Sister Therese MacDonnell, A.P.B.

PORTLAND - Sister Therese MacDonnell, A.P.B., Nee Catherine Mary MacDonnell, 85, of the Monastery of the Precious Blood, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012 following an illness. She was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada a daughter of Daniel and Florence Beaton MacDonnell. She attended St. Brigid's Parochial School and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Toronto. Following high school, she worked for Canada Life Insurance Company in Toronto. On March 7, 1947 she entered the Monastery of the Precious Blood in Toronto. She made her first profession of religious vows on February 23, 1950. In 1951, Sister transferred to Portland and soon after became a U.S. Citizen. At the Monastery of the Precious Blood, she was a skilled seamstress and quite artistic. Sister Therese served as the Superior, as Treasurer, as Sacristan and as Portress. To all those who knew her, she will be remembered for her radiant smile. Sister Therese is survived by members of her religious family: Sister Mary Jo, Sister Mary Aloysius and Sister Mary Catherine; by her sister Mrs. Frank (Rose) McKernan of Toronto; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Monastery of the Precious Blood, 166 State Street, Portland. The Most Rev. Joseph J. Gerry, O.S.B. will be the principal celebrant. A period of visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Precious Blood prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. No flowers, please. Donations may be made in Sister Therese's memory to Matthew 25 (for fuel and food assistance to the needy) Attention: Dennis Lafreniere at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.