Born in Boston on July 6, 1936, Sister Mary Coffey, SNDdeN is the oldest of seven children born to Irish immigrants from County Kerry and County Galway. Her parents affection for gardening introduced her to gentle care of the earth. Music and lyrical stories of their native land shaped her identity. During the twelve years at Our Lady of the Presentation School in Brighton, her teachers shared vignettes about Julie Billiart. This woman from another culture, piqued her curiosity. Today she believes that her life as well as the abiding kindness of her first-grade teacher underpinned the decision to enter Notre Dame on August 15, 1955.
Julie’s stories were passed on to her intermediate and junior high students during the sixteen years that she taught in parish schools. Influenced by the Vatican II documents, the writings of Cardinal Suenens and the freedom to discern a new direction, she became a hospital chaplain. After a residency year at the University of Virginia Medical Center, she studied at Boston University School of Theology. Then she moved into adult education, teaching pastoral education courses in Massachusetts and Texas. Her ministry expanded when she worked with inmates at the Maine Correctional Center, as chaplain, pastoral counselor and department director. Along the way, she practiced body spirituality, Reiki healing and reflective writing.
As she approaches her seventieth anniversary, she asks how did I ever get here? A small voice whispers keep writing the stories of those who shaped my personal and pastoral identity.