Sister Anne Lauritano, R.S.M
December 30, 1928 ~ August 13, 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.
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I was blessed to have been a member of the first “band” of young women to have Sister Anne as the person to introduce them into the intricacies of a religious vocation. In her unflappable kindness, she was an example to all of us. She was what we all aspired to be. I treasure those memories, and all the memories of my affiliation with the Sisters of Mercy. Thinking of Sister Anne fills my heart with warmth. She was an inspiration, and deserves the peace and love she is sure to receive from the God she served so faithfully and joyfully.
Judy Dotson
– Judy Dotson
Anne Lauritano was my cousin.I can remember her , Marsha ,Chalotte ,Teddy and Aunt Mimi ,along with my grandparents, when they lived on Congress Street, across from Mc Carthy,’s store.)Being younger than my cousins , I would would sit and listen to all of them talk. lots of fun .Anne had the softest sweetest voice and manor about her.I also thought she was beautiful! I remember her lying prostrate in the chapel taking her vows.I have never expieriiceded anything like it since..I also remember visiting with her in the little rooms along the main hall in the convent.She was always so happy and welcoming .
Ann and the sisters of Mercy have been a great inspiration in my life along with wondrrful classmates at ST Pat,s Cathedral and Mercy hospital A lot of saints in black and white up there in Heaven. May theyrest in p
Susan Fairweather Borduas.
– susan fairweather borrduas
I will always remember Sr. Anne for her quiet manner, her gentlenesss and her warmth. I always saw her as a model Sister of Mercy, so kind and gracious.
My deepest sympathy to her family and all her Sisters of Mercy.
M. Corinne (Dyer) Biehle
– M. Corinne (Dyer) Biehle
Hello,
I visited with Sr. Anne each Saturday morning. I held her hand told her I was praying for her and that I loved her. She would breathe peacefully, say Thank you, and close her eyes.
I’m walking for Sr Anne this September 23 in the Alzheimers walk with St Joseph’s Manor.
I have enjoyed being a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Manor the past 17 years. I will miss Sr. Anne.
– Rob Poissant
I went to a couple retreats in Saco led by Sister Anne. She was so hospitable and sweet and the retreats were both fun and enlightening. I feel blessed to have known her.
– Ginny Gallant