October 23, 1931 – October 5, 2025
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Mary Calder, CSJ, who died peacefully on October 5, 2025, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sister Mary was a kind soul. She was unassuming, compassionate, determined, forward-thinking, and she generously gifted her heart to the world.
Mary was born in St. Paul to Paul and Florence (Arth) Calder on October 23, 1931. When she was 18, her mother died, and Mary made the courageous decision to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Paul. In looking back, she said she would never have had the opportunity to serve people in so many different ways, had she not joined the Sisters of St. Joseph community, and for that, she was proud and grateful.
In 1961, Mary earned a bachelor of arts in sociology and education from the College of St. Catherine, and in 1979, she earned a master of arts in education and administration from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Mary served over 30 years as a teacher, principal and administrator at many CSJ sponsored schools including St. Columba, Holy Spirit, and Cretin-Derham High School in St. Paul; St. Boniface, Holy Cross, St. Anthony, and South Parks in Minneapolis.
In 1982, Mary was chosen to serve as Assistant Province Director for the St. Paul Province, where she welcomed the ever-expanding ministries and membership of the community with great joy. In 2001, she made the transition to teach at Learning in Style, one of our sponsored ministries for those seeking citizenship and those wanting to learn English as a second language. As Mary approached her 80s, she offered her time as a volunteer at Bethany Convent, the CSJ Administration Center and the Carondelet Village Community.
Mary’s greatest hope for the world was peace among all people and “the equality that we proclaim in our constitution.” Mary’s simplicity, openness and great smile will be missed by all who love her.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her twin brother, Gerald. She is survived by nieces, nephews, dear friends and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and consociates.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul. Her burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.
Dear Mary, rest in love and peace.
Rest in peace, sister, Mary