Sister Mary Florence Burns, CSJ, formerly Sister Florence Marie, passed away on July 23, while spending the last days of her 100 years of life’s journey at St. Joseph Convent, Brentwood.
The daughter of John and Florence Burns, she grew up in Brooklyn and attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School and St. Francis Xavier High School.
After receiving a B.A. in English from St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, and an M.A. in English from St. John’s University, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, on Sept. 8, 1947, and lived this life for 78 years.
Her first mission was to St. Michael’s School, Brooklyn, as the sixth grade teacher, for one year, followed by an assignment to St. Joseph College, Brooklyn, as instructor of English, and she has been a remarkable presence there for 75 years until her death.
In 1961, Sister Florence received her doctorate in English from Columbia University. Throughout the ensuing years, her ministry at St. Joseph’s College/ University continued as a professor of English and as dean for 27 years, then as dean and vice president between 1987 and 2003, and continuing as assistant to the president until 2010, after which she remained there as a volunteer.
Her educational acumen, coupled with her administrative skills and creativity, will always be legendary and remembered by all whose lives she touched, both at the college itself — students, colleagues, alumni/alumnae — as well as through her numerous publications and as a honoree in many university and national societies.
A beautiful spirit, deep humility, and a joyous, hope-filled personality accompanied all of her giftedness. A Sister colleague said, “Everyone loved Sister Florence, including her local community and her family!”
She added: “St. Joseph’s University would not exist today without Sister Florence’s gifts and influence.”
The funeral for Sister Mary Florence was celebrated on July 29 at Maria Regina Chapel, Brentwood, with Father Thomas Ahearn as celebrant, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.