Sister Virginia Marie MacHaffie

MacHaffie, Sister Virginia Marie CSJ LATHAM, N.Y. Sister Virginia Marie MacHaffie, CSJ, 78, died unexpectedly Friday, February 27, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy. Sister Virginia had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 57 years. Sister Virginia, the former Mary Norma MacHaffie, was born November 24, 1930, in Albany, daughter of the late Douw and Mary Coullahan MacHaffie. After graduating from St. Ann's Academy, Albany, Sister Virginia entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1952, and professed final vows on August 15, 1959. For nearly 50 years, Sister Virginia taught elementary grades in schools of the Syracuse and Albany Dioceses as well as in Haneville, Ala. The majority of her teaching years were spent at St. Augustine's School, Troy; St. Patrick's School, Troy; St. Pius X School, Loudonville; St. Jude's School, Wynantskill; Sacred Heart School, Troy; and St. James School, Albany. Sister Virginia also volunteered her many talents at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, and was serving in the activities department at the time of her death. Sister Virginia Marie was a loyal woman with a simple, strong faith; a lovely woman with a generous spirit and a gentle smile. Blessed with artistic gifts, Sister Virginia's creative energies were exhibited in such areas as the signature beauty of hand-made cards, crafts and bulletin boards, and in the rhythm of graceful dances. She was a compassionate and understanding teacher, attuned to the individual needs of her students. Most of all, she loved her family, her friends and her religious community with great heart and soul. Sister Virginia Marie is survived by her beloved sister, Jean Bellanger of Albany; her aunt, Margaret Siary; her sisters-in-law, Marge and Barbara MacHaffie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Douw and John MacHaffie; her sisters, Dorothy Finn and Ruth Ennis; and many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Virginia Marie's funeral liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Tuesday, March 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Virginia's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc. 565 Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY 12182. 518-235-0952.