August 28, 1946 – December 2, 2023
Sister Miriam Dorothy Ukeritis entered into eternal life at Albany Medical Center on December 2, 2023. She was 77 years old and had been a Sister of St Joseph for 58 years.
Born in Amsterdam, New York, Miriam graduated from St. Mary’s Institute before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, where she made final profession in 1970. She completed degrees at the College of Saint Rose and the University of Pittsburgh and embraced a life of ministry.
Sister Miriam was blessed with amazing intelligence and boundless generosity. Filled with zeal for the “dear neighbor,” a phrase precious to Sisters of St Joseph, she ministered in Albany until she was named director of the House of Affirmation in Hopedale, Massachusetts. There, she was invited to conduct, with David Nygren, CM, a critical study of changes in religious life. The Nygren-Ukeritis study had a major impact on religious communities and the wider Church.
Although she received awards and numerous speaking invitations, Sister Miriam saw all this as a way of helping others rather than an honor; she generously shared her learnings.
In 1996, Sister Miriam’s Albany Province called her to leadership, an appropriate venue for her gifts. Deeply committed to community living, she enjoyed province gatherings as well as time spent with her cherished family. She also chaired a major province planning effort, happy to use her research background.
Once again, Sister Miriam was sought for leadership beyond Albany; in 2008 she was named Chief Executive Officer of Southdown Institute in Aurora, Ontario. This institution, renowned for the healing offered to priests, allowed Miriam to combine her creative skills with her pastoral compassion.
In 2014, our congregation elected Miriam to serve on the Congregational Leadership Team, where her experiences were particularly valuable. Miriam’s final ministry was companioning new members in the community, a role she embraced creatively.
Sister Miriam was predeceased by her parents and by her brother, Joseph Ukeritis. Her sister-in-law, Anne Marie Ukeritis; three nieces, Betsy and Jennifer Ukeritis and Colleen Torres; and a loving grandnephew and two great-grandnieces, treasured friends and community members survive her. She will be deeply missed.
A Vesper service for Sister Miriam will take place at 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 12, at St. Joseph’s Provincial House. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. the following day.
Contributions in her 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.
Aprecié a hermana Miriam en las reuniones de equipos de Liderazgo en los años 20s. Fui invitada a compartir el almuerzo en su casa. Mariana y ella tenían una buena amistad. Fue grato para mí disfrutar de su bonita acogida y usar mi Inglés en pequeñas conversaciones. Sentí su cálida empatía.
Nos ha dejado un gran testimonio de entrega y amor a la Congregación.
Such awesome memories, whether it was visiting the convent near College of St. Rose as a young girl or many family gatherings for Thanksgiving or family reunions. Miriam was as much a part of our family as any of our relatives. She will be truly missed. I’m sure my mom met her at the gates of Heaven with a fanfare welcoming her home. ❤️❤️
La recordaremos con mucho cariño por su servicio generoso en la formación de vida consagrada dentro y fuera de la congregación. Además, confío que será una buena intercesora de las vocaciones futuras. Muy unida a la familia, hermanas y amistades que compatieron su vida.
Rest in peace, sister, Marian
Sr. Miriam was a trailblazer with a passion for life in service to the dear neighbor and compassion for those with whom she met. She definitely possessed an inclusive big heart with enthusiasm to move an agenda forward. She will be truly missed. Rest in the embrace of the One who called you home.