Obituary of Sr. William Aloysius Fitzpatrick CSJ

SR. WILLIAM FITZPATRICK CSJ Latham- Sister William Aloysius Fitzpatrick, CSJ, 93, died Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Albany Medical Center. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 68 years. Sister William, baptized Josephine Mary Fitzpatrick, was born in New York City on August 19, 1923, daughter of the late John and Josephine Hughes Fitzpatrick. After graduating from Coxsackie High School, she attended The College of Saint Rose and received a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1944. Upon commencement, Sister William enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and achieved the rank of second lieutenant. Sister William entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy, NY, August 15, 1949 and professed final vows on August 15, 1956. In preparation for her career in obstetric, gynecological and pediatric nursing, Sister William received a master of science degree in maternal child health from Boston College. For 56 years, she served at St. Mary's Hospital (now St. Mary's Healthcare), Amsterdam, as supervisor in maternity, maternal child health and pediatric health care, as instructor in the school of nursing and as pastoral care associate. In 2007, Sister William moved to St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, where she served in various volunteer capacities, including her favorites: lovingly tending the garden and faithfully filling the bird feeders. Sister William Aloysius was a gracious, faith-filled woman who lived in deep gratitude for the treasures she found in her family and friends, her nursing career and her vocation as a Sister of St. Joseph. Whether she was caring for a hospital patient, assisting in the delivery of a newborn, or instructing students on the treatment of mothers and infants, Sister William's interactions were marked by compassion, care and respect for others. Her high standards of professionalism and diligence, combined with her remarkable stamina and keen powers of observation, gained Sister William the esteem and admiration of persons from all walks of life. Time and time again, she shared in the joy and excitement of welcoming a new baby into a family, and she shared in the sadness and grief of those saying a final farewell to a loved one. The same spirit of selfless love, sacrifice and courage that drew Lieutenant Josephine Fitzpatrick into service of her country also led Sister William Aloysius Fitzpatrick to the sacred journey of sharing the healing ministry of Jesus with those in need, and her zeal for this ministry was legend in Amsterdam and beyond. Sister William (beloved Aunt Jo) is survived by her nieces and nephews: Eileen Fitzpatrick Hasso, Pat Ripley Bloss, Mary Ripley Harris, Tom Ripley, and Phillip, James, Brian, Daniel, Christopher and William Fitzpatrick; and the Sisters of St. Joseph. In addition to her parents, Sister William was predeceased by her brother, Henry Fitzpatrick; her sisters, Anne Fitzpatrick and Catherine Ripley; and her nephew, John Ripley. Sister William Aloysius's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 6, at 9:00 a.m. in the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Wednesday, July 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister William's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.