Sister Mary Stephen Vamosy, PBVM, 83, was one of the famed "Rally Nuns"

(Courtesy photo of Cindy Schultz)

Sister Mary Stephen Vamosy, PBVM, of St. Colman’s Presentation Convent in Watervliet, entered into eternal life peacefully on Aug. 24. She was 83 years old.

Sister Mary Stephen was born in Stamford, N.Y., on May 30, 1943, the fourth of eight children born to Steven and Emma (Dent) Vamosy. She spent her formative years on the family farm, where daily chores and responsibilities instilled in her a strong sense of dedication, service and appreciation for hard work.

Sister Mary Stephen often credited the faith of her parents and their devotion to family as the foundation and nourishment of her vocation to religious life. During her senior year at Stamford High School, she made the commitment to pursue a life of religious service. With the loving support of her parents and after a period of discernment, she eventually found her way to St. Colman’s in Watervliet.

Before entering the convent, Sister Mary Stephen participated in a year-long, live-in program at St. Catherine’s Infant Home in Albany, where she pursued her goal of becoming a child-care technician. On Sept. 8, 1962, she entered the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and professed her final vows on July 29, 1970.

Sister Mary Stephen attended Maria College and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music from The College of Saint Rose in Albany. Her ministry was devoted especially to children. She initially worked with children ages 2-through-5 as a child-care technician in St. Colman’s Day Care program. She later served as a teacher at St. Ambrose School in Latham and the former St. Helen’s School in Schenectady, where she taught art and music before becoming a kindergarten teacher, a role she lovingly embraced for 20 years.

In more recent years, Sister Mary Stephen continued to share her many gifts through her music and ministry at St. Colman’s. She played the organ and led the Sisters’ Choir, served as a eucharistic minister and lector at Mass, and participated in both diocesan and community vocation teams.

Beyond the convent and her ministry, Sister Mary Stephen will be lovingly remembered throughout the Capital Region as one of the enthusiastic and supportive “Rally Nuns” who proudly cheered on the Siena’s men’s basketball team. Her joyful spirit, devotion to others and genuine love for her community touched countless lives.

Sister Mary Stephen is survived by her loving brothers and sisters, Jean Thomas (the late William) of Camillus; Mary Lou Faigle of Deposit; Veronica Hughes (the late John) of Huntersville, N.C.; Emily Cole (the late Richard) of Matamoras, Pa.,; Steven (Clare) Vamosy of Manahawkin, N.J.; Joseph (Mary) Vamosy of Oshkosh, Wis.; and Margaret Vamosy of Rensselaer. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins, as well as her devoted sisters in religious life.

A Funeral Mass for Sister Mary Stephen was concelebrated on Aug. 28 in the Chapel of St. Colman’s Home. The Rite of Committal and interment followed in St. Colman’s Cemetery.  

Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Sister Mary Stephen Vamosy, PBVM, to the Sisters of the Presentation Development Fund, 11 Haswell Road, Watervliet, N.Y., 12189.