Sister Mary Garity
(Mary Roberta)
Born to earthly life: November 2, 1919
Religious profession: July 28, 1938
Entered eternal life: January 4, 2008
Sister Mary was born, the eldest of eight children to Robert and Johanna Garity on November 2, 1919. At her baptism, a few weeks later, she received the name Mary Patricia.
Of her grade school years she writes in her autobiography, “I began grade school at the public school in our area but two years later St. Jerome School in Oconomowoc was built and many eager children awaited the opening of its doors. For some of us it was the first time we ever saw Notre Dame Sisters. I shall never forget how kind the sisters were to everyone.”
”While I was in eighth grade, I had a great desire to become a Sister, but not knowing just what order I should like to enter, I did not have courage enough to admit my desire.
“After a very special retreat during my high school years, I decided to become a School Sister of Notre Dame. I had already gotten my mother’s consent but that alone could not let me come; my father’s permission had to be obtained also.
“One evening I went to meet him on his way home from work and expressed my desire to enter Notre Dame Convent. His fatherly heart could not refuse me anything that would make me truly happy so he gladly consented; but what a struggle was going on inside no one could ever tell.”
Upon receiving both her parents’ permission Mary Patricia entered the convent on August 29, 1936. At the time of her reception as a novice, she received the name, Sister Mary Roberta; her father’s name was Robert.
During the many years Sister spent in ministry she worked in the Milwaukee Motherhouse, and at both St. Joseph Home in Green Bay, WI and Holy Childhood in Harbor Springs, MI. To qualify for Child Care Certification, Sister Mary had taken an intensive six week course at St. Coletta School, Jefferson, WI and also attended St. Louis University for some sessions. After preparation for her next position, she spent ten years as a nurse’s aide at the Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI.
The final 12 years of ministry were spent at Convent Hill in the program “Interacting with Seniors.” Sister Mary developed a number of beautiful relationships with SSNDs, sisters from other orders who were in the same ministry as well as the seniors themselves, who lived at Convent Hill. Throughout her life, Mary was always grateful and thankful for the least kindness done for her or given to her.
In her eulogy, Sister Mary Denis O’Reilly shared about the joy of their profession class going to Rome, Florence, Assisi, Germany and an extra trip. She and Sister Mary spent ten days in Ireland. Sister Denis stated that Mary was so much fun to be with. She was always kind, thoughtful and happy, and it was easy and peaceful to spend time with her.
Sister closed her eulogy with the following: “Sister Mary Garity, we will miss you and your beautiful smile. May our Lady, Jesus, and the angels embrace and love you tenderly.”
– Sister Dorothy Land, SSND
Sister Mary’s positions were:
- Motherhouse, Milwaukee, WI – 1939-1942 (Homemaker)
- Nazareth Hall, St. Joseph’s Home, Green Bay, WI – 1942-1958 (General Helper)
- Holy Childhood, Harbor Springs, MI – 1958-1976 (General Helper)
- Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI – 1976-1986 (Nurses Aide)
- Divine Savior/Holy Angels, Milwaukee, WI – 1986-1988 (Study/Life Skills)
- Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI – 1988-1991 (Physical Therapy Assistant)
- Convent Hill, Milwaukee, WI – 1991-2003 (Retired)
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI – 2003 to present (Retired)
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