Sister Lois Marie Sivero, CSJ, 98, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 80 years.
Sister Lois was born in Schenectady on June 15, 1918, daughter of the late Ernest and Louise Malerba Sivero. After attending Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on Aug. 15, 1936, and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1942. Sister Lois completed her undergraduate studies in education at The College of Saint Rose and her graduate studies in education at Mt. St. Joseph’s College, Buffalo. For 46 years, Sister Lois taught in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including 24 years at St. James School, Albany. In addition, she served for 18 years as a driver at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.
Sister Lois Marie was a woman of faith, with a strong work ethic, a clear sense of purpose, and an inimitable ability to say what was on her mind. She was a strict but caring teacher who gained the respect of parents and students alike for her untiring efforts to meet the needs of each child. In her later years as a driver, Sister Lois enjoyed the relationships that formed while taking sisters to appointments, running errands, and engaging in other everyday activities. Like St. Joseph, her patron, Sister Lois was hardworking, faithful, and happy to remain in the background.
Sister Lois Marie is survived by her nephew, Edward Maitino; her nieces, Cindy Ruggiero and Patty Stone and their families; several relatives in California; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Lois was predeceased by two brothers, Anthony and Michael Sivero; and two sisters, Irene Appio and Anne Maitino.
Sister Lois Marie’s Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 10 in the Provincial House chapel.
Contributions in Sister Lois’ memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.
