Sister Mary Celestine (Isabell) McCann, 94, OSF, who taught in Camden, died April 12 at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse, N.Y.
A Sister of Saint Francis for 75 years, she was born in Camden to Thomas Henry and Rita Trainor McCann, and grew up in Saint Anthony Parish.
On Sept. 7, 1946, Sister Mary Celestine entered religious life, receiving the Franciscan Habit on March 25, 1947.
She received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., and a master’s degree in English from Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y. She began her teaching years at Saint Joseph School in Hoboken, N.J., and 51 years of her life would be spent educating children in various schools throughout New Jersey and New York.
In the Diocese of Camden, she taught in Camden at Saint Joseph’s School (1974-1983), and Saint Anthony’s School (1988-1999).
In addition, Sister Celestine taught religious education for most of her tenure. For six years on Sundays, she taught religion to special education students.
After retiring from teaching, she served as a hospitality minister for 15 years at Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles, N.Y. She was later missioned for community service at Saint Mary Chapel House in Baldwinsville, N.Y., spending five years there. She was known as a powerful prayer minister at the Franciscan Villa.
“Sister will be remembered for her genuine love of God, His Blessed Mother, the angels and saints and all God’s people,” he religious community remembered in the announcement of her passing.
Sister Mary Celestine was pre-deceased by her parents, brother Bernard McCann and four sisters: Joan (Al) Adams, Suzanne McCann, Dolores (Thomas) Troncone and Rita (Robert) Smith. She is survived by the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities, brother-in-law Al Adams and several nieces and nephews.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Franciscan Villa; burial followed in Assumption Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities, Congregational Development Office, 225 Greenfield Pkwy. Suite 208, Liverpool, N.Y., 13088.
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