Sr. Fortunata (Stephanie) Morales, F.M.I., a member of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (Marianist Sisters) entered eternal rest June 2, 2017, in San Antonio.
She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 10, 1933, to Lucio Pedro Morales and Bonifacia Guinto. More commonly known as Sr. Stephanie, she is survived by her sister, Dominga Joaquin, of Honolulu. Preceding her in death are two sisters, Mary Davis and Adeline Smith, and three brothers, Inocencio, Joseph and Florentino Morales. Sr. Stephanie is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Kenny and John Joaquin, San Antonio, and Mark Davis, Denton.
In 1953, Sr. Stephanie responded to God’s call to become a religious with the Marianist Sisters who had established a foundation in Somerset, TX in 1949. She spent a year there before being sent to Sucy-en-Brie, France to make her novitiate. She returned to Somerset in 1956, after professing her first vows.
Sr. Stephanie received a B.S. in Education from the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, and a Masters in Theology, Franciscan University in Stuebenville, OH. During her years of ministry, she taught at St. Joseph’s School, Devine, TX and St. James the Apostle School, San Antonio. She also ministered in San Jose, CA, and did formation work for the province both in San Antonio and Queretaro, MX.
Having received training to become a hospital chaplain, she ministered at Nix Hospital for 20 years, until she retired for health reasons. Even then, she continued to volunteer for another 2 years, until she fell critically ill. She loved her ministry at Nix Hospital, and both the staff as well as patients loved and appreciated her for who she was. The Marianist Sisters thank the Nix Hospital administration and staff for the loving care they provided the last three weeks of her life.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Visitation will begin on Monday, June 12 at 6:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Angelus Funeral Home, 1119 N. St. Mary’s Street.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s University in Guadalupe Chapel, followed by burial at the Marianist Cemetery on campus.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marianist Sisters for their missions in India and Africa.
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