Sister Josephine Lo Presti M.M. died on November 13th, 2018  at  the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY.  She was 93 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 69 years.

Josephine was was born on October 10th, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to Augustine (Rinella) Lo Presti and Joseph Lo Presti.  She had four brothers, and three sisters.  All have predeceased her except two of her sisters, Margaret Lo Presti and Pearl (Mrs. Pearl Zucchero).

In 1944, Josephine graduated from St. Joseph’s College High School in Toronto. She remained in Toronto and attended St. Michael’s Hospital School of Nursing; she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1947.  She later attended nursing courses for one semester at The University of Western Ontario in 1969.  

Josephine entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY on September 6th, 1949 from St. Basil Parish in Toronto, Canada.  She made her First Profession of  Vows at The Maryknoll Sisters Center on March 7th, 1952 and her Final Profession of Vows in Arequipa, Peru on March 7th, 1955.

Sister Josephine remained at the Maryknoll Sisters Center after making her First Profession of Vows, there she worked in the Center Infirmary until 1953. She then received her first overseas assignment to the Bolivia/Peru region to attend language school in Cochabamba, Bolivia; after a year of studying she began teaching second and third grade in Puno, Peru from 1954-1957.

From 1957-1967, Sister Josephine was assigned to Riberalta, Bolivia where she initiated and directed the Practical School of Nursing; which provided practical nurses to staff the hospital in Riberalta and clinics in the distant river communities.

In 1967, she was assigned to the Catholic University of Santa Maria in Arequipa, Peru, where she joined the Faculty of the School of Nursing. There she trained nurses, taught clinical education and developed training modules. In 1970, the Catholic University of Santa Maria, in Arequipa, Peru, granted her a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in recognition of her work experience in Medicine and Public Health, and a thesis of such merit that the University canceled all need for additional courses and requirements.

Sister Josephine returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, NY to serve in the Center Infirmary from 1972-1974. She then returned to Arequipa, Peru to serve people in community health & rehabilitation and founded a Family Life Center (CORFAM).

In 2001, she returned to the United States and joined the Sisters Community in Monrovia, CA. After a few years, due to declining health, she had to return to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, NY; where she remained until her death.

A Vespers Service will be held on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 4:15 P.M. in the Chapel of the Annunciation at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., also in the Chapel of the Annunciation. 

Interment will follow at the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery on the Maryknoll Center grounds.

Sister Barbara Ann Walenty died on October 24^th, 2018 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY.  She was 90 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 61 years.

Barbara Ann was born in Detroit, MI on May 26^th, 1928 to Anna (Starr) Walenty and Anthony Walenty and was baptized in St. Ladislaus Parish in Hamtramck, MI.  She had four brothers John, Patrick, Tom, Donald and two sisters Gloria and Colleen.  Barbara Ann graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit, MI in 1946. She then attended Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, MI, where she earned an R.N. Degree. She then worked as a nurse at Detroit Memorial Hospital for two years and at Highland Park Hospital for three years.

Barbara Ann entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Valley Park, MO on December 30^th, 1956 from St. Brigid’s Parish in Detroit, MI.  At her Reception she received the religious name Sister Rose Barbara. She made her First Profession of Vows on August 22^nd, 1959 in Valley Park, MO, and her Final Profession of Vows on August 22^nd, 1965 in Hong Kong.

After her First Profession of Vows, Sister Barbara was assigned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. There she worked as Guest Mistress and in the laundry room until her assignment to Kansas City, Queen of the World Hospital where she worked as Operating Room Supervisor until 1963.  That same year, she received her first overseas assignment to Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong. There she studied Cantonese and served at Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital as Operating Room Supervisor until 1970.  From 1970-1972, Sister Barbara continued to serve at the hospital as: Clinical Instructor, Supervisor of the Student Nurse Hostel, and established the Student Nursing Program. In 1973, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in NY and worked in the Supportive Services Department before joining the Maryknoll Sisters Eastern United States Region in 1974. She was first assigned to Boston, Chinatown where she taught English as a Second Language and worked at the Chinatown Clinic and Tufts Medical Center from 1974 – 1975.

