Sr. Margery Halpin, RSM

Albany-Sister Margery Halpin, RSM (Sister Marie Catherine) died May 19, 2025, at the Convent of Mercy in Albany, New York. She had been a Sister of Mercy for 67 years. Born in Albany, New York, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Halpin and Catherine Carey Halpin. Marge graduated from St. Teresa of Avila grade school and the Academy of the Holy Names before entering the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1957.

Marge earned an associate's degree from Maria College, Albany; a bachelor's degree from Rivier College, Nashua, NH; and an MS in Education from SUNY Albany. She also did post graduate study in Theology at Boston College and Fairfield University.

Marge was a true educator. She often said she knew "from the time I was in college" that she wanted to teach. Marge fulfilled the Mercy mission of education for decades. Early in her career she taught elementary students at Our Lady of Mercy, Colonie, Annunciation, Ilion and Our Lady of Victory, Troy. She then taught at Catholic Central High School, Troy for seven years, followed by a year each at Mercy High School and the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany; Marge returned to Our Lady of Victory as principal from 1978 to 1987.

She next served as Coordinator of Program and Staff Development at Holy Names before becoming the director of the Albany campus of St. Bernard's Graduate School of Theology in 1989. Under her leadership the program grew and flourished. She saw her mission as educating others to serve the spiritual and corporal needs of all whom they met. She also taught at Siena College. In 2000, Marge accepted a part-time position in the Education department at Russell Sage College, where she instructed and supervised student teachers. From 2000 -2012 Marge was a Pastoral Associate for Administration at Mater Christi parish in Albany before retiring from active ministry.

Marge often said each position she held prepared her for the next. She had a unique ability to connect with students and colleagues in ways that allowed them to grow and to blossom, to discern their gifts and share them with the world. She listened deeply and well. She was a quiet but strong Mercy presence wherever she went. Marge did not seek the spotlight, but she would speak truth to power to fight an injustice. She showed up for students, family, friends, colleagues and strangers in time of need, and her kindness was not forgotten. Marge forged forever friendships in her personal and professional life that withstood time and distance.

In addition, Marge served on the boards of St. Peter's Hospital, the Albany Diocesan School Board and the Consultation Center. She was also a member of the evaluation team for Middle States Association and the education committee for Albany diocesan schools.

She loved the Sisters of Mercy and took great joy in her ministry. Marge also had a great love for her family. She cherished their visits and time spent together. She enjoyed being with people, sharing meals and laughter, experiencing the beauty of nature. Marge especially enjoyed times at the ocean, Schroon Lake or the Sisters camp on Crooked Lake.

Marge was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Catherine, her sister, Marilyn Phelan, and her brothers Thomas and William. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, Sisters of Mercy and Associates, and a multitude of friends, who will keep her memory in their hearts.

The Sisters of Mercy are most grateful for the care provided to Marge in recent weeks by hospital staff, rehab therapists, Hospice and those at the Convent who supported Marge with tender care and loving presence in her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the reception of Sister Marge's body on Thursday, May 22, at 4 p.m. at the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany. A wake will follow, with a Service of Remembrance at 6:30 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 23 in the Chapel. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. Contributions in Sister Marge's memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.