Obituary: Sister Mary Justin Crowley, 97, sister of Providence

Sister of Providence, Sister Mary Justin Crowley, died Oct. 16 in the 65th year of her religious life.

Born Virginia A. Crowley in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late P. Joseph and Margaret (McGuan) Crowley and a graduate of St. Stephen High School in Worcester.

Sister Mary Justin was a registered nurse, a graduate of Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, when she entered the community in 1961. Having completed her novitiate training, she continued her education receiving her master’s degree in nursing from Boston College in 1966. She pursued her health care ministry at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester where, over the course of thirty years, she served as associate director of the St. Vincent Hospital nursing school (1967), assistant director of nursing services/surgical division and instructor (1971). Other ministries included director of nursing at People’s Church Nursing Home in Worcester (1975), and assistant director of curriculum at the nursing school (1978). Though professional in her manner with students, Sister Mary Justin had a fine sense of humor and caring heart.

She was elected to the General Council of the Sisters of Providence (1981-1985) and served as assistant health care coordinator for the Providence community members in Holyoke. Re-elected in 1989, she assumed the role of administrator of the Providence Mother House until 1993. She continued as health care coordinator until 1999. A member of the National League for Nursing, Sister Mary Justin also was a board member for the Worcester Diocesan Council of Catholic Nurses and a member of its by-laws committee, a member of the St. Vincent’s Alumni Association, Sisters of Providence Associates Membership Board, Centennial Core Committee, and Sisters of Providence Communications Committee. Following her retirement, Sister served as volunteer archivist for the Sisters of Providence for several years.

She is survived by her sisters in community, and four nieces.

Services were planned for earlier this week. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 5 Gamelin St., Holyoke, MA 01040.