CINCINNATUS – Sister Maureen Anne Burns, CSJ (Sister Mary Antoine), 70, of Cincinnatus, died unexpectedly Monday, Nov. 6, 2006 in Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton.
Sister Maureen had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 52 years.
Sister Maureen was born June 27,1936, in Syracuse, daughter of Robert and Katherine Walsh Burns. She graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in 1953 and entered die novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1954. Sister Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in education, both from The College of Saint Rose, Albany. For over 30 years, she taught and served as principal in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including 15 years as principal of St. Patrick’s School in Binghamton. Since 1987, Sister Maureen has been a rural outreach worker for Catholic Charities’ Cortland-Chenango Rural Services.
As an enthusiastic and creative teacher, Sister Maureen encouraged initiative and was interested in the moral and academic education of each student. As a principal, she provided a challenging, positive and supportive learning environment for students and staff alike. As an outreach worker, she was a tireless advocate for the dignity of all persons and a compassionate counselor for those in need. As a friend and Sister of St. Joseph, she was dedicated, faithful, loving and fun.
Sister Maureen is survived by her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and George Petrie of Taneytown, Md.; three nieces and one nephew; her dearly loved friend. Sister Kathleen Heffron, CSJ; many friends and colleagues; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Katherine, and by many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Sister Maureen’s funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday from the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Contributions in Sister Maureen’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.