Sr. Mary Cabrini Nellis

Albany-After a brief illness, Sister Mary Cabrini Nellis [June Elizabeth Nellis] died May 7, 2025, in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, New York. She had been a Sister of Mercy for 79 years. Born in Johnstown, New York, she was the daughter of the late Anna Goot Nellis and Clyde LeRoy Nellis.

Sister Cabrini earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the College of Saint Rose as well as a master’s in education from Boston College focused on becoming a “Reading Specialist.” For fifty years Sister Cabrini made reading come alive for students in grades 1 through 6 at St. Teresa of Avila, Vincentian, Saint Patrick’s, and Holy Cross Schools, all in Albany; and at St. Patrick’s, Ravena; Annunciation, Ilion; and Christ the King, Westmere.

A hallmark of Sister Cabrini’s spirituality was her gift for finding God in nature and guiding others to the same discovery. Being outdoors both delighted and enlivened her; she shared her extraordinary knowledge of birds, insects, plants and the rhythm of the seasons with anyone willing to listen.

Over the years, some would-be gardeners less gifted than she sought Cabrini’s guidance on how to tend their struggling plants. She readily advised others on care, sometimes adopting failing specimens, nursing them back to health and returning them to their owners with instructions about continuing care.

Well into her 90’s, in what others might see as “retirement” years, Sister Cabrini remained engaged in a ministry of prayer and presence to others by telephone ministry and home visitations, as long as she was able. Her joy was contagious. Sister Cabrini delighted in tracing her family ancestry and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Sister Cabrini cared deeply for her family. She is survived by her sisters, Ann Culver, Margaret Handy, Priscilla Brown and Mary Smith; and her brother, Robert Nellis. She was predeceased by her sister Carolyn Hermon; and her brother Clyde LeRoy Nellis II. Her extended family includes many others, both living and deceased.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the reception of Sister Mary Cabrini’s body on Sunday, May 11, 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 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 12. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. Contributions in Sister Mary Cabrini’s memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.