Sister Helen Ann Geagan, CSJ

We celebrate the life of Sister Helen Ann Geagan, Sister Immaculate Corde, a sister of St. Joseph for seventy four years.  A picture is worth a thousand words and I ask you to look at Helen’s picture on your Mass Booklet. Her smile reveals the warmth, kindness and compassion all of us have known. Notice her eyes as they are open, attentive and always aware of those in her presence. She brought her warmth and awareness wherever she went.

Helen was born to Margaret and Joseph and grew up in Baldwin, attending St. Christopher’s parish school. She entered the congregation in 1947, receiving the name Sister Immaculate Corde, a name symbolizing Mary’s compassion for all. Helen’s brother painted a picture of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that has become a treasure for her family, a reminder of Helen’s love and care for them.

Helen became a teacher in the elementary grades, ministering initially in Queens. She taught in St. Bernard’s in Levittown for twenty two years and for eleven years at Holy Name of Mary in Valley Stream. Attentive to the needs of others, Helen was very involved in the parishes where she taught, teaching in the CCD programs, serving on the Parish Council and the School Board as well as helping in the summer programs.

Living in the Covent at St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh, she became a close friend of Sister Virginia Murthum who ministered at St. Frances. Together they were sisters of the neighborhood, befriending many and sharing in their celebrations and supporting them through life’s struggles.

The compassion Helen shared so generously arose from her deep faith and trust in God. It was the source of peace for her and it was revealed in that kind smile and attentive gaze. We rejoice in her life and we are grateful for her presence with us.

We acknowledge and honor the life of Sister Helen Geagan, formerly known as Sister Immaculate Corde.  During her 72 years in our congregation, Helen lived a life filled with joy, relationships, and  love of family, ministering as a wonderful educator and offering a life of service to the community. We count ourselves blest by the sacrament of her life and for this we are grateful.

Sister Helen Ann Geagan, CSJ died on October 30, 2020 in the 72nd year of her religious life.