Parish in Worcester. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Education at Westfield State College in 1975, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1962-1974. In addition, from 1974-2017 she served as Director of Guidance at schools in Massachusetts; as Director of the Office for Parish Ministry with Disabled Persons and Ministry with the Deaf at Jericho House in Holyoke, MA; with the Ministry with the Deaf at the Diocese of Springfield; and as Mentor for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department. Sister Carol continues to serve as Sign Language Interpreter for Religious Services for the Deaf and lives in Chicopee, MA.
Sister Jane Thomas
Sister Jane Thomas (Marguerite James) was born in West Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1959 from Immaculate Conception Parish in West Springfield. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1972 and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education at American International College in 1977, and taught in schools in Massachusetts from 1962-1974. In addition, from 1974-2017 she served as Activities Director and in Medical Photography and Graphic Arts at Shriners Hospital for Children, and in Graphic Arts at Platinum Properties in North Carolina. Sister Jane retired in 2017 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Joyce Wise
Sister Joyce Wise (William Marie) was born in Springfield, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1954 from St. Michael Cathedral Parish in Springfield. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1970, a Master’s degree in Science and Physical Education at Springfield College in 1975, and a Master’s degree in Social Work at Boston College in 1986, and taught in schools in Massachusetts 1962-1972. In addition, from 1972-2013 she served as Probation Officer with the Springfield Police Department; and as a Counselor for a clinic, the Hampden County Day Reporting Center, the Springfield School Department, and Homeless Catholic Services at the Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee, MA. Sister Joyce retired in 2013 and lives in Chicopee, MA.
70 YEARS ENTERED IN 1954
Sister Mary Clare Finn
Sister Mary Clare Finn (John Margaret) was born in Edgewood, RI and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1954 from St. Mary Parish, Newport, RI. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1959 and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies at Fairfield University in 1972, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1957-1976. In addition, from 1977-2008 she served in various spiritual ministry roles in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and she established the Spirituality Center on Wheels. Sister Mary Clare retired in 2008 and lives in Holyoke, MA.
Sister Paula McCrea
Sister Paula McCrea (Mary Paul) was born in Worcester, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1954 from St. Peter Parish in Worcester. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1959 and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies at Providence College in 1976, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1957-2005. In addition, from 1979-1986 she served as Director of Religious Education at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Greenfield, MA. Sister Paula is retired and lives in Framingham, MA.
Sister Lorraine Villemaire
Sister Lorraine Villemaire (Mary Louis) was born in Northfield, VT and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1954 from St. Denis Parish in East Douglas, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1965 and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education at St. Michael’s College in 1975, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 1957-1971. In addition, from 1971-2003 she served as Curriculum Coordinator at Hampden District Regional Skills Center and at Massachusetts Career Development Institute, and as Director of Ministerial Development at Mont Marie. She has published three books and continues to serve as Labyrinth Ministry Facilitator in western Massachusetts. Sister Lorry lives in Holyoke, MA.
75 YEARS ENTERED IN 1949
Sister Joan Bellenoit
Sister Joan Bellenoit (Saint Agnes) was born in Phoenixville, PA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1949 from St. Jean Baptiste Parish, Fall River, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Annhurst College in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education at St. Thomas University in 1977, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Louisiana from 1952-1970. In addition, from 1970-2008 she served as Director of Religious Education at Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen, TX and at Holy Name Parish in New Bedford, MA; as Coordinator of Fall River Compound; on Executive Council at Mont Marie; and she co-founded Cape Code AIDS Ministry in Hyannis, MA. Sister Joan retired in 2008 and lives in Framingham, MA.
80 YEARS ENTERED IN 1944
Sister Theresa Croteau
Sister Theresa Croteau (Marie Felicité) was born in Fall River, MA and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1944 from St. Jean Baptiste Parish in Fall River. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at the College of St. Rose in 1968 and a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies at Providence College in 1977, and taught in schools in Massachusetts and Louisiana from 1946-1976. In addition, from 1976-2010 she served as Director of Religious Education at St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea, MA and at St. James Parish in New Bedford, MA, and in pastoral ministry in various parishes in Massachusetts and Louisiana. Sister Theresa retired in 2010 and lives in Framingham, MA.