50th Entrance
Sister Kathleen Marie Tinnel
Birthplace: Wurzburg, Germany
Entrance: 1976
First profession: 1979
Final profession: 1984
Education: Nursing degree, Mercy School of Nursing, Fort Scott, Kansas, 1975
Bachelor’s in nursing, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, 1981
Master’s in nursing as a pediatric nurse practitioner, Saint Louis University, 1998
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Candidate, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, St. Louis, 1976
Nurse, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, 1976-77
Novice duties, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, St. Louis, 1978-79
Nurse, Mercy Hospital-St. Louis, 1981-82
Student, Saint Louis University, 1996-97
Discernment and service in Mercy, Catherine’s Residence and Sisters of Mercy, St. Louis, 2021-present
Volunteer cuddler in the NICU, Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Migrant caregiver, Frisco Daycare Center, Plainview, Texas, 1976
Caregiver to infants, Holy Angels Nursery, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1977
Registered nurse, Independence, Kansas, 1977-78 and 1991-96; Springfield, Missouri, 1988-91; and Rogers, Arkansas, 1998-99
Nurse, Mercy Hospital, Wichita, Kansas, 1977-78
Student, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 1979-81
Registered nurse and head nurse, Mercy Health Center, Laredo, Texas, 1983-88
Volunteer, Mound Bayou, Mississippi, 1999-2000; Clarksdale, Mississippi, 2000-02; and Laredo, Texas, 2015-16
Pediatric nurse practitioner, Children’s Clinic of Clarksdale, Clarksdale, Mississippi, 2002-07
Vocation minister, Sisters of Mercy-South Central, South Central New Membership Team, Laredo, Texas, 2007-15; and Dallas, 2015
Infant caregiver, Infant of Prague Catholic Nursery and Kindergarten, Agana, Guam, 2016-21
60th Entrance
Sister Victoria Mary Incrivaglia
Birthplace: Minden, Louisiana
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1970
Final profession: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in theology and history, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1972
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1972
Master’s in social work, Saint Louis University, 1981
License in social work, Missouri, 1992
License in social work, Mississippi, 1993
Certificate, Institute of Process Facilitation, St. Louis, 1995
Certificate in digital photography, St. Louis Community College, 2019
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Postulant and novice duties, Mother of Mercy Novitiate, St. Louis, 1966-69
Assist in retreat house, St. Joseph Convent of Mercy, St. Louis, 1969-70
Student, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1970-72
Faculty, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1977-79
Student in social work, Saint Louis University, 1979-81
Social worker, Mercita Hall, St. Louis, 1981-84
Assistant director, Catholic Youth Council Ujima Youth Program, St. Louis, 1984-87
Director, Southside Outreach Program, Catholic Charities of St. Louis, 1987-89
Formation team and director, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, St. Louis, 1989-92
Co-director, psychotherapist, McAuley Counseling Services, Inc., St. Louis, 2000-19
Co-director, McAuley Wholistic Services, Inc., St. Louis, 2019-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1972-77
Social worker, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1992-94
Social worker-behavioral health care, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1994-2000
About Sister Victoria Mary Incrivaglia: “I treasure all of creation, as expressed through nature,” Sister Victoria says. “I enjoy the outdoors, flowers, walking and being near bodies of water, especially waterfalls.” She believes the opportunity of contemplative photography is an expression of spirituality. “In this expression of photography, the gift of the moment is being able to enter into a deeper vision, understanding that the vision before you is a gift. When we allow ourselves to be touched by the moment, we open ourselves to what is rather than any expectations of how or what the image should reflect.” As an Italian-American, she is grateful for the culinary skills her mother taught her. This includes the tradition of making cannoli from scratch at Christmas time. Sister Victoria’s family also appreciates her talents and commitment to continue creating and sharing this festive holiday dessert. Sister Victoria’s years as a licensed mental health therapist allowed her the opportunity to enter into the sacred realm of journeying with individuals during various stages of their growth. Her favorite quote is from St. Irenaeus, who wrote in the second century, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
