Sister Ave Regina Gould, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph for 75 years, died on July 30, 2023, in St. Joseph Convent, Brentwood. She was 92 years old. 

Baptized Elizabeth Gould, she attended St. Anthony’s Parish Elementary School in Brooklyn and Bishop McDonnell High School, after which she entered the CSJ Community and received the name Sister Ave Regina. Sister Ave received science and theology degrees from St. John’s University and Providence College, and a grant from Manhattan College prepared her for her ministry of teaching in elementary and high school in the Brooklyn Diocese: Blessed Sacrament, St. Athanasius, Queen of All Saints, St. Rita’s, and St. Pascal Baylon High School. 

From 1964 to 1972, Sister Ave taught theology at Brentwood College while assisting the Mistress of Postulants. Religious education followed in Our Lady of Grace, West Babylon, and Our Lady of the Presentation, Brooklyn. 

From 1990 to 2000 Sister Ave was a Regional Superior for the sisters and for 14 years (2000-2014) was Pastoral Associate in St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Springfield Gardens. Providence House, a CSJ-sponsored group of homes for formerly incarcerated women, became Sister Ave’s residence from 1982 to 2014. 

Sister Ave’s broad scope of gifted service also included At Home Retreats, Interracial Meetings, Pax Christi, and participation on the CSJ Non-Violence Committee, Diocesan (both Brooklyn and Rockville Centre) Liturgical and Religious Councils. 

Sister Ave’s funeral Mass was celebrated on Aug. 2, 2023, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood; Father Sean Gann was the celebrant. It was followed by her burial in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.