Sister Miriam Lucille Montella, a Sister of St. Joseph for 69 years, died on Dec. 29. She was 91 years old. 

Sister Miriam and her brother were raised in a faith-filled environment by her parents, Fred and Carmella Montella, in St. Rocco Parish, with a strong emphasis on their Italian heritage. 

After graduating from Public School 136 and Bay Ridge High School, she attended St. Joseph College and earned a BA degree in English. 

In future years, she earned an MA in English from Manhattan College, an Advanced Certificate in Language Arts from Brooklyn College, an Advanced Certificate in Administration & Supervision from Brooklyn College, and an Advanced Graduate Certification from Hofstra University. 

In 1956, Sister Miriam entered the Sisters of St. Joseph. She was a leader in Catholic school education, and her joy, enthusiasm, and energy supported the faith-filled education she brought to all she met. 

Her teaching experience included teaching seventh and eighth graders at St. Angela Hall Academy and Queen of Peace School in Kew Gardens, and teaching English at St. Joseph’s High School and Sacred Heart Academy. 

This was followed by appointments as superintendent of schools in Rockville Centre and as principal of St. Athanasius School in Brooklyn, and as the Cure of Ars (Merrick). 

She also served as the general secretary for the Sisters of St. Joseph and later as an administrative assistant in Brentwood, New York. 

Sister Miriam’s love of God was reflected in the love of the people she met, and how great it was to be a Sister of St. Joseph. 

She was a ray of sunshine who worked generously with the sisters at Sacred Heart Convent, where she lived for over 40 years. 

Father Sean Gann celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Miriam on Jan. 8 in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood. 

Her burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Brentwood.