Sister Maria Magdalena Irene Lira Ruiz

Sister Fernandina de San Jose - Maria Magdalena Irene Lira Ruiz, born on June 12, 1923 in Cotrijo Viejo, Michocan, Mexico, to Eduardo Lira y Elisea Ruiz, passed away May 24, 2014 in Houston, Texas at the age of 90. She entered the Congregation on December 11, 1943 at the age of twenty. She Professed her first vows on January 10, 1946 in Mexico City, D.F. Sister Fernandina was among the first sisters to come serve in the Seminary in Dallas, Texas and it was there that she Professed her Final Vows on January 10, 1951. The majority of the time she served in the Apostolate of The Seminaries offering her talents at the following places: Seminary in Beaumont, Texas 1968 - 1970; Superior in the seminary at Peru, Illinois 1972 - 1974; Seminary at St. Louis, Missouri 1974 - 1976; Seminary in Peru, Illinois 1976 - ; Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri; "Mount Carmel House of Prayer", Houston Texas; "San Joseph House of Prayer", Houston, Texas

Sister Fernandina was forever Joyful, Patient, Obedient, Hard working, Observant, Service Oriented, Strong, Responsible and Prayerful. She always maintained a good sense of humor and truly enjoyed the community celebrations in which she always joyfully participated. On Thursday, prior to Sister Fernandina's death, she demonstrated her joy of community celebrations by dancing with her sisters.

A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Carmelite Missionaries of St Teresa, 9600 Deer Trail Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 AM, Friday, May 30, 2014 at Carmelite Missionaries of St. Teresa with Rev. Albert Zanatta officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.