Julia Micciche

Birth: Sep. 28, 1926Profession: Feb. 12, 1957Death: June 24, 2011

Gerlanda Julia Mary Micciche, RSCJ, a shining example of grace and holiness, died in her sleep Friday, June 24, 2011 at the age of 84. A perpetually joyful person, it was said at her passing that she may have died of happiness. She made others happy simply by her own joyful nature and warm welcome. A Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated at Teresian House in Albany, New York on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Born September 28, 1926 in Rochester, New York, Sister Micciche was the daughter of Cologero Micciche and Concetta Micciche Dalli, both deceased. She is survived by her sister, Anne (Edward) Kelly of Greece, New York; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Micciche, of Gates, New York; and Julie Micciche of Ocala, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Sam Micciche and Charles Micciche, and two sisters, Theresa Saeva and Josephine Caschetta, pre-deceased her.

Sister Micciche entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1948 at Kenwood Convent in Albany, New York, and made her final vows there in 1957.

Julia served in a variety of Sacred Heart communities throughout the eastern United States including those in Albany, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Rochester, New York; and Greenwich, Connecticut. Sister Micciche lived and ministered in the Albany area since 1964 and moved to Teresian House in 2006.

Julia spent much of her days in prayer and with people – bringing Jesus to them. At Teresian House, where she was known as "Sister Sunshine," staff and residents alike would ask her to pray for their intentions, and she spent her days doing that; in fact, for the intentions of the whole world. Said Sacred Heart Associate Sue Whalen “We really did experience her as a saint. She carried an enormous amount of physical suffering with no sign of it on her face. Only a radiant smile for everyone.”

“She was always smiling and smiling and serving and serving in silence and deep, genuine love,” said a contemporary of hers, Sister Margaret Mary Miller, RSCJ.

Sister Micciche enjoyed collecting rosaries to be sent to Russia, distributing clothing to the poor, and nurturing - the old, the young and the sick. Said Sheila Hammond, RSCJ, “she was so good to the novices at Kenwood, and so fun.” She was fluent in Italian and Spanish as well as English. She was loved by everyone whose path she crossed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of the Sacred Heart, 4120 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.