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Obituary of Sr. Mary Boyan, OSU

Sr. Mary Boyan OSU, a beloved member of the Ursuline Community, passed away peacefully May 1,2020 at Andrus-on-Hudson, Hastings, NY.

Sr. Mary was born to Ann O’Brien and James Boyan in New Rochelle NY in 1925. Her parents and her brother Jim predeceased her.  Along with her Ursuline sisters, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Maureen Boyan, her nieces, Tara Gallagher, Darcy Bonaviso, Maura Toglia, Sheila Rogers and their families.

Known to many as Mother Theophane, Sr. Mary entered the Ursulines shortly after graduating from the College of New Rochelle in 1946.  After earning an M.A. in French from Fordham University, Sr. Mary began her ministry spanning six decades – all in New Rochelle.  Sr. Mary began teaching at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and is fondly remembered by her “eighth grade boys.”  Sr. Mary went on to a 34-year tenure in the French Department at the College of New Rochelle.  Sr. Mary enriched her knowledge of French with summer studies at Laval University in Quebec, and in France at the Institute Catholique, the Sorbonne, the Universities of Poitiers and Grenoble.  In addition to her teaching duties, Sr. Mary held numerous positions including Class Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, Residence Hall director, and served on institutional committees including the College Senate.

Sr. Mary Boyan held leadership positions in St. Teresa’s community and the Provincialate.  She remained involved with the College as a volunteer in Campus Ministry and as a founding member of the Ursuline Institute.  Sr. Mary served as a volunteer teacher at Hope Community Center and the Adult Learning Center, as well as coordinator of the Ursuline Associates at St. Teresa’s.

Because of the COVID-19 crisis, there will not be a wake or funeral for Sr Mary.  Burial will be private, and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Donations in Sr Mary’s name may be made to the Ursuline Sisters’ Retirement Fund, 1338 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10804 or online.

Lloyd Maxcy and Sons, Beauchamp Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.