Sister Mary Ann McCarthy (formerly Sister Joseph Therese), a Sister of St. Joseph for 73 years, died on Aug. 31. She was 92 years old. 

Sister Mary Ann and her brother, John, were raised in a faith-filled home in Bellerose, Queens, by their parents, John and Dorothy McCarthy. 

After graduating from Our Lady of Victory Elementary School and The Mary Louis Academy, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1952. 

Sister Mary Ann taught on the elementary level for 12 years, first at St. Joseph School (Brooklyn), followed by SS Cyril and Methodius School (Deer Park). 

During these years, she earned a BA in education from St. John’s University. With further study, she earned an MA in theology from Providence College. 

She also received a graduate degree in administration from Manhattan College, preparing her for teaching religion at Sacred Heart High School (Hempstead) and her role as assistant principal and then principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School (Brooklyn). 

In 1992, Sister Mary Ann joined the Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson as principal, followed by serving as special education administrator at the Montfort Academy and assisting at the homeless shelter. 

Sister Mary Ann volunteered at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Bridgehampton, initiating the catechesis of the Good Shepherd and religious program, which enriched the lives of the children and their families. 

Sister Mary Ann valued her 33 years on the East End of Long Island, where she was constantly aware of the peaceful serenity of God’s creation and the openness of the people she encountered there. 

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Ann was celebrated on Sept. 8 in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood. 

Sister Mary Ann’s burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.