Obituary of Sister Ruth Esther (Mary Clarence) Sherman, OSF

Sister Ruth Esther Sherman went home to God on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse, NY. Sister was born in Afton, NY to Henry and Bessie Ann Dutcher Sherman. She was 91 years old and had been a sister of St. Francis for 74 years.

Sister received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Chaminade College of Honolulu, HI; Certification as a Technical (Practical) Nurse in Peru; specialized training in vaccines and tuberculosis: prevention, detection and treatment; and Red Cross Disaster Training.

Her ministry began as a teacher in schools in the Albany, Utica and Syracuse, NY areas as well as Hilo and Honolulu, HI. She was also the Art and Activities Director for the St. Francis Adult Day Care in Honolulu, HI. She did research work at St. Joseph Hospital while a Lab Assistant in the Microbiology Dept. and later was also a statistical analyst there.

Especially near and dear to her heart were the years that she spent in Peru as an educator and a missionary. Sister first taught religion in Peru and then was Director of the Parish Dispensary in Pativilca, Peru specializing in mother-child care. She then was Supervisor of the parish dispensary and was instrumental in the detection, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.

Sister was a Red Cross disaster volunteer for over 25 years. After Earthquake 1970 in Peru, she went in helicopters to take census and give first aid and help evacuate when necessary.

Sister will always be remembered for her years of devoted service to her community and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her as a loving, caring, loyal sister and friend. As a missionary, she will be remembered for her warm and generous outreach to her Peruvian students, and her dedicated care of the sick in the clinics and always being prepared to help in any disaster situation. She was a dedicated teacher earlier in life and had a very prayerful but fun loving spirit.

Sister was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Paul L. Sherman and John A. Sherman.

Survivors: her sisters-in-law Glenda and Kathleen Sherman, several nieces, nephews, cousins and the Sisters of St. Francis.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 7 pm in the Franciscan Villa Chapel, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212. Calling hours will be from 3:30 to 6:30 pm in the Chapel. A farewell service will be held at 8:30 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in the Franciscan Villa Chapel. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Mission Advancement Office, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212.