Sister Mary Damien Cushing, CSJ, 81

Sister Mary Damien Cushing, CSJ, 81, died July 10 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham.

Sister Mary Damien, the former Mary Ann Cushing, was born in Troy on May 6, 1939, the daughter of the late Harry J. and Margaret Lewis Cushing. After graduating from Catholic Central High School, she entered the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Watervliet on July 2, 1957 and professed perpetual vows on March 25, 1960. On Aug. 9, 1976, Sister Mary Damien canonically transferred her perpetual vows to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Sister Mary Damien received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education, both from The College of Saint Rose. For nearly 40 years, she served as teacher and principal in elementary and secondary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. In addition, Sister Damien was associate director of the Carondelet Music Center in Latham for five years, and administrative assistant at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Albany for 12 years.

Sister Damien is survived by her beloved sisters: Kathleen Bayly, Marjorie Finn, Elizabeth Cushing and Helen Shufon; her nieces and nephews and their families; many friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Damien was predeceased by her brother, Harry J. Cushing, Jr.

Due to the present health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date.