Age 96
With a heart inclined toward service, faith, and education, Sister Miriam Claire, fully dedicated her life to God, to service, and to the mission of Mercy.
Born in Benque Viejo, British Honduras, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Cumberland, Rhode Island, at the age of 36. After her formation, Sister Miriam returned to Central America and continued her life-long mission as an educator.
From 1972 to 1984, she faithfully served at St. Catherine Elementary School in Belize shaping young minds with patience and love. From 1984 to 1997, she taught religion, English, and mathematics at Muffles College, also in Belize. She demanded excellence, yet she encouraged growth. She taught lessons from books, but more importantly, she taught lessons for life.
From 1997 to 2008, she volunteered in the town of Orange Walk and in Belize City, walking faithfully and spreading the values of Mercy wherever she went. From 2008 to the present, she resided at St. Catherine Convent, Belize City, dedicating herself to convent duties and nurturing a deep and faithful prayer life.
But beyond her vocation and ministry, Sister Miriam was also a woman of warmth, joy, and playful spirit. She had a deep appreciation for nature and maintained a strong connection with her beloved Succotz, her mother’s hometown in British Honduras.
Her life was a living example of Mercy in action — in the classroom, in the convent, in the community, and in her family. She taught us not only through textbooks and homilies, but through softball games, board games, and quiet visits home.