Sister Mary Albert Berry died on May 4, 2023 at St. Louise House, Albany, New York, surrounded by her Sisters in Community, nursing staff and friends. Sister Mary Albert was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 9, 1923; one of five children, three brothers and two girls of Patrick John and May Ann (Cunane) Berry. Sister entered the Daughters of Charity in 1941 and enjoyed teaching for 45 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from St. Joseph’s College, Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1956 and, later, her master’s degree in English from the University of Detroit, Michigan in 1962. She began her 48-year teaching ministry in 1943 at St. Patrick School in Richmond, Virginia (1943-1947).
Following her first ministry at St. Patrick, Sister Mary Albert taught at the following schools: St. Dominic School, Baltimore, Maryland (1948-1957); Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Washington, D.C. (1957-1958); Cardinal McCloskey High School, Albany, New York (1958-1963, 1969-1974); Utica Catholic Academy, Utica, New York (1963-1967, 1974-1981); and Immaculate Conception Academy, Washington, D.C. (1967-1969). Her final ten years in service as a teacher, Sister Mary Albert taught English at Bishop Maginn High School, Albany, New York (1981-1987) and St. Mark’s High School, Wilmington, Delaware (1987-1991). Sister loved teaching and was always interested in each student in her classroom, including playing matchmaker for prom. One couple she paired up have been happily married for 45 years.
After her teaching ministry had concluded, Sister Mary Albert still found a way to serve persons who were sick or poor or both. While working in Pastoral Care at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Pottsville, Pennsylvania for nine years (1991-2000), her manner was so gracious and her charity so compelling while dealing with patients and families in trying circumstances, that the staff was drawn into following her example. She was noted for her kindness and ability to allay the fears of the patients.
Sister Mary Albert was predeceased by her parents; her sister Alma; brothers, John, Kevin and Vincent; and by four nephews and two nieces. She is survived by 11 nieces and nephews. Sister found much joy in her many great and great-great grand nieces and nephews
A Wake service was held in the DePaul House Chapel in Albany, New York on Sunday, May 7, with the Mass of Christian Burial taking place on Monday May 8 at DePaul Chapel. Interment followed in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.