Sister Mary Frances Doherty, R.S.M., 93, of Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Rhode Island died Thursday January 3, 2002.
Born and raised in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Thomas and Anne (Luby) Doherty, she entered the Sisters of Mercy on July 4, 1926 at the Regional Community of Providence, and was professed on Dec. 27, 1928.
She was a graduate of Holy Family High School in New Bedford and the Catholic Teachers College of Rhode Island , where she was awarded both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education.
Sister Mary Frances, who had previously been known as Sister Mary Baptista, had served for many years as a teacher and principal in various schools, including Saints Peter and Paul School and St. Patrick's School in Fall River, St. Mary's School in North Attleboro, and St. Mary's School, Holy Name School, and St. James-St. John School, all in New Bedford.
Later she was involved in community service while residing at Our Lady of Mercy Convent in New Bedford from 1982-1989 and St. Mary's Convent, Bayview from 1989-1997. She retired to Mount St. Rita Health Centre in 1997.
Survivors include 6 nephews, Thomas E. Doherty of Olympia, WA, John P. Doherty of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Michael F. Doherty of North Dartmouth, James A. Doherty of Belfast, Maine, Paul Doherty of South Dartmouth, and Kevin W. Doherty of Yarmouth, Maine; a niece, Anne D. Kennedy of Waldoboro, Maine; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was the sister of the late Stephen W. Doherty, John P. Doherty, Margaret Doherty, Helen Doherty, Edmund Doherty, Walter A. Doherty, and Thomas J. Doherty, and aunt of the late Stephen J. Doherty.
Her Funeral will be held on Saturday January 5, 2002 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Lawrence Church, County St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday from 3-6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mount St. Rita Health Centre, 15 Sumner Brown Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864 or the Family Outreach Center, 11 Hawthorne St., Providence, RI 02907.