Maryknoll, NY: Sister Beatrice Carvalho, M.M. died on January 10th, 2021 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY.  She was born on June 22nd, 1924 in Hawi, Hawaii to Margaret (Silva) Carvalho and Eugene Carvalho. She had four brothers and three sisters, all of whom have pre-deceased her.

In 1942, Beatrice graduated from St. Anthony High School in Wailuku, Maui, HI.  She then entered the Maryknoll Sisters on September 6th, 1944 in Maryknoll, NY (from St. Anthony Parish, Wailuku). She made her First Profession of Vows on March 7th, 1947 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY and her Final Profession of Vows on the same date in 1950, also at the Sisters Center.

Sister Beatrice studied at Maryknoll Teachers College (located on the property of the Sisters Center) from 1946-1950, there she received her Bachelor of Education Degree.

In 1950, she received her first overseas mission assignment to Siuna, Nicaragua; after five months studying the Spanish language, she taught first grade.  In 1954, she received an assignment to the Maryknoll Sisters new mission project in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. While on her way to her new mission, she was delayed in Ancon, in the Canal Zone for six months, there she taught catechism to patients at Gorgas Hospital until 1955.  After her six months in the Canal Zone, Sister Beatrice was able to move to Puerto Armuelles and teach at the parish high school, Colegio San Antonio. She spent one year teaching a variety of subjects: English, music, art, geography and history and was then appointed as Superior and School Principal of the Puerto Armuelles Mission from 1956-1961.

She spent the next several years serving in many different roles.  She taught English in Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico from 1961-1971 and served as Director of Commercial Studies. From 1971-1980, she returned to Hawaii to teach Spanish and Religion, served as school counselor and Chairman of the Guidance Department at St. Anthony School in Wailuku.

In 1980, Sister Beatrice returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY for Congregational Service in the Treasury Department until 1982. She also served as one of the Council Member’s from 1982-1985. 

She was then assigned to Guatemala City to do pastoral work and teach religious education for youth in public schools from 1986-2001.  She returned to Maryknoll, NY to engage in Congregational Service again in 1995-1998.

From 2001-2005, Sister Beatrice relocated to Chicago to serve as Co-Director of Orientation.  As she began to transition into retirement she joined the Maryknoll Sisters Community in Monrovia, CA from 2006-2012.  In 2012, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY to fully retire.

Funeral Arrangements: Sister Beatrice’s body was interred in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery. Her Memorial Mass was livestreamed on 1/15/2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Marie Morgan died on November 23rd, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. She was born on February 14th, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA to Rose (Gauscheman) Morgan and Leo Morgan. She was one of eight children and is survived by her youngest brother, Daniel.

In 1945, Marie graduated from St. George High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY on September 6th, 1945 (from St. Canice Parish, Pittsburgh, PA). She made her First Profession of Vows on March 7th, 1948 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Marknoll, NY and her Final Profession of Vows on the same date in 1951, also at the Sisters center.

From 1949-1953, Sister Marie studied at Fordham University in Bronx, NY and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. After graduation from Fordham University, Sister Marie then worked in the kitchen at Bethany House (the Congregation’s residence for elderly, infirm Sisters) in Maryknoll, NY.  In 1954, she was assigned to Queen of the World Hospital in Kansas City, MO to serve as pharmacist until 1966. She then worked in the pharmacy at the Maryknoll Sisters Hospital in Monrovia, CA from 1966-1968. 

In 1968, Sister Marie received her first overseas mission assignment to the Central America Region. After Spanish language study in Mexico City, she moved to Antigua, Guatemala in 1969 for more language study of the local dialect, before moving to Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango. There, she began her ministry in pastoral work involving socio-economic programs; cooperatives, leadership training and catechetical work.

She was called back to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY in 1974 for Congregational Service, first working in promotion in the Development Department and then in healthcare in the infirmary and later as a secretary.

In 1976, Sister Marie returned to Santa Ana Parish in Guatemala doing Pastoral work until 1980. She then returned to the U.S. to continue her education at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY from 1981 – 1982.

In 1983, she was assigned to Copilco el Alto, Mexico City where she ministered in Basic Ecclesial Communities. From 1984-1987, she relocated to San Cristobal de las Casa, Chiapas, Mexico, again doing pastoral work in Basic Ecclesial Communities and catechetics.

In 1990, Sister Marie was assigned to San Salvador in El Salvador where she continued her ministry in catechetics and pastoral work. She was also involved with preventive education for an AIDS ministry and served as a volunteer AIDS worker until 2010.

In 2011, Sister Marie returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY where she dedicated herself to writing the history of the Maryknoll Sisters in El Salvador until 2017, when she retired. 

