(January 6, 1944 - June 18, 2012)
Word has been received of the death of Sister Alice Mary (Quintana), who died at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012, in Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Many programs that were initiated or directed by Sister Alice Mary had “outreach” as part of their title. And outreach she did to the nth degree every day of her 45 years of religious service to God’s poor and needy. Her hands reached out to support, to lift up, to encourage, to share, to love and to give relief in suffering. She made herself available to those who called upon her generous spirit — day or night, week after week, and month after month — as long as the need presented itself.
For this dedication and her many outstanding qualities Sister Alice Mary was loved by all, not only by the people she served but also by those who had the privilege of working side by side with this incredible, unselfish woman. Her empathy with the poor sprang in part from her own experience of growing up in a small town and in a family of 12 children, which amazingly included three sets of twins.
Sister Alice Mary has a long list of accomplishments. Her leadership in nursing spans many years and locations, and in each of these she had a profound impact. Home health, teaching and administration were all part of her ministry. In Tucson, Arizona, she administered a program to serve those without insurance or state aid. In Fresno, California, she helped develop a clinic at the homeless shelter; there she also set up a banking system for homeless elderly men. In Murray, Utah, she served as director and founder of Holy Cross Ministries, which continues today to provide health care and educational outreach to the underserved. In 1998, as an outreach specialist in Boise, Idaho, she coordinated 17 parish health care sites involving 60 volunteer nurses. This program continues and prospers.
Though she received many rewards and accolades for her remarkable accomplishments, Sister Alice Mary remained humble, giving credit to those who worked with her. When she saw a need, as a true daughter of Blessed Basil Moreau, she developed a program to meet that need. She put its success and progress in the hands of Providence and, like the proverbial mustard seed, these projects now continue to serve the poor she so deeply loved.
In her own spiritual life Sister Alice Mary radiated peace and deep tranquility. Her devotion to St. André Bessette and to his magnificent friend, St. Joseph, gave her hope and strength that carried her through painful surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. Her trip to Montreal, Canada, for the celebration of Brother André’s canonization was a highlight of her life. She now rests from her labors and joins her beloved friend, Brother André for all eternity. Rest in peace, Sister Alice Mary.
Many programs that were initiated or directed by Sister Alice Mary had “outreach” as part of their title. And outreach she did to the nth degree every day of her 45 years of religious service to God’s poor and needy. Her hands reached out to support, to lift up, to encourage, to share, to love and to give relief in suffering. She made herself available to those who called upon her generous spirit — day or night, week after week, and month after month — as long as the need presented itself.
For this dedication and her many outstanding qualities Sister Alice Mary was loved by all, not only by the people she served but also by those who had the privilege of working side by side with this incredible, unselfish woman. Her empathy with the poor sprang in part from her own experience of growing up in a small town and in a family of 12 children, which amazingly included three sets of twins.
Sister Alice Mary has a long list of accomplishments. Her leadership in nursing spans many years and locations, and in each of these she had a profound impact. Home health, teaching and administration were all part of her ministry. In Tucson, Arizona, she administered a program to serve those without insurance or state aid. In Fresno, California, she helped develop a clinic at the homeless shelter; there she also set up a banking system for homeless elderly men. In Murray, Utah, she served as director and founder of Holy Cross Ministries, which continues today to provide health care and educational outreach to the underserved. In 1998, as an outreach specialist in Boise, Idaho, she coordinated 17 parish health care sites involving 60 volunteer nurses. This program continues and prospers.
Though she received many rewards and accolades for her remarkable accomplishments, Sister Alice Mary remained humble, giving credit to those who worked with her. When she saw a need, as a true daughter of Blessed Basil Moreau, she developed a program to meet that need. She put its success and progress in the hands of Providence and, like the proverbial mustard seed, these projects now continue to serve the poor she so deeply loved.
In her own spiritual life Sister Alice Mary radiated peace and deep tranquility. Her devotion to St. André Bessette and to his magnificent friend, St. Joseph, gave her hope and strength that carried her through painful surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. Her trip to Montreal, Canada, for the celebration of Brother André’s canonization was a highlight of her life. She now rests from her labors and joins her beloved friend, Brother André for all eternity. Rest in peace, Sister Alice Mary.