CUMBERLAND – Mercy Sister Catherine McGuigan, formerly Sister M. Stella, 88, a retired educator and caregiver, died April 19 at Mount St. Rita Health Care Centre.
Born Catherine Marie McGuigan in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Esther (Costigan) McGuigan. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1942 and professed her perpetual vows on August 16, 1948.
Sister McGuigan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the former Catholic Teachers College, Providence and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salve Regina College (now University), Newport.
Sister McGuigan began her teaching ministry at the former St. Mary School, Pawtucket and then was assigned to St. Patrick School, Providence. After teaching at the former St. Mary School, Bristol, she was appointed principal. She also taught at St. Mary Academy-Bay View, the former Holy Ghost School in Providence, the former SS Peter and Paul School in West Warwick, and Our Lady of Mercy School in East Greenwich. She served as a home health aide from 1973 to 1984 and then performed parish visitations in St. Peter Parish, Warwick for several years. She served on the staff of the St. Martin de Porres Center, Providence, from 1987 to 1992 after which she was assigned to community service at the Bay View Convent until 2001.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Helen McGuigan and John M. McGuigan, M.D.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 24 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
