Sister Theresa Brown (Sister Theresa André), 89, died Monday evening, June 4, 2018, at the Community Hospice Inn, St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.
She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 71 years.
Sister Theresa was born on May 17, 1929, in Syracuse, daughter of the late James and Ruby MacDonald Brown. After graduating from St. John the Baptist Academy, Syracuse, Sister Theresa entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1947, and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1952. Sister Theresa received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in education, from The College of Saint Rose. She served in the ministry of education for 40 years in schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. In the Syracuse Diocese, Sister Theresa taught at St. John the Baptist School, Syracuse; St. Mary’s School, Oswego; St. Patrick’s School, Binghamton; and St. Lucy’s/WSCS where she served for 16 years as teacher and principal. In addition, Sister Theresa was a parish minister for 23 years at St. Brigid’s/St. Joseph’s Church in Syracuse.
Sister Theresa was a kind, caring woman whose heart was focused on being a visible sign of God’s presence in our world. As a beloved family member, an effective principal and teacher, a compassionate parish minister, and a faithful friend, Sister Theresa displayed a pattern of grace marked by energy and joy in the service of others. She leaves us a legacy of selfless service and dedication to her faith, her family, and her religious community.
Sister Theresa is survived by her sisters Carol Kirchgessner and Rita Gorman; her brothers, Ralph and James Brown; many nieces and nephews and their families; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Theresa was predeceased by her sisters Mary Stewart and Agnes Moyer.
Sister Theresa’s Mass of Christian Burial was held June 11 from the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham.
Contributions in Sister Theresa’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.
