Nun, 93, has one more gift to give world: her remains

"I've been a Sister of Mercy for 71 years. God has taken me a long way during those years, and this is just part of that journey," said Sister Alva Lucy Mayone, RSM.

The 93-year-old nun is referring to the decision she recently made to donate her body to Albany Medical College for medical research.

She hopes that her last gift will help combat illness and disease.

Ministries

Sister Alva (formerly Sister Mary Pierre) taught second and third grades at various Catholic schools in the Albany Diocese for 35 years.

After she retired from the classroom, she studied cosmetology at Albany's Austin Beauty School.

For 12 years, she then worked at University Heights Nursing Home in Albany, bringing her newfound skills to the elderly.

Gratitude

Sister Alva, who now resides at McAuley Residence in Albany, said that donating her body seemed like the natural thing to do, both as a religious woman and because she nearly died from pneumonia as a baby.

"My family told me that I was not expected to recover," she said. "Because I did, I look at [this decision] as part of my thanksgiving for surviving that ordeal and having such a wonderful life as a Sister of Mercy."

The Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College allows people to give their bodies to medical research after death.

According to the college's website, www.amc.edu, the program provides students with a "detailed study of the human body in medical schools, constituting an invaluable and indispensable part of medical study for physicians, dentists and other health care professionals."

'Good idea'

Sister Alva completed the required declaration of consent after obtaining authorization from her order and notifying members of her family.

"My 'baby sister' is 80 years old, and she thought it was a wonderful idea," the nun said. "I also have a grand-niece who is studying to be a doctor, and she also thought it was a good idea."

The college will keep her body for up to 18 months; her remains will then be cremated and buried.

"I look at this decision as part of my journey to God," Sister Alva explained. "I am very grateful for the life I've had."

(Call the Anatomical Gift Program at 262-5379.)

(9/22/05) [[In-content Ad]]