Sister Christine Elizabeth Allen (1929-2020)

Sister Christine was born in Somerville as Isabelle Rose Allen, daughter of Charles and Bella (Doherty) Allen. She graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Somerville. She graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a concentration in Mathematics. She later earned a master's degree in Mathematics from Fairfield University in Connecticut. Sister Christine entered the

Read more ›

Sister Agnes (Marie Josepha) Anzoli (1916 – 2015)

Sister Agnes Anzoli, SNDdeN, first met the Sisters at age 12, when she went to boarding school after her father’s death so that her mother could go to work.  Sister Agnes found a second family with the Sisters who loved and cared for her.  After graduating from Moreland Notre Dame Academy in Watsonville, California, Sister

Read more ›

Sister Catherine (Catherine of the Sacred Heart) Arnoldy (1909 – 2010)

On January 16, 2010 just a month after celebrating her 100th birthday, Sister Catherine, SNDdeN—a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 82 years—died peacefully. Born on December 17, 1909 in Tipton, Kansas, Sister Catherine was one of Max and Katherine Arnoldy's 11 children.  When the family relocated to Marysville, CA, Sister Catherine attended and

Read more ›

Sister Ann Bernadette "Bernie" Barnes (1932-2020)

A generous, multi-talented person, Sister Ann Bernadette Barnes, SNDdeN, was a lifetime believer in the power of education. Sister Ann Bernadette was known for her commitment to the Blessed Mother, and her insistence on the equality of women’s voices in the Church and national affairs. She also loved the color purple. The older daughter of

Read more ›

Sister Anne Christine Barry (1919 – 2010)

Sister Anne Christine Barry (1919 – 2010)

Sister Anne Christine Barry, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 73 years, died August 12, 2010, at age 91. After graduation from Moreland Notre Dame Academy, Watsonville, Anne Christine followed her heart and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in history and brought her own good

Read more ›

Sr. Marie St Henry Bedard (1929-2020)

Sister Marie Bedard, SNDdeN, was born in Salem, MA. with the given name Lorraine. The daughter of the late Henry and Rachel (Brilliant) Bedard, Sister Marie graduated from St. Mary's High School in Lynn and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. She later graduated and from Emmanuel College in Boston in 1963 with

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Monica Belber (1943 – 2023)

Sister Monica Belber, SNDdeN, was born on February 18, 1943, in Middle VIllage, New York, to parents John and Lily Maceda. She entered on March 20, 2004, took her first vows on February 5, 2005, and final vows on February 2, 2008. Sister Monica earned her BS in Education from State University of New York

Read more ›

Sister Lois Marie Blessing (1937-2021)

Sister Lois Marie Blessing, SNDdeN, was a Baltimore native who was raised in St. Ursula Parish in Parkville, MD. She was the daughter of George A. and Marjorie F. (née McLean) Blessing. In August 1957, Sister Lois entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and made her final vows in July 1965. She taught

Read more ›

Sister Marie Barbara Buckley (1914 – 2015)

Sister Marie Barbara, SNDdeN, 100 years old, and a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 76 years, died peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland on June 25, 2015. Born in Coalinga, Calif., the youngest of six children, Kathleen Buckley was a very independent, self-described “tomboy” who intended to be a cowboy

Read more ›

Sister Noreen Cain (1925 – 2015)

Sister Noreen Cain, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 63 years, died peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland. For many years, Sister Noreen lived with Parkinson's disease. Even when that physically confined her, Sister Noreen continued to find God in the mysteries of the natural world around her. She

Read more ›

Sr. Sheila Callaghan (1937-2020)

Sheila P. Callaghan, SNDdeN, passed away at the Kaplan House in Danvers, Mass, early Saturday morning, February 1st, 2020, after a very brief illness. The beloved daughter of Irish immigrants, the late William and Julia (Lucey) Callaghan, Sr. Sheila was born in Boston, one of four children. Raised and educated in Roslindale, Mass., she was

Read more ›

In Remembrance—Sr. Claire (Ann Bernadette) Callahan (1922-2020)

Clare Callahan, SNDdeN, died Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester, Ma. She was 98. Sister Claire was born in Boston to Michael D. and Julia A. (Duggan) Callahan. Sister Claire graduated from St. Gregory's High School in Dorchester, and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1939

Read more ›

In Remembrance—Sister June (Andrew) Canoles (1929 – 2020)

Sister June Delight Canoles was born June 21, 1929. She loved life, adventure, people, humor, teaching and entertaining. I n her early days in community, she excelled as a first-grade teacher. Her community remembers how her fun ways kept them all sane. As a principal, she was full of surprises-even riding a motorcycle into a

Read more ›

Sister Mary (Catherine Angela) Clancy (1935-2021)

Sister Mary was a fun-loving person who was always eager to help others. Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Alfred and Marguerite (Shaughnessy) Clancy. In 1953, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as Sister Catherine Angela. She graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a degree in Latin. Later,

Read more ›

Sr. Patricia Conner (1949-2020)

Sister Patricia Joy Conner, 71, died Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester, MA. Sister Pat was born in Lansing, Michigan, daughter of Samuel H. and Maud (Quinn) Conner. She grew up and spent many summers on Long Island, Maine. She graduated in 1967 from Ridgewood High School in

