Obituary of Sr. Thecia Monahan CSJ

Sr. THECIA MONAHAN CSJ Latham- Sister Thecla Monahan, CSJ, 93, died Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, NY. Sister Thecla had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 73 years. Sister Thecla, the former Mary Elizabeth Monahan, was born in Troy, NY, on May 7, 1918, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Dougherty Monahan. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in Troy, Sister Thecla entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1938 and professed final vows on August 15, 1943. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate work in social studies at The College of Saint Rose and taught in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses for 47 years. Upon her retirement from teaching, Sister Thecla volunteered in community in-service positions at St. Joseph's Provincial House. Sister Thecla was a woman of warm heart and gentle spirit who dedicated herself to the education of young children for nearly half a century. She was deeply prayerful and humble, with a special devotion to St. Joseph and a firm commitment to living the Gospel message. An engaging conversationalist with a sincere interest in others, Sister Thecla was an indomitable optimist. As her health gradually declined, she moved graciously and patiently into the ministry of prayer and presence. Sister Thecla will be forever remembered for her generosity, her dependability, her faith and her love of Notre Dame football! Sister Thecla is survived by her beloved sister, Margaret Sickles, of Wynantskill; two nephews: Rex Sickles and Gerard Sickles, both of Wyantskill; two nieces: JoAnn Greene of Wyantskill, and Cynthia Hill of Cohoes; several friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Thecla was predeceased by many dear friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Thecla's funeral will be held Tuesday, June 21 at 9:00 a.m. 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 Monday, June 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Thecla'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 or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com