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Sister Roberta, the former Martha Jane Ryan, was born in Syracuse, NY, on February 22, 1917, daughter of the late James and Jane Moran Ryan. After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School in Syracuse, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy, NY, on March 19, 1936. Sister Roberta received a bachelor’s degree in social studies from The College of Saint Rose and completed her graduate studies in education at Saint Rose. For 56 years, she served in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses as teacher and librarian, including 30 years teaching kindergarten at St. Mary’s Academy, Glens Fall. Upon her retirement from the ministry of education, Sister Roberta served in the library at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.

 

Sister Roberta was a gentle, gracious woman of prayer and hospitality. A kindergarten teacher for 45 years, she had a special love for little children and took seriously her call to provide a nurturing, educational and fun environment in which children could learn and grow. Her warm, compassionate nature, complemented by her teaching expertise, earned Sister Roberta the love and respect of students and parents alike. Sister Roberta truly gave her heart, soul and spirit to her faith, her family, her friends and her Sisters of St. Joseph. She will be dearly remembered and greatly missed.

 

Sister Roberta is survived by her beloved nephews and their families: Mark (Sharon) Kieffer, Bernard Stephan and Joseph (Pat) Stephan; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Roberta was predeceased by her dearly loved brother and sisters: James P. Ryan, Lucille Kieffer and Agnes Stephan; and by many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph.

 

Sister Roberta’s funeral Liturgy was held on Friday, April 3, from the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. Interment was in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Contributions in Sister Roberta’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.