Age 95
From the time Sister Laura Marie met the Sisters of Mercy as a fourth grader in St. Mary School, New Britain, Connecticut, until her final days at Saint Mary Home, she embraced and radiated a life of Mercy. Following graduation from Mount Saint Joseph Academy as valedictorian of the class of 1944, she continued her journey of Mercy at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut, and entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1946, professing her final vows on January 2, 1952.
Sister Laura Marie received her BA in education (1959) and MA in English (1964) from the University of Saint Joseph and an MA in guidance from Fairfield University, Connecticut (1974).
Throughout the years, her ministries called her to serve as instructor, teacher, counselor and administrator, followed by decades of service as a pastoral associate in St. Mary Parish, Portland, Connecticut, with her longtime friend, Sister Mary Ida Dolan.
A gifted woman, Sister Laura Marie brought hope and kindness into the lives of people of all ages. Her 38-year tenure at Mercy High School, Middletown, earned her recognition from the alumnae as one of the most influential individuals in their lives.From college selection to geometric problems to counselling, she was always present and ready to share her wisdom as she continued to cherish each year, even when her eyesight and hearing were limited. “No” and “I can’t help you” were not in her vocabulary.
Following Sister Mary Ida’s death, Sister Laura Marie continued her compassionate presence at Saint Mary Home. The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff at Saint Mary Home for their compassionate, loving care of Sister Laura Marie.