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Nuns From Ridgelfield Celebrate 10 Years In Andrus On Hudson

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. -- When the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame were looking for a skilled nursing facility where they could live in retirement together back in 2003, they found a welcoming family at Andrus On Hudson.

Sr. Marie Elaine and Sr. Dorothy receiving flowers at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame's move to Andrus on Hudson.

Sr. Marie Elaine and Sr. Dorothy receiving flowers at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame's move to Andrus on Hudson.

Photo Credit: Judi Knispel
Sr. Barbara Costello thanks everyone at the celebration of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame's move to Andrus on Hudson.

Sr. Barbara Costello thanks everyone at the celebration of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame's move to Andrus on Hudson.

Photo Credit: Judi Knispel
Betsy Biddle, Executive Director talks about the experience of bringing the CND to Andrus on Hudson.

Betsy Biddle, Executive Director talks about the experience of bringing the CND to Andrus on Hudson.

Photo Credit: Judi Knispel
Sr. Dorothy O'Brien and Sr. Marie Elaine LaChance were among the first Sisters who made the move 10 years ago.

Sr. Dorothy O'Brien and Sr. Marie Elaine LaChance were among the first Sisters who made the move 10 years ago.

Photo Credit: Judi Knispel
Sisters look at photos from 10 years ago when the Notre Dame Sisters moved to Andrus on Hudson.

Sisters look at photos from 10 years ago when the Notre Dame Sisters moved to Andrus on Hudson.

Photo Credit: Judi Knispel
Sr. Anne Leonard came for the celebration from Montreal. Ten years ago, she and Betsy Biddle made the arrangements for the retired CND nuns to move to Andrus on Hudson.

Sr. Anne Leonard came for the celebration from Montreal. Ten years ago, she and Betsy Biddle made the arrangements for the retired CND nuns to move to Andrus on Hudson.

Photo Credit: Judi Knispel

The now Hastings-on-Hudson residents, who were formerly living in Ridgefield, Conn., celebrated their 10th anniversary at Andrus with a party Tuesday, April 22, at their home along the Hudson River.

In 2003, Sister Anne Leonard, provincial leader of the order of nuns at the time, became aware that Andrus  might be a possibility and after visits of several sisters to Andrus, and a visit of two of Andrus staff, including Executive Director Betsy Biddle to Ridgefield, negotiations began in what was to be a 10-year partnership between the Congregation of Notre Dame and Andrus.

According to Judi Knispel, the event and development director at Andrus, the 21 sisters moved in two groups to Andrus in 2003. They were warmly welcomed to their new home and quickly settled in. Their chaplain from Ridgefield, the Rev. Joseph McCarthy, dedicated himself to coming to Andrus for daily Mass, which was open to all Andrus residents and any guests.

Tuesday's celebration included a Mass and a special dinner. Sister Anne Leonard and Biddle participated in the celebration and offered their insights on the past, present and future.

Guests at the celebration included the current provincial leader, Sister Patricia McCarthy, her associate, Sister Mary Anne Powers and sisters who were instrumental in the move to Andrus 10 years ago: Siters Nancy McDermott, Kathleen Murphy, Carolyn Kinnamon and Marylou Lyons.

Knispel said the sisters residing at Andrus have witnessed much growth and many changes in Andrus over the past 10 years. They have formed many friendships with the residents and have mourned the passing of those called home to God.

Since 2004, 41 Congregation of Notre Dame sisters have lived at Andrus. Currently there are 11 sisters in residence at Andrus, including two of the original group, one of whom celebrated her hundredth birthday last August. The nuns are grateful for the care of the Andrus staff and try to contribute as much as they can to life at Andrus and to the other residents.

From a report by Judi Knispel, event and development director at Andrus On Hudson.

 

 

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