Remembering Sister Celine Courtney, CSJ

May 11, 1931 – July 31, 2025

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Celine Courtney, who passed away on July 31, 2025, at Teresian House in Albany, New York. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph for 71 years.

Sister Celine was born in Rome, New York, the daughter of Daniel P. and Mary Blake Courtney. She graduated from Rome Free Academy. In September 1953, Sister Celine and her sister, Janet, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Troy, New York.

Sister Celine earned a bachelor of arts in elementary education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany. Her early years of ministry were spent teaching in the elementary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. Responding to the needs of the “dear neighbor,” she graciously answered the congregation’s call to serve in Hawai`i, where she taught in junior and senior high schools. She also pursued graduate courses at the University of Hawai`i.

Sister Celine had a love of nature, travel and new experiences of ministry. She shared these facets of her life with her gift of writing. For two decades, Sister Celine served in Fulton and Oswego, New York. She visited parishioners unable to come to church, bringing an attentive ear, a warm heart and a concern that offered hope. When she left the North Country, Sister Celine moved to St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, New York, where she served in pastoral care.

In 2006, Sister Celine retired to the Provincial House in Latham, New York. After moving to the Teresian House, she enjoyed daily liturgy and bingo. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are very grateful for the loving care Sister Celine received at St. Joseph Provincial House and Teresian House.

Sister Celine was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, John, Daniel and James; and her sister, Sister Helene (Janet). Her memory is cherished by her extended family and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Sister Celine’s wake will be on Wednesday, August 6 in the chapel of the Provincial House in Latham from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. Her funeral liturgy will be celebrated in the Provincial House Chapel on Thursday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Contributions in Sister Celine’s name may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12330 or donate online.