Sister Mary Josita Ryan (formerly Sister Francis Josephine)

Sister Mary Josita Ryan, formerly Sister Francis Josephine, died on August 17, 2003, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. She was 83-years-old and had been a Sister of Providence for 65 years.

Sister Mary Josita was born on March 11, 1920, in Malden, Massachusetts.

She entered the Congregation on July 21, 1938, professing first vows on January 15, 1941, and final vows on August 15, 1946.

Sister Mary Josita taught in schools staffed by the Sisters of Providence in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

She ministered as principal of schools for 29 years and also ministered 15 years as a business administrator.

In addition, she ministered at the infirmary of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, from 1945-46.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 20, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Mary Josita Ryan (formerly Sister Francis Josephine)

Complete Ministry

In Illinois: Teacher, St. Leo, Chicago (1941-43); Teacher, St. Andrew, Chicago (1943-45); Teacher, St. Athanasius, Evanston (1959-62).

In Indiana: Infirmary, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (1945-46); Teacher, St. Joseph, Terre Haute (1946-49); Teacher, St. Margaret Mary, Terre Haute (1949-55); Principal, St. Margaret Mary, Terre Haute (1950-55); Residential Services, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2001-03).

In Massachusetts: Teacher, St. Rose, Chelsea (1955-59); Teacher, St. Rose, Chelsea (1962-67); Teacher, Sacred Heart, Malden (1967-69); Principal, St. Polycarp, Somerville (1969-78); Convent Service (1998-2000).

In New Hampshire: Principal/Business Administrator, Lady Isle, Portsmouth (1978-93); Community Service, Lady Isle, Portsmouth (1993-96); Convent Service (1996-98).