Obituary of Sr. M. Elizabeth McHenry

Mary Glory June McHenry was born 2 June,1923 to Delena Constantine and Oliver Wendell McHenry. She and her brother Mac grew up in Wisconsin. She first came into to contact with our community during summers spent at her Aunt and Uncle's home in upstate NY when she visited our convent in Syracuse, NY. This led to an ever deepening desire to become a Franciscan Sister. She entered the Postulancy in North Plainfield, January 17, 1948. She followed Sr. Francis into our community, and also closely followed her into eternity after her as well. After Novitiate Sr. Elizabeth worked in the Dietary Department of Villa Maria as a Dietary Aide until she retired May 25, 1992. She was a favorite of Sr. Katherine, the head cook! Sr. Elizabeth deeply appreciated all of creation, especially Cats. It is hard to tell just how many cats she had over the years, including strays and our resident cats whose jobs it were to keep mice away from the chicken feed. She knew each by name, and they knew her. When walking became more difficult for her, she was given space inside to house the three final cats, who eventually were adopted by a friend when even that became too much for her to handle. Sr. Elizabeth was a woman of deep prayer. She had a bible on her bedside table, and religiously read the Magnificat monthly publications, cover to cover. She often told me about them. When reading the Catholic Spirit she would tell me about the articles which were of interest to her. She had a collection of rosaries, and often fingered them during the day. Her health continued to decline during her years at McAuley Hall, due to heart failure. She maintained had a deep devotion to Brother Andre Bassette of Montreal, and to St. Solanus Casey, Capuchin Franciscan priest. Both men lived simple, almost hidden lives yet through their intercession, were the source of many healings. May she rest in Peace. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 5th at a time to be announced. Interment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.