Read more ›

Sister Carol (Francis Veronica) Connor (1936-2021)

Sister Carol Ann Connor, Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, entered eternal life on September 30th, 2021 at Mount Notre Dame Health Center in Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of 84. Sister Carol was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 25th, 1936, to Francis Joseph and Mary Veronica Connor and is the sister of the

Read more ›

Sister Theresa (Rose Frances) Cunningham (1926-2022)

Sister Theresa Cunningham went home to her good God on October 6, 2022, at age 96 after serving 77 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. Sister Theresa was born in Wext Roxbury, Mass., to parents Francis and Rose (Branley) Cunningham. She had eight siblings. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de

Read more ›

Sister Edie Daly (1948-2021)

Sister Edith Huot Daly was born in Milton, Mass. to Bernard R. and Mary L. (Gordon) Daly. "Edie" graduated from Cambridge High & Latin School. She proceeded to earn her bachelor's degree from Boston College and master's degree in Education Counseling from Boston State College. She entered the Sisters in 1979 and professed her perpetual

Read more ›

Sister Catherine Davis (1938 – 2017)

Joan Davis was born in Oakland. She attended St. Clare School in Santa Clara, and graduated from Notre Dame High School, San Jose before entering the Notre Dame Novitiate in Saratoga in 1957. After teaching elementary school children in Marysville, Chico, Los Angeles, Redwood City, Folsom and Yuba City, Sr. Catherine of Siena (as she

Read more ›

Sister Barbara Jane (Henrietta Jane) Dole (1928-2021)

Sister Barbara was born in Arlington, Mass., the daughter of Brenton B. and Henrietta J. (Gazaway) Dole. She was a graduate of Somerville High School and Emmanuel College in Boston. She also did graduate studies at Wheelock College in Boston. At one time, she completed a hairdressing program at Wilfred Academy. Sister Barbara entered the

Read more ›

Sister Aileen (Barbara Julie) Donohue (1926 – 2011)

Sister Aileen (Barbara Julie) Donohue (1926 – 2011)

A proud native San Franciscan, Sister Aileen (Barbara Julie) Donohue was born March 5, 1926, and died on August 8, 2011.  Sister Aileen attended and made lasting friendships at Notre Dame High School, San Francisco, then entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur after graduating in 1944. A dedicated educator for 52 years, Sister

Read more ›

Sr. Ann Virginia Donovan (1923-2020)

We pray in gratitude for the life of our Sister Ann Virginia Donovan who died on May 6, 2020, at the age of 96. A Sister of Notre Dame for seventy-nine years, Ann ministered in both elementary and high schools sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. She served as teacher, principal, religious

Read more ›

Sister Julie Donovan (1936-2021)

Sister E. Julie Donovan, SNDdeN was born in Boston, Mass., daughter of John H. and Evelyn M. (Baum) Donovan. She attended St. Lazarus School in East Boston. After graduating in 1954 from Fitton High School in East Boston, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, where she was known as Sister Julie David for

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Mary (Mary St. Joseph) Doyle (1929 – 2023)

Sister Mary Louise Doyle was born on August 12, 1929, to Donald Joseph Doyle and Mary Catherine (McDonald) Doyle. Her mother and father had emigrated from Nova Scotia and resettled in Dorchester, Mass. She was one of six siblings, three boys and two other girls; “our parents,” she recalled, “were very good to us.” Growing

Read more ›

Sister Helen (Thomas Julie) Dugan (1919 – 2020)

A celebration of the life of Sister Helen Dugan, SNDdeN, will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in the Cunningham Memorial Chapel, in Belmont, California. The Liturgy will be followed by a light lunch in the NDNU Library Even at 101 years of age, Sister Helen was always young at heart, known for her

Read more ›

Sister Janet Marie Egan (1917 – 2013)

Sister Janet Marie Egan, a Sister of Notre Dame for 77 years, died in San Rafael, California on Monday, February 4, 2013 at the age of 95. Sister Janet Marie entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur after graduation from Notre Dame High School, San Francisco in 1935. A dedicated educator for fifty-two years,

Read more ›

Sister Eileen (Helen St. John) Finnigan (1944-2022)

Sister Eileen Marie Finnigan was born in Dorchester, the beloved daughter of John A. and Helen F. (Doolin) Finnigan. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1963 and took the name Sister Helen St. John. Sister Eileen taught at Notre Dame Academy, Worcester; Saint Gregory High School, Dorchester; Saint Clare High School,

Read more ›

Sister Dolores (Gregory Marie) Fowler (1932 – 2016)

Sister Dolores (Gregory Marie) Fowler, a Sister of Notre Dame for 66 years, died peacefully at home in Longview, Washington, on August 16, after living with the effects of osteoarthritis for many years and, more recently, with cancer.  To think of her is to smile, remembering her trademark sense of humor, her creativity, great energy

Read more ›

Sister Rose (Julie Dolores) Franci (1916 – 2011)

Sister Rose (Julie Dolores) Franci (1916 – 2011)

Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 76 years and a life-long elementary school educator, Sister Rose Franci (Julie Dolores), SNDdeN, passed away at the age of 94 in Oakland on April 22, 2011. Noted for her gentle smile and kind ways, Sister Rose Franci began teaching third graders in 1938 at Notre Dame School

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Anne Gabrielle Gagnon (1931-2023)

Edna Gabrielle-Anne Gagnon was the second oldest of the four girls born to Ida and Côme Gagnon. Her sister Lorraine was two years older, and her sister Yvette was four years younger. Helene—the youngest of the four— was born several years later, and completed the family. Sister Anne Gabrielle remembers a happy childhood in a

Read more ›

Sister Patricia (Rose St. Joseph) Gallahue (1927-2021)

Sister Patricia was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Edmund and Rosina (McLaughlin) Gallahue, and graduated from St. Gregory High School in Dorchester. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1946 as Sister Rose St. Joseph. She graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a concentration in Math and

Read more ›

Sister Barbara (James Marie) Geib (1932 – 2018)

Barbara Geib was born in San Francisco on October 3, 1932, and entered the Notre Dame Novitiate at Saratoga after graduating from Notre Dame High School, Belmont. She had visited the novitiate with her classmates during her junior year and she said, "I immediately felt this was God's call. Each step toward entrance, I had

Read more ›

Sister Roberta (Peter Miriam) Giampaoli (1937-2021)

Sister Roberta M. Giampaoli was born in Providence, R.I., daughter of Peter and Mary (Cola) Giampaoli. She attended St. Teresa's Elementary and High Schools, where she would later return to teach. She entered the Sister of Notre Dame de Namur in 1956. She graduated from Emmanuel College and earned a master's degree in Religious Education

Read more ›

Sr. Patricia Gertrude Gill (1926-2019)

“All the way to heaven is heaven because Christ said, 'I am the way.'"  Sr. Patricia Gertrude Gill went peacefully home to her Good God on December 3, 2019. Sr. Patricia was born Anne Theresa Gill in Lowell, MA, the oldest girl of Patrick Francis and Anne Gertrude Kelley Gill’s ten children. She was born

Read more ›

Sister Jacqueline Golden (1928 – 2014)

Sister Jacqueline Golden, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 68 years, died peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Center in Oakland, CA, on August 24, 2014. Jacqueline graduated from Notre Dame High School San Francisco and from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont.  She received a Master’s in Education from Stanford University and

Read more ›

Sister Mary Louise (Julie Peter) Graziano (1938 – 2021)

Born in Malden, Mass., Sister Mary Lou was the daughter of the late William and Ruth (O’Neil) Graziano. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1957. She ministered in education in Worcester, East Boston, South Boston, Lawrence, Wakefield and Salem, N.H. She was also the manager for the Shelter for the Homeless

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Maureen Griffin (1933-2022)

On December 19, 2022, Sister Maureen Griffin went home to her good God. Sister Maureen Griffin was born in Cambridge, MA, on April 28, 1933. The daughter of John and Alice (Barry) Griffin, Sister Maureen graduated from the Notre Dame Academy in 1951. In 1955, Sister Maureen received her B.A. from Trinity College. That same

Read more ›

Sister Elizabeth (Mary Elizabeth) Mary Hagmaier (1924 – 2015)

Sister Elizabeth Mary Hagmaier, 90 years old, and a Sister of Notre Dame for 68 years, died peacefully July 9, 2015, just days after going to Mercy Retirement and Care Center. Born November 29, 1924 in San Francisco to George and Elizabeth Hagmaier, Louise Frances graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Alameda and received her BA

Read more ›

Sister Barbara (Anthony) Hamm (1926 – 2020)

Born on December 29, 1926 and raised in Hollister, Barbara was a 5th generation Californian, descended from the Bernal Family who was part of the 1776 DeAnza Expedition. From her earliest years, she loved to dance; even in her recent years at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, she often used her cane to

Read more ›

Sister Barbara (Raymond Teresa) Hanagan (1926-2022)

Barbara was born in Winnipeg, Canada. Eventually the entire family moved to Marysville, California, where St. Joseph Church and Notre Dame School were the center of her early Catholic life. She remembers helping the Sisters teach the younger children during summer school and thinking that she, too, would like to be a teacher. Most of

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Geraldine (Geraldine Marie) Harris (1931-2023)

From the time she was a child at St. Bernard's School in Oakland, California, and later at Notre Dame High School in San Jose, Calif., Geraldine Harris always liked the Sisters. At that time, she remembers, "I wasn't the type that the Sisters would have encouraged to enter the community. I was always talking and

Read more ›

Sister Bernice (Madeline Marie) Heinz (1928-2021)

Born in Gonzales, Calif., Bernice and her five sisters all attended Sacred Heart School in Salinas. Her parents then enrolled her as a boarder in Moreland Notre Dame High School in Watsonville. She came home on weekends, and in her sophomore year started working as a stock girl on Saturdays at ‘The Elegant Dress Shop’.

