Sister Ellen Garity
(Mary Joan Thouret)
Born to earthly life: June 16, 1926
Religious profession: August 9, 1945
Entered eternal Life: February 17, 2011
School Sister of Notre Dame, Ellen Garity died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis. on February 17, 2011 at the age of 84.
Sister Ellen Garity, was the fifth child born to Robert and Johanna Garity. Eventually there were seven girls and two boys in the Garity family. Ellen Elizabeth, born on June 16, 1926, was baptized at St. Jerome's Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. She attended St. Jerome's School, graduating from eighth grade in 1940.
In her autobiography Ellen wrote, "As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a Sister." Her desire intensified when her two older sisters became SSNDs. Ellen writes, "While I was in grade school both Mary and Rita were received into the Congregation. Mary, who became Sister Mary Roberta, and Rita, who was given the name Sister Marie Celine, were great inspirations to me."
After a semester at Oconomowoc High School, Ellen transferred to the Academy of Our Lady in Chicago, joining the convent juniors there. On August 8, 1944, she was received as a novice and became Sister Joan Thouret. After profession she taught first grade at St. Elizabeth's, Milwaukee, staying there for eight years. "I thoroughly enjoyed these years with companion sisters to help me!"
Sister Ellen continued teaching at Catholic schools in Escanaba, Michigan, and several in Wisconsin. She pursued studies in special education and received an M.S. in Exceptional Education from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. She accepted a position in the public school system at Woodrow Wilson School, Milwaukee, where she developed long-lasting relationships.
When she retired, she continued to make a difference for others. She tutored, responded to calls for substitutes in the classroom, worked for the transportation department of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, and was constantly on call by other agencies who knew of her expertise.
Ellen loved to drive. She was generous with her time and was of service to her family, the elderly, and her community. For years she was a volunteer for Milwaukee's Irish Fest.
When her eyes began to give her difficulty in 2003, Ellen retired to NDEG. Further medical conditions changed her life, but during her long illness she had the comfort of Sister Rita and Sister Mary, her community, and the love and attention of her sisters Betty and Rose and other members of her devoted family.
– Sister Mary Luke Baldwin, SSND
Sister Ellen received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in social science and minors in history and religion from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis. and a Master of Science in Exceptional Education from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis. She ministered in education for 45 years. When she left teaching in 1990, she shared her gifts as a tutor in special education and a companion to the elderly. In 2003, she retired to the Notre Dame of Elm Grove Community where she served through her prayers and presence.
Sister Ellen's ministry locations included:
- St. Elizabeth, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Joseph, Escanaba, Mich.
- St. John Nepomuc, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
- SS. Peter & Paul, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
- St. Frances Cabrini, West Bend, Wis.
- St. Leo, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Sebastian School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Woodrow Wilson School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Jeanne d' Arc Community, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Ellen Garity, SSND died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove on February 17, 2011, age 84. She is survived by her sisters, Sister Rita Garity SSND, Rose (Ken) Martinson and Betty Parteka; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. She was preceded in death by siblings, Sister Mary Garity SSND, Joseph Garity and Frank Garity. A Wake Service was celebrated February 23, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Chapel at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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