Sister Claire Young, H.M. (Sister Mary Pius) Principal 1967-1971

Article by Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist and Social Studies Faculty Member

“She never just walked. She flew … rosary beads bouncing along with her veil flying in the wake of her stride. She abounded with energy, always with a contagious smile and a full heart.”

So read Phyllis Kondrich Robitaille ’61 ’s Magnificat Magazine tribute to Sister Claire Young in the wake of her 2018 death. Claire was born on April 3, 1928, to Joseph W. and Claire (Pedrick) Young and was raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Reserve University in 1950. Four years later, she entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. Upon becoming a novice, she received the religious name Sister Mary Pius. In 1965, she earned a Master of Arts degree in education from Marquette University in Wisconsin.

As Magnificat’s first physical education teacher from 1956 until 1967, Sister Mary Pius emphasized participation over athletic ability. Kathleen Patton Binnig ’65 recalled in 2019 that “Sister livened up her habit by wearing gym shoes of two different colors.” In 1958, Sister Mary Pius organized a heptathlon, a seven-event, interclass competition for Magnificat’s students. Today’s Big-Lil Challenge Cup Competition echoes Sister Mary Pius’s Heptathlon. She also coached Magnificat’s Speech and Debate Team. In 1967, Sister Mary Pius returned to her baptismal name, Claire. In that year, she also succeeded Sister Honora McAndrew as principal of Magnificat.

Under Sister Claire’s leadership, Magnificat adopted a modular and mosaic schedule to enhance student learning. Magnificat continues to use a version of modular scheduling today.

Sister Claire also shepherded Magnificat’s first building expansion. The 1969 Resource Center addition included areas for study and leisure and faculty carrels. The large group instruction (LGI) room and lower level multipurpose rooms (today’s Student Success Center) were also part of the project.

After leaving Magnificat in 1971, Sister Claire served as a teacher and administrator at Villa Maria High School and Archbishop Hoban High School, respectively. From 1984 until 1991, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at a college in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Upon returning to the U.S., she ministered to immigrants, the sick, and the elderly in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, Florida, from 1994 until 2015.

In recognition of her contributions to Magnificat’s physical education program, Sister Claire was Magnificat’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame inductee in 2010. Always active, she swam competitively in her 70s. In 2004, for example, she placed 11th in the 50-yard backstroke at the International Masters Swimming Competition in Italy.

In 2015, Sister Claire joined the prayer ministry at Villa Maria Community Center, where she offered daily prayers for the Magnificat community. She also corresponded with Magnificat advisories. Sister Claire Young died at Villa Maria Community Center on December 11, 2018. She was a member of the H.M. community for 62 years.

Physical education teacher. Principal. Missionary. Competitive Swimmer. Compelled by faith, Sister Claire Young, H.M. embraced new opportunities and challenges throughout her life. Here, she was a beloved teacher and administrator who embodied Magnificat’s Mission and Values and left an indelible mark on our community.