Sister Mary Rita Griffin

Sister Mary Rita was a native of Washington, D.C. She passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Sister Mary Rita was 83 years old and had been a Sister of Providence for 65 years.

Sister Mary Rita, formerly Sister Mary Paula, entered the Congregation on July 22, 1954. She professed final vows on January 23, 1962.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She also has a master’s degree in general science from Virginia State University.

Sister Mary Rita has ministered in Indiana, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Illinois and Taiwan.

Here is Sister Mary Rita’s complete ministry:

In Indiana: Teacher, Our Lady of Greenwood, Greenwood (1957-58); Teacher, St. Francis Xavier, Vincennes (1960-64); Administrative Assistant, Woods Day Care/Pre-School, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2005-14); Coordinator, Shrine of Our Lady of Providence and Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2014-20).

In Washington, D.C.: Teacher, St. Ann (1958-60); Principal, Dunblane (1972-76); Principal, Teacher, Dunblane (1976-78); Teacher, St. Ann (1984-85); Coordinator of Volunteers, SOME So Others May Eat (1985-90); Director of Day Center for the Homeless, Friendship Place (1993-95); Administrative Director Friendship Place, Community Council for Homeless (1995-99); Haven Resident Manager, Community Council for Homeless (2000-03).

In Massachusetts: Teacher, St. Rose High School, Chelsea (1969-70).

In Maryland: Teacher, St. Clement, Lansdowne (1964-69).

In North Carolina: Principal, Teacher, St. Therese, Wilson (1970-72).

In Illinois: Principal, Our Lady of Sorrows, Chicago (1978-84).

In Taiwan: Bookkeeper, Teacher, Mother Marie Gratia Center (2003-05).