Marie MACNAMARA

Sister Marie MacNamara, CSJ (formerly Sister Mary Aloysius) Died peacefully, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in the 74th year of her religious life. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Alice (née Adams) MacNamara; and her brothers, Patrick and Joseph McNamara. She will be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law, Margaret and Reiko; her niece, Kerry; and nephews, John, Michael and Mark; friends and Sisters in community. Sister Marie was born and raised in Toronto. After graduating from St. Joseph's College School, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in September 1948. Sister Marie was an elementary educator in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec. In 1969, she obtained her B.A. from the University of Toronto and her M.A in Religious Education from the University of St. Michael's College in 1974. She worked as a religious education consultant with the Toronto District Catholic School Board before transitioning into parish ministry and spiritual direction. Over the years, Sister Marie has served in a number of roles within her Congregation. She was appointed director of novices from 1977-1984, and later in the 1990s, was elected to her Congregation's general council from 1994-1998. In 1986, her ministry shifted with a focus on spiritual direction and retreat work, and in 2006, Sister Marie became an integral member of the leadership training program for the Toronto CSJ Associates. In 2015, Sister Marie moved to the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence and continued to offer spiritual direction. She died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence where she had been receiving excellent nursing care and attention. Visitation will take place at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, on Sunday, October 22 2023, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fontbonne Ministries, 791 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6.