Obituary of Sr. Mary Englebert Lucha CSJ

SR. MARY ENGLEBERT LUCHA CSJ Sister Mary Englebert Lucha, CSJ, 88, died Monday, August 23, 2010, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 67 years. Sister Mary Englebert, the former Frances Mary Lucha, was born June 1, 1922, in Utica, NY, daughter of the late Adolph and Mary McCarthy Lucha. After graduating from Utica Free Academy, she studied home economics at Cornell University for three years. Sister Mary Englebert entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1943, and professed final vows on August 15, 1948. She received a bachelor's degree in home economics from The College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ, and certification in dietetics from St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN. For 23 years, Sister Mary Englebert served at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam, as therapeutic, dietetic and clinical instructor and as cafeteria supervisor. For nearly 30 years, she served at St. Joseph's Provincial House as supervisor in the Dietary Department, manager of Carondelet Crafts and staff member in Central Supply. For the last years of her life, Sister Mary Englebert was a devout prayer witness, conscientiously remembering the intentions of all who asked. Sister Mary Englebert was a gentle, kind woman, blessed with a genial nature and a keen sense of humor. An excellent clinical dietitian and instructor, she was supportive of students and staff alike and endlessly generous with her time, her knowledge and her patience. Sister Mary Englebert was a steadfast friend, an assiduous worker and a delightful conversationalist, who lived a life of prayer and wholehearted dedication to God as a Sister of St. Joseph. We have been blessed by Sister Mary Englebert's loving presence, and she will be profoundly missed. Sister Mary Englebert is survived by her cousin, Rosemary Kane of Clyde, NY; her niece, Carol Burns of Washington, DC; her nephew, Gerald Lucha of Clifton Park, and their families; several cousins and friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Adolph and John; by two sisters, Margaret and Anna; and by many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Mary Englebert's funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 27, from the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Thursday, August 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Mary Englebert's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com