Sister Carmelina Lally

As a child, little Geraldine Lally loved the visits of her aunt. Her father’s sister was a nun — Sister Barbara Maria, CSJ.  She was warm, down to earth and real, and her family visits were fun occasions. For young Geraldine Lally, she was a wonderful model of religious life.

In 1950, after graduating from Our Lady of Wisdom Academy, Geraldine joined her aunt’s congregation and became Sister Carmelina.

Like most young women religious in the pre-Vatican II church, S. Carmelina was sent to teach in elementary schools. Her first ministry was teaching second graders at St. Augustine School in Brooklyn. From there, she continued teaching in Brooklyn at St. John the Evangelist, St. Martin of Tours, and St. Ambrose schools. Then came a big change. In 1963, S. Carmelina was sent to teach at Academia Santa Monica in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

Although she loved the island and the Puerto Rican people, it was a difficult time for S. Carmelina. Her father had passed away and her mother was alone. There was no FaceTime, Zoom, or even cell phone in those years! S. Carmelina kept in touch as much as possible through telephone calls. She enjoyed being with the people and became fluent in Spanish.

In 1967, S. Carmelina returned to the United States and resumed teaching in parish elementary schools. Then a different opportunity presented itself. Someone was needed as Program Director of the Cypress Hills Senior Citizens Center in Brooklyn. S. Carmelina applied and found a new calling. These seniors needed activity and companionship. She enjoyed talking with them, reading the newspaper with them, and meeting their social needs.

She then moved to being Adult Day Care coordinator of Huntington Senior Citizens. During these years, S. Carmelina acquired a background in gerontology at then St. Joseph’s College, learned about coping and caring for Alzheimer’s patients, and became a member of various gerontological associations on Long Island.

In 1996, S. Carmelina saw a need for senior services in Farmingdale. She approached the pastor of St. Killian’s parish, Monsignor Charles W. Swiger, with her concern that there was nothing available for the elderly and she would like to found something. He responded that he would consult with his colleagues. The result was that the leaders of the local Methodist and Lutheran churches and the local Synagogue all agreed to collaborate with him in the support of a center. The Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center, an interdenominational facility, was born, and S. Carmelina became the Director.

In 2007, S. Carmelina moved into being a volunteer in North Merrick. She was an integral part of Sacred Heart Parish, North Merrick, for fourteen years. Her mantra was “Please never hesitate if I may be of assistance; I live right across the street!” She also became a volunteer at Maria Regina Residence. In 2021, after a full life of ministry, it was time to move to St. Joseph Convent.

After a life that spanned religious life from pre-Vatican II times, through dramatic changes and into the present time, S. Carmelina says she is looking toward the future and what it might be.

“I am happy living here,“ she says. She considers herself spoiled by all the care and concern she is experiencing at St. Joseph Convent. Her walker has a license plate on it that says SPOILED. Her outlook is – “I am enjoying what I can and enjoying the time I have left.”

One of the maxims given to our founding Sisters says: “When you work for the neighbor, do it with a very unselfish love which expects no reward for its services, and aim at nothing other than helping him or her and being at the same time pleasing to God.” S. Carmelina’s life gives witness to that.

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