LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Sister Mary Nerney,
nationally known advocate for incarcerated women and victims of domestic
violence, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Nerney of East Harlem, New York, died on Wednes-
day, November 27, 2013, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Nerney was born on June 8, 1938, in the Washing-
ton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, the daughter of Irish Immigrants;
and
WHEREAS, After graduating from St. Jean Baptiste High School in 1956,
Mary Nerney began her religious vocation at the Sisters of the Congre-
gation de Notre Dame; she later earned a Bachelor's degree from Catholic
Teachers College and a professional diploma in psychology from St.
John's University in Queens; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman began her life of service to others as
a teacher, psychologist and principal at Catholic schools throughout New
York City and elsewhere; in the mid-1970s, she started counseling women
at the Riker's Island and Bedford Hills correctional facilities; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Nerney was one of the first to focus on bringing
to light the experiences of incarcerated domestic abuse survivors and
the criminal justice system's devastating response to women who protect
themselves; she devoted her entire life to fighting injustice, ending
family violence, lifting women's voices, and keeping them out of prison;
and
WHEREAS, Innumerable women and their families have been helped through
the many programs established during the life of Sister Mary Nerney; she
is the founder of STEPS to End Family Violence, the Incarcerated Mothers
Program and Greenhope Services for Women; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Nerney also helped found the Coalition for Women
Prisoners in 1994, and served as co-chair of the Violence Against Women
Committee for many years; her fearless advocacy helped move forward
legislation that would provide critical relief for domestic violence
survivors in the criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her parents, Sister Mary Nerney is survived by
her sister, Nancy Balboni, and two brothers, Thomas and James; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary Nerney lived her life based on principles of
compassion, integrity, justice, and kindness; her example will continue
to serve as an inspiration to those seeking to make the world a more
loving and just place; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Sister Mary Nerney, nationally known advocate for
incarcerated women and victims of domestic violence, distinguished citi-
zen and devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sister Mary Nerney.