Remembering Sister Gilmary Fischer, CSJ

December 27, 1932 – January 1, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Gilmary Fischer, who died the evening of New Year’s Day, 2026 at the Teresian House in Albany, New York.

Catherine Mary Fischer was the daughter of Charles and Margaret Holloran Fischer, one of four daughters. She always described herself as “blessed” by this family. Her elementary and secondary education occurred at St. Ann’s Academy in Albany. The Fischer family home was located directly across the street from the convent where her teachers, the Sisters of St. Joseph, lived. She recalled walking home and thinking that she wanted to be “one of them.”

In February 1952, Mary Catherine entered the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Troy, New York. She pronounced her first vows in August 1954 and final vows in August 1959.

Sister Gilmary received a bachelor of arts in education from The College of Saint Rose. Her early years of ministry were spent in the primary classrooms of the elementary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. After completing a master of arts in speech and hearing at Saint Rose, she devoted over 20 years as a speech and language pathologist at the Carondelet Educational Center in Latham, New York.

Sister Gilmary’s cheerful and generous spirit followed her in various ministries in her later years. She served her “dear neighbor” community and staff at the Albany Provincial House in the Finance Office and transportation.

In addition to her parents, Sister Gilmary was predeceased by her two sisters, Margaret Hufland and Elizabeth Pickett. Her memory is held dear by her sister, Madeline Szell and her nieces, Lori Herriko and Charlene Kirchner and the extended family. The Sisters of St. Joseph and the loving caregivers of St. Joseph Provincial House cherish many special memories of this dear woman. The community of the Sisters of St. Joseph are deeply appreciative of the care Sister Gilmary received at the Teresian House.

Sister Gilmary’s life will be celebrated with a wake held in the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham on Tuesday, January 6 from 2–4 p.m. with a prayer service at 3 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be held in the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham on Wednesday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Contributions in Sister Gilmary’s memory may be made to: Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 or donate online.