A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 7 in Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, for Sister of Charity Maureen Malone who died Dec. 28 in Complete Care at St. Vincent’s, Cedar Grove. She was 86.
Born in Elizabeth, the former Sister John Immaculate, entered the Sisters of Charity March 6, 1957, and was a member for 68 years. She held a bachelor’s degree in English from the College (now University) of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, and a master of arts degree in special education from Trenton State College, (now The College of New Jersey), Ewing. She also earned certification as a National Certified Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey.
Sister Maureen’s first ministry experiences were in education in New Jersey, including the former Sacred Heart School, Trenton, in the Diocese of Trenton.
Sister Maureen’s becoming aware of the needs of children, teens and families in Trenton, led to her involvement in founding several programs which assisted troubled youth and their families. Areas she helped with addressing included alcohol and drug addiction, lack of housing, HIV, poverty and other family concerns. In Trenton, she was a counselor at Anchor House and Triad House as well as in It Takes a Family in Cinnaminson. In addition, she was an addictions counselor and the director of the New Choices Program at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.
In 2010, Sister Maureen was honored with a Cherish the Children Award from the Mercer County Department of Human Services, recognizing her efforts on behalf of the children of Mercer County.
Sister Maureen was predeceased by her parents and brother. She is survived by a nephew, niece, grandniece and grandnephews.
Burial was in Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity Legacy and Mission Advancement Office, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J. 07961.