By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

ST. AUGUSTINE | Sister Mary Christine Zimorski, a Sister of St. Joseph of St. Augustine who ministered in South Florida for more than 30 years, has died. She was 75 and had been in religious life for 56 years.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 8, at the cathedral basilica of St. Augustine. It was preceded by a private vigil at the Sisters’ motherhouse, where she died July 2.

Born in Jackson, Mich., Nov. 1, 1941, Sister Mary Christine entered religious life July 16, 1959. She began her teaching ministry in 1961 at St. Joseph School, Winter Haven, then taught for two years at St. Theresa School, Coral Gables before moving, in 1964, to St. Patrick's School, Gainesville.

In 1968, she spent a year studying at Loyola University Campus, New Orleans. Upon returning to Florida, she ministered for a year in the Diocese of Orlando Sisters-at-Large program. 

In 1970, she entered the Institute of Formative Spirituality at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. After completing the program in 1973, she was named director of formation for her community, a position she held until 1978, while also teaching religion at St. Joseph Academy, St. Augustine.

In 1978, Sister Mary Christine was elected General Superior of the Congregation. While in that position, she stayed strongly involved with Mercy Hospital in Miami, where she served as chairperson and member of several hospital boards as well as the SSJ Health System.

Upon completing her term as General Superior, Sister Mary Christine was assigned to St. Mary Cathedral School, Miami, from 1987 to 1996. In 1996, she served as director of the Office for Religious in the Archdiocese of Miami. From 1998 to 2002, she taught at St. James School in North Miami while continuing to serve as director of several Mercy boards. She also served as director of evangelization at St. Mary Cathedral from 2002 to 2007. 

In 2007, she moved to Villa Flora-Brown Hall, St. Augustine, as administrator. There she spearheaded the restoration and renovation of the historic building, which is located just across from the Sisters’ motherhouse. Once renovations are completed, the building will be used to host meetings and retreats. 

Donations in Sister Mary Christine’s memory may be sent to support the restoration of the Villa Flora Renewal Center. Mail checks payable to: Sisters of St. Joseph, PO Box 3506, St. Augustine 32085 and indicate Villa Flora Renewal. Or click this link and select Villa Flora Renewal.