Funeral Arrangements: Sister Marie generously donated her body to science. Her funeral mess has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Lucia (Lucy) Yu, M.M. died on November 9^th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. She was born on January 11^th, 1931 in Kyung Nam, Pusan, South Korea to Ki Duc Bin (mother) and In Kun YU (father). She had two brothers: Dr. Bong Yel Yu and Kang Yel Yu, (deceased) and two sisters: Mrs. Ye Ja Yu and Soon Ok Yu (deceased).

In 1947, Lucy graduated from Kyung Nam Girls High School in Pusan, South Korea. She then enrolled at Seoul Women’s Medical College, Pusan to study medicine and earned an M.D. in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1955. To continue her studies further she went to the U.S. for a few years before returning to South Korea in 1964. There, she worked as Chief Doctor in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Maryknoll Hospital, Pusan until 1965.

On September 16^th, 1965 Lucy entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Quezon City, Philippines. She made her First Profession of Vows on April 30^th, 1968 and her Final Profession of Vows on April 5^th, 1975.

Sister Lucy received her first mission assignment to Africa after making her First Vows. When she arrived to Kinango, Kenya, she studied Kiswahili and then served as Resident M.D. and Hospital Administrator in the government hospital from 1969-1975. She then served as Diocesan Medical Coordinator in Kisii, Kenya from 1977-1982. During this time, she also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health in 1983. After receiving her Degree, she was in charge of the Village Health Center in Bura-Tana River, Kenya until 1988.

Sister Lucy was called back to the U.S. in 1989 to serve as Program Assistant in the Support Services Department for the elderly Sisters at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll NY until 1990. She then joined the Congregation’s Development Department and served on the Mission Education and Promotion Team until 1992.

Sister Lucy once again returned to South Korea this time to work at St. Joseph’s Clinic for the poor until 1994. For the next few years, she immersed herself in education field teaching students. In 1996, she was assigned to Northeast Normal University in Jilin Province, China to teach Medical English until 2000. During this time, she also taught English at Jilin Electro-Engineering University.  In 2004, she returned to Seoul, South Korea to serve as Staff Doctor at St. Joseph Clinic and provide medical care for the homeless until 2007.  In 2005, Sister Lucy received The 21^st Annual Award from the Korean Medical Association and the Boryung Pharmaceutical Company.

In 2008, Sister Lucy returned to the U.S. to retire at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Monrovia, CA where she remained active with volunteer work until 2014.

In 2015, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY.

Funeral Arrangements: Sister Lucy’s body will be interred in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery. Her Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on 11/17/2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Joanne McMahon, M.M. died on November 8th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. She was born on March 28th, 1925 in Brookston, MN to Blanche (Stokes) McMahon and Francis McMahon. She had five sisters: Doris, Rose, Virginia, Bernice and Kathleen all of whom pre-deceased her.

In 1942, Joanne graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral High School in Duluth, MN. Before entering Maryknoll she worked for a few years doing bookkeeping and secretarial duties.

On October 5th, 1946 Joanne entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY from (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Parish-Duluth, MN). She made her First Profession of Vows on April 6th, 1949, at the Maryknoll Sisters Center and her Final Profession of Vows on the same date in 1952, also at the Sisters Center. 

 From 1948-1952, Sister Joanne studied at Maryknoll Teachers College, located on the property of the Sisters Center, there she earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Education. After receiving her Degree, she received her first overseas mission assignment to the Caroline Islands in Micronesia, where she taught on the islands of Yap and Koror for 59 years! Her duties varied during this time, teaching middle school aged students, serving as principal at St. Mary’s Elementary School (founded by the Maryknoll Sisters), and helping start a teachers training program which enabled the school administration to be ran entirely by Micronesians. 

In 1971, Sister Joanne studied the Palauan language and cultural customs of Yap. She then entered the field of religious education, becoming the Catechetical Coordinator of the entire island which had two parishes with nine churches, working with Church leadership for the next 40 years! During that time, she also helped foster the dream of creating a high school, serving on a task force which saw its completion, Yap Catholic High School was founded in 2011.

In 2011, Sister Joanne retired to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. 

Funeral Arrangements: Sister Joanne’s body will be interred in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery. Her Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on 11/13/2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Marian Dolores Schumacher, M.M. died on October 17th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. She was born on September 15^th, 1924 in Winona, MN to Marian L. (Bender) Schumacher and Edmund G. Schumacher.  She is survived by her three sisters, Dolores Zalusky, Irene Mantooth and Patricia Tomashek. Her brother Edmund and two sisters, Lois and Marian have pre-deceased her.

