SISTER MARY LUCILLE DESMOND

1917-2017

Sister Mary Lucille Desmond CCVI, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas passed away on October 4, 2017. May she now enjoy the joy of God’s presence for all eternity. She was born in County Cork to John and Katherine (Lynch) Desmond. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in August, 1934 at St. Michael’s Convent, Co. Clare, Ireland. Her formation continued when she came to Villa de Matel in October of 1935 and made her Perpetual Profession of Vows on June 6, 1944. She studied nursing at St. Joseph’s Infirmary, Houston, received a Pharmacy degree from Loyola University, New Orleans, and a Certificate in Hospital Administration from St. Louis University in 1975. Sister Lucille worked in several Congregational-sponsored hospitals, including St. Joseph’s Infirmary, Houston, TX; St. Michael’s Hospital, Texarkana, AR; and St. Patrick’s Hospital in Lake Charles, LA, where she was the Administrator. She was also the Administrator at St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach, California, and Administrator of the Villa de Matel Center, Houston, Texas. Sister was a woman of integrity, compassion and caring. She served on numerous Congregational committees and held several appointments including President of the Texas Catholic Hospital Association. For the last several years, Sister Lucille transitioned her life from active ministry to a life of more contemplation, where she had time to continue her ministry of prayer to God. Recently, Sr. Lucille celebrated her 100th birthday with great joy and engagement, and was joined by a number of family members from Ireland and England, and numerous friends from throughout the U.S. Sister Lucille is survived by her brother, Dr. Michael Desmond in Cheshire, England, her sister-in-law, Maureen Desmond, several nieces and nephews and other relatives. We wish to extend our thanks to the nursing staff and all who cared for Sister during her recent illness at St. Placidus Convent. Sister Lucille’s body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa De Matel, 6510 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas at: 5:00 PM on Friday, October 6, 2017, followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at 10:30 AM on October 7, 2017, 2017. The Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.