Obituary of Sr. Virginia McGarry

Sister Virginia McGarry, former Sister Anne Marie, Sister of Mercy Sister Virginia, 103, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, NJ. Sister Virginia was born in New Brunswick, NJ and entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1927. She earned a BA degree in English from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, NJ. Sister Virginia taught in both Trenton and Metuchen Diocese for more than fifty years. Teaching in Mount Saint Mary, Watchung; St. Joseph School, North Plainfield; St. John School, Lambertville; St. Mary School, Trenton; St. Mary School South Amboy; Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville and Saint Mary Academy, Lakewood. After her many years of teaching she went on to create an outreach program for Seniors in St. Mary Parish, Lakewood, NJ. It was fittingly called "SMILES" Saint Mary's Ingenious, Lovable, Energetic Seniors. Her love for travel took her to five continents. Her favorite city being Rome where she eventually met five Popes, starting with Pope Pius XI. Arriving at McAuley in 1986 she continued her ministry of prayer and hospitality. She loved to share her stories of a life well lived, her love for God, the Sisters of Mercy, Angels,her many friends and her dear family. Her traveling days were different but via her electric wheel chair she was often seen traveling the hill at Mount Saint Mary carrying her Parasol and stopping at the Shrines. She is survived by a her niece Virginia McGarry, her grand-niece Ginny Blanke, husband Mark, son Austin and grand-niece Cindy Kalman all from New Jersey and many Sisters of Mercy Visitation will take place at McAuley Hall Health Care Center 1633 Highway 22 Watchung, NJ on Saturday October 8, 2011 from 8:30 to 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, NJ. Memorial Contributions may be made to Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community 1645 Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069