(05/13/14) Daley, Sister Mary Karen, 69, formerly Sister Mary John Leone, a Sister of Mercy and a retired health care worker passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2014, while hospitalized in Providence. Born Karen Elizabeth Daley, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Leone (Cyr) Daley. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, the late George and Agnes Gregory of Fall River, MA. Sister Karen graduated from Mount St Mary Academy in 1962 and entered the Sisters of Mercy community in September of that same year. She professed her perpetual vows on July 18, 1970. Sister earned a BA from Salve Regina University in Newport in 1972. She then earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Rhode Island Junior College (now CCRI) in 1976. Sister Karen began her education ministry teaching the third grade at St John Baptist School in New Bedford, MA. She continued at St. Matthew School in Cranston and later taught at Our Lady of Victories School in Woonsocket. Moving into the health care field she studied nursing and subsequently worked at Mount St Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Fatima Hospital in North Providence, L&M Nursing Services in Pawtucket, the Scandinavian Home in Cranston, and High Point in North Kingston. Sister Karen’s journey also led her to being a counselor at Talbot House in Providence, and Senior House Manager and Education Coordinator at Eastman House in Cranston. Active in recovery and retreat work, she led workshops for numerous groups along the east coast. Over the last few years, Sister worked both at the Family Outreach Center as a receptionist and at St Francis Chapel at the hospitality desk. She also was a team member for the pastoral care team of the Sisters of Mercy. Through her various ministries, Karen was known for her good humor and for her clear commitment to help those whose paths she crossed. In addition to her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy, she leaves her step-brother, George Gregory of South Carolina, nieces, and a nephew. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in Mount St. Rita Chapel, 15 Sumner Brown Rd., Cumberland. Calling hours are on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Warde Room of Mount St Rita Health Centre; a Mercy Prayer Service in celebration of Sister Karen’s life will take place at 5:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Fall River, MA, with the procession leaving Mount St. Rita at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister\’s memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864 will be appreciated. Information and condolences, please visit: www.galloglyfuneralhome.com
View Full Notice → Sister Karen Daley, RSM – East Providence, RI