Sister Mary Raphael Maher P.B.V.M

Sr. Mary Raphael Maher was born Eleanor Maher in Staten Island, New York, one of four children to Thomas & Catherine (Falvey) Maher. Her siblings were Thomas, Daniel & Dolores. She entered the Presentation Sisters of Staten Island on August 22, 1949. She professed her first vows on April 19, 1952 and her final vows on April 19, 1955. Sr. Mary Raphael attended St. Christopher’s Elementary School, St. John Villa High School and received her B.S. in Education from Fordham University in 1960.

Sr. Mary Raphael taught at Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Paul’s School, Our Lady Help of Christians, St. Margaret Mary’s and St. Teresa’s before retiring in 1992. Her former students and faculty still kept in touch with her.

Sr. Mary Raphael had a ministry of prayer and was approachable to all who would engage her in conversation. She was always there for those in need. She always had a smile and enjoyed parties, especially if it involved Chinese food and cake. She loved to watch Blue Bloods and the Hallmark channel and loved to be surrounded by those that cared for her.

Sr. Mary Raphael leaves behind her Sisters in the Presentation Community and is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

A visitation for Mary will be held Monday, September 25, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Clare Church, 110 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308. A committal service will occur Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 12:30 PM at Presentation Cemetery, Staten Island, NY 10309.