OBITUARY

Sister Mary Laurita Hand

Posted

LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Sister Mary Laurita Hand, 84, known in secular life as Lucille Hand, died April 8, 2019, at Presentation Convent.

Sister was born July 26, 1934 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the daughter of Anna (Grennon) and Lawrence Hand.

She received her early education in Woonsocket, and entered the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 24, 1951, professing her final vows on August 20, 1956.

Continuing her education, she received a bachelor’s degree in education in English from Regina Coeli College, Fitchburg, Massachusetts; a master’s degree in English from Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire; and an administration degree from Providence College.

Sister Mary Laurita served as chairperson of the English Department and drama director at St. Bernard High School in Fitchburg and later at Bishop Keough High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. In 1977, she was appointed assistant superintendent for the Diocese of Fall River in Massachusetts, becoming superintendent in 1980.

Sister’s also achieved many accomplishments in other areas, including canon law, geriatrics, religious education and summer theater. She also worked at Jeanne Jugan Residence in Pawtucket.

Besides her Presentation Community, Sister Mary Laurita is survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Muriel Moscatelli, Irene LeMunyon, Doris Benoit, Mary Edna McCarthy and Rita Salemi; and her brother, Lawrence Hand.

Sister Mary Laurita’s funeral was celebrated on Friday, April 12, with a Mass in Presentation Convent Chapel, Leominster, Massachusetts. Burial followed in St. Bernard Cemetery in Fitchburg.