Sister Mary Sheridan, CSJ

We celebrate the life of Sister Mary Sheridan, a woman who responded freely and joyously to the call of the Spirit to love God, the dear neighbor and all creation as a Sister of St. Joseph for almost seventy-five years.. In union with her loving God, she sought in all things what was most loving. In union with the Word of God, she emptied herself for the sake of others. In union with the Spirit, she realized and expressed God’s love in the world.

Born to Anne and Patrick, Mary grew up in Our Lady of Good Council parish in Brooklyn. After attending the Juniorate, Mary entered the congregation and taught elementary school in St. Agnes, DeGraw Street, St. Cecilia’s, Our Lady of Snows and Queen of Peace.

After earning a Bachelor’s in Classics from St. John’s University, Mary began her twenty-two year ministry at The Mary Louis Academy initially teaching Latin. She earned a Master’s degree in Classics from Hunter College and responding to the needs of the time, she studied Spanish. Mary continued her ministry in education at Sacred Heart Academy where she was an excellent, dedicated and compassionate teacher for over thirty years.

Excellence in education is a primary quality in a CSJ school but the core of that excellence is in the relationships that empower others to see their own personal dignity and use their gifts for the sake of our world. Mary instilled these values in students, faculty, staff and parents alike. Her warm smile, welcoming manner influenced countless lives.

During those years Mary was sustained by her loving family, and close friends. She so enjoyed holidays together and offered them her consistent advice when facing difficult situations: “It will all work out. God loves you.” Mary’s serene and peaceful demeanor was an outward sign of her deep faith and trust in God. She never lost that demeanor, even when faced with challenges in her later years.

Mary has left us a legacy of love. All of us who have known Mary must now strive to live as she lived. She loved life and now we are confident that she enjoys the fullness of life for all eternity.

Sister Mary Sheridan, CSJ died on February 4,, 2020 in the 74th year of her religious life.