Sister Mary Therese ND 4492 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Mary Francis Therese)
Margaret Jane HENNESSEY
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: May 4, 1930 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1950 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: November 12, 2025 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: November 21, 2025 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
“Life is enclosed in the circle of God’s love.”
Margaret Jane was the youngest of four children born to Ambrose and Helen (Powalski) Hennessey. The oldest boy died in infancy. Margie noted her family’s closeness and the special bond between herself and her two sisters. She credits her mother, of German descent, for devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and love for Our Lady. Her father, who was Irish, gave her a passion for all sports. Margie attended St. Francis Elementary School in Cleveland and then Notre Dame Academy as an Aspirant. She became a postulant on February 2, 1948 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Francis Therese. Throughout life, she fostered a loving devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux.
Sister Mary Therese earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree in education from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She ministered as an intermediate and junior high teacher for twenty-six years in the dioceses of Cleveland, Youngstown and Washington, DC. Sister created a classroom where students enjoyed learning.
As much as she appreciated ministry in education, Sister was also attracted to nursing. Serving as a nurses’ aide in the Chardon infirmary led to studies at Marymount Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Cleveland. Sister graduated and received certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1982. For more than thirty years, Sister Mary Therese ministered to the sisters in the Chardon Health Care Center in various capacities, most of which were direct patient care. Calm, capable and compassionate, she helped each sister feel at ease. She also was the pharmacy nurse and often accompanied sisters to medical appointments. Sister served as a patient advocate and encouraged all to healthful living.
When Sister Mary Therese retired from active nursing duties, she volunteered at the SND Prayer Line, answering calls and praying for special intentions. For several years she assisted at the WomenSafe Resale Shoppe in Chesterland. The proceeds from sales helped provide emergency shelter and support services to survivors of domestic violence.
Sister Mary Therese cherished her time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Our Lady and St. Therese remained her powerful intercessors. With her sisters and their families, she shared much laughter and delight in being together. Her love for sports, all sports, whether there was a win or a loss, enriched her life. She lived by her father’s advice from the sports they both loved, “Play today’s game to the best of your ability; don’t worry about tomorrow.” Last summer, Sister Mary Therese celebrated her Jubilee of Joy, 75 years in religious life. May Sister, who lived with love and joy, rest in peace.
