Thursday, August 27, 2020 |
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Sister Mary Ellen Bernadette O.Carm. passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 27, 2020 at Ozanam Hall, in the 64
th year of her religious life. Sr. Mary Ellen had been receiving excellent skilled nursing care at Ozanam Hall since April of 2018.
Elsie Rodrigues Magano was born on April 21, 1932 in Fall River, MA to Manuel and Mary (nee Souza Rapoza) Magano, also of Fall River. In addition
to her parents, Sr. Mary Ellen was predeceased by her sister, Sr. M. Francis Clare of All Saints. Having entered the Congregation on September
7, 1956, Sr. Mary Ellen professed first vows on October 2, 1958 and final vows on December 8, 1962. She was assigned for very short periods of
time in several missions but served the longest at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, MA (1976-1986); St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, IL (1986-1988);
and Ozanam Hall, Bayside, NY (1988 – 2020).
Trained as a C.O.T.A., Sr. Mary Ellen’s various ministries included activities, bookkeeping, data entry for MDS, and various clerical positions. A woman
of multiple talents, Sister was a member of the Community Choir for many years, where she shared her gorgeous, crystal clear singing voice. Sr.
Mary Ellen played the organ and the guitar, and she and Sr. Francis Clare enjoyed attending the National Pastoral Musicians Conference each year until
their health prevented traveling. Sr. Mary Ellen was also very artistic and designed the beautiful logo for St. Patrick’s Residence, which was
introduced during the transition from Joliet to Naperville and is still in use today. Some of her favorite things were counted cross stitch,
jigsaw puzzles, visiting Avila and, of course, as a true Fall River native, eating lobster.
The Lord invited Sr. Mary Ellen to join him in heaven, and she gently slipped away to meet her heavenly spouse. May her beautiful voice join in with
the choirs of angels for eternity.