Sister JoAnne Jones
Birthplace: Detroit
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1969
Final profession: 1972
Education: Doctorate in curriculum for leadership and organizational development with honors, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1985
Master’s in systematic theology, Jesuit School of Theology, Graduate Theological University, Berkeley, California, 1979
Bachelor’s in education, College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1972
Certifications, Jungian Institute, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, 2010, 2000, 1992
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Mission and formation specialist, Mercy Health Care System, Chesterfield, 2020-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Novice duties including parish catechism, lifeguard, YMCA, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1966-69
Teacher of primary grades, St. Patrick School, Newry, Pennsylvania, 1969-71
Student, College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1971-72
Faculty and vocation director, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, 1972-73
Vocation director, Our Lady of Loretto Convent, Loretto, Pennsylvania, 1973-76
Student, Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California, 1976-79
Staff member, CONNECTIONS, Mercy Center, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1979-82
Programmer-adult education, College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1981-82
Personnel development and assistant to the president, Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 1982-85
Vice president for mission integration, Mercy Health Care System, Mercy Center, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1985-87
Sabbatical, Dominican Consultation Center, Detroit, 1987-88
Consultant and instructor, Organizational Development, Birmingham, Michigan, 1988-93
Faculty, College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1993-94
Volunteer, Mercy Center, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1994-95
Consultant, Fundraising and Development, Carnegie Museum, 1995-97
Staff member, Health Span for Mothers and Children, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 1997-98
Artist and Enneagram specialist, Core Ministries, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 1999
Faculty, Core Ministries, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 1999-2007
In transition, Sisters of Mercy, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 2007-10
Retreat director Redemptorist Center, San Alfonso Retreat House, Trenton, New Jersey, 2010-15
Residence director, Mary’s Place, Trenton, New Jersey, 2015-19
About Sister JoAnne Jones: There was an event that had a profound effect on Sister JoAnne. As she says, “On June 23, 1972, the Agnes Flood hit the Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, area and showed me how heroes are made. It also revealed the reception and leadership level of the Sisters of Mercy. This changed me significantly. Our Provincial, Sister Silverius Shields, and the campus of Misericordia opened its doors as a center of operation during this hazardous time. The government headquartered and helicopters had a landing area. Babies were born while ambulances and cars brought those who needed care. Volunteers received orders for the day. The now homeless were able to sleep and get food. Some volunteers slept on the pews in the chapel. My gratitude for the community and my vows as a member deepened profoundly.” On a lighter note, she says she values seeing the gifts of every day. “I treasure all the opportunities for learning and deepening that life brings through people and situations. As I age, I marvel at how fast time seems to pass. My gratitude for God’s generosity and patience takes many shapes, often in amusing ways, sometimes subtle, sometimes in surprising circumstances.”
