Sister Anne Lauritano, R.S.M Obituary (1928 - 2017)

PORTLAND - Sister Anne Lauritano, R.S.M. (Sr. Mary Anthony), died peacefully at St. Joseph's Residence, Portland on August 13, 2017, after a long illness. Sr. Anne was the daughter of the late Mary V. Fairweather and Alphonso Lauritano. She received her education from St. Patrick's School, Portland and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy. In 1947, Sr. Anne entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Patrick's Parish, Portland. Upon entrance, she began her studies toward a B.S. in Education from St. Josephs College, Standish. She also went on and received her M.S. in Theology from Providence College, Rhode Island. Sr. Anne taught in several schools in Maine beginning at St. Dominic's School, Portland; Cathedral Elementary School, Portland; St. Mary's School, Westbrook; St. Athanasius School, Rumford; Benedicta Public School, Benedicta and St. Joseph's Academy, Portland, her alma mater. In 1956, Sr. Anne was appointed Formation Director for women entering the Sisters of Mercy. Her prayerful manner and mentoring assisted women in their training for religious life. In 1969, Sr. Anne was elected to the Community Leadership Council. Sr. Anne's next ministry was teaching in the Religion Department at John Bapst High School, Bangor and Catherine McAuley High School, Portland. In 1983, Sr. Anne attended the Institute for Spiritual Direction, Chicago, affiliated with Loyola University, where she obtained her certification. Sr. Anne then began the next phase of her ministry, of Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats. She was much sought after, always happy to share her spiritual gifts and strong faith. Sr. Anne also companioned several women who joined the Mercy Associates. In 1988, Sr. Anne became interested in The Enneagram and after training, went on to conduct workshops. Through these workshops, she taught people how to use the Enneagram as a tool for self-discovery and understanding. Her graciousness and availability at these workshops assisted many participants. Sr. Anne was the face of Mercy - kind, gentle and compassionate. It was these qualities that endeared her to all she met, whether in active ministry or at St. Joseph's Residence, Portland, where she was called to live her religious motto more fully, "Thy Will Be Done". Sr. Anne deeply believed that she was called to be Mercy to the poor and marginalized in particular. She is now reaping her reward of a life well-lived. In addition to her parents, Sr. Anne was predeceased by her sisters, Marcia Hughes, Charlotte Lupsha and brother Theodore. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Joseph Lupsha, several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her Sisters in Religion and in particular, her longtime friend, Sr. Claudia Barbre, R.S.M. Visiting hours will be held from 3:00-7:00PM, Monday, August 21, 2017, with a Prayer Service at 6:00PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 966 Riverside Street, Portland, ME 04103.