Sr. Marie Cecilia Ferro

Sister Marie Cecilia Ferro, a Sister of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, died at May Forest, the Motherhouse of the Congregation, on April 21, 2012. Sr. Marie Cecilia, formerly Marion Helen Ferro, was born in Arlington, NJ, on July 17, 1921 to Ernest Max Ferro and Anna Schmultzer Ferro. A graduate of St. Agnes Academy, College Point, NY, Sr. Marie Cecilia received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Sister also attended Our Lady of Mercy Jr. College in Charleston, Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and Loyola University in New Orleans, LA. Sister Marie Cecilia entered the convent on September 8, 1939. She professed her first vows on March 25, 1942 and final vows on March 25, 1949. A professional educator throughout her life, sister was a certified elementary school teacher in South Carolina and New jersey. Sister Marie Cecilia taught at St. Joseph's School, Sacred Heart School, Cathedral School, Bishop England High School and Immaculate Conception High School in Charleston, SC. She also taught at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin School, Middlesex, NJ, and St. Michael's School in Gibbstown, NJ as well as St. Angela Academy, Aiken, SC, St. Anne's School, Sumter, SC, St. Andrew's School, Myrtle Beach, SC, St. Mary' Help of Christian's School, Aiken, SC. Sister Marie Cecilia also served as Coordinator of Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Convent, Middlesex, NJ, and May Forest. Following her career in education, Sister became a certified chaplain and was a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. Sister was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Anna and brother, Fred Ferro of Stony Point, NY, her sister, Mrs. Margaret Tursich of Marietta, GA, several nieces and nephews and her Sisters in community, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at May Forest, Motherhouse Chapel, 424 Fort Johnson Rd. James Island. The Rite of Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at the Motherhouse. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday at the Motherhouse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Center, P.O. Box 607, John's Island, SC 29457. Her guestbook may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation. 766-1365.