Sister Maria Jude LaPoint, CSJ, 82

Sister Maria Jude LaPoint, CSJ, 82

Sister Maria Jude LaPoint,  CSJ, died on March 6 at the Teresian House in Albany. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph for 60 years.

Sister Maria Jude was born in Hudson Falls on July 1, 1943, the daughter of Harlan F. and Geraldine Infield LaPoint. She graduated from Hudson Falls Central High School in 1961 and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in September 1965.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from The College of Saint Rose and a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota.

She was passionately dedicated to Catholic education as a teacher of business and religion and an administrator for nearly 50 years. She served in schools in the Syracuse and Albany dioceses, as well as in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. At Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Pa., Sister Maria Jude was recognized for her joyful witness to the school community and unwavering commitment to the teachings of the Gospels.

Beyond the classroom, Sister Maria Jude brought her kindness, generosity and wry sense of humor to her extensive volunteering. She was readily available at St. Joseph’s Provincial House and the Teresian House where she might be found assisting with a book sale, warmly greeting visitors in a lobby, or setting the dining tables for fellow residents. At the Teresian House, she built relationships with residents and staff as a compassionate presence among them. 

Sister Maria Jude was predeceased by her parents and brother-in-law David Mackie. She is survived by her sister Pamela Mackie, brother David (Joyce LaPoint), niece Kari (Rob) Pons, nephews Sean (Lani) Mackie and Jeffrey (Catherine) LaPoint, and great-nieces and great-nephews. The community of the Sisters of St. Joseph are greatly appreciative of the attentive care Sister Maria Jude received at the Teresian House.

A funeral liturgy was held in the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House on March 13. Contributions in Sister Maria Jude’s name may be made to: Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.