Sr. Mary Michael French

                                                           Presentation Sister & Educator – 75 Years of Religious Life & Service

Sr. Mary Michael French (Marie Louise) was born on February 24, 1930 in Manhattan to Louis & Marie French. She entered the Presentation Sisters of Staten Island on August 22, 1949. She professed her first vows in 1952 and final vows in 1955. When asked, why did you become a nun? Sr. replied, “It was very simple, I fell in love with Jesus, this to me is a Religious Vocation”. “This love has been a continuous adventure with its constant changes”. “Teaching children has been the greatest reward in my life, because to teach as Jesus did, leaves an everlasting “Heart Print” on each child”. Another wonderful reward is having taught 1st, 2nd and even 3rd generations of students in one family. Sister had students of O.L.H.C. telling her, “You taught my father”! Sister credits prayer, patience and perseverance, plus a great sense of humor, as contributing to being a good teacher. “Kindness and respect are a must – children are gifts, handle with care!”

Sr. Mary Michael has a B.S. from Fordham University and studied French at Iona and Columbia Universities. She taught French at O.L.H.C. for six years. Her other “missions” schools were O.L.H.C., (1952-1966); Our Lady Queen of Peace (1951-1952); St. Sylvester’s and St. Paul (1 year each); Assumption (1968-1973); St. Ann’s (1973-1980); St. Mary’s of Hudson, NY (1980-1982). Sr. Mary Michael was the Director of Religious Education, St. John Neumann (1982-1998). Msgr. John J. Sheehan became its founder Pastor and Sister was Director of Religious Education for CCD of about 650 children. In 1998, Sr. returned “home” to O.L.H.C. for another seven years, completing 21 years in Tottenville as a Religion Enhancement Teacher. She also taught at St. Joseph-St. Thomas Parish for 3 years. She retired in 2010, but continued tutoring until 2018.

Some of Sister’s favorite things were music, reading, poetry, crocheting, butterflies and rainbows. Sr. Michael has had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Blessed Mother. Sr. was asked, what’s next after 75 years of service? She replied, “I know God is in charge and I just hold His Hand tight and know that with Him, all things are Possible”.

She leaves behind her Sisters in the Presentation Community as well as many loved friends and former students.

Visitation will be at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Rd., Staten Island, N.Y., Sunday, January 26th 1:00PM – 5:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Help of Christians, 7396 Amboy Rd., Staten Island, N.Y. Monday, January 27th, 11:00am. Interment will follow at the Presentation Sisters Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, Sr. Mary Michael is requesting that donations be sent to Lifestyles for the Disabled. 930 Willowbrook Rd Bldg 12-G, Staten Island, NY 10314