Remembering Sister Ann Christi Brink, CSJ

June 1, 1948 – September 9, 2023

Sister Ann Christi Brink (Sherry Ann Brink) died on September 9, 2023 at the age of 75 in the 56th year of her religious life. Born on June 1, 1948 in Binghamton, New York, Sister Ann Christi was the daughter of Edward and Barbara Brink. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1966.

Sister Ann Christi was a gift and a grace to the many who were blessed to know her. A kind, gracious, innately wise woman, Sister manifested her predilection for the poor, needy and dispossessed. For 30 years, Sister ministered to pupils in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses and was known for her ability to encourage the latent capabilities of her students. In 1986, Sister Ann Christi became principal of St. Anthony’s grade school in Syracuse, New York. The majority of the students were Black, and Sister Ann Christi and her staff labored to inspire them with programs which would highlight their heritage and culture. Encouraged by the students’ positive response, Sister reached out to Baptist ministers, the business community and dedicated volunteers who gave of their time, talents and finances to aid in the development of the student population.  Because of her efforts, Sister Ann Christi was presented with the Unifier Award testifying to her “special gift for bringing people together…. bridging societal and interracial divisiveness.”  She also received the Monsignor Brady Award for her involvement in “the development of the children of the inner city.”

In 2003, Sister joined her Community Life Team where she ministered for 5 years to the elderly sisters with love, joy and deep compassion. In 2008, Sister became a member of her Province Leadership Team serving selflessly for 5 years.  In November of 2013, Sister Ann Christi along with her companion, Sister Linda Neil, opened St. Joseph’s Place, in Schenectady, New York, a refuge where the disenfranchised of Hamilton Hill can “meet, sit, talk, pray, snack and feel safe.” The Center continues to operate and carry on Sister Ann Christi’s legacy to this day.  Sister Ann Christi is mourned by her sisters Mary, Kathleen (David) Putz and Patricia (Howard) Rossman, her brother Edward, several nieces and nephews, her Community and her many friends and associates. Her wake is Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Provincial House with her funeral on Friday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m.

Contributions in Sister Ann Christi’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, New York, 12110 or donate online.