CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister Prudence M. Croke, 81, formerly known as Sister M. Prudentia, a retired teacher and college professor, died September 25 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre.
Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of the late James V. and Prudence (Wadsworth) Croke. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1944 and professed her final vows on August 16, 1950.
Sister Croke earned a bachelor of arts degree from Salve Regina College (now University), Newport, a master of arts degree from The Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and a doctorate in religious studies from Boston University, Boston, MA.
Her ministries included teaching at St. Catherine Academy in Belize, and Maria Regina in Honduras. In 1968, Sister Croke was assigned to the former St. Xavier Academy, Providence, where she ministered from 1968 to 1971. She was then assigned to Salve Regina College, where she remained until her retirement in 2004.
Sister Croke is survived by two sisters, Mildred Croke Hanly of Massachusetts, and Eleanor Croke of California.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated September 26 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