Sister Mary Teresa Kelone
Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1970
Final profession: 1976
Education: Bachelor’s in social studies, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1972
NCATE certification in elementary education, 1972
Advanced certificate in religious education, Pope Paul IV Catechetical Institute, St. Louis, 1986
Hospital mission board of trustees certification, Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis, 1997
Certificate in pastoral ministry, Mercy Health System of Kansas, Independence, Kansas, 1998
Advanced certificate in pastoral ministry, Aquinas Institute of Theology, Saint Louis University, 2004
Board certification in chaplaincy, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, Springfield, Missouri, 2004-25
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Novice duties, Mother of Mercy Novitiate, St. Louis, 1966-69
Student, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1970-72
Special education teacher, St. Rose of Lima School, St. Louis, 1972
Teacher, St. Joan of Arc School, St. Louis, 1974-77
Special education teacher and tutor, Annunciation School, St. Louis, 1985-87
Staff, Business Office, Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, 1987
Sabbatical, prayers and works of mercy, St. Louis, 1988-90
Special education teacher aide, St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis, 1990-91
Family services coordinator, Outreach Center, Catholic Charities of St. Louis, 1991-98
Student, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, 2002-04
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, Slaton, Texas, 1969-70; Meridian, Mississippi, 1972-74; Amarillo, Texas, 1977-83; and Mission, Texas, 1983-85
Clinical social worker and mission integration, Rural Health Clinics at Mercy Hospital, Independence, Kansas, 1998-2001
Student, CPE Program, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 2001-02
Pastoral care chaplain, NACC Board Certified Hospital Chaplain, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 2004-19
Sabbatical, prayers and Works of Mercy, Sisters of Mercy, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 2019-21
Support staff volunteer, St. John the Baptist School, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 2021-present
About Sister Mary Teresa Kelone: “I have a tremendous love of nature and walking in the woods, where I greatly experience God’s presence,” Sister Teresa says. She appreciates the simple things in life: a baby’s laughter, a beautiful sunset and visits with friends. “My favorite things are being in nature among the mountains, lakes, countryside and growing plants and flowers.” A creative nurturer and organizer, she grew up in “a very poor family with a deep faith.” They said the Rosary together daily, went to weekly novena devotions and Sunday Mass. “My family always prayed that one of us four girls would become a sister,” she says. She was taught by the Sisters of Mercy for 12 years. “In first grade, I fell in love with my teacher, Sister Alice, and loved the sisters at the Mount. I always felt loved by the Sisters of Mercy and believed God was calling me to be among them.”After 60 years, she still enjoys quiet prayer in adoration, ministering with and being with Sisters of Mercy. These days, she also spends time knitting, bird watching, listening, volunteering and accompanying others in need of support.
Sister Denise Sausville
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1969
Final profession: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Saint Louis University, 1966
Certificate in elementary education, Teacher’s Life Missouri, St. Louis, 1966
Master’s in social work, Saint Louis University, 1973
Certificate in social work, Academy of Certified Social Workers, St. Louis, 1976
Certificate in spiritual guidance, Shalem Institute, Baltimore, 2002
Master’s in human development, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 2004
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, Annunciation School, St. Louis, 1972-74
Social worker, Catholic Charities of St. Louis, 1975-76
Director of continuing formation and peace and justice, Sisters of Mercy, St. Louis, 1985-89
Spiritual director and retreat director, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, St. Louis, 1990-2000
Adjunct faculty, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, 1998-2000
Sabbatical, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, Washington and Ireland, 2014-15
Teaching, Novitiate of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, St. Louis, 2017-19
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Internship in medical social work, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1970-71
Administrator and director, Holy Angels Nursery, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1976-80
Diocesan director of family life, Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, 1980-85
Executive director, MercyWorks, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Resource to ARISE (a grassroots ministry) in Pharr, Texas; and part-time resource to Our Lady of Guadalupe Spiritual Life Center, Belize, 2000-14
Incorporation minister, Sisters of Mercy Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica, and Wisconsin, 2020-24
Prayer and writing, Sisters of Mercy, Pharr, Texas, 2024-present
About Sister Denise Sausville: “I have become convinced that the most powerful ministry in our age is prayer,” Sister Denise says. “It dispels darkness, loosens bonds, administers the balm of hope, generates compassion and places us at the margins with the financially poor and needy. In an age of globalization, I have been most blessed to have had time to pray, and to do this in solidarity with people of faith throughout the world. Throughout her religious life, she has consistently been an advocate for social justice. “I have attended marches and rallies, doing civil disobedience once and going to jail. These experiences have all been done in line with the Church’s social teachings, which I believe are a ‘best kept secret.’ We are blessed with popes who remind us of what Vatican II calls, ‘the signs of the times.’ Pope Leo XIV is leading the Church into an age of globalization and technological advancement, while keeping the poor and disenfranchised central to our care! Thank you, Pope Leo, Robert Prevost from Chicago!” She agrees with Frances Warde, RSM, American Foundress, “It is a glorious thing to be a Sister of Mercy!”