In 1942, Marian graduated from Cathedral High School in Winona, MN. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate, Maryknoll, NY on September 7^th, 1943 from her hometown parish (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart). She made her First Profession of Vows on March 7^th, 1946 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY and her Final Profession of Vows on the same date in 1949, also at the Sisters Center.

Sister Marian studied at Maryknoll Teachers College (located on the property of the Sisters Center) from 1945-1949. There, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. After earning her Degree, she received her first mission assignment to Waikiki, HI, there she taught Kindergarten and Second Grade at St. Augustine’s School. In 1955, she was assigned to St. Ann’s School in Kaneohe, HI to teach Fifth Grade and then was school Principal from 1965-1969.

From 1969-1976, she spent her time in Honolulu where she taught in St. John’s School in Kalihi-Waena. During this time, she also studied at the University of Hawaii, (summers and night school) and earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1973. After receiving her Degree, she returned to St. Ann’s School in Kaneohe, HI to teach Fourth and Sixth Grade from 1976-1983.

Sister Marian returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY for Congregational Service from 1984-1987. She spent her days working in the Treasury Department. In 1988, she received her first overseas mission assignment to Bolivia, where she engaged in pastoral work providing aid to families in need in the San José and Santa Rosa Barrios area.

In 1992, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY to work again in the Treasury Department from 1992-1995. After completing this assignment, she was called back to Bolivia, this time to Riberalta. There, she engaged in pastoral and social work with indigenous people from 1996-2003.

In 2003, Sister Marian retired to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY continuing to cheerfully volunteer her services wherever she could.

Funeral Services: Vespers-Thursday, October 22^nd, 2020. Funeral Mass-Friday, October 23^rd, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a limited number of guests will attend the services.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Agnes Mary Joy, M.M. died on August 13^th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll. NY. She was 89 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 66 years! Agnes was born on June 10^th, 1931 in Newburgh, NY to Louise McLaughlin Joy and Edward Joy. She had one sister, Mrs. Jane L. Larkin, who pre-deceased her.

In 1949, she graduated from Mount St. Mary High School in Newburgh, NY. She then attended the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Philosophy in 1953. Agnes then continued her education and earned a Master’s Degree in History at the Catholic University of America in 1955.

After completing her studies, she entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate, Maryknoll, NY on September 2^nd, 1954 (from St. Mary Parish, Newburgh, NY). She made her First Profession of Vows at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY on March 7^th, 1957 and her Final Vows on March 7^th, 1963 in Puerto Armuelles, Panama.

In 1957, after making her First Vows, Sister Agnes was assigned to teach at Colegio San Antonio High School in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. After a few years, in 1963 she relocated to Puebla, Mexico. There, she served as Director of the Jesuit Elementary School until 1967 when she was assigned to the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Valley Park, MO. She then returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY in 1969 to serve as Assistant Director of the Formal Education Department and to serve on the Orientation Team until 1973.

Sister Agnes relocated to Houston, TX in 1973 to serve as Chaplain Intern for the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Ben Taub Medical Center (located within the Texas Medical Center). In 1979, she was promoted to Supervisor of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program and also served as Director of Chaplains for the hospital for the next 31 years.

Sister Agnes then retired, but remained an active volunteer with the Texas Medical Center. From 2006-2014, she spent her time researching and writing the 60 Year history of Chaplaincy Departments, Prayers, and Pastoral Care in the Hospitals, Clinics, and Health-Care Institution of the Texas Medical Center.

In 2015, Sister Agnes returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY to fully retire.

Funeral Services: Sister Agnes’s body was interred in the Maryknoll Sisters cemetery on Tuesday, August 18^th.  Memorial Services are currently pending.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Anne Marie Callahan, M.M. died on July 30^th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. She had been a Maryknoll Sister for 65 years!

Anne was born on July 4^th, 1935 in Lowell, MA to Helen (Monahan) Callahan and Leo Callahan. She had two brothers, Rev. John Callahan (a member of the Maryknoll Society) and William Callahan, MD; both of whom have pre-deceased her.

In 1953, Anne graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsboro, MA and attended Emmanuel College in Boston, MA from 1953 – 1955. She then entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY on September 2^nd, 1955 (from St. Margaret Parish in Boston, MA). She made her First Profession of Vows at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY on June 24^th, 1958 and her Final Profession of Vows on June 24^th, 1964 also at the Maryknoll Sisters Center.

In 1958, Sister Anne studied at Maryknoll Teachers College (located on the property of the Maryknoll Sisters Center), earning a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1960. She then transferred to Fordham University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics in 1962; during this time she also taught at Mary Rogers College, (located on the property of the Maryknoll Sisters Center) until 1967.

