CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister M. Magdalen Coupe, 91, a retired educator and caregiver, died October 22 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre.
Born Mary Magdalen Coupe in Valley Falls, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Alice A. (Eastham) Coupe. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1934 and professed her vows on March 12, 1937. She was a 1934 graduate of the former St. Xavier Academy, and earned a bachelor of science degree in education from the former Catholic Teachers College, Providence. She also earned a bachelor of arts degree from Salve Regina University and a master of education degree from Rhode Island College.
Sister Coupe taught for 37 years in the Diocese of Fall River, and served as the principal of the former St. Louis School, Fall River. She was assigned to Mount St. Rita Health Centre in 1974, where she ministered in many capacities until 1986.
She is survived by a sister, Mercy Sister M. Olive Coupe of Bristol, and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Carmelite Father Austin Coupe, Maryknoll Missionary Sisters Ann Miriam Coupe, M. Eucharista Coupe and Marie Estelle Coupe, and Theresa Brindley.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 24 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
