The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
Reconnect or find new opportunities with the Providence Community. Volunteer in one of our many ministries, be an intern on the farm, explore job opportunities or reminisce about your alma mater.
Live joyfully! Single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to explore a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. All women and men of faith are invited to join the family of Providence as Providence Associates.
Since the founding of the Congregation in 1840, the sisters have been educators in Catholic schools and parishes in the US and around the world. If you have been taught by one of the Sisters of Providence in a school which is not included on the class notes list, we would still very much like to hear from you! Please share your educational encounter with the sisters along with the name of the school. We are grateful for the opportunity to stay connected. You are in our prayers!
Class notes
Marie Therese Walsh
March 9, 1927 – January 27, 2025
With great sadness, we announce that Marie Therese Walsh, nee Merker of Northbrook, passed away on January 27, 2025.
Marie was a proud Chicagoan who grew up with a loving Irish family on Diversey Pkwy. Her love for the Sisters of Providence began as a boarding school student at Marywood Academy in Evanston (Class of ’44) and continued at St Mary of The Woods in Terre Haute, Indiana. She transferred to St Mary’s of Notre Dame, where she found a new love for the Fighting Irish that lasted her lifetime.
George W. Healey St. Polycarp School Somerville Ma. 1953-1959 The year that really stands out is 1953. I was in second grade and Sister Mary Mark Dede was my teacher. She was really great. Had not taken her final vows yet. (Would take them the following year) Never saw her again, but I have never forgotten her. Have followed her as best I can. Would love to hear from her. God bless you all, living and deceased.
(January 2025)
Christine (Houtsinger) Kowalczyk
Class of 1959
St. Columbkille High School, Chicago, IL
I, Christine Houtsinger, (nee Kowalczyk) attended St. Columbkille High School in Chicago from 1956-1959 (a three year course). Since then I have had many occupations including private secretary, receptionist, first women police officer in a Chicago suburb, waitress. On my third marriage, (the first two passed away) for 35 years now. I am currently (since2004) the Retreat Coordinator for a 12-step recovery retreat center in McHenry Illinois. I owe alot to my Catholic education at St. Columbkille and the Sisters of Providence. I remember Sr.Louise, our principle. The last reunion I attended is for my 55th reunion. I saw Sister Judy (I think) and asked her if she knew Sister Joseph Bernard and to my excitement, she said “I am Sister Joseph Bernard”. I remember her being quite tall and at the reunion, I was taller than she. My perception was out of whack I guess. For our senior trip in high school, we attended the convent in Terre Haute. A trip I will never forget.
(January 2025)
George Sisson
Class of 1960, St Andrew the Apostle, Indianapolis
Now living in San Antonio TX after 34 years in Middletown MD. 20 plus years as Army JAG on active duty followed by 16 years as civilian attorney with DOD. Ordained a permanent deacon in 2007. Taught by Sisters of Providence in grade school. Wonderful memories. Thank you.
(May 2024)
Ed Tobey
Central Catholic HS Fort Wayne IN, Class of 1960
Central Catholic High School Fort Wayne IN 1960 I was a smart but underachieving student. I actually spent my senior year at Bloomfield HS in NJ. (SATs in mid 1530s) Got thru 3 years at several colleges then life and kids took over and I never got a degree. I served as an Electronics Petty Officer in the US Navy. I became a REALTOR in Ft Wayne in 1970 and still working as a REALTOR® Emeritus and President of The Tobey Group, PC. Just wanted you to know some of us who didn’t get a high GPA actually did get a good education. I married a CCHS 1964 grad Judy Gase and we will have our 60th Anniversary on Nov 6th.
(July 2025)
William Mike Dowell
Class of 1977, Paul C. Schulte High School
William Michael Dowell, or “Mike” as he was known to friends and family, lifelong resident of Terre Haute, passed away at the age of 64 on Tuesday May 21, 2024.
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