Sister Celine Courtney, CSJ

Sister Celine Courtney, CSJ

Sister Celine Courtney, CSJ, died at Teresian House in Albany on July 31. She was born in Rome, N.Y., the daughter of Daniel P. and Mary Blake Courtney. Sister Celine graduated from Rome Free Academy. In September 1953, Sister Celine and her sister, Janet, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy.

Sister Celine earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from the College of St. Rose. Her early years of ministry were spent teaching in the elementary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. Responding to the needs of the “dear neighbor,” she graciously answered the congregation’s call to serve the needs of the church in Hawaii where she taught in junior and senior high schools. She also pursued graduate courses at the University of Hawaii.

Sister Celine had a love of nature, travel and new experiences of ministry. She also shared these facets of her life utilizing her gifts of writing. If one of these experiences might be a “home” for caring, it could be her two decades serving in Fulton and Oswego. She visited parishioners unable to come to church, bringing an attentive ear, a warm heart and a concern that offered hope. When she left the North Country, Sister Celine moved to St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, where she served in pastoral care at the hospital, bringing a long history of the CSJ healing presence. In 2006, she “retired” to St. Joseph’s Provincial House. She graciously moved to Teresian House where she enjoyed daily Liturgy and bingo where she excelled. 

Sister Celine was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Mary, her brothers, John, Daniel and James, and her sister, Sister Helene (Janet). Her memory is cherished by her extended family, and the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Sisters of St. Joseph are very grateful for the loving care offered to Sister Celine at St. Joseph Provincial House and Teresian House.

Sister Celine’s Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Provincial House Chapel on Aug. 7. Contributions in Sister Celine’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.