Sister Maria Caridad Desell (Sister Mary Caritas) of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas died peacefully on October 3, 2017 at her home in the remote rural village of Chanmagua, Guatemala. She was born in West Hartford on August 30, 1929 and was raised there until her entrance with the Sisters of Mercy in 1947, faithfully serving God’s people for 70 years. She excelled as a popular, dynamic elementary school teacher in Hartford and Bridgeport parochial schools. After school hours, she discovered her real passion for serving the urban poor as counselor, supporter and friend, persistently advocating for needed social change. That ministry led Sister Caridad to Guatemala in 1971 to serve the tiny native populations of 13 mountain villages. Compelled by a heartfelt compassion, she carried in her spirit a vision of a vibrant future for the mountain natives. She ministered unceasingly, advocating for the advancement and well-being of the Chanmaguan people, seeking new life for multiple villages in need of vital services, including bringing running water into the entire area and establishing a highly successful coffee co-op. This she did for 46 years. Her life became her ministry; her ministry became one with her life. She chose to be buried in Chanmagua, the place she called “home”. Sister was duly recognized and acclaimed in her native home of Connecticut, with several honors including the 1994 St. Joseph College Heart of Life award and the 2001 Most Reverend Joseph F. Donnelly Memorial Award from the Archdiocese of Hartford, Office of Urban Affairs. A memorial Mass in celebration of Sister Caridad’s life is planned for 10:00 a.m. October 21, 2017 at St. Mary Home Chapel, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com