Sister John Joseph Dunphy, CSJ

Sister John Joseph has lived our charism of love of God and neighbor without distinction as teacher, mentor, wisdom figure, loving aunt, friend and, a real lover of life.

After entering the congregation, Sister John Joseph earned a BA at English Manhattan College and an MA in Guidance at Fordham University. She also received a New York State Permanent Teachers Certificate and Certification in  Administration and Supervision.

Before Sister John came to us, she was Sarah Sabina Dunphy, Aunt Sally In the words of her family whom she loved and who loved her enormously, we learn: “We wanted her to live forever.  She was such a big part of our lives.  She loved her community, her family and most of all; she loved ‘her Jesus’. Aunt Sally had tremendous energy.  She could cook, clean, teach, proctor various exams.  She sewed the Christening outfit for her first grand-nephew, Jay. Nineteen more babies have worn Aunt Sally’s Christening dress.”

In the words of her friends and colleagues in her various ministries, “Sister John Joseph was not a good Sister of St Joseph, she was a great Sister of St Joseph.  Somehow we thought she would never leave us – she cared so much for the Congregation and for all of us. She had a remarkable blend of deep faith and common sense and always made you feel good when she greeted you or you simply had lunch with her in the faculty room. The young teachers loved and respected her and knew enough to sit at her feet for wonderful words of wisdom and lots of laughs. The students knew how genuine she was – they confided in her for guidance and always went to her for Math help because somehow her patience and skill as a teacher never failed them.”

Sister John Joseph’s zeal, wit and joy have inspired countless persons helping them to see their dignity and self worth as a loving God saw them. Throughout her life’s journey Sister John Joseph sought her God in the everyday realities around her and recognized Jesus in all she encountered. We are grateful for her faithfulness, dedication and presence in our lives knowing she will live on in each of us as we live the lessons she has taught us.

Sister John Joseph Dunphy, CSJ died on July 21, 2014 in the 74th year of her religious life.