OBITUARY

Sister Constance McDonald, R.S.M., 79

Posted

CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister Constance McDonald, 79, formerly Sister Mary Danette, a retired nurse and teacher, died June 19 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre, Cumberland.

Baptized Constance Mary McDonald in Manchester, N.H., she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (Donegan) McDonald. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1948 and professed her vows on August 16, 1954. She was a 1948 graduate of the former St. Xavier Academy, Providence and earned a bachelor of science degree in education from the former Catholic Teachers College, Providence, and a diploma in nursing from Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing, Manchester, N.H.

Sister McDonald taught in the elementary schools in the Diocese of Fall River for several years before studying for her nursing career. She became a member of the Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing staff from 1969 to 1973, when she became infirmarian at Bay View Convent, Riverside. In 1975 she began her ministry as a staff member of the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, where she served for 28 years. After retiring, she provided care for members of her religious community who were hospitalized or in need of care at home.

Sister McDonald is survived by two brothers, Kenneth Jr. and James McDonald both of Manchester, N.H.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 23 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.