75th Entrance
Sister Mary Jeremy Buckman
Birth name: Mary Barbara Buckman
Birthplace: Shelbina, Missouri
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1954
Final profession: 1957
Education: Nursing degree, St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, St. Louis, 1951
Registered nurse license, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio (all now inactive), 1951 (first license)
Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1955
Master’s in nursing, Washington University, St. Louis, 1967
Doctorate in higher education, Saint Louis University, 1978
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Novice duties, Mother of Mercy Novitiate, Webster Groves, 1951-54
Student, Saint Louis University, 1954-55
Floor supervisor and clinical instructor, St. John’s Hospital, St. Louis, 1955-58
Instructor in fundamentals, St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, St. Louis, 1963-65
Graduate student, Washington University, St. Louis, 1966-67
Instructor, Mercy Junior College, St. Louis, 1967-70
Instructor and chairman of Mercy Department of Nursing, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1970-76
Doctoral student, Saint Louis University, 1975-78
Staff member, Archives, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 1998-2001
Archivist, St. Louis Province, St. Louis, 2001-06
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Director, School of Practical Nursing, Mercy Villa, Springfield, Missouri, 1958-62
Instructor in fundamentals, Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Fort Scott, Kansas, 1962-63
Professor and chairperson of the Department of Nursing, DePaul University, Chicago, 1978-90; and Northern Kentucky University, Albright Health Center, Highland Heights, Kentucky, 1990-97
About Sister Mary Jeremy Buckman: Sister Mary Jeremy served on the Council of Nursing Education for the Catholic Health Association from 1960 to 1964. She served on the Missouri State Board of Nursing from 1972 to 1978. She served on hospital boards for Mercy Hospital, Laredo, Texas; St. Edwards Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, Arkansas; Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City; Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri; and Mercy Hospital, Chicago. She served on the advisory board for the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Joliet, Illinois, and on the board of directors for St. Xavier College in Chicago. She also served as the president of Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious (ACWR).
Sister Jeanne Marie (Sister Mary de Padua) Keller
Birthplace: New Orleans
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1954
Final profession: 1957
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Webster College, St. Louis, 1956
Certificate in elementary education, Louisiana, 1964
Master’s of education, Loyola University, New Orleans, 1970
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Novice duties, Mother of Mercy Novitiate, Webster Groves, 1951-54
Student, Webster College, Webster Groves, 1954-56
Prayers and Works of Mercy, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2024-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, New Orleans, 1956-67, 1969-85 and 1992-2001; Little Rock, Arkansas, 1967-69
Band bookkeeper, Mercy Academy, New Orleans, 1985-92
Sabbatical, Park Esplanade Community, New Orleans, 2001-02
Volunteer at various community ministries, Frances Warde Community, New Orleans, 2002-03
Volunteer, Our Lady of Wisdom, Mercy House, New Orleans, 2003-05, 2005-06
Volunteer and assistant in finance office, St. Alphonsus Early Childhood Center, New Orleans, 2006-14
Assistant in finance office, St. Alphonsus Catholic School, New Orleans, 2014-24
About Sister Jeanne Marie Keller: Sister Jeanne Marie entered the community immediately after high school. She followed in the footsteps of her biological sister, Sister Catherine Mary Keller who had already entered the Mercy Community. Initially, Sister Jeanne Marie was given the name Sister Mary de Padua but would later return to her baptismal name of Sister Jeanne Marie. She has many talents. Among them, she loved teaching mathematics, and her joy of the subject ignited her students to develop a love of learning. Several students still stay in touch with their beloved teacher, Sister Jeanne Marie. An avid seamstress, she also sewed clothing for her nieces and nephews, making much of their wardrobes. She even created and stitched suits for the boys. A wonderful cook, her gumbo has been proclaimed “the best!”Another favorite meal she has especially enjoyed is shrimp po’boy sandwiches. In her early ministry years, while teaching at St. Alphonsus Elementary School in New Orleans, she was once honored as “the favorite teacher of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.”
