Sister Mary Carolyn Bishop, CSJ, 93, (formerly known as Sister Clotilda), died on Nov. 3 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham, N.Y. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 75 years.
Sister Mary Carolyn was born in Syracuse on Feb. 2, 1922, and was the daughter of the late James and Carolyn (Carrie) Tierney Bishop.
After graduating from St. Vincent de Paul High School, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy on March 19, 1940, and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1945. Sister Mary Carolyn received a bachelor’s degree in economics and business education from The College of Saint Rose. She taught for 46 years in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including 18 years at Bishop Grimes High School in Syracuse. Upon her retirement from teaching, Sister Mary Carolyn volunteered in central supply and in the reception office at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.
Sister Mary Carolyn was a woman of prayer, dedication and determination. During her many years as a business teacher, she was firm and precise, and her students, when they entered the work world, benefitted from being well prepared and confident. In her community life Sister Mary Carolyn was generous, witty, well-read and engaging. A devoted Sister of St. Joseph, a faithful friend and a beloved aunt, she had the joy of a mini-reunion with her relatives and extended family just prior to her death.
Sister Mary Carolyn is survived by her niece, Anita Scales of Binghamton; and her nephews William Bishop of Plymouth Meeting, Pa; Robert Bishop of Baltimore, Md; Gerald Bishop of Hallstead, Pa; and James Bishop of Syracuse. In addition, she is survived by her close friends, the Snogles and Casper families, and many dear friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. In addition to her parents, Sister Mary Carolyn was predeceased by her brothers, James, Francis, and Rev. William Bishop, and her lifelong friend, R. Marie Snogles.
A funeral Mass for Sister Mary Carolyn was held on Nov. 9 at the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.
