Sister Mary Lussier

Sister Mary Clare Lussier, CSJ, 85, died on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 67 years.

Sister Mary Clare, the former Mary Anna Lussier, was born in Scotia, NY, on August 22, 1930, daughter of the late Zephyr and Clara Gardner Lussier. After graduating from St. Columba's High School in Schenectady, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1949, and professed final vows on August 15, 1956. Sister Mary Clare received a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in elementary education and psychology, both from The College of Saint Rose. For 31 years, she taught in schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses. In the subsequent years, she served in rural ministry in Oswego County and in pastoral care, both at St. Joseph's Provincial House and in various hospice locations. In her last years of active ministry, Sister Mary Clare served in the infirmary of the Provincial House.

Sister Mary Clare was a prayerful, faith-filled woman who was devoted to the Blessed Mother and the rosary. Witty and fun, she entertained royally and frequently with stories, jokes and impersonations. Sister Mary Clare was an excellent teacher of junior high students, imparting to them a deep faith, a love of learning and a spirit of joy. Blessed with many gifts of nature and grace, she shared generously her talents in baking, sewing, singing and decorating. Sister Mary Clare loved being a Sister of St. Joseph, and she will be dearly missed.

Sister Mary Clare is survived by her sister, Eleanor Johnson; her brother, Paul Lussier; many nieces and nephews and their families; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Mary Clare was predeceased by three sisters: Margaret Cornell, Joan Joralemon and Theresa Pucci; and four brothers: Joseph, Richard, Edward and Alfred Lussier.

Sister Mary Clare's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Tuesday, January 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Mary Clare's name may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110.

Please visit Sister Mary Clare's everlasting book of memories at www.mcloughlinmason.com.