Sister Elizabeth Mary Butler, Sister Joseph Loretto, was born September 5, 1932, in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Ireland. She was one of five children, two daughters and three sons of Patrick and Bridget McCauley Butler. After completing her education in the Irish National Schools, Elizabeth (Lily) came to the United States in 1948, not quite 16 years old. She attended Washington Irving High School in Manhattan and, after graduation, entered the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1951. She obtained her Certificate of Naturalization as a citizen in 1954. Sister Elizabeth received a BA in history from the College (now University) of Mount Saint Vincent and an MED in reading from Boston College. New York State awarded her permanent certification for education (K-6) and social studies (7-9).

Additionally, Sister Elizabeth completed a program of Spanish and Cultural Studies in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and studied at Maryknoll Language School in Bolivia. In 1995 and 1996, she participated in the Career Options Program offered by Calvary Hospital in the Bronx and completed the Clinical Pastoral Education program of Holy Family Hospital in Massachusetts.

Her use of these educational opportunities is reflected in her 55 years of active ministry.

Sister Elizabeth’s 40 years in elementary grades were served at Saint Joseph, Yonkers; Epiphany and Incarnation, both in Manhattan; Saint Athanasius, Saint Anthony, and Nativity of Our Blessed Lady, all in the Bronx; and Saint Joseph, Florida, New York. Her remaining years were in pastoral ministry, serving as interfaith chaplain at Saint Vincent Hospital and Medical Center, Manhattan.

When Sister Elizabeth retired in 2004, she continued at Schervier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in the Bronx as a volunteer chaplain. These years also allowed her to become engaged with committees working for immigration reform. Her inspiration was the love of Mother Elizabeth Boyle in the 1850s for the immigrant orphans in the City. Almost every week she traveled to downtown Manhattan to join a demonstration asking for legislation that provides better services for the poor and newly arrived immigrants.

In 2011, Sister Elizabeth joined the retirement community of Mount Saint Vincent Convent and later moved with the sisters at Kittay Senior Apartments in the Bronx. Her roots in the Irish countryside gave her a love of nature and of working with the soil.

Sister Elizabeth entered eternal life on March 11, 2024, at Kittay Senior Apartments in the 73rd year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York.

The Gospel of Matthew reminds us of the words of Jesus, “The one who loses life for my sake will find it” (Matt 16:25). With unselfish love, you made your life a journey dedicated to justice and mercy for others. Go forward to the just One who waits to embrace you in eternal love.

Wake: 

Monday, March 18, 2024, 8:45-10:15 a.m.
Prayer Service at 9:45 a.m.

Mount Saint Vincent Convent
6301 Riverdale Avenue
Bronx, NY 10471-1093

Livestream link: https://venue.streamspot.com/217aa3db

Mass of Christian Burial:

Monday, March 18, 2024, 10:15 a.m.

Mount Saint Vincent Convent
6301 Riverdale Avenue
Bronx, NY 10471-1093    

Livestream link: https://venue.streamspot.com/217aa3db

Interment:    

Saint Joseph Cemetery
209 Truman Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703