Sister Marcella Purpura, C.S.J., formerly known as Sister Mary Petrina, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph for 68 years, died on April 11 at Stella Maris Convent.
Sister Marcie entered the congregation in 1952. She was a “wisdom figure” to the Sisters of St. Joseph in her various ministries of education, nursing, spirituality, and prayer. She was also a past Coordinator of St. Joseph Convent, Brentwood.
Sister Marcie obtained an RN degree from St. John’s Hospital, LIC, in 1965 and a BA degree in Psychology from St. Joseph College in 1970. Her ministries included: St. Michael, Brooklyn (1954-1960); St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor (1960-1962); St. John’s Hospital (1962-1966); St. Joseph Convent Infirmary, Brentwood (1966-1969); Nursing Supervisor, Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, St. John’s Hospital, LIC (1969-1971); Woodcrest Nursing Home, College Point (1971-1976); Nursing Sisters, Rockville Centre (1976-1979); Charismatic House of Prayer, Plainview (1979-1991); Spiritual Director, West Babylon, Albin Avenue, and Coordinator of St. Joseph Convent (2004-2010).
A private graveside service was held by the Leadership Team and friends in Sister’s memory in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.
I was privileged to have been on a pilgrimage to Medjugorge in 1988 organized and arranged by Sister Marcie and her brother’s travel company. She was also the spiritual and travel guide for our group. I will always remember her and the peace I experienced in the time that I spent there. My prayers are with her family and friends in this time, may she rest in peace.