Above, first photo, Mary Blanchette and Katherine Keefe, sisters of the late Sister Ann Keefe, S.S.J., reflect on the memories that made them a strong family during a July 26 ceremony to dedicate the Elmwood Post Office in her name for her commitment to the community through her involvement in many city and statewide committees, including as chair of the Providence Human Relations Commission and her service as a member of the Interfaith Coalition to reduce Poverty in Rhode Island. Sister Ann died on Jan. 18 at her South Providence home from brain cancer at age 62.
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One of nine children, Sister Ann began her ministry with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Mass., as a teacher and school social worker at Bishop McVinney Regional School in Providence. She was the founder or co-founder of nearly two dozen organizations, including The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, Providence CITYARTS for Youth, The Good Friday Walk for Hunger and Homelessness, AIDS Care Ocean State and The Community Boating Center. Above, second photo, David Mastroianni Jr., USPS Connecticut Valley District Manager, displays the unveiled plaque dedicating the Elmwood Post Office to Sister Ann Keefe, as from left, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, City Arts representatives Pamela and Elijah Matthews and Congressman David Cicilline. The bill to rename the Elmwood Post Office was advanced by Congressman David Cicilline and signed into law by President Obama on May 22.
