Sister Mary Christopher, F.D.C. died on August 21, 2011. A Daughter of Divine Charity for over 60 years, she was born Rose Chorba on August 9, 1923 in Trenton, New Jersey to Joseph and Mary Stadler Chorba.
After attending local public high school, Rose entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity at St. Joseph Hill on Staten Island. Sr. Christopher completed her postulancy and novitiate and professed her vows in 1944.
With the exception of two years teaching in elementary schools in Indiana, Sister Christopher spent the entirety of her teaching career at St. Joseph Hill Academy on Staten Island. She taught in the elementary school of the Academy from 1943-1949. She then taught Science and Math in the high school there until the 1990’s. Instruction in her classes was rigorous and thorough
Sister Christopher served as a Provincial Councilor beginning in the 1970’s and with Sr. Albert was co-treasurer of the St. Joseph Province during the late 1980’s. She was transferred to California and spent a few years working in St. Therese Parish, San Diego, and St. Joseph Parish in Fontana.
After having some health setbacks, Sr. Christopher returned to St. Joseph Hill Convent and lived there until she required more specialized care. She then resided, until her passing, at Eger Health and Rehabilitation Center on Staten Island.
Sr. Christopher treasured her family, her religious community, and her friends. She kept up a voluminous correspondence with very many of them up to her last days. When poor eyesight and diminished handwriting skills prevented her from writing herself, her long time faithful friend Marie Stewart became her scribe and maintained these contacts by getting all those “dictated” missives out.
Sr. Christopher kept her spiritual and intellectual life enriched and vibrant. This was aided by the many books and audio tapes she received from her friends. Whenever the possibility presented itself and when she was physically able, she returned to St. Joseph Hill convent for retreats, days of recollection and other community events. Participation in the life of her religious community was greatly important to her.
She will be missed by her many friends and will most assuredly revel in the company of her Lord, and her favorite Saints and friends in the Communion of Saints.