Read more ›

Sister Patricia (Raymond Francis) Hoffman (1931 – 2013)

Sr. Patricia (Raymond Francis) Hoffman, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 62 years, died in Oakland on September 30, 2013. Known for her gentle and fun-loving spirit, Sr. Patricia taught for nearly 40 years in Notre Dame elementary schools, including those in Carmel, Belmont, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Along the way she

Read more ›

Sister Margaret (Margaret Mary) Hoffman (1927-2021)

Heart and soul — an artist! Sister Margaret designed the beautiful, very real-looking Madonna and Child on the bell tower of Cunningham Memorial Chapel at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, and she collaborated with artist Gabriel Loire, in designing the sculptured-glass chapel windows. To remember Sister Margaret Hoffman is to see her as

Read more ›

Sister Alberta Marie Karp (1919-2016)

Sister Alberta Marie Karp, a Sister of Notre Dame for 78 years, died peacefully at Highland Hospital in Oakland.on March 27, 2016  Born in San Francisco to Robert and Gertrude Heinz Karp, Alberta grew up in St. Anthony Parish and attended Notre Dame High School, San Francisco.  She entered the Notre Dame Community in 1937.

Read more ›

Sister Carol (Mary Matthew) Kenning (1935 – 2013)

Sister Carol Kenning, a Sister of Notre Dame for 56 years, died peacefully in Oakland, CA on November 13, 2013. Sr. Carol embodied the sense of mission, of going where she was needed, generously available for the sake of others. After completing her term on the Province Leadership Team, she chose to respond to the

Read more ›

Sister Ann Maureen King (1912 – 2009)

Sister Ann Maureen King, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 80 years, was born on February 28, 1912 in Vallejo, California, and died on November 13, 2009 in Oakland, CA. Growing up in Alameda, she graduated from Notre Dame Academy and, following in the footsteps of her beloved sister, Mary Wilma, entered the

Read more ›

Sr. Joan Marie (Marie Raphael) Lacasse (1932-2019)

Sr. Joan Marie (Marie Raphael) Lacasse went peacefully home to the good God on Friday, September 20, 2019. Sr. Joan was born in Lawrence, the daughter of the late Leo and Mary (Harkins) Lacasse and the sister of the late Carol G. Veilleux. She leaves nieces and nephews and her community of Notre Dame de

Read more ›

Sister Mary (Mary Bernard) Laxague (1931 – 2022)

Sister Mary Laxague died on August 11, 2022 at age 90. She served as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 71 years. In the late 1940s, the small mining town of Ely, Nevada, had no Catholic schools, and it was only because of a high school acquaintance that young Mary Laxague even heard

Read more ›

Sister Maureen (Robert Marie) Lewis (1934-2021)

Sister Maureen Lewis, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Robert Marie) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. The daughter of Robert Emmett Lewis and Marie Barry Lewis, she grew up in East Boston where she met the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at Fitton High School, She taught in various New England schools: St. John School in Peabody,

Read more ›

Sr. Patricia (Patricia Mary) Linehan (1931-2020)

Sister Patricia Linehan died at age 89 on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester. Sister Patricia was born in Salem, daughter of Patrick and Irene (Hennessy) Linehan and graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston. She later earned a Master's degree in Education from Boston College. Sister entered the

Read more ›

Sister Germaine Loiselle (1922-2020)

Sister Germaine went peacefully home to her Good God on July 6, 2020, supported in prayer by her devoted Sisters in Community at the Notre Dame Convent at Ipswich, MA, by the dedicated staff of the St. Julie Billiart Residential Care Center, and by her loving family and friends. She was born Doris Simone Loiselle

Read more ›

Sister Mary (Marie Thomasine) Lonich (1924-2018)

We remember with gratitude the life of Sister Mary (Marie Thomasine) Lonich, who was a Sister of Notre Dame for 71 years.  She died peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland the day before her 94th birthday. A proud San Franciscan, Mary was born on January 17, 1924, and graduated from Notre Dame

Read more ›

Sr. Margaret (Mary Kevin) Lynch (1923-2020)

Sister Margaret Lynch died on April 22, 2020, at the age of 97. She was a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 75 years, having entered the congregation in 1945. Her religious name was Mary Kevin. She was born in Fahaduff, Castleisland, CO. Kerry, Ireland, daughter of James and Hanna (McCarty) Lynch, and her

Read more ›

Sister Julie Cecilia Lyver (1929-2021)

Sister Julie Cecelia was born Mary E. Lyver in Somerville, Mass. to parents Francis W. and Margaret (O'Neill) Lyver. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on February 2, 1948 in Waltham, Mass. Sister Julie earned her BA in Elementary Education from Emmanuel College, as well as an MA in Education from Salem

Read more ›

Sr. Jeanne (Jeanne Francis) MacDonald (1936-2020)

Sister Jeanne Francis (Marguerite) MacDonald, SNDden, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur died peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2020 surrounded by her community of Sisters at the Sr. Julie Billiart Center, Ipswich, MA after an extended illness. Sr. Jeanne was born in Somerville, MA on July 2, 1936, the daughter of the late Mary

Read more ›

Sr. Corinne (Corinne Marie) Manzi (1931-2020)

