January 19, 2017

OBITUARY: Sister Cecilia James Mahoney, SSJ

TwitterFacebook SPRINGFIELD – Sister of St. Joseph Cecilia James Mahoney (Catherine D.), 95, a member of the Sisters of St. […]

SPRINGFIELD – Sister of St. Joseph Cecilia James Mahoney (Catherine D.), 95, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died in Baystate Medical Center on Jan. 18. A native of Worcester, Mass., she was the daughter of James and Catherine O’Shea Mahoney.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Peter Parish, Worcester, in 1940. She graduated from St. Peter High School, Worcester. She earned both a bachelor of arts and master’s degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee.

She taught in the Diocese of Springfield at the former Cathedral Grammar, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and St. Matthew schools, all in Springfield; and at St. Joseph Central High School, Pittsfield. In the Diocese of Worcester, she taught at St. Louis School, Webster and St. Mary School, Southbridge.

She also served as directress of junior professed for the congregation. For 10 years she ministered in education in Kenya, East Africa. Upon her return from the missions, she served as librarian at the former Notre Dame Middle School, Pittsfield. She retired in West Springfield in 1996.

In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by her sisters, Mary McCarthy of Portsmouth, R.I., Barbara Murphy of Worcester and Patricia Calhoun of Hollywood, Fla.; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, James.

All services will take place in St. Joseph Chapel at Mont Marie in Holyoke on Saturday, Jan. 21. She will be waked from 8:30 to 10 a.m., with a prayer service at 9:30. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30. Burial will be in Mont Marie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.