Sister Mary Estelle Conaty, R.S.M., 88, a Sister of Mercy for 70 years, died at Mercy Center, Dallas, Pa., on Nov. 6.
Born in Brooklyn, she attended St. Gregory the Great School, Crown Heights, and Mercy Juniorate H.S., Fort Greene. She entered the Sisters’ Novitiate in Syosset, L.I., in 1945 and professed her final vows on Sept. 6, 1950.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. John’s University; a master’s degree in religious education from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pa., and a certificate in secondary English from Pace.
She taught at St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, 1947-49; St. Jerome, East Flatbush, 1949-53, and St. Mary’s, Roslyn, L.I., 1953-63.
On the high school level, she taught at Mater Christi H.S., Astoria, 1963-73, and Catherine McAuley H.S., East Flatbush, 1973-2006, after which she retired.
She is survived by her sister, Helen Crawbuch, and her brother, Edward.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Nov. 12 at the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Whitestone. Burial was in St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, L.I.
I met Sister about six months ago, and visited several times with Maisey my Therapy Dog. She was always so happy to see us, always smiling.
You could see the love in those tiny eyes.
Heaven’s gain!
Sister Mary Estelle was a wonderful lady. My homeroom teacher @ Mater Christi HS. Working beside her was always a joy.