Sister Maureen Hally, RSM

07/08/1938 - 06/26/2024

Sister Maureen died at the age of 85 on June 26, 2024. She was born in San Francisco in 1938 to John and Mary Duffy Hally. She grew up in St. Emydius Parish and graduated with the first class at Mercy High School in 1956. She entered the Sisters of Mercy that year professing vows in 1959. She earned a BA in Social Sciences, from Russell College and MA in Education from Cal State Northridge. She later earned an MA in creation spirituality from Naropa University in Oakland.

Sister taught 7th and 8th grades and served in elementary school administration for 30 years in the Bay Area and Southern California. She also served as a computer coordinator in elementary schools.

In 1988 Maureen’s strong sense of justice became the primary focus of her ministry. She began by being involved in various local projects that support human rights, doing both direct service and advocacy. In 1993 she became one of five Sisters across the country who formed the first national Social Justice Team for the Sisters of Mercy. She was involved in leading advocacy efforts and raising political awareness to support human rights both nationally and internationally. She served on this team for seven years.

Following this ministry, Maureen became more aware of her creative side and delved into watercolor as well as writing, especially poetry. She became immersed in environmental concerns and was involved in educating children, raising their awareness of caring for earth through several local initiatives.

She is survived by her sister Brenda Carpenter, her brother Tom, her cousin Patty Shanahan, their families, other relatives, and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.

A vigil service will be held at 3pm on Tuesday, July 9 at Marian Oaks, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mercy Convent Chapel. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma will be at 1:30 pm. Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010.