Sister Anne was then assigned to Hawaii in 1967 where she taught at Maryknoll High School in Honolulu. There, she also served as Chairman of the Math Department from 1971-1973 and School Principal from 1974-1977. She then returned to Maryknoll, NY and served as Congregational Treasurer from 1977-1984.

In 1986, she was assigned to the Mexico/Guatemala Region to serve as a pastoral worker in a refugee camp in Campeche. In 1991, she relocated to the Mesquital section of Guatemala City to work with a pastoral team in a new parish, serving hundreds of Guatemalan families who had settled on undeveloped land.

Sister Anne returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in 2001 to serve again as Congregational Treasurer until 2004. She was then asked to serve as Coordinator of the Maryknoll Sisters retreat/vacation house in Rhode Island.

In 2007, she was assigned to the Eastern U.S. Region and moved to Baltimore, MD. There, she volunteered her services in the Housing Advocacy Committee in the twin parishes of Most Precious Blood and St. Anthony of Padua. She was also a Eucharistic Minister at Good Samaritan Hospital and a member of the Maryknoll Sisters Regional Finance Committee.

In 2015, Sister Anne returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY to retire.

Funeral Services: Sister Anne’s body was interred in the Maryknoll Sisters cemetery.  A Memorial Service was held at the Maryknoll Sisters Center on Monday, August 3^rd.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Cheryl Marie Allam, M.M. died on June 30^th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, New York. She was 72 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 54 years. She was born on November 26^th, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to Margarite S. (Tanoury) Allam and Nicholas Mark Allam. She is survived by her two brothers, Dennis N. Allam and Mark N. Allam.

Cheryl graduated from St. David’s High School in Detroit, MI in 1965.  She then attended Wayne State University from 1965-1966 and worked as a switchboard operator at Finston Chevrolet during that time.

On September 24^th, 1966 Cheryl entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Valley Park, MO (from St. David’s Parish, Detroit). She made her First Profession of Vows at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY on June 14^th, 1969 and her Final Profession of Vows on June 19^th, 1977 in Tokyo, Japan. When she first entered the Congregation, she continued her studies at Mary Rogers College (located on the property of the Maryknoll Sisters Center) and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Community Service in 1969.

Sister Cheryl then received her first mission assignment to Japan where she studied the Japanese language in Tokyo from 1971-1972.  She then relocated to Kichijoji, Japan where she did adult education, group work with women, taught English as a second language, served on the editorial staff of two church related publications and worked with Alcoholics Anonymous from 1973-1981.

In 1981, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY for Congregational Service and was assigned to the Research and Planning Department from 1982-1985. She then attended the University of Hawaii where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Asian Religions in 1988. Following graduation, she returned to Kichijoji, Japan. There, she served in a health clinic, soup kitchen, women’s shelter and on the Editorial Board of the Japan Missionary Bulletin until 1989. She then served as Associate Journal Editor for the Japan Christian Quarterly from 1990-1997.

From 1998-2000, Sister Cheryl returned to Detroit, MI on family ministry to care for her mother. She then returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY where she served as Coordinator of the Mission Projects Funding Office until 2004. She was assigned as Associate Director of the Congregation’s Development Department from 2004-2006 and Direct Mail Manager in the Development Department from 2007-2012.

In 2013, she was assigned as the Maryknoll Sisters Center Library Administrator, a post which she faithfully carried out until death.

Funeral Services: Sister Cheryl Allam was interred privately on 7/1 in our Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery. Memorial Services are pending.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Rose Marie Guercio, M.M. died on June 9^th, 2020 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, New York. She was 95 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 72 years! Rose was born on December 31^st, 1924 in Astoria, NY to Margaret (Vitale) Guercio and Charles P. Guercio. She had one sister, Josephine and two brothers, Paul and Vincent; all of whom have pre-deceased her.

In 1943, Rose graduated from Freeport High School in Freeport, Long Island, NY.  Following graduation, she worked as a Patent Clerk for Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. until 1947. Rose then entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY from (Holy Redeemer Parish, Rockville Centre, NY) on September 6^th, 1947. She made her First Profession of Vows at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY on March 7^th, 1950 and her Final Profession of Vows on March 7^th, 1953 in Valley Park, MO.

From 1950-1952, Sister Rose worked at the Maryknoll Fathers Seminary and at Bethany (the Maryknoll Sisters Nursing Home) located on the property of the Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. She then studied at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, MN graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1955.

