Sister Helen Masterson, SNJM
Sister Mariam Michael
Spokane, Washington


Born July 27, 1918, Helen Claire Masterson was the 6th of seven children born to John Michael and Mary Alexander Masterson. Helen was born in Spokane, in "Good old America!" She was educated at St. Aloysius Elementary School, Holy Names Academy and Holy Names College, earning a B.A. in Education. Having spent sixteen years being educated by Holy Names Sisters, she felt a strong call to be one of them, and entered the community in 1940. Helen was given the religious name of Mariam Michael, and made her vows in 1942. She continued her education, earning an M.A. in Physical Education and Journalism from the University of Oregon. She taught middle and upper grades from 1942 until she began her successful career as Elementary School Principal at St. Joseph's in Seattle, and St. Frances Cabrini in Tacoma in 1955. After returning to the classroom for a year, she taught in the Education Department of Fort Wright College. Throughout her teaching years, Sister Mariam Michael loved her students deeply, and often reminded them that they were the future leaders of our world.

She retired from teaching in 1971, having offered to be of service as Co-Director of the Retirement and Care Center for her religious Sisters. This began her ministry with the elderly, which she continued from 1976, visiting four nursing homes, bringing Communion and preparing prayer times with the residents. This was to prove the happiest and most fulfilling ministry of her life, one from which she felt that she learned much that was important to her in her own aging process.

In 2000, Sister Helen suffered a stroke and other health problems which changed her life considerably. She moved to the Convent where she had been Director, knowing that she would benefit from the services available there, and that she would not only bring life to the Sisters, but enrich her own life by being with them.

Sister Helen will be remembered for her many gifts. Among them is her love of her religious vocation and her joy and gratitude in living it. She brought life to any gathering, and courage to any challenge. She was serious, strict, understanding and great fun, as called for by various occasions. Her sense of humor was delightful.

Helen is the last of her siblings, predeceased by her sisters Maria and Patricia, and her brothers Howard, John, Max and Frank, S.J. She is survived by her religious Sisters and by nieces and nephews who have loved her into eternity.

Sister Helen died Friday, April 9, 2010. Her Funeral service

s scheduled for Thursday, April 15, at 3:00 p.m., at Convent of the Holy Names, 2911 West Fort Wright Drive, Spokane, Washington. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund, 2911 West Fort Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224.