Sister Teresa McElwee

Sister Teresa McElwee passed away peacefully at home at 5 pm on January 7, 2021 surrounded by love, singing, praying, storytelling. She was a 91year old source of energy, love and action. We will miss her. Sister Teresa was born October 22, 1929 in Chester, PA. one of 5 daughters, Mary, Helen, Kay and Chris, to parents John McElwee and Helena Timothy. She has many nieces and nephews who she loved. The Catholic faith of her Irish born parents was the center of her family life where the call to service was strong. “I asked God to give me direction and by the end of Benediction, I had my answer.” She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in August of 1947. Sister Teresa graduated from Notre Dame High School; Trinity Washington University, BA; Columbia University School of Education, MA; Rollins College, Honorary Doctorate. She was a teacher in elementary, high school and college as well as a school principal. She served in Philadelphia, Greensboro, Washington, DC, Baltimore. Teresa came to Florida in 1973 to work in Catholic Parishes forming Justice and Peace Commissions. In 1977 she incorporated the Justice and Peace Office, Inc. and began working in the urban communities of Callahan and Carver Court. Moving to Apopka, the Justice and Peace Office became the Apopka Family Learning Center and the home of Kids in Motion, GROWS Literacy Council and SMILE (Single Mothers in a Learning Environment). In Apopka she joined forces with the Sisters of Notre Dame already working in the African American and Latinx communities since 1971. Teresa was part of the founding of Homes in Partnership and Self-Help Credit Union as well. She has done many amazing things. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 834 South Orange Blossom Trail Apopka, FL on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 4 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited. Face masks are required during Mass. The Mass will also be livestreamed for those wishing to attend virtually. Please click on this link to join in: https://www.facebook.com/StFrancisApopka Donations may be sent to HOPE CommUnity Center www.hcc-offm.org or 1016 N Park Ave Apopka FL 32712. A celebration of her life will happen at a later date.

Sister Teresa McElwee

October 22, 1929 - January 7, 2021