In 1955, Sister Rose received her first overseas mission assignment to a government hospital in Kandy, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) until 1959. She was then assigned to Pusan, Korea to serve as the Pusan Clinic Supervisor and Assistant Administrator until 1967.  In 1967, she relocated to Seoul, Korea where she studied at Yonsei Language School and did the regional bookkeeping. In 1968, she served as a Delegate to the Congregation’s Special Chapter of Affairs and in 1969 returned to Korea to begin her work at the Maryknoll Fathers Okchon Clinic in Chung Puk Do. There, she initiated maternal/child healthcare programs and served as supervisor/administrator. In recognition of her work, she was awarded a Civil Merit Medal as an “exemplary health worker.”

In 1970, Sister Rose returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY for the Congregation’s General Assembly, as Korea’s Regional Delegate. In 1972, she was assigned to Jeung Pyeong, Korea to work as Administrator of the Maryknoll Clinic and draft plans for greater public health facilities.

From 1975-1979, she founded the Medical Health Insurance Cooperative, with this new endeavor she was able to provide families with health insurance at affordable rates. The Governor of Jeung Pyeong recognized her important work and made her an Honorary Citizen of the Province.

In 1979, Sister Rose returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll NY to serve as Assistant Treasurer until 1984 when she was again elected as Delegate to the Congregation’s General Assembly. She then returned to Seoul, Korea to work for the Korean Bishops Conference in the National Catholic Justice and Peace Commission.

In 1990, she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY to work as a member of the task force planning for the 1991 General Assembly. From 1991-2000, she volunteered in the Development Department and Planned Giving Office at the center.

She then returned to Seoul, Korea once again in 2000. This time she took over the Ilsan Bible Study Class and became English Editor at the Coalition for Economic Justice. She was also Editor of the English edition of Civil Society Magazine while also serving as a Eucharistic Minister in the Kayang Parish.

In 2006 Sister Rose returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center to fully retire.

Sister Rose’s body was interred in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery on June 10, 2020. An outdoor memorial service was held for her on Sunday, June 14^th.

Maryknoll, NY: Sister Mary Lee Englerth, M.M. died on May 31^st, 2020 at the WellSpan Hospital in York, PA. She was 83 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 46 years.

Mary Lee was born on February 4^th, 1937 in Harrisburg, PA to Winifred C. (Gillen) Englerth and Charles L. Englerth; she was an only child.

In 1954, she graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA and immediately entered the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Immaculata, PA. Sister Mary Lee then attended the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music during the summers from 1957 – 1961 and Immaculata College from 1963 – 1968, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She also spent a few months on mission in Peru in 1962.

On August 10^th, 1973, she transferred to the Maryknoll Sisters Congregation and entered at the Maryknoll Sisters Formation House in St. Louis, MO. Sister Mary Lee soon joined the Maryknoll Community at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, New York.  She spent the next two years, studying at the Maryknoll School of Theology (located on the Sisters Center property) and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Studies.

On June 8^th 1975, she made her Final Vows at the Maryknoll Sisters Center and was then assigned to Peru. She served at the San Miguel Parish, Ilave, in the Juli Prelature working as a member of the pastoral team. They ventured to rural communities to promote health education; high school sacramental preparation and worked with local women’s groups.

In 1979, Sister Mary Lee returned to St. Louis, MO and enrolled at St. Louis University to become a Physician’s Assistant. She earned her certification in 1981 and returned to Peru to serve as a Health Coordinator in the Juli Prelature. There, she taught health courses and trained several healthcare workers until 1987, when she returned to the U.S. to care for her elderly mother in PA.  She was appointed as Center Administrator at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY from 1989-1991.

Sister Mary Lee then returned to PA and became a member of the Maryknoll Sisters Eastern Region in 1998. During this time, she also become Director of the State Migrant Program, served as a Member of the Migrant Clinicians Network and worked as Coordinator of the Keystone Health Center for Migrant Care programs and Clinical Quality Control Programs until 2003.

In 2003, Sister Mary Lee was assigned to the rural mountain area of Guatemala, there she did primary care and trained healthcare workers in the parishes of Concepción and Sipacapa.

In 2007, Sister Mary Lee returned to the U.S. to serve on the Maryknoll Sisters Eastern U.S. Region Team at the Keystone Center once again. She served the migrant workers in 32 counties of Western Pennsylvania until her retirement in 2019.

Sister Mary Lee’s work was recognized and deeply appreciated among the migrant community.  In 2018, she was presented with the Living the Dream Award, given annually to a person who best exemplifies the ideals of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.!

Funeral Services: She will be buried at the Maryknoll Sisters Center. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, funeral services will be scheduled for a date in the future when group gatherings are deemed safe. Sister Mary Lee’s family and our community remember her soul in prayer during this difficult time.