Who shall find a valiant woman, her value is beyond pearls. Those who entrust their hearts to her have an unfailing prize. She brings to all who know her good, not evil, all the days of her life. She is girt about with strength and sturdy are her arms. She enjoys the success of her

Read more ›

Sister Madeline (Madeline St. John) McAdam (1933-2022)

“May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” Of Irish and Scottish ancestry, Sister Madeline was born in Providence, R.I., the daughter of Angus and

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Eileen (Mary Daniel) McCarthy (1935-2023)

If you were to have asked Sister Eileen McCarthy to describe herself, she would most likely have declined. However, if you were to ask anyone else who knows her, there wouldn’t be enough words or time to describe how generous and good she is because, as Sister Georgianna Coonis said, “that’s just the way she

Read more ›

Sister Marie Elise McCormick (1919 – 2013)

Sister Marie Elise, a Sister of Notre Dame for 76 years, died surrounded by family and Sisters in Oakland, CA, on July 21, 2013. Born Elizabeth Clare on September 3, 1919 to James McCormick and Mary Graham, she was the youngest of five children (Graham, Catherine, Patricia and Richard).  Home was her beloved Butano Canyon,

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Dorothy (Dorothy Joseph) McCormick (1941-2023)

In 2019, Sister Dorothy McCormick, SNDdeN celebrated 60 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and she reflected that her life in Notre Dame had been "blessing upon blessing." She is the daughter of Raymond and Anna McCormick, and the younger sister of Claire and Raymond. Her sister Claire entered the Sisters of

Read more ›

Sr. Margaret McCurdy (1928-2020)

Sister Margaret McCurdy died Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester. She was 91. Sister was born Alice Ruth in Cambridge, daughter of William F. and Margaret L. (Cullinane) McCurdy. She graduated from St. Mary of the Annunciation High School in Cambridge, and Emmanuel College with a combined English

Read more ›

Sr. Marie Ann McDonald (1943-2020)

We pray in gratitude for the life of Sister Marie Ann McDonald who died on May 13, 2020 at the age of 73. Joyful simplicity, genuine concern, and faithful friendship are three of the gifts that Marie McDonald has shared with us in Notre Dame. As teacher (St. Mary of the Annunciation, Danvers; St Mary

Read more ›

Sister Mary McFadden (1930-2021)

Sister Mary hailed from the Philadelphia area, met our sisters at West Catholic High School and in 1948 joined the Congregation in Ilchester, Maryland. She was a proud member of the band known as the Violets and was ever ready to claim her Irish heritage. Sister Mary had a long and diverse ministry record in

Read more ›

Sister Patricia (Mary Sebastian) McGlinn (1935 – 2016)

Sister Patricia (Mary Sebastian) McGlinn, a Sister of Notre Dame for 62 years, died peacefully on August 8, 2016, at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland. She related in a special way with her therapists, Care Center Staff and residents. She watched the recent Republican and Democratic Conventions, and voted in the primary. Always

Read more ›

Sister Catherine (Dolores Julie) McGrath (1916 – 2009)

Sister Catherine McGrath, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 75 years, died in Oakland, California, on October 31, 2009. Born on January 5, 1916 in Everett, Washington, Sister Catherine grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame at Belmont in 1934. Sister Catherine's life spanned the 20th century

Read more ›

Sister Bernadette Mary McGrath (1926-2020)

Sister Bernadette Mary McGrath, SNDdeN, born in Lynn, MA, daughter of the late John J. McGrath and Margaret (McLaughlin) McGrath died peacefully October 23, 2020. She was the sister of the late Catherine (McGrath) Young and Margaret (McGrath) Murray and is survived by her sister Hannah (Ann McGrath) Blinn of Lynn, MA, as well as

Read more ›

Sister Audrey (Mary Kenneth) McGreevy, 1935-2014

As a student, first at Notre Dame Elementary, then at Notre Dame High School, San Francisco, Audrey McGreevy knew many Sisters and it was their example that helped her decide to enter the novitiate at Saratoga after graduating. From Guadalupe School in Santa Barbara to St. Francis School in Seahurst, Washington, she taught nearly every grade.

Read more ›

Sister Kathryn Lawrence McGuiggan (1934-2021)

Sister Kathryn was born in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of Lawrence J. and Kathryn A. (Dowd) McGuiggan. She was a graduate of the former Ascension High School in Worcester, and Emmanuel College in Boston. In 1957 after college, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. She later earned a master's degree in English

Read more ›

Sister Kay (Ann Catharine) McMullen (1939 – 2018)

Born in Oakland, and a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Alameda, Sister Kay entered the Notre Dame community in 1959. She taught in Notre Dame schools in Salinas, Chico, Carmel, Yuba City, Belmont, San Francisco, and in Washington State. She received her bachelor’s degree in music from College of Notre Dame, Belmont, and a

Read more ›

Sr. Marie Paula McNiff (1927-2020)

We remember with joy the life and spirit of Sr. Marie Paula McNiff who died on April 28, 2020. She was a lover of her roots in South Boston, MA and the SNDdeNs who taught her at St. Augustine's! Pauline McNiff entered on August 7, 1944; how she loved her band [of Sisters who entered

Read more ›

Sister Helen Cecilia Miller (1913 – 2015)

Born May 14, 1913, Helen Cecilia's early years weren't easy and the family sent Helen to a Catholic boarding school. Her rambunctious, high-spirited ways led to more than one change of school and many teachers wondered what would become of her. But inspired by the Sisters at Moreland Notre Dame, Watsonville, Helen dreamed of becoming a

Read more ›

Sister Julie Carmel Mingoia, 1917 – 2016

For almost 99 years of life and 76 years as a Sister of Notre Dame, Sister Julie Carmel Mingoia reflected God’s goodness to everyone she met. She was born in San Jose on July 28, 1917, as the fourth of five children to Italian parents, Frank and Rose Mingoia, Carmela attended Notre Dame High School in

Read more ›

Sister Helen Julie Monroe (1926 – 2021)

Sister Helen Julie Monroe, SNDdeN, went peacefully home to her Good God on Monday January 25, 2021 at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester. She was born Virginia M. Monroe in Beverly, Massachusetts in 1926 to parents Carleton A. and Helen M. (Marley) Monroe, soon joined by her only brother, the late Robert

Read more ›

Sr. Lillian (Jane Marie) Morris (1922-2020)

Sister Lillian Rose Morria, SNDdeN,  died Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester at age 97. Sister Lillian was born in Boston to James and Rose (Metz) Morris, the oldest of three siblings, and was raised in West Roxbury. She graduated from Girls' Latin School in Boston and Emmanuel

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Mary Mulligan (1930 – 2023)

Sister Mary (Anna Marie) Mulligan was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and lived there for most of her life – but she liked to say that she’d been on Broadway for almost all her life. In this case, she was referring to West Broadway in South Boston, a place where she studied, worked and lived for

Read more ›

Sister Rita (Julie St. Francis) Murphy (1930-2022)

Sister Rita was born in Boston, daughter of Francis J. and Catherine (Ellis) Murphy. She was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Somerville, Mass. and Emmanuel College. She received a master's degree in education with a concentration in guidance at Salem State University. In 1948, after finishing high school, she entered the Sisters

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Edith Murphy (1936-2023)

Sister Edith Murphy, SNDdeN was born in 1936 in Boston to James and Edith (Sutcliffe) Murphy. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1955 and graduated from Emmanuel College with a Bachelor of Arts in education. In her career as an educator, Sister Edith taught in several Notre Dame schools in the

Read more ›

Sr. Margaret (Mary St. Patrick) Nally (1931-2020)

Sister Margaret (Mary St. Patrick) born in Milton, MA, daughter of the late Patrick J. and Mary A. (Walsh) Nally, died peacefully October 10, 2020. She was the sister of the late Mary Conway, Helena Nally, Thomas Nally and Rosemarie Nally, and survived by her sister, Patricia Tangney of Needham, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews,

Read more ›

Sister Peter Joseph Navone (1943 – 2015)

Sister Peter Joseph Navone, a Sister of Notre Dame for 54 years, died surrounded by family and friends, at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland on April 26, 2015.  Born Joan Navone, she was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, San Jose and College of Notre Dame in Belmont, and she spent most

Read more ›

Sister Mary Grace Noble (1934-2021)

Sister Mary Grace was born in Boston as Carol Marie, daughter of Harold F. and Grace G. (Doherty) Noble. After graduating in 1951 from Our Lady of Presentation High School in Brighton, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. She graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a degree in Biology and Education.

Read more ›

Sister Bernadette Noonan (1936 – 2022)

Sister Bernadette was born in Allston, Mass. on Dec. 9, 1936, the daughter of Harold and Bernadette (Cassidy) Noonan. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in in 1954, took her first vows in 1957 and final vows in 1962.  She received her B.A. in Education from Emmanuel College in 1966 and her M.A. in

Read more ›

Sister Mary Florence O'Rourke (1923-2014)

Sister Mary Florence O’Rourke, a Sister of Notre Dame for 72 years, died peacefully in Oakland, CA on March 1, 2014. Born and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District, Florence graduated from Notre Dame High School, San Francisco in 1940, then entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. A dedicated educator for thirty-two years, Sister taught

Read more ›

Sister Margaret "Peggy" (Robert) Offley (1926 – 2020)

Sister Peggy Offley, who was a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 74 years, died on April 13, 2020. Thoughtful, gentle, with a quiet sense of humor and a delight in life’s surprises, Sister Peggy was grateful for God’s grace and for good friends in her life. Born in Washington, D.C., on September 5,

Read more ›

Sister Loretta (Mary Albert) Olsen (1920 – 2013)

Loretta Olsen was a gifted artist, teacher and leader. She planned to become a Sister when she graduated from Notre Dame High School in Belmont; a Maryknoll sister. But God had other designs for her and Loretta realized that her destiny lay with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who had so wonderfully educated

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Catherine Owens (1921-2023)

Sister Catherine Owens was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on February 13, 1921, to Patrick Owens and Catherine (McCarthy) Owens. She entered the convent in 1938, seeking to answer the call to serve God more faithfully. She earned a BA from Emmanuel College, and an MA from both Boston University and St. Mary’s College, Indiana, in

