Age 102
Inspired by her motto “In His Will is My Peace,” Virginia had a way of giving support in difficult situations and enhancing the joy of happy moments.
Virginia’s mother died when she was quite young, so there was much moving about among aunts. She encountered the Sisters of Mercy at St. Mary’s Academy in Bay View, Rhode Island, as a resident student, and after high school at the Visiting Nurses.
Virginia entered the Sisters of Mercy in Cumberland, Rhode Island, at the age of 19.
Upon completing her education, she taught elementary school in the Diocese of Fall River, Rhode Island, for 25 years. When beginning each school year, Virginia would gather the children and distribute their new catechisms, saying to each one, “(Mary), God has called you by name. You are mine. You are special!”
She also spent a year teaching in California. Upon her return, she served on the faculty of Holy Family, Holy Name High School in Fall River, Rhode Island, for 26 years.
An avid baker, she loved to try new recipes. She also attended daily Mass and regularly visited her friends and her sister, who lived in an assisted-living facility. Upon her retirement she ministered at Mount St. Rita Health Center in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Her final years were spent at St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, where staff and residents cherished her.