Sister Theresa had a rare experience when a woman thought she was talking to “Mother Teresa” after listening to Sister Theresa describe her work with battered and undocumented women who sought refuge at Sanctuary for Families. She daily brought a Charity heart to the “least of mine” on the margins of society in their need for advocacy, education, and a listening ear.

Sister Theresa Courtney, Sister Mary Colette, was born March 3, 1932, in the Bronx, New York. She was one of four children, two daughters and two sons of Patrick and Mary McCabe Courtney. Theresa attended Saint Anselm Elementary School in the Bronx and Cathedral High School in Manhattan. After graduation, she attended Hunter College for a year and worked for a year before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1952. Sister Mary Colette received a BA in English from College (University) of Mount Saint Vincent and an MA in English from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She was awarded New York State Permanent Certification in English.

Sister Theresa served in full-time active ministry for forty-five years, thirty years in education and fifteen in advocacy for women. Her years in elementary education were served in Saint Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan, Saint Mary in Yonkers, and Saint Barnabas in the Bronx. On the high school level, she taught English and Religion at the Academy of Mount Saint Vincent in Tuxedo Park, New York, and English in Cathedral High School. For the next fifteen years, Sister Theresa worked in Sanctuary for Families, a New York City non-profit, as an advocate for women and children who were victims of domestic violence. In retirement, she continued her advocacy for women as a tutor in the prison and shelter system of the city. In 2018, she joined the retirement community at Mount Saint Vincent Convent and later moved to Cabrini of Westchester in Dobbs Ferry, New York. She was residing here when she died on March 19, 2025, in the seventy-third year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York.

Sister Theresa had a rare experience when a woman thought she was talking to “Mother Teresa” after listening to Sister Theresa describe her work with battered and undocumented women who sought refuge at Sanctuary for Families. She daily brought a Charity heart to the “least of mine” on the margins of society in their need for advocacy, education, and a listening ear.

Early in her community life, Sister Theresa enjoyed time with nieces and nephews when their mother became ill. She was called a faithful and special friend by those who knew her well. With her ability to see the humor in situations and describe the humor to others, she enjoyed her niece, “Flo”, in the Progressive Insurance commercials.

Sister Theresa, as you enter the mystery of eternal life, our tender and compassionate God welcomes you to the place prepared for you. It is a place beyond our hopes and where faith says YES to the fullness of God’s love.  Go in peace.