Read more ›

Sister Marylyn O’Connor (1945 – 2022)

Sister Marylyn (Catherine Thomas) O'Connor was born in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Patterson) O’Connor. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Springfield and Emmanuel College in Boston. Sister Marylyn went home to her good God on November 15, 2022, after 58 years as a Sister of Notre Dame

Read more ›

Sister Joan (Marie Angele) Panella (1940-2018)

Joan Panella, SNDdeN, was a native of San Francisco who entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1958, and took the name Sister Marie Angele. She taught in Notre Dame elementary schools in Salinas (Sacred Heart and Madonna del Sasso), Campbell, Folsom and at Notre Dame High School, Alameda. After receiving a Master’s of Social Work

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Catherine Panetta (1926 – 2023)

In 1926, Mary Panetta was welcomed to her family home in Dorchester, Massachusetts, as the first girl after five boys. A year later, her sister Catherine was born and became the last of the seven children and a special friend to her.  She joined the religious community after graduating in 1943 from the Sisters of

Read more ›

Sister Dolores Marie Pardini (1938 – 2012)

Born June 11, 1938, Sister Dolores died on January 28 at St. Columbkille Convent in Los Angeles, lovingly cared for by family members and her Notre Dame community. During her last few weeks she received many visitors. Steady streams of young and old came to thank her for "saving their lives."  Sister Dolores is the

Read more ›

Sister Agnes (Agnes Julie) Pashby (1932-2022)

Sister Agnes Pashby went peacefully home to her good God on 29 September, 2022, at age 90 and after serving 72 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. She was born in Lynn, Mass., to parents John and Rebecca (Sullivan) Pashby. After graduating from St. Mary's High School, she entered the Sisters of

Read more ›

Sister Catherine (Agnes St. Jude) Pelletier (1923 – 2016)

Sister Catherine (Agnes St. Jude) Pelletier, a Sister of Notre Dame for 73 years, died peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, where she received kindness and care for the past three years. “She had a wonderful life!” said her youngest sister, Mary Ann Moore.  One of seven children born in Fresno to

Read more ›

Sister Catherine Perry (1932-2020)

Sister Catherine Perry passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester, on the 68th anniversary of taking her vows. Sister Catherine was born in Worcester on February 27, 1932, daughter of Mitchell F. and Catherine H. (Bruneau) Perry. She graduated from Ascension High School in Worcester and

Read more ›

Sr. Frances (Margaret St. George) Randall (1932-2020)

Sister Frances Randall died on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester, at the age of 88. Sister Frances was born in Lowell, daughter of the late George and Margaret (Linnehan) Randall. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in Lowell, entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

Read more ›

Sister Anne Frances Rhilinger (1930-2021)

Sister Anne was born Mary Agnes Rhilinger in Boston, Mass. She was the daughter of Joseph P. and Ethel G. (Thomas) Rhilinger and graduated from St. Gregory High School in Dorchester, Mass. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1947. She graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a concentration in French

Read more ›

Sister Jeanne (Anne Campion) Ronayne (1943-2020)

Sister Jeanne Ronayne, SNDdeN, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 60 years, went home to God on July 7, 2020, at St. Julie Billiart Residential Care in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Sister Jeanne was born Helen Anne Ronayne in Dorchester, Mass., one of five children of parents John and Helen (Haberland) Ronayne. She entered the

Read more ›

Sr. Rosemarie Ryan (1939-2020)

Sister Rosemarie Ryan, 89, died Monday, October 12, 2020, at the Notre Dame Care Center in Worcester, MA. Sister Rosemarie was born in Cambridge, Mass. to John P. and Mary F. (Megan) Ryan on January 25, 1931. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Cambridge, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Marie St. Joseph Santry (1931 – 2023)

Sister Marie St. Joseph Santry was born on March 19, 1931, as Mary E. Santry in Lynn, MA, to parents Thomas and Annie (Egan) Santry. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1950, taking the name Marie St. Joseph. She took her first vows in 1953 and perpetual vows in 1958. Sister Marie

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Catherine Timothy Shanahan (1934 – 2023)

Sister Catherine Timothy Shanahan, SNDdeN and her twin brother, Paul, were born in their family home in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, where they lived until the age of three when the family moved to Norwood, Pennsylvania. Sister Catherine lived there until she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at Ilchester, Maryland, on August 12, 1951.

