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Catholic San Francisco
April 22, 2020
Mercy Sister Mary Estelle Small died on April 13, 2020 at age 89 at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland.
Sister Mary Estelle graduated from St. Elizabeth High School in Oakland where she met different communities of religious during vocation day events.
“She knew she wanted to be a sister but, not wanting to teach, she chose a community with health care ministries,” the sisters said in a statement. “Because teachers were needed, she became a teacher and an excellent one. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, professed her vows in 1951, and was given the religious name Sister Mary Estelle."Her motto was ‘Fiat’ (‘Thy will be done’),” said lifelong friend Mercy Sister Mary Lois Corporandy. “That was evident in her life. Whatever happened was God’s will and was exemplified in her decisions and life occurrences.”
Sister Mary Estelle earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Dominican College and a master’s degree in education from LaVerne College.
For almost 40 years, she taught high school at her congregation’s Mercy High School in San Francisco and St. Paul High School in Whittier.
“Sister had a very matter of fact style, a great sense of humor, and was a lover of books, always ready with titles she would recommend,” said Mercy Sister Corita Burnham. “She would rather read than eat.”
Sister Estelle was also known for her cooking and craft-making skills and was resourceful in remaking clothing and using remnants to make serviceable and beautiful garments for people in need.
Survivors include Sister Estelle’s sister, Cecilia, and nephew Fred Smith and his wife, Robyn with grandniece and nephew Katharine and Michael Smith.
Funeral services will be held at Marian Oaks chapel, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame after the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame 94010.