In Loving Memory...

Sister Mary Elenore Simons, CSC
(Sister Mary deSales)
Birth: April 22, 1918
Profession: August 15, 1945
Death: August 16, 2006

Elenore Rose Simons was born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1918. Her father, William, was a mining engineer and her mother, Elenore Rivers, was a homemaker. The family moved to Idaho sometime in Elenore’s childhood, and it was at Saint Teresa’s Academy in Boise, Idaho, that she met Holy Cross sisters. Elenore went on to college at Saint Mary of the Wasatch, all the while keeping the thought of becoming a sister close in her mind.

She worked as a secretary for a year after college and then entered the congregation in 1943 and was given the name Sister Mary deSales. Her teaching journey took her to many schools throughout the West, especially in California and Idaho. She was an excellent primary teacher and spent eight years at the Campus School at Saint Mary’s teaching teachers. At least 50 young sisters went out to teach with confidence because of the skills they learned from Sister Mary Elenore.

Her great devotion to St. Joseph kept her going through some rough times in her journey. Shy and quiet as she was, it was difficult for her to carry out some of her assignments, especially being assigned to be director of postulants.

Sister Jane Chantal shared with me what a help Sister Mary Elenore was when she served as secretary-treasurer and councilor for the Moreau Region. Reviewing the history of Mary’s Solitude, we see that she also ministered there as a volunteer, serving as hostess, portress and greeter. I imagine that retreat participants felt quite comfortable in her presence.

Her bandmates recall her peaceful demeanor and her quiet sense of humor. Her sweet smile, too, was comforting, and in her last years when she couldn’t speak because of dementia, she smiled with her eyes. At the time of her golden jubilee she began to change and move into the last stage of her life where she needed care at the convent.

The nurses and caregivers saw her as one who never fought against her journey of life. In other words, she never gave them cause for concern, but was a joy for all on the fourth floor.

Her death took us all by surprise, and she slipped away as quietly as she had been throughout her lifetime. She was ready to walk into the arms of God. 

Rest in peace Sister Mary Elenore. We love you and will miss you.

Written by Sister M. Arlene Kniola, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.