In this season of Resurrection - of New Life, we, her family, her sisters, all people of hope, rejoice in the new life that Sister Mary Stephen Underwood is experiencing now! We also remember her life with us.

Born in 1913 to James and Anna Becta Underwood in Gloucester City, N.J., Mary, one of five siblings, went to Saint Mary’s Elementary and High Schools. She was taught by the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh. Two of her brothers, James and Francis, lived to mature years, married, Francis’ wife Florence is with us, and had children - Rosemary also is with us this morning.

Mary graduated from Glassboro State Teachers College in 1936 with a Bachelors in Education. She taught in the Ethel Burke School in Mount Ephrain. Some of her colleagues remained friends for life. I remember her speaking about their annual get togethers, even into the 90’s.

Some of you knew her in those pre-convent days or heard stories from your families or elders. You remember!

Never one to rush into things, it was at the age of 26 in 1939, that she entered the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh - responding to an inner call that she had felt for a number of years.

Having completed initial formation and having taught in two elementary schools in Newburgh, she was missioned to Pope Pius High School, Passaic, N.J. in 1942, where she remained for 23 years. Both Sisters Jean Lawrence, a colleague, and Lucy Povilonis, a student, shared their stories of this time last evening. She taught for17 years, receiving her Masters in Physics from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. in 1958. Sister Ann Gilson, a friend for over sixty years, also received her science degree during this period. For her last 6 years there, she was principal and superior of the community. Years later I remember hearing a story which connected with my observation of her attitude toward those in need. S. Margaret Michael, then the Dominican Sisters Community Supervisor, was meeting with her in the principal’s office. A student came in. Sister Mary Stephen questioned why he was out of class. He replied that the teacher had put him out because he did not have a uniform tie. She reached into the lower drawer and gave him one! “ It’s more important that he be in class,” she commented to Sister Margaret Michael.

A favorite passage of Sister Mary Stephen was from the Servant Song of Isaiah - “He will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoldering wick.” Many of us identify Sister Mary Stephen as following Jesus in this way. We might say as well “Blessed are the Peacemakers; Blessed are the the Merciful” as we heard proclaimed in this morning’s Gospel. Whether articulated or not, this may have been in the mind of the sisters who elected her Vicaress General or 1st Councilor in 1965 - someone they could trust - someone gentle!. For 3 of the 6 year term, she also was principal of Mount Saint Academy. Ceil Murray told us a story of that time last evening. Among her council responsibilities was responsibility for those preparing for final profession. Catherine Walsh gave us an indication of Sister Mary Stephen’s response at that time to one of the external changes in religious life

It was in the mid 1970’s that I had the privilege to get to know S. Mary Stephen when S. Joan Coffey, Personnel Director, she, and I comprised the Personnel Committee for the Newburgh Dominicans. It was at this time over and over again that it was obvious that S. Mary Stephen attempted to live Isaiah’s Servant Song - particularly in connection with sisters experiencing difficulties as well as sisters in transition. As Beth McCormick mentioned last evening, she was First Councillor again from 1979 to 1983. She was Congregational Director of Health and Retirement as well as Coordinator of the Senior Sisters. She respected others and detected strength in apparent weakness.

In 1983 S. Mary Stephen was missioned to St. Lawrence’s in Lindenwold, N.J. as librarian. I remember going to for a visit once and witnessing her reading to a group of primary children. She could be very dramatic for them. it was a delight!

Seven years later she returned to our center where she assisted in the archives, cataloguing the 1000s of photos our sisters had gathered over the years. I’m sure that she had stories for many of them.

In 2000 she moved to Siena Hall because of blindness, where too quickly she withdrew from us. This was a time of waiting for “new life”. As Lucy also told us last evening, she stressed Advent when she had been principal! And we know that she never rushed into anything! This past Holy Saturday she died and was born into this “new life”, and fulfilled the “Hope” for which she had been born.

Patricia Jelly, OP