Sister Damian, veteran teacher

School Sister of Notre Dame Damian Tucker died Sept. 24 at Trinity Trace Care Center. A Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Rodney Bourg Oct. 5 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Covington.

Sister Damian was born to Emily (Miranda) and John Tucker on Sept. 20, 1930, in Baton Rouge, as Betty Ann. She grew up with four brothers: John, James, George and Roy.

She attended St. Anthony  Elementary School, staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and St. Joseph Academy, staffed by the St. Joseph sisters. After graduation in 1948, she entered the congregation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and was professed in 1948.

As Sister Damian, she spent the next 30 years in the parochial schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a teacher and principal who loved and appreciated her students.

Responding to a call for ministry to children and young adults with special needs, she spent 19 years as teacher and administrator, helping young adults develop independent living skills in Dallas. She returned to New Orleans and ministered to the elderly at Malta Park and The Pontchartrain before retiring at St. Mary of the Pines, in Chatawa, Mississippi. In 2019, she moved with her community to St. Anthony’s Gardens in Covington, but as her health declined, she moved to Trinity Trace. She is survived by her brother Roy (Peggy) and many nieces and nephews.

Sister Damian was a fun-loving person and delightful community member. Interment was in the School Sisters of Notre Dame cemetery in Mississippi.