Brighton: Sister Ruth Busshaus, RSM, (Sister M. Aquinas) was called home by her God on December 29, 2016, during her 58th year as a Sister of Mercy. Ruth did secretarial work for seven years at Corning Glass before entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1958.

She received her BS in Education from St. John’s College , Cleveland, OH and her MAT Degree in Religious Education from St. Michael College, Winooski, VT. She then studied and received certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from Regis College, University of Toronto.

Sister Ruth’s ministries included teaching at Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School and serving as secretary for Catherine McAuley College before becoming part of the office staff at Notre Dame HS in Elmira. She taught at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Elmira while continuing to serve in the office of Notre Dame HS. Returning to Rochester, she taught at St. Joseph’s School, Penfield, became a Pastoral Assistant at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, followed by working as a parish visitor at St. Salome Parish. In 1991 she returned to teach theology at Our Lady of Mercy HS.

Sister Ruth then became pastoral associate at St. Patrick’s in Brasher Falls, NY, followed by teaching religious studies at Mt. Mercy Academy in Buffalo. She then went to the island of Guam and taught theology at the Academy of Our Lady of Guam for the next four years.

She ministered as a clinical pastoral counselor at Strong Memorial Hospital and served as receptionist for the Rochester Sisters of Mercy. During her years as receptionist, Sister Ruth followed the maxim of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, “Try to meet all with peace and ease.” Before moving to Mercy Center, Sister Ruth served in the visitation ministry at St. James Parish, Rochester.

Survivors include nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Mercy.

Friends are welcome Wednesday, January 4 from 4 to 7 pm at Mercy Center, 1437 Blossom Rd, where her vigil service will be held at 7 pm. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 5 at 11:00 am at Mercy Center. Burial will take place in the Spring in Corning, NY.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy.