Sr. Mary Celestine Pond

Sr. Mary Celestine Pond, a member of the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters of Holy Angels Convent for 68 years, died October 26, 2018. She was 84 years old.

Elizabeth Ann was born in Galveston, Texas, to the late Henry and Anna Pond, but grew up in Harrison, Arkansas. She entered the convent in 1950, while still attending Holy Angels Academy, and received the name Mary Celestine. She professed first vows in 1952 and final vows in 1956. Sr. Celestine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liturgy and a Master’s in Liturgy and Organ from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She taught music, directed choirs, and served as organist for many years at Our Lady of the Holy Souls in Little Rock and Blessed Sacrament in Jonesboro. From 1969 to 1975, she served as the community Subprioress. In recent years, Sr. Celestine served the community as liturgist and organist, and delighted in teaching piano to students of all ages.

She is survived by her Sisters in community; a sister, Thecia Taylor; two brothers, Joseph and Louis Pond; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Rosary will be at Holy Angels Convent on Monday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 30, at 10:00 a.m. in the convent chapel, and internment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery on the convent grounds under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Angels Convent Retirement Fund, 1699 CR 766, Jonesboro, AR, 72401.