Celene Hurley

Sister Celene Marie Hurley, also known as Sister Elaine Marie, passed away on November 5, 2023, at Ruth Ross Residence in Saint John, NB. She was born on March 31, 1938, in Killoween, NB to the late John Patrick and Flora (Gallagher) Hurley. Sister Celene worked as a secretary for eight years in New Brunswick and Ottawa before she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on September 13, 1964.

Throughout her life, Sister Celene dedicated herself to various ministries, including secretarial and accounting work at the community’s administrative offices and at the Mater Misericordiae Home, which later became Rocmaura Nursing Home. In addition to her Business Administration Diploma from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, she also spent time accompanying new members of the community at the Formation House.

She returned to Saint John in 2012, where she continued her ministry at the Oasis Women’s Drop-In on Waterloo Street and volunteered at Romero House. She was known for her compassionate presence and her ability to warmly welcome and listen to each person she encountered. Sister Celene lived by the words of St. Vincent de Paul: “If God is the centre of your life, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts.” Sister Celene was predeceased by her parents, John Patrick and Flora Hurley, as well as her brothers and sisters. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Visitation for Sister Celene will be held at Ruth Ross Residence on November 8, with a Mass of Christian Burial on November 9 at Carmel Chapel. The Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Sister Celene will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Saint John, NB. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home in Saint John.