BELMONT — Mercy Sister Mary Robert Williams passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2024, aged 92. A beloved Sister, educator and spiritual leader, Sister Mary Robert dedicated her life to serving others, embodying the values of compassion and kindness throughout her seven decades of ministry.
A viewing will be held from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Immediately after Mass, the Sisters will provide lunch, and a graveside service will take place at 1:30 p.m.
Those planning to stay for lunch should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The funeral Mass will also be livestreamed: https://www.facebook.com/groups/871835437805371.
Margaret Catherine Williams was born on Oct. 24, 1932, to Robert Williams of Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, and Bernadette Nixon of Triangle, North Carolina.
Growing up in Charlotte, she attended St. Patrick Catholic School (previously known as O’Donoghue School), where she nurtured her passion for education.
On Aug. 5, 1950, she entered the Sisters of Mercy and began a remarkable career that spanned decades. Her commitment to teaching and leadership saw her serve as a supervisor at Nazareth Orphanage in Raleigh, principal at St. Mary’s School in Wilmington, and later as principal at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School in Charlotte for 13 years. During this time, she also dedicated herself to training the next generation of Sisters as a novice director for the Sisters of Mercy.
After retiring from her formal education career, Sister Mary Robert continued to share her gifts at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Salisbury, where she became a cherished pastoral associate and patient advisor. She was instrumental in starting Rowan Helping Ministries’ homeless shelter, and she also worked with a local women’s shelter and Operation Suitcase, which provides supplies for children in foster care.
Sister Mary Robert provided support and guidance to people in need for 31 years at Sacred Heart Parish, until her retirement in 2014 at the age of 81. An outreach program based out of the parish was later named for her in gratitude for her service.
Upon returning to Belmont, Sister Mary Robert dedicated herself to the community, volunteering at Holy Angels and House of Mercy, where she uplifted and visited children and young women, offering prayer and encouragement to those facing challenges.
Known for her joyful spirit, gentleness and unwavering love for others, Sister Mary Robert was also a talented storyteller who created lasting connections with everyone she encountered. Her presence brought peace and light to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Sister Mary Robert will be profoundly missed by her family, the Sisters of Mercy, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her ministry.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Mary Robert’s memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012; or a charity of one’s choice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and love for others.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
Read more about Mercy Sister Mary Robert Williams:
- We stand on the shoulders of great women’: Sisters of Mercy leave legacy of Catholic education, healthcare and social services across our region
- Outreach ministry honors Mercy sister
BELMONT — Mercy Sister Bernadette McNamara peacefully departed this life on Dec. 16, 2024, at the Sisters of Mercy Residence, Marion Center.
A viewing will take place from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Sacred Heart Convent, Cardinal Gibbons Chapel, located at 500 Sacred Heart Circle, Belmont, N.C. 28012. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., and a committal service will follow at Belmont Abbey at 1:30 p.m.
Born Sara Bernadette McNamara on Jan. 24, 1934, in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, she was the beloved daughter of Patrick Joseph McNamara and Elizabeth Kinney.
Entering the Sisters of Mercy on Oct. 3, 1951, Sister Bernadette dedicated her life to education and pastoral care, primarily serving as an educator within the Diocese of Charlotte. Her profound calling to serve extended to pastoral services and family life, leading her to work in Guam and Saipan. Upon her return to the United States, she became the administrator at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mocksville. Her remarkable ministry continued with an appointment as CEO and president at Catherine’s House. Feeling the call to return to parish ministry, she later served as pastoral associate at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Belmont.
Upon retirement, Sister Bernadette volunteered at the Mercy Heritage Center on the Sacred Heart-Sisters of Mercy campus, reflecting her unwavering commitment to service. She was cherished by all who knew her, easily winning the affection of parishioners and colleagues alike. Sister Bernadette had a zest for life; she loved music, cherished her family, and wore her title as a Sister of Mercy with pride. Her infectious Irish smile and jovial jokes brightened the lives of those around her, making every moment spent with her a joy.
Sister Bernadette’s legacy of love, service and joy will forever resonate in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catherine’s House or to the Sisters of Mercy at 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald