Remembering Sister Mary Lois Goldner, CSJ

August 21, 1921 – November 3, 2023

Sister Mary Lois Goldner, CSJ died peacefully on November 3, 2023, at Teresian House, Albany, New York. at the age of 102. 

Sister Mary Lois was born in Syracuse, New York, on August 21, 1921, the daughter of (John) Joseph Goldner and Lois Conkey Goldner. She attended elementary schools in Syracuse and graduated from Saint Anthony’s High School. Following completion of courses at Syracuse City Normal, she received a temporary license for elementary education. In 1943, Sister entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Troy, New York. She made first profession in 1946 and pronounced final vows in 1949.

Sister Mary Lois received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in elementary education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Her early ministry was devoted to the education of the youngest of God’s children in kindergarten and primary grades of parochial schools in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. 

In the fall of 1970, Sister Mary Lois came to St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham, New York, where she devoted her many gifts to serving the needs of sister residents. Tiny in stature, she was a giant in assisting others. No job description could adequately include all that she undertook doing what she described as “helping where needed.” In addition to assisting individuals with sewing, reading and other housekeeping tasks, she also helped with many of the spiritual and organizational details of the Provincial House.

Sister Mary Lois’s heart was focused on the religious community, her own prayer and reflection. She contributed thoughtful articles to community publications as well as writing to the Evangelist, Albany Diocesan paper and local newspapers. In this way, she shared her faith with “the Dear Neighbor,” her sisters and other readers. 

Sister Mary Lois was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Lois, and her brother, Jack.  She is recalled as a loving and caring family member. She will especially be remembered by her sister-in-law, Tamma Goldner, and her nieces, Colleen Brigati and Kim Goldner.

Sister Mary Lois will lovingly be missed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially by those who are residents of the Teresian House and by all the caregivers who have provided for her. Her life will be celebrated in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham, New York with the community Vesper Service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7.  Her funeral liturgy will take place on Wednesday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m.

Contributions in Sister Mary Lois’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, New York, 12110 or donate online.