Sister Mary Lucille Grouchy, CSJ, 95, died March 4 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 77 years.
Sister Mary Lucille, the former Florence Lucille Grouchy, was born on Feb. 20, 1920 in Binghamton, N.Y., the daughter of the late Albert and Florence Hogan Grouchy and stepdaughter of the late Hazel Clem Grouchy. After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1938, and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1943. She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The College of Saint Rose. Sister Mary Lucille taught in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses including the following: St. Anthony’s School and St. Patrick’s School, Syracuse; Cathedral Convent, Albany; St. Mary’s Academy, Glens Falls; St. Paul’s School, St, Patrick’s School and Catholic Central High School, Binghamton; and the Rosati Branch of The College of Saint Rose. In addition, Sister Mary Lucille served in the House of Prayer in Walton and at St. Joseph’s Provincial House as a nurse’s aide, receptionist and seamstress.
Sister Mary Lucille was a masterful educator and a tireless mentor, dedicated to furthering the best interests of students and teachers alike. Her strong mind, commanding voice and calm nature created a classroom environment in which learning thrived and confidence flourished as individual academic and emotional needs were recognized. Sister Mary Lucille’s natural tendency toward structure and order were balanced by her innate appreciation of simplicity and beauty. She was an engaging and delightful conversationalist not only because of her broad-based experience and knowledge, but also because of her genuine interest in others. Central to Sister Mary Lucille’s being was her deep relationship with God and her profound sense of gratitude for all of God’s gifts. Her spiritual strength overflowed to her everyday living and manifested itself in her spirit of hospitality, generosity and kindness. Like St. Joseph, Sister Mary Lucille was devoted to Mary and lived her life in service to others, quietly, lovingly and faithfully. She was a treasure and an inspiration to the Sisters of St. Joseph, and she will be greatly missed.
Sister Mary Lucille is survived by many dear cousins and friends, with special mention of the following: Albert and Flossie Gillow of Berkshire, N.Y.; Shirley Stacy of Allentown, Pa.; Bruce Arnold of West Chester, Pa.; Betty Joan Spiller of North Easton, Mass.; Diane Canaday of Boones Mill, Va.; Elsie Young of Rosharon, Texas; Jean Smith of Albany; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her father, mother and stepmother, Sister Mary Lucille was predeceased by many beloved friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Sister Mary Lucille’s Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 9 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham.
Contributions in Sister Mary Lucille’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.
