Daughters of Wisdom, USA Province

Friends of Wisdom, we are saddened to announce the passing of Sr. Mary Loretta Clancy, who entered into eternal life yesterday morning, April 8, 2020. Sister died while in the loving care of nurses and staff at Maria Regina Residence in Brentwood, NY, comforted by phone calls and prayers from her Sisters in community. Sr. Mary’s burial will be private, and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Sr. Mary was a gifted, dedicated, and gentle teacher who was loved by all. She will be remembered for her loyalty and for her touching so many lives with kindness.

Born in Corona, New York, to parents William and Mary Fitzmaurice Clancy, Sister graduated from grade school at Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village, NY, after which she attended Bishop Mc Donnell Memorial High School in Brooklyn, NY. That is where she met the Daughters of Wisdom who taught French, a subject in which Sr. Mary excelled. However, it was the Sisters’ spirituality to which she was most attracted, and their motto, “To Jesus through Mary.” She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and wanted to learn more about Montfortian Spirituality.

Shortly after graduation, Sr. Mary went to the Canadian Novitiate to pursue her dream, making her first profession on August 2, 1946. As she began her Religious Life, she was inspired by the Scripture passage from Colossians 2:6-7, “Since you have received Christ Jesus, live your life in Christ: send your roots deep and grow strong in Christ, firmly established in the faith you have been taught.” This was the message that she wished to share with those to whom she ministered.

Sr. Mary earned a B.A. in Education at Seat of Wisdom College in Litchfield, CT, and became certified to teach English and French. Later, she would continue her studies at St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY, earning an M.A. in English.

After her profession, Sr. Mary was called to the St. Charles Hospital Community, to teach at Infant Jesus Parish School in Port Jefferson, NY. She spent thirty-one years at Infant Jesus, from 1946-1959, and again from 1964-1980, teaching grades 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. In addition to classroom teaching, Sr. Mary taught Religious Education in the Parish and was recognized with a Parish Service Award for her faithful service.

On Saturday mornings, she went to St. James Parish in Setauket, NY, where she conscientiously prepared the children for the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. When reminiscing, Fr. Roy Tvrdik, SMM, remembered Sr. Mary preparing his class for First Communion. She taught them a song that he still remembered and used when working with children.

In between assignments at Infant Jesus School, Sr. Mary spent four years in Connecticut, teaching 7th grade at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Waterbury. Sister was also a religious education teacher in Bethlehem, CT, and a moderator at the Legion of Mary in Waterbury, CT. After returning to New York to teach again at Infant Jesus School, Sr. Mary’s final teaching position was as a French language teacher at Mercy High School in Riverhead, NY, where she spent another 18 years before retirement.

Following her teaching career, Sr. Mary resided at her sister’s private residence in Central Islip, NY, while caring for her, the Provincial House in Islip, NY, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Sound Beach. Her final residence was at Maria Regina Convent in Brentwood, NY, where she remained until her passing. She is predeceased by her parents, William and Mary, and sister, Veronica. She is survived by extended family and her sister, Denise Conlon, who resides in Connecticut.

As we lovingly remember Sr. Mary, we celebrate her new life in Heaven. May we be comforted by her words in reflecting on her 70th Jubilee celebration in 2016, words that are particularly relevant during these difficult times. “The last ten years have brought so many changes, but Jesus Christ, in whom we place our faith, is the same today as He was yesterday, and He will be forever.”

Prayer Service in Memory of Sr. Mary Clancy, DW, for 4/10/20

Donations in Sr. Mary’s memory can be made to https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=DaughtersofWisdom&d2tool=donate