Memorials

Sister Loretta Ann Scully, CSJ

We gather today to celebrate the faith-filled and joyful life of Sister Loretta Ann Scully, formerly Sister Lawrence Marita, a Sister of St. Joseph for 76 wonderful years.Loretta treasured her life here in Brentwood and was filled with gratitude and praise for the goodness and love that embraced her 18 years. “What’s not to love” was her oft-repeated refrain ~ and the words of many.

As the daughter of Cornelius and Eleanor, Loretta was proud of her Brooklyn roots and spoke fondly of the many ways the parish community of Queen of All Saints nurtured her faith.   After graduating from Bishop McDonnell High School, Loretta entered the community and spent the next 3 decades as a teacher in 7 different elementary schools and later at Bishop Loughlin High School.

In 1981, in response to her father’s failing health, Loretta took a leave of absence to care for him in Florida.  I do have to add that in God’s divine providence, Loretta was called home to God on the feast of St. Cornelius ~ September 16th, her father’s patron saint.  In Loretta’s frequent correspondence to Brentwood the time with her father was a one of grace and deep reflection ~ a turning point in Loretta’s call to do more for the poor and the marginalized in our world ~ most notably the communities in Appalachia.

For the next 25 years, Loretta’s life was one of total compassionate presence exemplifying our charism of love of God and neighbor in service to the people of Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.  Of course, as we all know Loretta was accompanied by her dear friend Sister Mary Raymond.  Their prayerful, holy presence focused on building community and ensuring each person’s dignity in the labor that was theirs.
Inviting families to potluck suppers was their specialty!   In describing Appalachia as a world of cats, dogs and coal trucks as well as a vibrant, proud community, Loretta’s sacramental presence engendered trust and hope in a people too often forgotten by the outside world.

One classic note sent to Sister John Raymond in 1982 requested some postulants to come to Kentucky to work the farms ~ promising they’d be back for Reception.  . . .”I could promise them lots of hard work and plenty of prayer ~  for relaxation they could smoke a corncob pipe.”  There’s no record of S. John Raymond’s response.

Upon her return to New York Loretta, along with S. Mary Raymond volunteered in the parish outreach programs at St. Luke’s and St. Ann’s. Loretta’s affable way, classic friendly smile, and gracious welcoming manner characterized a Sister of St. Joseph steeped in a personal faith relationship with her God ~ always ready to roll up her sleeves in the service of others.

Sister Loretta Ann Scully, CSJ died on September 16, 2024 in the 76th year of her religious life.

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