CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister Regina Mary Coughlin, 74, a retired educator, died March 2 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre.
Baptized Jean Coughlin in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John and Regina (Coutanche) Coughlin. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 24, 1959 and professed her perpetual vows on Aug. 16, 1967.
She was a graduate of the former St. Francis Xavier Academy, Class of 1954. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the Salve Regina College (now University), Newport, and a master’s degree in education from Rhode Island College. She taught in the Diocese of Providence for several years before becoming Director of Guidance at Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, Mass., where she ministered for 23 years. She later received training in pastoral ministry and national certification as a chaplain, and served as a hospital chaplain for the Merrimack Valley Hospice, Lawrence, Mass., where she served from 1995 to 1998.
Sister Coughlin is survived by a twin brother, James Coughlin of North Providence; another brother, Charles Coughlin of Tewksbury, Mass.; and a sister, Mary Donnelly of Warwick. She was the sister of the late John J. Coughlin, M.D.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 6 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.
