May 10, 1934 – December 18, 2024
Sister Helen Vincent Oswald died peacefully Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at St. John of God Retirement Home in Los Angeles.
Betty Jean Oswald was born in Bakersfield, California and was educated in local schools there.
As a college student, Betty Jean earned her degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles. Following graduation in 1956, she entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and took the name Sister Helen Vincent.
Over the years, she taught in several high schools, served as director of the Office of Institutional Research at the Mount and as chaplain in Sisters of St. Joseph hospitals. Her quiet, compassionate manner endeared her to those with whom she ministered.
Sister Helen was a talented woman who enjoyed all kinds of crafts and handwork including bobbin lace-making; she even carved her own bobbins! Her life was reflected in a saying she kept on her wall: “Joseph, quiet, living on the verge of mystery—He was left with dreams and the work of his hands.”
Funeral services will occur after the new year.
May her soul be with all those who knew and loved her in this life as she journeyed to our gracious God.