Sister Mavis Jewell, D.C., 85

Sister Mavis Jewell, D.C., 85, died Aug. 13 at St. Louise House Residence in Albany. She was a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul for 60 years. 

Sister Mavis was born in Brooklyn on July 24, 1934 to Charles Sidney and Margaret Mary (O’Donovan) Jewell. Sister Mavis entered the Daughters of Charity in April of 1959. Sister Mavis earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 1965 from St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, Md., and her Master of Science from Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn., in 1973.

Following initial formation, Sister Mavis entered the nursing program at St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, Md., (1961-63). Then she served as a nurse at the U.S. Soldiers’ Home Hospital, Washington, D.C., (1963-68) and at St. Vincent Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., (1968-75). 

Starting in 1976, Sister Mavis spent the next 27 years serving in health care at the following hospitals and residences: Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, (1976-77); Kennedy Child Study Center, New York, (1977-78); Carney Hospital, Boston, Mass., (1978-81); DePaul Provincial House, Albany, (1981-97); and Good Samaritan Residence, Pottsville, Pa., (1997-2003). 

In 2003, Sister Mavis returned to St. Peter’s Hospital, where she served as special projects coordinator (2003-18). In 2017, Sister Mavis, as its strongest advocate, was recognized for her efforts as the first medical respite program opened in the Capital Region and was named the Sister Mavis Jewell Medical Respite at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. The program addresses the needs of hospitalized homeless patients who require recuperative care following discharge. In 2019, Sister Mavis served as a Volunteer in Albany until her death.

Sister Mavis was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Frank Jewell; her sister-in-law, Ruby Jewell; and nephew, Danny Jewell. Sister Mavis is survived by her brother Donal V. Jewell (Kathleen); nieces and nephews: Leonila “Ning” Jewell, wife of Danny Jewell; Maureen Moore (Michael); Eileen Jewell; Doreen Jewell; Charles “Chuck” Jewell (Denise); Teresa Jewell, Michael Jewell (Janet), James “Jimmy” Jewell; and David Jewell. She is also survived by her Sisters in Community and many friends. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 20 at the Daughters of Charity DePaul House Chapel in Albany.