Sr. Maura Guilfoyle

Sister Maura Guilfoyle (Patricia Guilfoyle), a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, died on August 9, 2012, at the age of 94 in the 76th year of her religious life. Sister Maura was born on February 1, 1918, in Detroit MI to William and Clara (Arens) Guilfoyle. The family later moved to the Dayton, Ohio, area.

After graduating from Julienne High School (Dayton), Sister Maura entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on August 2, 1936 and began her teaching career at Cardinal Pacelli School (Cincinnati) in 1940. She served as teacher (1942-1962) and as principal at St. Joseph Academy (Dayton, OH), Holy Angels School (Dayton) St. Stephen School (Hamilton, OH), St. Susanna School (Mason, OH), Ascension School (Dayton, OH), and St. Stephen/Queen of Peace Schools (Hamilton) from 1962 to 1975. In l976 Sister Maura attended special renewal classes at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.

From 1976 until l995 she served as pastoral assistant in two parishes: St. Victor Parish in Calumet City IL and St. Peter in Chains Parish in Hamilton OH. Before retiring in 2002, Sister Maura was assistant to Sister Therese del Genio, Director of the PADS program which served homeless people in southwest Chicago. During her years of retirement at Mount Notre Dame Center, Sister Maura contributed generously to the enhancement of the community life of the other retired Sister residents. She used her spirituality talents in composing and leading inspiring prayer services, her artistic talents in decorating bulletin boards and making colorful place mats, and her compassionate care in reading to those suffering from encroaching blindness. Sister Maura, in spite of her chronic diabetes, reached out to whatever would bring joy and beauty to the lives of those around her.

Sister Maura was a women to be admired in many ways. She was a successful teacher, earning the respect and gratitude of her many students. In her role as principal, her educational expertise and ability to organize provided solid leadership in four different schools. After completing her school career, Maura found great joy in serving people in need. Once again her care and leadership skills enabled her to reach out to all who came her way. She delighted in being able to carry out the mission of the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, St. Julie Billiart, by serving the “poor in the most abandoned areas.”

Her Sisters in Notre Dame, her relatives, and her friends remember Sister Maura Guilfoyle as indeed a great lady. She continues to live in our hearts.