Sister of St. Joseph Elizabeth Mandell (formerly Sister Theophane) died on Oct. 2, 2011, at the age of 96.
Sister Mandell entered the congregation from her home parish of Holy Apostles in Rochester in 1933. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1945 and a master’s degree in education in 1955, both from Nazareth College in Pittsford. In 1958, she graduated from Catholic University in Washington D.C., with a master’s degree in social work.
She taught at Immaculate Conception, Ithaca; and St. Mary’s Boys Home, St. Joseph’s Villa and St. Bridget, Rochester. After completing her social work studies, she was assigned to St Joseph’s Villa, first as a "cottage mother" and then as social worker. In 1973, she became supervisor of intake, a position she held until her retirement in 1993. She then devoted all her time to making handmade items for the Sisters of St. Joseph gift shop.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen Kirkmire and Anne Marie Knapp; her brother, Anthony Mandell; her sister-in-law, Aleathea Mandell; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand nephews; and her sisters in the congregation. Her funeral liturgy was celebrated in the motherhouse chapel in Pittsford on Oct. 8, 2011, with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Fund, 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.
