Sister Cecile Berwind (Sister Helen Cecilia), SSJ, who spent more than 45 years teaching at the high-school level, died Feb. 26, 2006, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Rochester. She was 94.
Sister Berwind entered the congregation in 1930 from her home parish of St. Michael’s in Rochester. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College in 1940 and master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1945.
In 1932 Sister Berwind began teaching high-school science, biology and chemistry. She served at Nazareth Academy (1933-40) and St. Agnes (1943-56 and 1975-78), both in Rochester; and DeSales High in Geneva (1956-75).
Following retirement from the classroom in 1978, Sister Berwind volunteered for several more years in the resource room and in clerical service at Nazareth Academy. In 1991 she moved to the St. Joseph’s Convent Infirmary, where she was active in prayer ministry.
Sister Berwind is survived by nieces, nephews and her sisters in the congregation.
Her funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 28, 2006, in the motherhouse chapel. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.
