03/18/2026
A delightful and surprising way to wake up this morning. Sr. Jane Morrissey was highlighted as this week's Witalisz & Associates Real Estate's "Women of Westfield"! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BDZDncWbt/
As we celebrate Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day, we wanted to highlight Sister Jane Morrissey as this week’s "Woman of Westfield.” Her accomplishments and dedication to helping others is truly remarkable. Jane Morrissey grew up one of seven children in a family where faith, service, and high standards were a way of life. With roots from her great grandfather in Waterford, Ireland, she learned at an early age the importance of compassion and helping others - values that would shape the core of her career and define her legacy. Jane attended St. Mary’s in Westfield from her early elementary years all the way through high school laying the foundation for her strong academic journey. In 1962, she graduated from College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College) where she formed lifelong friends and was mentored by impressive matriarchs like Sister Mary Dooley who encouraged her to “follow her heart” and pursue her passion for English. Jane’s interests extended far beyond the classroom as her studies in poetry and paleography would eventually take her to Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia for work. She still kept going and eventually earned a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts where her studies and commitment to others knew no boundaries. Jane’s calling to serve was so strong that chose to become a nun. Her commitment to her religion and work began with her ministry at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield. She continued on as a leader with Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield (SSJ) as their president from 1999 to 2005. Her impact in the congregation was shaped by her role as the Director of Peace and Justice. Here she could advocate for those most in need. Sister Jane was also a founding member of the Gray House in Holyoke whose mission to “help its neighbors facing hardships...meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services.” Over time, Sister Jane was an educator at Cathedral High School and a member of the Board of Trustees for Elms College. She is an accomplished author having written numerous essays and books. Among her most notable works is “Unruly Catholic Nuns” where she explores her experiences by sharing women’s stories and their journeys, roles, and challenges within the church. It is no surprise that Sister Jane has received numerous awards over the years in recognition of her lifelong commitment to service including honors such as: the Massachusetts Pax Christi Peacemaker Award, the William Pynchon Award and the New England Peace Award. Yet beyond these accolades are the quieter moments behind the scenes that define her most, her ability to listen, to create a safe environment, and to make others feel heard and important. Thank you Sister Jane for being such an important part of our community. Thank you for sharing your talents, teachings and values with which you exemplify. You have broken the mold and we are better for it. And as Henry David Thoreau wrote, "Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty." (Special thanks to Westfield City Councilor and Jane's niece, Bridget Matthews-Kane for sharing resources and stories.) To learn more about the Grey House, log onto: https://grayhouse.org/. (Written By: Heather Witalisz) (Photo Source: iObserve.org) (Information Source: Real to Reel, 2017, Masslive.com)
