Sister Ellen Marie Stafford

Sister Ellen Marie was born Helen Mary Stafford on April 12, 1916. She died on Nov. 3, 2009. She was 93 years old and had been a Sister of Providence for 75 years.

Sister Ellen Marie entered the Congregation on July 15, 1934. She professed first and final vows on Jan. 23, 1937 and 1943, respectively.

Her ministry in teaching began in 1937 at St. John the Baptist, Whiting, Indiana. She taught at other schools in Indiana, as well as schools in Illinois. From 1975 to 1998, she was a parish visitor for parishes in Illinois and from 1998 to 2004, she provided service at the convent in Galesburg, Illinois. She returned to the Woods in 2004.

She was known for her quiet and undemanding presence.