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Sister Mary Joseph McCloat, a Little Sister of the Assumption who served the poor for more than 70 years and lived in Charlotte for many years, passed away on June 15, 2012, in Andrus on Hudson in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., a long-term care community that had been her home since 2008. She was surrounded by her fellow sisters.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Gardiner, N.Y., on June 19, 2012.

Margaret Mary McCloat was born on Feb. 6, 1917, in Skreen, County Sligo, Ireland, the eldest of 15 children. She entered the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Assumption on March 7, 1935, in Woodlands, England, and she made her final profession of vows on Jan. 29, 1944.

She came to the United States in 1938. A registered nurse, she assisted families in need while residing at a convent in Charlotte, as well as in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

"Sister Joseph" touched many hearts in her 77 years of religious life. Her passion for those suffering poverty was expressed through her simplicity of presence and unassuming love. She had a capacity to develop deep and long-standing relationships with families, benefactors and friends, all those with whom she met on her life's journey. Children had a special place in her heart. Phone calls, notes on special occasions, a warm welcome with an offer of a cup of tea and perhaps a piece of chocolate were so much a part of her life. She was always open to what was asked of her and gave to the fullest of her capacity. In particular, the mission in North Carolina was close to her heart.

"She was dear to our hearts and will be deeply missed. Please join with us in celebrating the gift of her life. We now have a special advocate in heaven!" wrote Sister Joan McCormack of the Little Sisters of the Assumption in a recent letter to Sister McCloat's friends.

Sister McCloat is survived by her sisters Carmel Carthy and Bernadette Dowling, and her brother Brendan McCloat, all from Skreen; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Millspaugh Funeral Directors of Walden, N.Y., is in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald