A gifted primary educator, Sister Corita worked tirelessly to foster a sense of prayer and creativity in her students.
Born in County Mayo, Ireland, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Auburn, California, at the age of 18. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Dominican College in San Raphael, California. She devoted 35 years of service to elementary school education throughout the Sacramento diocese. After leaving full-time teaching, Sister Corita continued to volunteer her services to schools experiencing financial hardships.
Rich in empathy and a desire to be of service to those experiencing poverty, Sister Corita coordinated the Mercy outreach to clients at Loaves and Fishes on days when the Sisters of Mercy served lunch to the guests. That ministry led to her service at Quinn Cottages transitional housing.
In her retirement she delighted in artistic projects, especially those with nature themes. Sister Mary Corita was known as a witty and skilled creator of song parodies for community events and celebrations as well as a writer of limericks. Humor flowed from her effortlessly.
An ardent student of Tai Chi and, having mastered discipline herself, Corita taught it to others. Always accommodating, she gave up weekends to share it with retreat groups. Affirming and welcoming, Sister Corita delighted in her work as part of the support team for Mercy Associates as well as serving as a sponsor for new pre-associates. Sister Mary Corita expanded that welcoming to being available to support the work of vocation ministers.