Of Waltham, entered eternal life peacefully in the loving arms of her God on Tuesday evening April 19th, 2016 at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley at the age of 98.
Sr. Mary Gerald as most called her, was born on March 5, 1918 in Lawrence, MA; Beloved daughter of the late Arthur Parent and Blanche (Remillard) Parent.
Sister Mary Gerald was one of two children. Her brother, Gerald, was her true friend as well as her brother.
Sister predeceased her parents and her dear brother Gerald.
Sister Rita, "Mary Gerald" entered the Marist Missionary Sisters on February 20, 1938; and took her first vows on August 15, 1940. After Profession, Sister studied Nursing at St. John’s Hospital in Lowell, Massachusetts for Registered Nursing; before being assigned to the South Solomon Islands in June of 1947.
Sister served as a Registered Nurse in many dispensaries such as Visale, Takwa, Tangarare, Rokera, Buma and several others. She was a very capable Nurse, with a good sense of humor; she was loved by the people she worked and served with over 32 years of missionary life.
Sister returned to the United States in 1978 for her home visit and then asked to remain here to care for her sick mother and brother. After both of their deaths, Sister moved to Rocky Creek Retirement Village in Tampa, FL; where she continued to give of herself volunteering where and when needed.
Sister Mary Gerald moved back to Waltham, Massachusetts in 2005. Having had several falls and needing more care, Sister was moved to the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley where she died peacefully on the night of April 19th.
Sister will be remembered by so many friends for her positive and cheerful disposition; and her generosity of self.
Sister Mary Gerald is survived by the loving & devoted Community of Marist Missionary Sisters.
Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of the Resurrection in celebration of Sister Mary Gerald's Life at the Marist Missionary Sisters Residence, 62 Newton St, Waltham on Friday morning April 22nd at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Marist Missionary Sisters Lot at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Watertown. Visiting Hours will be held prior to the Funeral Mass in the Marist Missionary Sisters Residence from 8:30am-10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the: Marist Missionary Sisters 349 Grove St., Waltham, MA 02453.
The Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels of WALTHAM assisted the Marist Missionary Sisters with arrangements
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