Age 81
Sister Stella Mary, a woman of deep faith and prayer, dedicated her life to God and to teaching, guiding, and serving children and their families.
She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Merion, Pennsylvania, at the age of 18 after high school graduation. She held a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Gwynedd Mercy University, in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She lived her motto, “I Place my Trust in You” throughout her vowed life, always trusting that God would show her the way to help others. For 33 years, she ministered as an elementary school teacher at various parish schools throughout the Raleigh, North Carolina, diocese and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania archdiocese. She served as principal for three years at St. Matthias School in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and Good Shepherd School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She taught for a year at Mercy Vocational High School (now Mercy Career and Technical School) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then for 11 years served in their finance office while teaching part-time. An expert at balancing monthly budgets as well as finding financial support for those struggling to afford tuition payments, tirelessly Stella produced much needed funds through her memorable Bingo parties. When her beloved “Mercy Vocational High School” was on the brink of closure, Stella put her trust into action through constant prayer and reliance on Divine Providence.
Sister Stella Mary was indeed well named, a true star, a guiding light illuminating the path to God through the humble witness of her presence and generous service.