Sister Carol Anne O'Marie

Sister Carol Anne O'Marie

Carol O'Marie Obituary

Published by Inside Bay Area from May 30 to Jun. 1, 2009.
Sister Carol Anne O'Marie, CSJ Resident of Oakland Sister Carol Anne O'Marie, CSJ was born August 28th 1933 in San Francisco CA and died peacefully on May 27th 2009 in Oakland CA. Sister Carol Anne attended St. Emydius Grammar School and graduated from Star of the Sea Academy in 1951. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1951 where she spent a rich and accomplished life for 57 years as a teacher, assistant editor of the Catholic Herald, development director for Carondelet High School in Concord, California, was author of twelve popular Sister Mary Helen mystery novels. On one of her book tours, she was struck by the contrast of the plight of a homeless woman she encountered on the street and the luxury of the hotel where she was speaking. It was this injustice that led her and Sister Maureen Lyons, in 1990 to found A Friendly Place, a daytime drop-in shelter for homeless women in downtown Oakland. In 1996, A Friendly Place expanded to include transitional housing as A Friendly Manor. For their work in caring for homeless women, A Friendly Place won the Jefferson Award in January 2008. Sister Carol Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline and John O'Marie, and aunt and uncle, Mary and Joseph Mangan and aunt, Dosie Garden. Blessed with a fun loving spirit, unfailing optimism, and a sense of humor, she will be missed by her sister, Kathleen O'Marie. Her family, Caroline Benson, John and Denise Benson their daughter Eva Eulalia Benson, Noelle and Ryan Sullivan, and their daughter Kathleen Rose Sullivan, and her beloved community of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Vigil Services will be Monday June 1st at 7pm and Celebration of Life Mass on Tuesday June 2nd at 12noon both at Our lady of Lourdes Church at 2808 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Sister Carol Anne O'Marie please consider: A Friendly Place, 2298 San Pablo Ave, Oakland CA 94612 or Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles CA 90049 or Mercy Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601 or do something kind for one another in her memory. Holy Angels Coopers Chapel FD # 381 (510) 533-4114

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Sign Carol O'Marie's Guest Book

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October 22, 2009

Kathy Haug posted to the memorial.

October 18, 2009

Joyce Shutts posted to the memorial.

August 17, 2009

don sullivan posted to the memorial.

Kathy Haug

October 22, 2009

Sister Carol Anne often visited the Lafayette Library to do her research. I only met her a couple of times (I was Library Assistant there), but was struck by her cheerfulness. Years later, I heard her speak about A Friendly Place, and how it came about. Her books are lovely, the mystery element is good, and the descriptions of localities are accurate -- one really can "see" the areas she describes. I and many others will miss her charming books and generous spirit. Kathy Haug (San Pablo, CA)

Joyce Shutts

October 18, 2009

I am very sorry to hear of the death of a wonderful person, and a gifted author. I love all her books. I wasn;t lucky enough to meet her in person, but her spirit carries through in her writing.

don sullivan

August 17, 2009

As a graduate of the class of 1960 from Santa Clara Grammer school in Oxnard, I remember Sister Carol Anne as a vivacious, caring and accomplished teacher. May she rest in peace.

Emily Brooks

August 16, 2009

I discovered the "Sister Mary Helen" mysteries one year on vacation.I fell in love with the books from the very first one I read.I loved the sense of humor and faith that shone through each book that Sister Carol Ann wrote.In the last year I converted to the Catholic faith and read each of her books again.Thank you for many hours of reading pleaseure.She will be missed.Rest in peace.

Sue Williams

June 1, 2009

I met Sister when I was a student at Carondelet High in Concord. she stepped in to teach or take over religion classes from the principle and enjoyed her. She always had a story to tell us and a smile that willnever be forgotten. Rest in peace and we will continue reading your books.

Lisa Long

June 1, 2009

I only knew Sister Carol Anne through "Sister Mary Helen". Her sense of humour, faith and compassion really came through. We all love the local references in San Francisco and the bay area. Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment and suspense! She will be missed.

Richard Maulhardt, Jr.

May 30, 2009

I fondly remember Sister Carol Anne as my 8th grade teacher (class of '61) at Santa Clara Elementary School, Oxnard California. She was the 8th grade boy's teacher. Sister Mary Helen was the girl's teacher and the school principal. I loved the Sister Mary Helen mysteries. I enjoyed a couple of visits with Sister Carol Anne over the last 40 years. She was a great teacher.

Enrico Hernandez

May 30, 2009

I met Sister when she apoke at Archbishop Mitty High School in 1988. What a delight! Her books were also very entertaining. Thank you God for giving us Sister Carol Anee for so many years.

Joanne Schultz

May 30, 2009

I was first introduced to Sister
Carol Anne O'Marie through her books. Later got to know her as St.Paul's Lutheran Church did mystery dinners to help support a Friendly Place. She had a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor. The whole community will be a little less bright in the wake of her absence. She will be greatly missed.

Holly Borghello

May 30, 2009

Kathy, Caroline, John and Noelle, Your sister and Aunt will be missed by many. Her many kind acts and loving nature spoke volumes about her wonderful character. We are glad that we had the opportunity and pleasure to know her and appreciate her.

You are in our thoughts and prayers

Love,
Holly and Rich Borghello

N. O'Brien

May 30, 2009

I remember Sr. Carol Anne from my time at Carondelet. She was always smiling and positive. It was a bright moment to pass her in the hallway and see her friendly face.

Clarence N. Cooper Mortuary

May 29, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Cooper Chapel

1580 Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601

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Sign Carol O'Marie's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 22, 2009

Kathy Haug posted to the memorial.

October 18, 2009

Joyce Shutts posted to the memorial.

August 17, 2009

don sullivan posted to the memorial.