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BORN
1943
DIED
2025
Sr SSJ Obituary
Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Augustin Parish, Newport, RI in 1964. She was graduated from St. Catherine Academy, Newport. She earned a B.A. degree from Salve Regina College, Newport, RI.
Sister taught at St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield; Sacred Heart and Bishop Keough High Schools, Pawtucket, RI; and St. Xavier (High School) Academy and St. Mary's School, Providence. She was co-founder and co-director of the Providence Learning Center. She worked in agriculture at Stonewall Stand Farm and Maplewood Farm. She also worked at Our Sister's Place as a women's advocate and a family advocate for People, Inc. in Fall River, MA. Sr. Mary volunteered in several agencies, among them Hospice of Rhode Island, Chad Brown Housing Project and South Providence Neighborhood Ministries. She also received many awards: the Jefferson Award in 1990, Community Progress Award, Cunningham Award and the Salve Regina University Distinguished Alumna Award in 1996.
In addition to her Sisters in community, Sister Mary leaves her sister, Michele Andrade (Victor) of Newport, RI, several nieces and nephews many of whom reside in Texas, a former brother-in-law, David Groark of Texas, and a dear friend, Sr. Margaret Carey, RSM and several other relatives and friends of Newport RI and Springfield, MA. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and George Bisson, and a sister, Margaretta Bisson Groark.
All services for Sr. Mary will take place at Mont Marie Senior Residence, Meditation Room. Sister's wake will be Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 am followed immediately with a prayer service at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Mont Marie Cemetery, Holyoke, MA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sr SSJ
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
3 Entries
Eileen Allen
March 28, 2025
Sr. Mary was a neighbor of ours here in Common Fence point. We crossed paths many time while walking and shared stories. The cutest one was when she had raccoons living in the tree in front of her house. She is the kindest, sweetest person and I sure miss seeing her. Rest in peace Sr. Mary.
Marianna Chartier O'Hanley
March 20, 2025
so sorry for your loss... I remember waiting on Michelle & Mary ... old friends... beautiful eyes when they would come in and smile. xoxo.
John A. Bernardo Esq
March 19, 2025
We are grateful for Sister Mary's years of service and the positive impact she had on so many lives. May she find eternal rest.
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