CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister M. Madonna Crawford, 78, a retired educator, religious superior and counselor, died May 21 at Miriam Hospital, Providence.
Born in Providence, she was baptized Elaine Crawford and was the daughter of the late William and Ann (Ashley) Crawford. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1947 and professed her vows on Aug. 16, 1953.
After teaching in elementary schools in the Diocese of Providence, she taught at the former St. Xavier Academy, Providence, from 1956-1968. In 1969 she was appointed superior of the convent at St. Mary Convent-Bay View.
In 1974 Sister Crawford was appointed first director of the Diocesan Office for Religious. She was elected to the Provincial Council of the Sisters of Mercy of Providence from 1976-1979, and from 1985-1988. She later became a member of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and served in that capacity until her retirement.
After Sister Crawford retired, she lived at Our Lady of Mercy Convent, East Greenwich, and assisted in the parish.
She is survived by a sister, Kathryn M. Flaherty of Berlin, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 24 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
