Sister of St.. Joseph Helen Therese Koenen died on Jan. 27 2011. at the age of 87.
Sister Koenen entered the congregation from her home parish of St. Alphonsus, Auburn, in 1941. She completed a bachelor of education degree in 1950 and earned a master of science degree in education in 1957, both from Nazareth College.
She began teaching in 1944 at St. Paul, Oswego, and then went to St. Anne, Rochester. Beginning in 1957, she served as principal at St. Anne; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rochester; St. Mary, Elmira; St. Patrick, Corning; and St. Paul, Oswego. During most of these years in a leadership position, she also was teaching one of the grades. From 1974 until 1988, she taught third grade at Immaculate Conception, Ithaca, and at Blessed Trinity, Auburn.
After 44 years in education, Sister Koenen spent two years caring for her ailing mother. In 1990 she became library coordinator at Blessed Trinity School, Auburn, where she served until her retirement in 1998. Having spent more than 25 years serving the people of Auburn, she moved to the motherhouse in 2006.
She is survived by her cousin, Edward Miller; her dear friend, Sister Walter Anne O’Malley; and by her sisters in the congregation Her funeral liturgy was celebrated at the motherhouse chapel on Feb. 3, 2011, with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.
