Age 88
Sister Marie Carolyn was filled with the enthusiasm of youth, the love of God, and the desire to Vive Jesu! Known to be a gatherer, she brought folks together to sing, pray, encourage, inspire, and enjoy simple pleasures.
A woman of many talents, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Merion, Pennsylvania, at the age of 19. She held bachelors’ degrees in humanities and music from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania and Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, respectively. She also earned a master’s degree in gerontology from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.
For 18 years she taught at elementary and high schools in the Richmond, Virginia, and Philadelphia dioceses. Next, she ministered in gerontology, social work, and care for the elderly, in her positions as director at St. Rita Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at Mercy Elderly Housing and Mercy Court, both in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. Perhaps most memorable was Carolyn’s unique job as driver for the Mercy-Care Mobile Health Program! A happier health mobile driver was not to be found!
In her final years, Carolyn ministered at Regina Nursing Center in Norristown, Pennsylvania, where with love and fidelity, she tended to the smallest need of the residents with utmost devotion. Also known for her love of driving and expertise in car mechanics, imagine Carolyn traversing the heavenly highways with the latest angel mobile! How appropriate that God would invite Carolyn home on Easter Sunday to join in singing the glorious Alleluias in celebration and praise of the Living Jesus!