Sr. Joan Mulcahy

Sister Joan Mulcahy 95, formerly known as Sister Mary Jean, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died Monday, May 7, 2018 at Presentation Convent in Leominster.

Sister was born in Fitchburg, MA on January 21, 1923, a daughter of John and F. Louise (Phelps) Mulcahy.

She graduated in 1940 from St. Bernard High School, in Fitchburg, studied at Rivier College in Nashua, NH and Plattsburg State University, NY. She also attended Fitchburg State College, and The University of Notre Dame.

Sister Joan entered the sisters of the Presentation in 1941 and professed her final vows in 1946. Her Ministry included teaching in Bridgeprot, CT., St. Bernard Elementary School, in Fitchburg, and St. Bernard High School also in Fitchburg, from 1954-1982, where she was a teacher, guidance Counselor, principal and headmistress, being the first woman in the schools history to hold that post. In 1981, Sister was named Director of Education for the Diocese of Worcester, and was a member of Bishop Timothy Harrington's Cabinet.

Leaving the educational ministry, Sister Joan became coordinator of the Catholic Charities Friendly Visitor's Program.

She was a member of the General Council for the Sisters of the Presentation from 1966 - 1969 and 1985 - 1989.

Along with her Presentation Community, she leaves two sisters Ellen Mulcahy and Mary Fitzgibbon and her husband Robert, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeacesed by her two brothers, John F. and William J. Mulcahy, and one sister, Florence Rackliffe.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 84 Presentation Way, New Windsor, NY 12553 or online at https://sistersofthepresentation.org/ways-to-give