Read more ›

Sister Helen St. Thomas Singleton (1928 – 2022)

Sister Helen Singleton was named Jean by her parents, John and Helen (Walsh) Singleton. She and her five siblings were supported by her father’s work as a chauffeur. Educated by SNDdeN at St. Mary’s School in Beverly, Massachusetts, she entered the Congregation in 1947. She never considered a life other than that of a Sister

Read more ›

Sister Veronica (Dorothy) Skillin (1928 – 2015)

Sister Veronica Skillin, a Sister of Notre Dame for 68 years, died peacefully at Sequoia Hospital on April 9, 2015.  Sr. Veronica served as the 15th President of College of Notre Dame, now Notre Dame de Namur University, from 1980 to 1994. NDNU President Judith Maxwell Greig, Ph.D. described Sr. Veronica’s tenure as one that

Read more ›

Sister Vivian (Mary Vivian) Snow (1937 – 2014)

Sister Vivian Snow, a Sister of Notre Dame for 59 years, died peacefully in San Jose, CA on January 24, 2014. The words gentle, compassionate and responsible best describe Sr. Vivian. Whether she was teaching, caring for elderly and infirm Sisters, giving TLC and band aids to children in school offices, or doing secretarial work

Read more ›

Sister Claire (Claire Stephen) Spellman (1928 – 2015)

Sister Claire Spellman, 87 years old, and a Sister of Notre Dame for 69 years, died peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland on November 25. 2015. Born in San Francisco to James and Marie Spellman, Lucille graduated from Notre Dame San Francisco in 1946, then entered the Notre Dame Novitiate. As Sr.

Read more ›

Sister Dolores (Joseph) Steiner (1928-2019)

"God is good, always." These words of St. Julie, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, struck a spark in the heart of fourteen-year-old Dolores Steiner. She first heard them at Moreland Notre Dame Boarding School in Watsonville, California. Dolores, or Dodi as she is called, and her older sister, Margie, left her

Read more ›

Sister Ann (Frances Ann) Stubbe (1929 – 2019)

With her joyful, enthusiastic outlook, her warmth and her frequently expressed gratitude for all the blessings in her life, it is no wonder that people responded so positively to Sister Ann. Born on the eve of the Great Depression, Ann grew up in Marysville, where she attended the second Notre Dame school founded in California

Read more ›

Sister Jon Julie Sullivan (1940 – 2022)

Sister Jon Julie Sullivan went peacefully home to her good God on August 10, 2022, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after suffering a stroke. She was 82 and had been a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 64 years. She was born Eleanor Janice Sullivan in 1940 in Cambridge to parents John

Read more ›

Sister Lauretta (Mary Lauretta) Thompson (1914-2014)

Sister Lauretta Thompson, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 79 years, died peacefully in Oakland on March 1, one month after celebrating her 100th birthday. After 44 years as a Coesfeld Sister of Notre Dame, Sister Lauretta joined the Notre Dame de Namur community for the next 35 years. Both communities honor St.

Read more ›

Sr. Marie (Josepha Therese) Treanor (1922-2020)

We remember with gratitude the life of Sister Marie Treanor who died on May 28, 2020 at 97 years of age and 79 years as a Sister. Sr. Marie lived Sr. Julie's charism as an educator throughout her sixty-two years of active ministry in places across the country. Sister Marie was born on November 14,

Read more ›

Sister Patricia Tryon (1943-2020)

Let us gratefully remember the life of our Sister Patricia Tryon who died on May 15, 2020 in Worcester, Massachusetts. On her Golden Jubilee in Notre Dame, Pat wrote: "Little did I know that when I completed my B.A. in Math at the University of Connecticut, left my home in Ossining, NY, and took a

Read more ›

Sr. Mary Jean Verbicky (1938-2020)

Sister Mary Jean Verbicky died Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester, at the age of 82. Sister Mary Jean was born Eleanor Jean in Lawrence, daughter of John and Emily (Suda) Verbicky and graduated in 1955 from St. Mary's High School in Lawrence. She graduated in 1963 from

Read more ›

Sister Cecilia Wallace (1931 – 2022)

We remember with gratitude the life of Sister Cecilia Wallace who was a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 73 years. Sister Cecilia went home to her good God on October 23, 2022, at the age of 91. Mary Cecilia Wallace entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at Saratoga, California, following graduation

Read more ›

Remembering Sister Kathleen Walsh (1949 – 2023)

Sister Kathleen Walsh was born in Natick, Massachusetts, in 1949, to Joseph and Virginia (Fair) Walsh. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1974. She took her final vows on August 11, 1984. Sr. Kathleen was born in Natick to parents, Joseph and Virginia (Fair) Walsh.  Sister Kathleen earned her BS in

Read more ›

Sister Margaret (Mary Bartholomew) Welch (1934-2021)

Sister Margaret was born Margaret Mary Welch in 1934 in Waltham, Mass., to parents Bartholomew M. Welch and Mary (Slauenwhite) Welch of Waltham. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on August 1, 1951, taking her First Vows in 1954 and her Perpetual Vows in 1959. Sister Margaret earned a BA from Emmanuel

Read more ›

Sister James Madeline Whalen (1937-2021)

Sister James Madeline was born Dolores L. Whalen in Lawrence, Maine in 1937, to Madeline (Hamelin) Whalen and James Whalen. Early on in Dolores' life, she had a calling to serve others. After she graduated from Keith Hall High School in Lowell, Mass. in 1955, Dolores entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. She

Read more ›

Sister Charlotte Francis Wickes (1932-2021)

"How good is the Good God!" -St Julie Billiart Sister Charlotte Francis Wickes was born Mary Frances Wickes in Somerville, Massachusetts to parents, Francis and Charlotte (Devereux) Wickes. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on August 4, 1949, making her First Vows in 1952 and Final Vows in 1957. She graduated from

Read more ›