Obituary and Funeral Liturgy of Sr. Ellie Shea, OSU

Sr. Elinor Shea, OSU, (a.k.a. Mother Mary Berchmans) a member of the Ursuline community, died peacefully, at Andrus on Hudson, Hastings on Hudson, November 13, 2022.

Sr. “Ellie”, as she was known to many, was born in Adams, MA to Frances and Edwin Shea June 16,1928.

Sr. Elinor entered the Ursuline Community in 1954 and thus began a 30-year ministry in education. She spent many years at the College of New Rochelle, as a faculty member and administrator at the School of Arts and Sciences as well as the School of New Resources.

During this time, Sr. Ellie earned an M.A. in History from the Catholic University of America. She also studied at Columbia University and Harvard Divinity School. For the Ursulines, Sr. Ellie served as both Community Superior and Associate Superior.

Sr. Ellie’s life took a decided turn when she embarked on an additional ministry of some 30 years in the area of Spiritual Direction. She served at Little Portion Retreat House, at Mariandale with the Dominican Sisters of Hope, and the Archdiocese of NY. She was a staff member at the Spiritual Life Center in New Hyde Park, NY, and the Center for Spirituality and Justice in the Bronx, training others to be leaders in spiritual and retreat direction. At the same time, she devoted her time and talent to the Eastern Province and served on the Board of Trustees of New York Theological Seminary and the College of New Rochelle.

Sr. Elinor was awarded the Women of Achievement Award from the College of New Rochelle in 2015.

Sr. Ellie was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Philip and Richard, and sister, Mary. She is survived by a sister-in-law, a nephew and several nieces along with grandnieces. Visitation for Sr. Ellie will be at the Ursuline Province Center, 1338 North Ave., Wednesday, November 16, 3:00-5:30pm with a prayer service at 4:15pm. The Mass of Christian Burial for the Ursuline Community and family will be Thursday, November 17 at 11:00am at the Province Center. Burial at Gate of Heaven cemetery will take place following the Mass.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Ursuline Retirement Fund, 1338 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10804 or click here for an online donation.

Lloyd Maxcy is handling the arrangements.

Funeral services will also be livestreamed: