Sister Mary was born on August 13th 1923 in Bracklagh, Charlestown, Co. Mayo, Ireland.  Mary came in contact with the Marist Sisters through Mother Livinus and entered the Novitiate in Paignton, Devon, England, in 1942. She made her first profession on September 18th 1944.

Having completed her Teacher training in 1956 she was missioned to Saint Joseph’s Primary School in Nympsfield, Gloucestershire, where she spent the next fifteen years teaching.

She also ministered in Goldthorpe, Yorkshire, and in Holy Cross Primary School, Fulham, London. In 1983 Mary transferred to the community in Ottery-St-Mary, Devon, where she taught in the Marist Sisters’ Private School.

In herself Mary was a very private person. She had a cheerful outlook on life, enjoyed a joke, had a hearty laugh and was always ready with a witty retort. Serious about her religious life and faithful to her community obligations, her prayer was very important to her, and under-pinned all her activity. The regular life of the community in those days suited her, so the changes which were introduced in the wake of Vatican II were to her a daunting challenge.

She enjoyed a well earned sabbatical in 1991 at the Mill Hill Missionary Institute and afterwards returned to Nympsfield where she undertook lighter duties. During the next few years, Mary spent some time in the Communities in Manchester, Swallownest, Goldthorpe and returned to Ottery in1999. 

In these years, Mary experienced various health problems and eventually came to our care home in Hythe, Kent. Her memory became impaired and life became difficult. She was often frustrated when she lost her bearings and needed the help of carers. She still retained her smile and appreciated kindness with a gracious ‘thank you’ when periods of confusion abated. She was happy to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist daily, using a wheel-chair as her mobility gradually deteriorated. She always welcomed Holy Communion when confined to her room. She was delighted to see people and especially any of the carers’ children and grandchildren who visited.

On the morning of Saturday 30th January a change was noticed in Mary. She received the Sacrament of the Sick and died at 11.30 a.m. as a number of Sisters and carers prayed at her bedside.

Her body was received into our Convent Chapel on February 17th.

Next morning, Mass of the Resurrection was concelebrated at 11 a.m. by Fr Fred, Mgr J Klyberg and Canon Cronin. Fr. Fred’s theme for his homily was taken from the first letter of St John, 4:7-8,    
“Whoever does not love, does not know God, for God is Love.”

Marist Sisters from the other Convents participated in the celebration and Sister Mary Stenson was then laid to rest in Hawkinge Cemetery beside many of her Marist companions.

Mary, may you enjoy the peace of the Risen Christ.  Amen.