Obituary and Funeral Liturgy of Sr. Laura Reynolds, OSU

Sister Laura Reynolds, OSU, beloved member of the Ursuline Community, died peacefully and unexpectedly on May 1 at Meadowview Assisted Living, Wartburg, Mt. Vernon, NY.

Born in Mt. Vernon, NY, and raised in the Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of Eugenia Crane Reynolds and Herbert Reynolds.Predeceased by her parents, Sr. Laura is survived by her Ursuline Community and several loving cousins.

After her graduation from the Academy of Mount St Ursula, Sister Laura attended Hunter College, Bronx, New York. She entered the Ursuline Order in Beacon, NY in 1958 and professed her vows in January 1961.

Sister Laura earned a BA in History from the College of New Rochelle and an MA in Latin American and American History from Fordham University. In the 1970s Sister taught at Blessed Sacrament School, New Rochelle, and in St. Jerome’s and Our lady of Mercy, Bronx, New York. In response to a request by the Mexican Ursulines, Sister Laura’s teaching and administrative gifts were used at Colegio Santa Angela and Merici Academy in Puebla and Mexico City.

On her return from Mexico, Sister Laura earned an MA from Fordham University in Religious Education/Pastoral Ministry and, at the same time, NYS certifications as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. Sister Laura used these skills in her work in the Westchester Department of Social Services.

Sister Laura was always a patient listener and willing companion in her Pastoral roles at St Paul’s, St Vito’s, and Incarnation, New York City. Sister Laura served in various administrative roles, treasurer and Maintenance Consultant within the Ursuline Community.

Sister Laura never lost her zest for life, even in her long illness. Everyone she met was greeted with a smile and a kind word. Until her untimely death, Sister Laura considered her mission in life to be one of Presence and Listening. She lived this very well!

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10:30 am in the Ursuline Province Chapel, followed by burial at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Donations in Sister Laura Reynolds’s name may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement Fund at the North Avenue address. Lloyd Maxcy and Sons, Beauchamp Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

A video of the Funeral Liturgy is available below.