In Memoriam | School Sisters of Notre Dame

In Memoriam - Sister Joan Therese McGovern

Sister Joan celebrated her 90th birthday, the day before her passing, with her niece and MANY birthday wishes from those at Marian Village. Her niece festooned her room with balloons. At her funeral at the Marian Village chapel her prayer card included the quote from You Are Sent, the SSND constitution: “SENT TO PROCLAIM GOD’S LOVE THROUGH MY LIFE.” May she be experiencing eternal Joy!

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Louise Brien

Sister Mary Lou served her God for many happy and fruitful years, teaching in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and in her hometown of Rochester, NY. She served with zeal and fervor as her greatest desire was to bring the “little ones to know and love Him more.”

In Memoriam: Sister Beatrice Pavlica

A teacher and an artist, Bea was a quiet, gentle presence in community, She expressed her gift for contemplation in praying all the hours of the Divine Office every day. Few Sisters knew this about her, but her graced life shone in her quiet humor and generosity.

In Memoriam: Sister Lorraine Quinn

Sister Lorraine wrote of herself in 6th grade “from the first day of school with the Sisters, I knew that that is what I wanted to be." Her extremely generous spirit, love for the needy and spiritually hunger and her manifold talents can be deduced easily from the breadth of her ministries. May she now be fully embraced in the loving arms of our God.

In Memoriam - Sister Jean McLoughlin

Fifty-nine years from the exact date of her first vows as an SSND in the VND chapel, and 54 since final profession, Sister Jean McLoughlin’s funeral liturgy was celebrated there by a large congregation of beloved family, devoted friends and community members, colleagues, and spiritual directees. True to her whole life and way of being, its keynote was joy.

In Memoriam - Sister Mary Jane Buhrman

Sister Mary Jane was a gift to her community through her prayerful and tranquil ways. She did what she did for Jesus. A country girl at heart, she enjoyed her large family and they loved and treasured her. After her death, a nephew commented online, “You were the best!” It was a fitting tribute to their loving relationship.

In Memoriam - Sister Anne Rektor

Whether ministering, teaching, tutoring, visiting the sick or supporting grieving families, Sister Anne was always a compassionate and comforting presence who brought solace to all.

In Memoriam: Sister Doreen Swift

Sister Doreen was an Artist and taught at many schools in Ontario and Saskatchewan, she wrote: “Since we do not know the length of time we have to live on earth, we accept each day as it is given and allow it to be consecrated by the Lord living within us. Daily, He is our strength and guide as we strive for a deeper faith in His presence.” May Sister Doreen now experience the fullness of God’s presence.

In Memoriam: Sister Eileen Mary Eden

Always upbeat and generous, Sister Eileen's presence was appreciated by all at the many schools in which she taught. She served at St. Hubert’s Girls Catholic High in Philadelphia; St. Michael Commercial in Baltimore; and Cathedral Academy in Camden, NJ. For 16 years she was principal of St. John Evangelist Junior High in Watertown, Conn, where she and her dearest friend Sister Rita Collins served together.

In Memoriam - Sister Cor Marie Cielocha

A gift to many, Sister Cor Marie was dedicated to children throughout her life, She founded a Developmental Center for academically handicapped children, worked in daycare and Head Start as well as programs for adults. Her 70th Jubilee as a SSND was celebrated on April 25, 2021 and Cor Marie renewed her vows and expressed her gratitude to God and to the SSNDs for the many blessings of her life.