Sister Mary Claire Walton, Osu

Sister Mary Claire Walton (formerly Sister Mercedes) taught at the elementary and secondary levels for 44 years before transitioning into ministry to the elderly at St. Jerome Parish. She continued her giving ways as a resident of the Saint Angela Center, visiting and praying with infirm sisters, writing to death row inmates, and even assisting a staff member in preparing for her citizenship test. The beloved teacher and kind-hearted minister died October 5 in the Saint Angela Center where she had resided since 2007. She was 91.
The former Henrietta Walton was born in Cleveland on February 23, 1920, to George and Henrietta Walton. A graduate of Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart in East Cleveland, she joined the Ursulines from St. Ann Parish February 11, 1940, and professed final vows August 25, 1945. She earned her undergraduate degree at Ursuline College and a master’s from John Carroll University.
As Sister Mercedes she began her teaching career at the elementary level at the old Holy Trinity School and then spent 10 years at St. Ann School, Cleveland Heights. She served 33 years at the secondary level, alternating tenures at Sacred Heart Academy, Beaumont School, and Villa Angela Academy where she served 22 years. Her last formal ministry was to the elderly of St. Jerome Parish, which spanned 18 years.
In 2000, at the age of 80, Sister Mary Claire joined a group of Cleveland Ursulines in traveling to El Salvador to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Sister Dorothy Kazel.
Despite advancing years and health concerns Sister Mary Claire remained active in community life almost to the end. She was a long time member of the Marie of the Incarnation study group and of the Ursuline Associate program. Wherever people gathered, Sister Mary Claire gathered with them, always extending warmth and welcome and hospitality. She celebrated her 70th jubilee in April 2010.
Sister Mary Claire will be remembered for her gentle and joyful spirit, her eagerness to serve, and her love of walking. She was a faith-filled woman, a committed religious, a dedicated teacher and minister, a loving sister and loyal friend.
Sister Mary Claire is survived by nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law.

Services for Sister Mary Claire:

Wake: 3:00-6:45 PM Monday, October 10, 2011
Funeral Mass: 7:00 PM Monday, October 10, 2011
Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity
Ursuline Educational Center/Motherhouse
Burial: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
Saint Angela Center Chapel.