Sister Eileen A. Kenny

LEOMINSTER -- Sister Eileen A. Kenny, 83, formerly known as Sr. Mary Eleanor, of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 99 Church St., Leominster, died Tuesday, Aug. 28, in the Presentation Health Care Center after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Central Falls, R.I., on Jan. 19, 1924, a daughter of the late Thomas and Marie (Dougherty) Kenny.

Sister entered the Sisters of the Presentation in February of 1942, and professed her final vows in August of 1947. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Catholic Teacher’s College in Rhode Island, and her master’s degree in education and counseling from Boston College.

Sister taught at the elementary and high school levels at various schools throughout the Diocese of Worcester as well as Providence and Fall River Dioceses. She also served as a principal in the Diocese of Providence. Following her teaching career, Sister continued to work in the Providence Diocese as a DRE director and pastoral assistant. She also spent several years as the librarian at one of the local parish schools until sickness forced her to retire. Her love of people and her outreach to others was ever evident.

Sister Eileen leaves a sister, Margaret Crooks of Dedham, and several nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. She is predeceased by two sisters, Sr. Mary Catherine of the Sisters of the Presentation and Catherine Kenny of Central Falls, R.I.

KENNY -- The funeral will be held on Friday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. in the Presentation Convent Chapel, 99 Church St., Leominster. Calling hours at the Presentation Convent will be held on Thursday, Aug. 30, from 5-8 p.m. A wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be in the St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Fitchburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation Retirement Fund, 99 Church St., Leominster, MA 01453. The Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 243 Water St., Fitchburg, is directing funeral arrangements.