Remembering Sr. Alice Benedict, DW, 87, August 8, 1934 – June 15, 2022, 66 Years Professed

We are saddened to report the passing of Sr. Alice Josephine Benedict, DW. (Sr. Benedict Mary of Jesus). Sister was 87 years old and 66 years professed. She went home to God peacefully on June 15, 2022, surrounded by her beloved aid, Rosa, Wellness Team Leader Deborah Ahrem, and healthcare aid Katie Polk at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent, Sound Beach, NY.

Born in Bay Shore, NY, to Caroline and Joseph Benedict, Sr. Alice was the youngest of 8 siblings, Joseph, Charles, James, Benedict, Edward, Caroline (Pahlek), and Ruth (Shaughnessy) all preceded her in death. Sister is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Diagnosed with polio at age 16, Sr. Alice had been attending high school at Our Lady of Mercy in Syosset, NY. To receive treatment for polio, she was transferred to St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, and continued her high school education there. She graduated from the Wisdom Annex, St. Charles Hospital, Port Jefferson, NY. While at St. Charles Hospital, Sister spent time in an iron lung, and that is where she had her first encounter with the Daughters of Wisdom.

She entered the Daughters of Wisdom from St. Patrick's parish in Bay Shore, NY, on February 2, 1954, and made final vows on February 2, 1961. She later attended Leslie University in Cambridge, MA, obtaining a Nursing Home License in 1985. In 1992, she received a Certificate in Gerontology from St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, NY. As a young child, Sister participated in the summer program of Vermont's Von Trapp School of Music. Born to a family of musicians, she was an accomplished pianist and also played the drums. In late 1970, she began the choir at St. Gerard Majella Church in Port Jefferson Station, NY.

Though she was raised in a large family, Sister grew up learning to always look out for her neighbor. Her childhood on a  Bay Shore farm instilled in her a way of life that always reached out with a helping hand to the less fortunate. Throughout her adult life, Sr. Alice worked in many ministries serving the elderly and those in need, always with the utmost compassion and care. These included serving as Liaison at St. Charles Hospital – Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson Station, NY (2000), as Administrator/Coordinator at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent, Sound Beach, NY (1992-2000), as Administrator at Mill Pond Adult Home in Centerport, NY (1985-1992), Coordinator at Mary Immaculate, Litchfield, CT (1979-1983), Director of the Emergency Feeding Program, Smith Haven Ministries in Lake Grove, NY (1977-1979), Office Manager for James Crovello, MD in Stony Brook, NY (1974-1977), Administrative Secretary at Maryhaven, Port Jefferson, NY (1967-1974), and as Bursar for Mary Immaculate Novitiate, Litchfield, CT (1956-67).

Sr. Alice also volunteered her time and talents in many ways after retirement, including managing the Daughters of Wisdom's vocation and meeting house, Star of the Sea; sharing her musical talent as an accompanist for Sunday Liturgy at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent; and as a volunteer at Good Shepherd Hospice, Port Jefferson, NY. Sister was also an active member of the St. Charles Alumnae.

In 2016, Sr. Alice was among three honored by the Diocese of Rockville Centre in a Vespers Service with a Founder's Awards. With over 60 years in health care, Sister was honored by the Office of the Vicars for Religious' Br. James McVeigh, OSF, and Sr. Patricia Moran, CIJ, for her service to the Church and God's people. The Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Angels Chapel in St. Anthony's High School, Huntington, NY.

Donations in Sr. Alice's memory can be made by clicking here.

Eulogy for Sr. Alice Benedict, DW, given by Sr. Bernadette Sassone, DW.