Obituary of Sr. Marie Gilligan, SC

Sister Marie Gilligan, 95, formerly Sister James Marie, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died Friday, November 24, 2023, at McAuley Hall Health Center in Watchung, New Jersey.

Sister Marie was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the daughter of James and Helen (Kutzler) Gilligan. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1946, and was a member for 77 years.

Sister Marie graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey with a B.S. degree in Education and from Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont with an M.A. degree in Social Ministry. Sister Marie served in education and pastoral ministry in New Jersey, Florida, and Mississippi. She ministered as a teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows School, South Orange; St. Francis School, Riviera Beach, Florida; St. Stephen School, Kearny, NJ; and at St. Michael Elementary School, Jersey City. Answering the call to serve where there were unmet needs, Sister Marie moved to Mississippi where she was missioned for 1973-1999. She ministered in Pastoral/Social Ministry in Smithville, MS and was then named as Pastor at St. Helen Parish, Amory, MS. During those many years, Marie's energy and faithfulness touched the lives of countless individuals and families. She, together with Sister Kathy Quigley, who joined with her in Mississippi, have insured that the Legacy of Charity continues there through the 14 Seton Associates who continue daily to live Gospel values in service of others. Returning to Convent Station, she served in the Generalate Office of Pastoral Services. Upon retiring she continued in volunteer services. Recently Marie moved to McAuley Hall Heath Center.

She is survived by the Sisters of Charity, her brother James Gilligan, nephew James Gilligan, Jr. (Jessica), brother-in-law Donald Murphy, nieces Sandra Kovecses (Joseph), Helen Misiewicz, Lois Johnson and many other nieces and grandnieces/nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Gilligan, and her sisters Kathleen Syryoynski, Joanne Murphy, and Lois Misiewicz.

The wake for Sister Marie Gilligan will be held in Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, NJ from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961-0476 would be appreciated.