Sister Ellen T. Convey (formerly Sister M. Theresa James) died in Camilla Hall on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Sister was in the 58th year of her religious life.
Ellen was born on November 7, 1948 in Philadelphia, she was one of five children. Her parents James Eugene Convey and Nancy (McManus) Convey raised their family in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Croydon, PA.
Ellen attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School (1954-1962) and Bishop Conwell High School (1962-1966). Later, while in Community, Sister earned degrees from Immaculata College and St. Charles Seminary.
Ellen entered the Community on September 15, 1966; she received her habit and her religious name, Sister M. Theresa James, on June 27, 1967. Sister professed her First Vows on June 28, 1969.
In the fall of 1969, Sister Theresa James began her ministry of teaching. For the next 22 years, Sister brought her IHM Spirit and her love for the children to Most Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia (1969-1973), Immaculate Conception in Somerville (1973-1982), St. Joseph in Reading (1982-1986), and St. Joseph in Athens Georgia (1986-1988), and a return trip to Most Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia (1988-1991).
When permitted to do so, Sister Theresa James returned to the use of her baptismal name, Sister Ellen T. Convey.
In August 1991, Sister Ellen was appointed to serve as Principal of Gesu School in Philadelphia. For the next 33 years, Sister worked diligently and tirelessly to give the children and their families the absolute best education possible. Sister worked hand-in-hand with the Religious Members of Gesu, Board Members, Faculty, Staff, and Parents – all members of the Gesu Community – to provide a meaningful life experience for the children. Sister left Gesu in 2024 with a lump in her throat along with a heart full of love and beautiful memories.
In August 2024, Sister Ellen served as Assistant to the Principal at St. Peter School in Philadelphia. During this time, Sister endured a fall and had a period of convalescence at Camilla Hall. It was at Camilla that doctors discovered that Sister Ellen had cancer. It was a relatively brief period of time between diagnosis and death. We pray now that Sister may enjoy the fruit of her labor! God rest you dear Sister Ellen T. Convey.
In addition to her IHM Community, her sisters Kathy Asta Convey (Paul), Terry Morello Convey (Peter), and Nancy Convey, her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews survive Sister Ellen. Her parents James Eugene Convey and Nancy Clare (McManus) Convey, and her brother James (Jim) Convey predecease Sister Ellen.
Sister Ellen’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Reverend George W. Bur, S.J. and Reverend Joseph Kelly concelebrated this Mass and Deacon Leonard DiMasi assisted at the altar.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355