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Helen Wright Obituary
Worcester, MA
Sister Helen Wright, 94, of the Sisters of Notre Dame, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester. Sister lived and worked in Raleigh in the 1980's.
Sister was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, daughter of Charles and Mae (Foley) Wright.
She graduated in 1940 from Emmanuel College in Boston majoring in French Language and Literature. In 1941, she received a master's degree in Education from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. and followed to enter the Sisters of Notre Dame, where she was known as Sister Charlotte Marie.
In 1958, she earned a master's degree in Theology, and in 1972, she received a Ph. D. in Theology from the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto.
From 1944 through 1969, Sister was a teacher and a supervisor in Boston Archdiocese schools. After earning her doctorate, she became director of the Pastoral Center at Emmanuel and a counselor at the Harvard Divinity School. From 1976 to 1981, she was a Professor at the Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C.
In 1981, Sister moved to Raleigh to serve as director of the Urban Ministry Center in Raleigh, N.C. After her five years of dedicated and inspiring leadership at the center, she returned to Emmanuel College in Boston to teach in its Pastoral Dept.
She leaves a niece Peggy Islas and a grand-niece Tory Jones, both in Calif., and her sisters in religion, the Sisters of Notre Dame. She was predeceased by her sister Frances Sherman.
Calling hours are Thursday, April 26 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Notre Dame du Lac Chapel, 555 Plantation St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will follow at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 351 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Wright
Sponsored by Linda McCarriston.
September 19, 2014
"Sister Charlotte Marie" was the principal of St. Mary's High School in Lynn when I was student there. I spoke with her a few memorable times after my graduation in 1961. I wish I knew more about her work in Raleigh, and in other places. She was a fierce intellect, a Feminist of the Holy Ghost. What she wanted for us girls did not even have language in the days when she burned so hard and bright on us, silly girls, heading for silly destinies. I wonder that she didn't lose her mind over it all. May he spirit remain alive in all those she blessed with her passionate attention. I would love to hear about her work and influence from anyone who spent time with her. [email protected]
Donna Stievater
April 28, 2012
"If you call to her, she puts her own world down, And takes yours up, almost before you realize, What made you need her." Sister Helen touched my life in a profound way with her gentle and perfectly genuine kindness. I am blessed to have known her and walked in her shadow.
Wallace Kirby
April 28, 2012
As one of the founders of the Raleigh Urban Ministry, I had the privilege of working with Sister Helen for five years and of staying in contact with her over these past 25 years.
Leslie Smith
April 26, 2012
Words cannot express my heavy heart. She was my mentor, my advisor, my leader and my friend. She inspired me to be one notch better than my best. I love you Sister. The birds are singing for you today.
Robert Muller
April 26, 2012
It saddened me greatly to hear of Siter Helen's passing. I had the distinct privilege of working with her in the Urban Ministry Center in Raleigh. She played a major part in getting that ministry established and I played a small part in getting her as the our first Director of the ARK. She was truly one of God's angels here on earth.
Abby Boudreau
April 25, 2012
I was so sad to hear of your passing today Sister Helen. You were and now are an absolute angel. You have taught me so many things and you were always there when I needed anything. Rest in peace.
Pat Campbell
April 25, 2012
Sister Helen was Advisor, Tutor, Mentor and Friend to all of us at the Notre Dame Educational Bridge Center... she was an amazing woman and I am so grateful to have known her. She will be missed by many but will never be forgotten. I know she will always watch over us from heaven!
Ginny Ryan
April 25, 2012
Dear Sister Helen, she was an inspiration to so many. I will miss her quick wit, intelligence, and wry smile. May she rest in peace with the God she loved so well.
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