Remembering Sister Maureen Joseph Rainone, CSJ

February 15, 1932 – February 25, 2022

Sister Maureen Joseph Rainone, CSJ, 90, died on February 25, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, in Latham, New York. Sister Maureen (Arlene Rainone) was born on February 15, 1932, in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of Joseph Rainone and Mary Biondi Rainone. Sister Maureen had two brothers and two sisters, Constance Waldon, Joseph Rainone Jr., Teresa Crisalli and Robert Rainone.

After graduating from Onondaga Valley High School, Sister worked five years at the New York Telephone Company. A parish priest and family friend, Rev. (later Bishop) Thomas Costello, encouraged her to consider entering the Sisters of St. Joseph. She entered the community through our Albany Province on September 15, 1955, at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Troy. Sister Maureen pronounced first vows on March 19, 1958, and final vows on August 6, 1963. Sister Maureen earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, as well as a Masters in Spirituality Certificate from Loyola University, New Orleans.  

Sister Maureen is remembered for her smile, sense of humor and fabulous storytelling. She was a woman of many talents and interests, loving to cook, enjoying beauty, and generously sharing with others. She liked to travel and attend cultural events accompanied by family and friends. One of her treasured journeys enabled her to visit France, to view the historical sites of the Sisters of St. Joseph in LePuy and Lyon, and to spend a few days in Paris.

Sister Maureen spent many years ministering in the primary and middle schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses where she was a teacher, administrator and principal. She brought this rich educational experience as she served as assistant field supervisor for the Broome County Foster Grandparent Program and Education Coordinator for the Broome County Head Start Program. She also directed religious education programs in several Southern Tier parishes.  In 1993, Sister Maureen began a “retail ministry” as manager of the Binghamton Catholic Shop, The need for such a resource was identified and established by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

With her knowledge and parish experience in the Binghamton area, Sister Maureen became aware of the need for pastoral ministry with residents in hospitals and nursing homes. Sister cared as a chaplain in St. Louise Manor and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, both in Binghamton. In 2008, Sister Maureen began a 12-year ministry in the Good Shepherd–Fairview Home in Binghamton. Sister Maureen was able to coordinate services for both residents and staff. She was appreciated for the creativity and compassion in the services and for her pastoral presence to individuals and groups. In this ministry Sister Maureen’s ministerial heart and love for the dear neighbor flourished.

Sister Maureen’s parents, Joseph and Mary, as well as her brothers and sisters, predeceased her. The support and blessings of Sister Maureen’s close-knit family life included the spouses of her brothers and sisters, Harold Waldon, Alda Rainone, and Anthony Crisalli. Her memory is cherished by her sister-in-law, Lucy Rainone, her beloved nieces and nephews, her devoted extended family, and by her many friends and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Throughout her life, Sister Maureen received many expressions of gratitude for all ways that she touched the lives of so many people.

With continued health concerns and restrictions, attendance at the funeral services for Sister Maureen will be limited to the members of her religious community and her immediate family. 

Contributions in Sister Maureen’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.