Sister Jean Carroll, formerly Sister Mary Angeline, died peacefully on July 3, 2022 at Saint Mary Home. Born in East Hartford, CT on August 24, 1926 to Robert Carroll and Kathryn Lenihan, Sister Jean’s life journey was known to be limitless service to others, a determination to live the works of Mercy, and boundless energy.

While studying at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Sister Jean was inspired by Sister Mary Rosa McDonough’s passion for learning and search for truth. Sister Jean attributed her love of reading to the value Sister Rosa placed on expanding one’s life experience through literature. As she pondered her life following graduation, Sister Jean decided a life in Mercy met her lifetime goals.

 Sister Jean entered the Sisters of Mercy on June 28, 1947 and professed final vows on January 2, 1950. Shortly after entering the Sisters of Mercy in West Hartford, CT, the Sisters relocated their novitiate to Mercy Center, Madison. At Mercy Center, Sister Jean’s daily chore was tolling the bell, summoning all to services and greeting each person with her characteristic smile.

Having earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford (1947), Sister Jean earned an M Ed. From Boston College (1957) and returned to the University of Saint Joseph for an MA in Religious Studies (1985).

Recognizing her administrative skills and leadership talents, Sister Jean was appointed Supervisor of Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford, during which time she shared her love of learning with the teachers.  Following her time in elementary education, Sister Jean served as Director of Personnel for the Sisters of Mercy. This position was followed by her being elected to the Sisters of Mercy Leadership. In each of these positions, her gentle but firm guidance created an inner strength and confidence that enabled individuals to maximize their potential.

Always aware of the needs of others and each person’s responsibility to address the needs of the poor, Sister Jean decided to join her cousin, Sister Nancy McNamara at Mary House in Newington, CT where they ministered to adults by providing spiritual development programs, spiritual direction and prayer groups. Continuing their response by serving those in need, Sisters Jean and Nancy founded the First House of Mercy in Hartford, a temporary home for women in need. Sister Jean extended her outreach to the poor by Board Membership and tutoring at the Trust House in Hartford.

In addition to her parents, Sister Jean is pre-deceased by her brother Richard Joseph, his wife Joan and her cousin, Nancy McNamara, RSM; she is survived by her nieces: Beth Carroll-Horrocks (Thomas), Megan J. Carroll (Michelle M. Price), and her nephews: Robert Andrew (Melissa), William W. (Celia), Thomas C. (Antoinette), and their families. She will be greatly missed by her Mercy Community and the residents of Saint Mary Home.

The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff of Saint Mary Home for their loving and compassionate care for Sister Jean.

Sister Jean’s Funeral Mass and Wake will be held on Friday, July 8th at Saint Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford. Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford.

The wake will begin at 10 a.m., the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., followed by the burial service.

You are asked to consider donations in her memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott Street, 1st floor, West Hartford, CT 06110-2335. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.