Sr. Marie ( Helen Francis ) Wilson, CSJ

Sister Marie {Helen Francis) Wilson died Thursday, June 27 at Albany Medical

Center. Sister Marie had been a resident of Teresian House. On May 18, 2024,

Marie celebrated her 100 th birthday. Born in Glens Falls, New York, Marie was the

daughter of Frank Wilson and Helen Casey Wilson. In addition to the faithful lives

of her parents, Marie was deeply influenced by two priest uncles.

Marie was a High School graduate of St Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls. Her

journey with the Sisters of St. Joseph began in Troy, New York. She entered the Novitiate in

March 1943 and professed first vows in 1945. She received a B.A. and M.A. from the College

of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y. Sister’s early ministry included teaching and administration in the

elementary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. She was also the appointed

superior in several school convents. Marie’s love of learning not only included workshops and

conventions in education, but also in the realm of spirituality and the directives of the Second

Vatican Council. Immersed in the Congregation’s charism of serving the needs of the

community of faith, “the Dear Neighbor”, Sister responded to a new ministry, religious

education in parishes.

Ministry at St. Paul’s, Rome, N.Y. marked the beginning of thirty – two years serving with that

faith community. She was supported in this ministry by Msgr. William Kelly and Reverend

Robert Kelly. Marie described these years directing the religious education program, leading

Scripture classes with the parish volunteers, and offering the theological updating following the

Vatican Council, as the “happiest and most fulfilling times of my religious life.” In retirement at

St. Paul’s, she continued volunteering in that parish. She loved the parish life and became a

treasured friend to many.

In 2013, Sister retired to St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham where she became a member

of a local community and found various ways of serving with other sisters. When health

concerns required this very independent woman to need assistance, her caregivers described

her as “always gracious and appreciative of care even when she was in grave discomfort.” As

her healthcare needs grew, Sister accepted a final move to Teresian House shortly after her

100 th birthday.

Sister Marie’s memory will be cherished by the Sisters of St. Joseph, her cousins who have

been so attentive to her, Reverend Robert Kelly, her many loyal friends from Rome, N.Y. and

the caregivers who so lovingly assisted her.

Sister Marie’s life will be celebrated by a Vesper Service on Tuesday, July 2 at 4:00 P.M.in St.

Joseph’s Provincial House Chapel. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Provincial

House Chapel on Wednesday, July 3 at 10:30 A.M. Contributions in Sister’s memory may be

made to: Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-

Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110

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