WILTON, Conn. — Congregation of Notre Dame Sister Madeline Geary, 96, died April 30 at Lourdes Health Care Center. She was formerly known as Sister Helen of the Passion.
Born in Waterbury, Conn., she was the daughter of Catherine (Heffrin) and Andrew Geary. She completed her early education at Sacred Heart Elementary School and Waterbury Catholic High School, both in Waterbury. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Immaculata College, Immaculata, Penn., and a master’s degree in history from Fordham University, New York City.
Sister Geary professed her first vows as a Sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame on August 24, 1939. As a secondary school teacher for more than 33 years, Sister Geary ministered in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. After leaving the classroom, Sister Geary ministered as a librarian at Waterbury Catholic High School and at the Senior Citizens’ Center and the Providence Public Library, both in Providence.
Sr. Madeline was predeceased by her sister Helen Geary, and brothers Andrew and Cyril Geary.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 6 at Villa Notre Dame, Wilton. Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Danbury.