From 1976 – 1978, she lived in Transfiguration Parish in New York Chinatown, and worked in Cabrini Hospital Nursing Home, and at the Maryknoll Center Health Services. In 1979, she was assigned to St Theresa School in Chicago, Chinatown, where she served as School Nurse, Teachers Aid and taught “Alcohol & Drug Education” (ADE) until 1986. That same year she returned to Hamtramck, MI to care for her elderly parents.

From 1995-1997, Sister Barbara worked in the Maryknoll Sisters Development Departments Mid-West Education/Promotion Office. In 1999, she returned to Chicago, IL to retire, but continued to volunteer as a part-time CCD Teacher and Art Teacher with children at St. Theresa’s School. In 2008, she moved to Fraser, MI and continued to volunteer doing family ministry and pastoral work.  In 2014, Sister Barbara returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, where she remained until her death.

A Vespers service will be held for Sister Barbara Ann on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 4:15 p.m. in the Chapel of the Annunciation at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY.

A Mass of Resurrection will follow on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. also in the Maryknoll Sisters Chapel.

Sister Maria Rosario Daley died on October 18^th, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was 95 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 73 years.

She was born in Albany, New York on February 1^st, 1923 to Margaret (Harpinger) Daley and John H. Daley; she was baptized as Regina Anne. She had three sisters, Veronica, Rose and Joan and one brother, Rev. James D. Daley. Her parents and sister Joan have predeceased her.

In 1941, Regina graduated from Holy Names Academy in Albany, New York.  She then entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, New York from St. Thomas Parish in Delmar, New York (Albany Diocese) on September 6^th, 1945.   At her Reception, she received the religious name Sister Maria Rosario. She made her First Profession of Vows on March 7^th, 1948 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, New York and her Final Profession of Vows on March 7^th, 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

From 1941-1945, Sister Maria Rosario studied at the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Latin and Mathematics.  In 1967, she earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Boston College and in 1974 she earned her second Master’s degree in Theology at the Maryknoll Seminary, in Maryknoll, New York.  Sister Maria Rosario then studied computer science in 1977 at Pace University in Westchester County, New York.

In 1948, Sister Maria Rosario was assigned to the Hawaii Islands, for the next 17 years she taught in the Maryknoll high school in Punahou on Oahu, at St. Ann’s High School in Kaneihe also on Oahu and at St. Anthony’s School in Wailuku on Maui.  In 1967, she returned to Maryknoll, New York to serve as a member of the faculty at Mary Rogers College where she taught Mathematics and worked in the Admissions Office until 1973.  She was then assigned to the Treasury Department at the Maryknoll Sisters Center to serve as Coordinator of Lay Employee Personnel and the Office of Immigration from 1974-1985.

In 1985, Sister Maria Rosario returned to Hawaii, where she served as Diocesan Computer Consultant, taught a Scripture course and worked with Eucharistic Ministers at Sacred Heart Parish in Punahou until 1989.  In the years that followed, she remained in Hawaii and worked at Maryknoll High School, was Lay Personnel Director and Computer Consultant for the Diocese of Honolulu.

From 1997-2003, Sister Maria Rosario continued to do part time clerical work in the Maryknoll High School Guidance Office and served as sexton, sacristan and Eucharistic Minister for the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community. She retired in 2014, but remained an active volunteer.

A Viewing at 9:00 a.m. and Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 a.m. will be held for Sister Maria Rosario on November 12 at Sacred Heart Parish, Punahou, Honolulu followed by interment at Diamond Head Cemetery.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Joan Toomey died on September 18^th, 2018 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, New York. She was 84 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 66 years. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 18^th, 1934 to Hazel (Warner) Toomey and Joseph J. Toomey.  She had one sister, Elaine.  Both parents and her sister have predeceased her.

In 1952, Joan graduated from Dominican High School in New Orleans. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate at the Maryknoll Sisters Center on September 2^nd, 1952 from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in New Orleans.  At her reception, she received the religious name, Sister Lourdes Marie. She made her First Profession of Vows on September 8^th, 1955 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center and her Final Vows on September 8^th, 1961 at the Maryknoll Convent in Los Angeles, California.

