BIDDEFORD – Sister Sylvia Comer, 93, (Sister Mary de Porres), died peacefully on March 25, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Convent, Biddeford.

Born in Bangor to Patrick Comer and Emily Mary Taylor, Sister Sylvia entered the Sisters of Mercy, Portland, from St. Mary’s Parish, Bangor, in 1947.

During her 18 years as a 1st grade teacher, she taught at Holy Cross School, South Portland; St. Edward’s School, Bar Harbor; and Sacred Heart School, Portland. It was during this time that she also taught religion for 10 years at the Boys Reformatory, now known as Long Creek. Sister Sylvia also responded to the Diocesan she taught Bible School via television throughout the Diocese demonstrating lessons with her 1st grade students.

Sister Sylvia continued her education at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., receiving a master’s degree in Religious Studies. Upon her return, she was Diocesan Coordinator, engaging in religious education teacher training for the Diocese. After five years, she served as Pastoral Minister at St. Joseph’s Parish, Gardiner, joyfully sharing her gifts with the parishioners.

Realizing Sister Sylvia’s natural gifts of prayerfulness, warmth and kindness, the Community assigned her to be the Formation Director for young women seeking a religious vocation. Her passion for Mercy was instilled to those in formation and she would often say, “You can only give what you have first received and we always receive much more than we can possibly give.”

After 11 years as Formation Director, Sister Sylvia obtained a second master’s degree in Sacred Theology at Regis College, Toronto, Canada. She then was assigned to St. Joseph’s College, Standish, as the Director of the Religious Certificate Program and developed 15 sites throughout the Diocese. She also taught part time in the Theology Department.

Realizing the need to develop the spiritual lives of the students, Sister Sylvia approached the Dean of Students and proposed an Office of Campus Ministry. Received with a positive response, Sister Sylvia was appointed by the Bishop as Co-Chaplain along with the priest on campus. Among the wide variety of opportunities for students was volunteer week. Going to Appalachia was received enthusiastically by students and Sister Sylvia as well. At 75, she eagerly packed up her sleeping bag and camping supplies and headed off to help build houses for those in need! Sister Sylvia also reached out to staff and faculty with the RCIA Program and Mercy Associates.

After 30 years at St. Joseph’s College, Sister Sylvia retired in 2017. She served on the Board of Catherine’s Cupboard, and as a spiritual director as well as volunteering. Her presence was seen and felt in so many ways as she radiated Mercy. Sister Sylvia’s legacy is a life of love for God, tenderness for the downtrodden, and a heart filled with Mercy. Sister Sylvia often thought of her favorite quote when dealing with others, “I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.” (Hafiz, 14th century Persian mystic)

Sister Sylvia was predeceased by her parents; her sisters Helene Kelly, Patricia Barrett, Mary Ann Thibeau and Nancy Mulligan and her brother, Lawrence Comer. She will be dearly missed by her brother Timothy and his wife Adrian, Colorado; her nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and her Sisters in community.

Sister Sylvia was most appreciative of the excellent care she received from the Staff at St. Joseph’s Convent, Beacon Hospice and for the kindness of each Sister she lived with.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A prayer service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 31 at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

To view Sister Sylvia’s Memorial Page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Live Stream information: To view the Prayer Service for Sister Sylvia, please visit https://www.facebook.com/conroytullywalker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Joseph’s College,

278 Whites Bridge Rd.,

Standish, ME 04084 or

Sisters of Mercy,

966 Riverside St.

Portland, ME 04103

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