Jan. 27, 1925 – May 12, 2017
Sister Constance Mary always mentioned that she entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1954 during the Marian Year dedicated to Mary, her namesake. Sixty-three years later, Sr. Constance Mary died in May, during the Easter season and in the month the Catholic Church traditionally celebrates the Mother of God as a model for all Christians. Sr. Constance Mary’s final “yes” came May 12, 2017 after several years of illness at Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Ind.
Her other baptismal name was Constance, so appropriate for someone known for her firmness of purpose and constancy in life as a consecrated religious. Her 39 years in active ministry included elementary education in Catholic schools in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. She returned to California, where she was a pioneer of parish religious education at St. Matthew’s Parish, San Mateo and Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura.
“Sister Connie” later was a welcoming presence and supportive staff member at Holy Cross Medical Center, Mission Hills [now known as Providence-Holy Cross Hospital]. Born in Pasadena, Calif., growing up along the sands of Santa Barbara, “Sister Connie” will be buried in the soil of Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or online at www.cscsisters.org.
Reception of the body and a wake was held May 17 at the Church of Our Lady of Loretto in Notre Dame, Ind. Kaniewski Funeral Home handled all arrangements.
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