Sr Denise

Our Sister Denise, daughter of William and Irene Daly, was born in New York City July 15, 1929 and was baptized Loretta Maria August 4, 1929 in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Elmhurst, New York.  She had two brothers, Thomas who died in action in Europe in World War II and William who died about fifteen years ago.  In 1949 Loretta entered the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary of Newburgh, New York, made final vows there in 1954, enjoyed teaching the young, and then transferred with vows to our community June 17, 1959.  She made Solemn Vows January 25, 1962.

Sister Denise was sensitive, artistic and prayerful, and for a good number of years she lived as a semi-hermit within the community while always maintaining deep sisterly bonds.  Although her health was very good, the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) she suffered from was a very real trial and a source of purification her entire religious life.  She did beautiful work on our perpetual prayer scrolls for many years, served for a time as guest sister and also as shoe cobbler, and helped in her humble, hidden way wherever she was needed.  If truth be told, Sr. Denise had a personality that defied description.  As one Sister put it, “She is wonderful---and different in every way!”

We were preparing a great party for her 94th birthday, but God had better plans and took her to himself.  She suffered a fatal fall July 7th and Sisters prayed at her hospital bed two days and nights hoping she could return to us by hospice, but she slipped away quietly at 5:00 Sunday morning.  We are very grateful for our Sister Denise and for her many years of fidelity to the Cistercian way of life.