Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Maria Charles Norton, CSJ, who died on June 1, 2025, at the Teresian House in Albany, New York. She was a Sister of St. Joseph for 75 years.
Sister Maria was born in Burlington, Vermont, to Charles and Luella Evans Norton. After graduation from Vergennes High School, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, making her religious vows in 1952.
After earning Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in special education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, she began her ministry teaching elementary classes in Albany and Syracuse diocesan schools. She also served for several years on the staff of the Center for the Disabled, Albany.
Music especially enhanced all Sister Maria’s ministries. She said music was part of her. So were her many relationships with students, parishioners and her Sisters of St. Joseph community with whom she enjoyed frequent festive reunions of singing and dancing.
In 1988, Sister Maria became the pastoral associate at St. Angela’s in Mattapan, a neighborhood in Boston, where she lived with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. Most of the parishioners with whom she ministered were from Haiti, and Sister Maria delighted in this culture, especially the music her new community provided for her 50th jubilee liturgy.
In her frequent travels, Sister Maria enjoyed how experiencing many varied cultures enriched her life. These included pilgrimages to Lourdes, Rome and the Holy Land; seeing the Passion Play in Oberammergau and the Concentration Camp at Dauchau; and meeting the peoples of Honolulu and Haiti.
All who knew Sister Maria marveled at the strength and energy with which she served others. Sister Maria had a deep devotion to the Rosary, which she strengthened and spread through her connection to Father Patrick Peyton’s mission of bringing that prayer to others.
Sister Maria was predeceased by her parents and sister Elizabeth Eagan. She is survived by her nephews Mark, Michael, Brian and Gary Eagan and their families; her cousins; many friends; and by her loving Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet community.
A wake service will be held at St Joseph’s Provincial House on Wednesday, June 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will take place the following day on Thursday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m.
Contributions in Sister Maria’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY. 12110 or donate online.
Sster Maria, we love you, May you rest in peace.