Sr. Mary Lois Goldner

Sister Mary Lois Goldner, CSJ

Sister Mary Lois (102) died peacefully on November 3, 2023, at Teresian House, Albany, NY.  Sister was born in Syracuse, New York, on August 21, 1921, the daughter of (John) Joseph Goldner and Lois Conkey Goldner. 

She attended elementary schools in Syracuse and graduated from Saint Anthony’s High School.  Following completion of courses at Syracuse City Normal, she received a temporary license for elementary education.  In 1943, Sister entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy, NY, made first profession in 1946, and pronounced final vows in 1949.

Sister Mary Lois received a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Rose, Albany.  Her early ministry was devoted to the education of the youngest of God’s children in the kindergarten and primary grades of parochial schools in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. 

In the Fall of 1970, Sister came to St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham, where she devoted her many gifts in serving the needs of sister residents.  Tiny in stature, she was a giant in assisting others.  No job description could adequately include all that she undertook doing what she described as “helping where needed.”  In addition to assisting individuals with sewing, reading, and other housekeeping tasks, she also helped with many of the spiritual and organizational details of the Provincial House.

Sister Mary Lois’s heart was focused on the religious community, her own prayer, and reflection.  She contributed thoughtful articles to community publications as well as writing to the Evangelist, Albany Diocesan paper, and local newspapers.  In this way, she shared her faith with “the Dear Neighbor” her sisters as well as other readers. 

Sister was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Lois,  and her brother, Jack.  She is recalled as a loving and caring family member.  She will especially be remembered by her sister-in-law, Tamma Goldner, and her nieces, Colleen Brigati, and Kim Goldner.

Sister will lovingly be missed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially by those who are residents of the Teresian House and by all the caregivers who have provided for her.  Her life will be celebrated in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Provincial House with the community Vesper Service at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November7.  Her funeral liturgy will take place on Wednesday, November 8, at 10:30 AM.

 Contributions in Sister Mary Lois’ memory may be made to: The Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

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