St. Mary's nun retires after 51 years

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Sister Mary June Morin, the last nun at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, retired Tuesday, exactly 51 years to the day she arrived at St. Mary’s.

"It's hard and difficult, really, when you think of it to retire after 51 years," said Sister Mary June.

She started in 1960 and now she's the sole remaining nun at the home. Virtually all of her adult life has been spent caring for children at the home. She arrived every morning at 4:30 a.m.

"If you're asking me what career I'm in, I might be in my twentieth. I don't know, I've been in all types of work," said Sister Mary June.

She has taught Montessori school, worked as a nursing assistant, done laundry, and mended clothes. She also arranges field trips and activities.

She said she's "been in all the corners of St. Mary's." Now, she is going through old scrapbooks that have fallen into disrepair, trying to leave the records of St. Mary's history in order before she leaves.

"Oh boy, nothing like having history. Taking apart and put together," said Sister Mary June.

A retirement celebration will be held in her honor Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Sister Mary June will turn 78 on March 24 and plans to volunteer at the home upon her retirement.