Age 94
Sister Maureen Costelloe was a woman of deep prayer and boundless devotion to Our Lady; she was also a gifted artist with a playful spirit who persuaded others to join her in caring for God’s people.
Born in Tralee, County Kerry Ireland, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Auburn, California, at the age of 20. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Dominican College in San Raphael, California. A dedicated elementary school teacher for over 20 years, she taught throughout the Diocese of Sacramento, California, loving her students and praying daily that they would become good citizens of earth and ultimately heaven.
For one year Sister Maureen worked in vocation ministry in Abbeylands, Ardfert, County Kerry, Ireland during the late 1960’s. This experience called forth her gift of listening and companioning which led her to give the next 30 years of her life in service as minister and coordinator of Ministry to the Sick at St. Joseph/St. Teresa Parishes in Auburn, California.
Schooled in suffering through her own illness, Sister Maureen learned how important pastoral care is to the sick and infirm. For her it was about caring for the whole person. She walked with them on their spiritual journey and offered her prayers and presence.