In Memory

Sr. Alice Shannon (Amelda)

Sister Alice Shannon
1922 – 2011

Formerly known as Sr. Mary Imelda, Sr. Alice died peacefully on Jan. 22 at Good Counsel Convent in White Plains. Born in the Bronx on Feb. 11, 1922 the daughter of John and Alice (Herily) Shannon, she entered the Sisters of the Divine Compassion in 1939 and professed her final vows in 1947. Sister Alice attended Good Counsel Academy and graduated from Good Counsel College with a bachelor’s in Mathematics, as well as a master’s from Fordham University, and pursued additional advanced certification at Columbia University. She began her teaching career at St. Frances de Chantal School, 1947-1950, and later Preston High School in the Bronx. In 1951, Sister Alice joined the faculty at St. Mary’s High School in Katonah, N.Y., teaching multiple subjects, including French, until 1957. Sister became Principal of St. Mary’s High School in 1963, serving as its last principal until 1966 when the school became John F. Kennedy High School and she its first principal. Sister served in this capacity from 1966 until 1972. After that she served at Karafin School and Lincoln Hall until she accepted the position as Assistant Director of Admissions at Manhattan College, a post she held until 1990. Upon “retirement”, Sister Alice returned to Kennedy Catholic to share her many talents and her bright personality with the faculty and students as registrar and a guidance secretary. Sister Susan Merritt, President of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion commented, "Until her last breath Sr. Alice was a gracious and loving woman, always welcoming and always with a smile." Sister is survived by her Sisters of the Divine Compassion, her sister, Mrs. Ruth Smith, and many loving nieces and nephews. Sister Alice now rests at Calvary Cemetery in White Plains.