Sr. Jhorna Gomes, 1968–2026, Marist Missionary Sister known for her ‘caring heart and joyful spirit’

Sr. Jhorna Gomes, “Sr. Jacinta Jhorna Gomes SMSM,” of Waltham, passed away on Saturday Feb. 28, 2026, in the comfort and care of the staff at the Care Dimensions Hospice Home in Lincoln, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 57.

Born on Aug. 19, 1968, in Tuital, Bangladesh, Jhorna was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas Gomes and Philomena Gomes, both of whom were born and died in Bangladesh. She grew up in a deeply faithful family where daily morning and evening prayer was a cherished tradition.

When her father passed away, Jhorna made the selfless decision to leave high school in order to help support her mother and three sisters. She was hired at a clinic opened in Tuital by the Marist Missionary Sisters. Recognizing her intelligence, dedication and potential, the Sisters encouraged her to complete her high school education. During this time, Jhorna discerned her vocation and felt called to become a Marist Missionary Sister.

She began her religious formation in Bangladesh and later traveled to New Zealand for her novitiate. On May 22, 1998, she professed her vows as a Marist Missionary Sister, committing her life to service, faith and mission.

In 2000, Sr. Jhorna was missioned to the U.S., where she pursued further studies while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Belmont Manor. Her compassion and dedication to those in her care earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2001.

In Sept. 2005, she was missioned to Jamaica, West Indies. Her vibrant spirit, warmth and outgoing energy quickly endeared her to the people, and she to them. In 2014, she was assigned to Seaford Town in rural Jamaica, where she became deeply involved in the life of the Church and community. She could often be found accompanying the youth, serving in the clinic and walking the roads to visit families in their homes. Her presence brought comfort, encouragement and hope to many.

In 2019, Sr. Jhorna returned to the U.S. after being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. She began treatment at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where what began as a medical journey soon became a new and profound mission. Although doctors initially gave her only six months to live, Sr. Jhorna lived for seven more years. Through numerous trial drug therapies, she not only extended her own life but also contributed to research that would help others. Her fellow cancer patients became her extended community—remembered always in her thoughts and prayers. Even in suffering, she radiated faith, courage and trust in God.

Sr. Jhorna was known for her generosity, caring heart and joyful spirit. She was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her unwavering trust in God and tender devotion to Mary sustained her throughout her life and especially during her illness.

She is survived by her two sisters in Bangladesh and one sister in North Carolina; her devoted and loving community of Marist Missionary Sisters; and countless friends and communities whose lives she touched across Bangladesh, the U.S. and Jamaica.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a “Mass of the Resurrection” in celebration of Sister Jhorna’s life at the Marist Missionary Sisters Residence, 62 Newton St, Waltham on Wednesday morning, March 4. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral mass in the Marist Missionary Sisters Residence from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; praying the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by words of remembrance and the “Mass of Resurrection” at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Marist Missionary Sisters Lot at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Watertown, followed by a memorial luncheon at 62 Newton Street.