Written on: January 31, 2020
Sister Mary Sue Thomas, GNSH (formerly Sister Mary Susan), 91, died January 29, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Manor, Meadowbrook, PA in the 67th year of her religious life. Daughter of Charles and Elsie Hogans Thomas she came to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart from Atlanta, GA after graduating from Christ the King elementary and high schools. Prior to entering the Grey Nuns, Sister received a BA in English from Maryville College of the Sacred Heart in St. Louis, MO and was employed as a secretary and receptionist at an Atlanta Law Firm. She later received an MA in Education from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Click to read the Reflection on Sr. Mary Sue’s life written by Sr. Patricia Geary: Reflection for Sister Mary Susan Thomas
Sister’s ministry as a Grey Nun educator included teaching at Melrose Academy (1949-50, 1974-77) and Little Flower High School for Girls (1956-59, 1967-68), Philadelphia, PA; St. Pius X High School (1959-67, 1968-71), Atlanta, GA and serving as Director of Resident Students at D’Youville College (1971-74), Buffalo, NY.
In the late 1970’s Sister began service in the field of Religious Education. Sister’s ministry as Director of Religious Education included Holy Cross Parish (1979-83) in Atlanta, and St. Ann Church (1983-89) and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1989-92) in Charlotte, NC.
In 1992 Sister Mary Sue’s “southern hospitality” began to welcome staff, patients and visitors to the Pastoral Care Department at St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta. Sister remained there until her retirement in 2004. Moving to the Motherhouse at that time Sister generously contributed to the life of the Sisters in a variety of ways and continued her Ministry of Prayer at D’Youville Manor and Magnificat.
In addition to her religious community, Sister is survived by her brother Charles L. (Dick) Thomas and sister-in-law, Jeanne, and nieces Laura Wand and Teresa Haddock.
Saturday, February 8- Redeemer Sisters’ Chapel 521 Moredon Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA
Viewing will begin at 9:30 am, followed by a sharing of memories at 10:00 am. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Mary Sue’s life of prayer and service will be gratefully received. Donations may be made on line here, or by mail to: Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart,14500 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116-1188. We are grateful for your prayers and support.
Funeral arrangements by Beck-Givnish Funeral Home.
I had known Sister Susan my whole life. She and my mom were best friends and graduated from Christ the King together. The class size was around 8 since they were either the second or third graduating class. I had her for World History at St Pius Freshman year, talk about having to be good in class. But she was awesome as a teacher and friend. Last time I saw her I took my mom her and another nun, Sr Teresa to Conyers, Ga when there sere reports of Mary apparitions. It was cold but all of them trudged through the farm like champions. Now they are all together again in Heaven. May she Rest in our Lords comforting arms.
rEST IN gOD
Rest in God’s loving arms, Sister.
YOU WERE AN IMPORTANT part of the GREY NUNS, at Melrose Academy!
God Bless Sister Susan, long time educator
Whenever Sr. Mary Sue joined in our GN Associates meetings, she always had us laughing at some point. As I read about the many ways she served, I thought how lucky the children and adults must have felt to have such a lighthearted leader.
God bless you, sister, for everything you did for us at st pius.
My deepest sympathy to all the Sisters, but especially Sr. Bernadette (Bernie) Lalonde. My Susie rest in peace and happiness.
God bless Suzie! May you Rest In Peace!
Rest in Peace Sister