Sister Joan stayed in New York for a few years after making her First Profession of Vows to work at the Maryknoll Seminary kitchen and study at Maryknoll Teacher College from 1956 -1960; there she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She was then assigned to teach at Maryknoll School for the Japanese in Los Angeles from 1960-1962.

In 1962, Sister Joan was assigned to Hawaii where she taught seventh and eighth graders math and science at the Maryknoll School in Honolulu’s Punahou district until 1969. That same year, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center and worked in data processing; while studying at Pace University for a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, which she received in 1973.  From 1974-1981, she served as Manager of Computer Services and then as Director of the Development Department from 1981-1985, both at the Maryknoll Sisters Center. A woman of many talents, she also served as the Liturgy-Music Coordinator at the Maryknoll Sisters Center from 1974-1986.

In 1986, Sister Joan was assigned to the Hong Kong/Macau Region where she studied language and culture. She then became a full time Lecturer in Computer Studies from 1989-1991 at Hong Kong’s Lingnan College.  Also, from 1989-1995 she was elected Coordinator of the Maryknoll Sisters Regional Service Team and served as an active Board Member of the Maryknoll Convent School’s Educational Trust until 2002.

In 2003, Sister Joan returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center to work part time as a volunteer in the Treasury/Special Projects Office until 2014 when she retired.

A Vespers Service for Sister Joan will be held at the Chapel of the Annunciation at the Maryknoll Sisters Center on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 4:15 P.M.

 Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in the same chapel on Friday, September 21 at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery.

Sister Rosemary Garrity died on September 9^th, 2018 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, in Maryknoll, NY. She was 94 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 71 years.

She was born in Waterbury, CT on January 10^th, 1924 to Margaret (Nash) Garrity and Frank Garrity. She has one sister, Rita, Mrs. Charles Mallon. She had four brothers:  Rev. Thomas Garrity-a Maryknoll Father, Dr. Joseph Garrity, John Garrity and William Garrity. All of her brothers have predeceased her.

In 1941, Rosemary graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School; after graduation she worked for the American Brass Company in Waterbury, CT.   She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY on October 5^th, 1946; from Immaculate Conception Parish in Hartford, CT.  At her Reception she received the religious name Sister Mary Thomas.  She made her First Profession of Vows on April 6^th, 1949 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center and her Final Profession of Vows on April 6^th, 1952 in Yucatan, Mexico.

From 1949-1951, Sister Rosemary worked at the Field Afar Magazine, (now known as Maryknoll Magazine).  In 1951, she was assigned to Mérida, Mexico where she spent the next 17 years teaching English, typing and shorthand to girls preparing for higher education in commercial subjects. In 1968, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, to study at Mary Rogers College. There, she earned an Associate’s Degree in 1970 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Organization in 1972.  In 1973, she went to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Service in 1974.   She then returned to Mexico to work in pastoral ministry and social work among the impoverished people of Mexico City until 1982.

In 1982, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center to work in the Congregation’s Development Department’s Promotion Office until 1985. She was then assigned to Colonia Mezquital, Guatemala where she worked with basic Christian communities and taught literacy to impoverished women until 1993. She was assigned to Mexico again in 1994 to do pastoral ministry and social work in Oaxaca. In 2001, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center where she did pastoral care among the elderly Maryknoll Sisters until 2010 when she retired.

A Vespers service will be held for Sister Rosemary in the Chapel of the Annunciation at the Maryknoll Sisters Center on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 4:15 P.M.   A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 11:00 A.M in the same chapel.

Sister Rosemary has generously requested that her body be donated to Science.

Sister Mary Elizabeth Keyser died on July 24th, 2018 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. She was 98 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 80 years.

Mary Elizabeth was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 3rd, 1920 to Della (Haney) Keyser and Henry Nelson Keyser, both are now deceased. She is survived by her brother, Nelson Keyser and his family.

