Helen Paul Starr, CSJP (1924-2025)

Mary Agnes Theresa Starr began her life in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, on March 27, 1924, as the third child of Paul and Helen (McCartney) Starr. Before entering the Congregation at the age of 22, she was employed at a factory. After joining the community, Sister Helen Paul began working at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey, as a clerk/typist. Her gifts in health care were recognized, and she became a nursing student. She earned a Registered Nurse degree from Holy Name School of Nursing in 1959 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University in West Orange, New Jersey, in 1962.

Sister Helen Paul began her long nursing career at St. James Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, where she was nursing supervisor. In 1964 she went to the Philippines where she served as Administrator of Phillips Memorial Hospital in Bukidnon for ten years. Upon her return to the United States, Sister Helen Paul ministered at Holy Name Hospital in nursing and as Coordinator of the Family Life Apostolate. In 1982 she moved to St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, where she placed her depth of nursing experience at the service of her own sisters as nursing supervisor.

On the occasion of her seventy-fifth Jubilee in 2022, Sister Helen Paul reflected on her most recent ministry of prayer and community living at St. Michael Villa:

These past years have been a gift to me as I struggle to be active yet limited in activities. There are many insights/understandings of myself to be garnered from ‘free time.’ The beauty of God’s creation becomes more evident to one removed from normal activities, due to age and/or poor health. It seems our eyes can see more clearly when the body is still.

Sister Helen Paul is now still in the arms of her loving God. We, too, give thanks for the presence of this woman of peace among us for three-quarters of a century. Her ministry of prayer and compassionate care now continues in heaven.

Sister Helen Paul Starr died on February 10, 2025, surrounded by love at St. Michael Villa. A combined Wake Service and Liturgy of Christian Burial was held on March 10, 2025, at St. Michael Villa. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey.