of the Holy Spirit
(Julia Zbyryt)
September 9, 1914 – November 21, 2002
Immaculate Heart of Mary Province
Monroe, Connecticut
“May the truth of God reign in you and in all your activities. May the goodness of God encompass you and may love motivate your affections and deeds.” (Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Journey with Her)
Sister Julie Ann was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1914. Later the family moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she attended Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth staffed the parish school and although Sister Julie Ann did not attend the parish school, she did come to know and love the Sisters. It was from this parish that she entered Nazareth on June 6, 1931. She was received into the novitiate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 14, 1932, receiving the name Sister Sylvester. Sister Julie Ann pronounced her first vows on July 10, 1934, and her final vows on December 27, 1940.
Sister Julie Ann’s apostolic activity began at St. Cyril and Methodius School in Brooklyn New York. She continued to serve Nazareth as a teacher ministering not only in schools in New York but in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well. She was a wonderful teacher, kind and very understanding. The children knew they had a friend in her.
In 1990, Sister’s failing health brought her to the Provincialate where she continued to give a helping hand to her sisters. Her charity extended to the patients of John Paul II Health Care Center Danbury, Connecticut. Sister Julie Ann had a gift of ministering to the dying. Sister would sit by the bedside of the patients who were low and would pray with them, encouraging them not to fear death because they were going to God who loved them. She herself had no fear of death and was comfortable being with the dying.
Sister Julie Ann was a musician who loved to share her gift with others. She taught music to her students and when she was no longer in school, she played for the residents of John Paul II Health Care Center. Her eyesight was failing but she would graciously enhance the daily liturgy through the gift of her music.
Sister Julie Ann was a very giving person. She gave of her time, her talents and her candy. Whether Sister was visiting with a patient in the nursing home, visiting her doctor for a medical appointment, or spending time with the Sisters with whom she lived, everyone went away with “Nips.”( candy) As one Sister so nicely said: “If I was looking for Sister Julie Ann I would follow the trail of smiles and the trail of nips.”
Gradually Sister’s activities became limited and she was admitted to the Infirmary. Sister accepted her suffering with patience and in silence. She spoke kindly to all who visited her and looked forward to the visits from the sisters. Just a few days before her death, Sister Julie Ann no longer had the strength to sit in her wheelchair. Confined to bed, her strength quickly left her body until she slipped into a coma.
Sister Julie Ann was indeed a worthy daughter of our Mother Foundress for whom she had great love and devotion. How fitting then that Our Lord called Sister Julie Ann to Himself on the 100th anniversary of the death of Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd. It is our consolation that she has joined Mother Foundress in praying for us now.
Sister Julie Ann gave so much of herself to others in life. May she now enjoy the gift of God’s love and peace in death! May you rest in peace, Sister Julie Ann.
Digitized by S. Brendan O'Brien, CSFN
Instructor
School of Arts & Sciences
History Department
Holy Family University
9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
215-637-7700 x3279
srbrendan@holyfamily.edu
http://web3.holyfamily.edu/srbrendan
Last updated: October 2006