In 1937, Mary Elizabeth graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School in Philadelphia, PA. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY on December 7th, 1937 from St. Matthias Parish in Bala Cynwyd, PA in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. At her Reception she received the religious name, Sister Anne Virginia. She made her First Profession of Vows on June 30th, 1940 and her Final Profession of Vows on the same day in 1943, both at the Maryknoll Sisters Center.

In 1943, after making her Final Vows, Sister Mary Elizabeth was assigned to San Juan Bautista, CA where she did catechetical work for four years. In 1957, she was assigned to Bethany House (Maryknoll Sisters Nursing Home) in Ossining, NY where she provided aid to elderly Sisters and often assisted with transportation needs for two years. In 1949, Sister Mary Elizabeth received her first overseas mission assignment to Bolivia, South America. Upon her arrival, she studied the Spanish language and then served as Principal of the Maryknoll Sisters Schools in both Cochabamba and Riberalta until 1956.

Sister Mary Elizabeth returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in 1958, for Congregational Service in the Development Department doing Promotion in the Mid-West. In 1959, she was assigned to Chile where she served as Executive Secretary, Supervisor of Catechetics and established programs for the ICLA (Instituto de Catequesis Latino American). In addition, she served as the Directress of Carmelite House of Prayer in Santiago and was the Coordinator of the Maryknoll Sisters House in the Chile region until 1992.

In 1992, Sister Mary Elizabeth was assigned to Monrovia, CA where she worked as a volunteer in religious education in the Immaculate Conception Parish and served as RCIA Director of Hispanics for the parish from 1998-2001. She also spent a considerable amount of time doing volunteer work by writing letters to women in prison.

In 2004, Sister Mary Elizabeth returned to NY to retire at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, where she remained until her death on July 24, 2018.

A Vespers service will be held for Sister Mary Elizabeth on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 4:15 p.m. in the Main Chapel at the Maryknoll Sisters Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. also in the Main Chapel at the Center. Interment will follow in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery on the Center grounds.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Elizabeth Marie Burns, a member of the Maryknoll Sisters Eastern U.S. Region, died on April 14, 2018 in Wethersfield, CT.  She was 84 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 62 years.

She was born in Hartford, CT on December 15, 1933 to Elizabeth M. (Farreny) Burns and Perley G. Burns, both of whom are deceased; she had one sister and two brothers.  She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann and both brothers, William and John J.

Elizabeth, known to all as Betty, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in West Hartford, CT in 1951. She then studied at St. Francis School of Nursing where she received her R.N. in 1954.  On September 2^nd, 1955, Betty entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Ossining, NY from St. Augustine Parish, in the diocese of Hartford, CT.  At her Reception she received the religious name, Sister Maura Brigid.  She made her First Profession of Vows on June 24, 1958 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center and her Final Vows on June 24^th, 1964 in Korea.

In 1958, Betty worked at the Maryknoll Society’s Seminary kitchen.  She was assigned to Pusan, Korea in 1959 where she worked as a nurse for the next eight years in the Maryknoll Hospital in Pusan.

She returned to the United States in 1967 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1970 and her Masters of Science in Community Health Nursing in 1972, all from Boston College.  In 1973, she transferred from the Korea Region to the Maryknoll Sisters Eastern U.S. Region, where she worked at the Connecticut State Health Department from 1973-2005.   She retired after a long career which included:  Hospital Inspector and Consultant, Chief of Licensure and Certification of Medical Facilities, Director of Hospital and Medical Care and finally Chief of Staff for the Department.  For her dedication to the well-being of patients confined to nursing homes in the State of Connecticut, she received the Distinguished Managerial Service Award.

In 2006, Sister Betty was invited by the Pastor of Incarnation Parish to become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, while also volunteering her services to St. Francis Hospital Home Care/Hospice in Hartford, CT.  From 2008-2013, she became totally involved in pastoral ministry and conducting pastoral visits to the elderly, ill and homebound and led a “Small Christian Community” of women.

Sister Elizabeth died at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford CT.

The wake will be on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Wethersfield, CT from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  A funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of the Incarnation, Wethersfield, CT on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow immediately after the funeral at Mt. St. Benedict’s Cemetery, Bloomfield, CT.