Age 97
Sister Marguerite Montalto was a Sister of Mercy for 71 years. Sister Marguerite grew up in Westerly, Rhode Island. After high school, she worked before entering the Sisters of Mercy in Cumberland, Rhode Island, in September 1951. After completing her novitiate and education, she began her ministry as a teacher in grades one through eight. She served in a number of schools in the Diocese of Providence, including St. Matthew, St. Peter and Paul, and St. Brendan.
In 1988 she began teaching at Holy Ghost School in Providence. She was a great storyteller, and she was able to listen to others and offer help to them. As a school teacher, she was known for the beauty of her classroom; she was a skilled decorator, and the rooms she created both taught and motivated students. When she left elementary school, she used this talent at the Federal Hill House Learning Center, where she decorated all the meeting rooms as a volunteer. She was a painter and taught children and adults painting at Federal Hill House.
While at Federal Hill House, Marguerite reached out to homeless women helping them to find shelter, clothing, and food. She was often seen bringing meals to those in need. Her service was rooted in her deep spirituality. She constantly prayed for those who were dying. She offered solace to people as they prepared for death. She always lived her motto: “All for Jesus through Mary “ as she prayed to Mary to bring people to her son.
The final part of her life’s journey was spent at Mount St. Rita Health Centre, where she continued to bring her gifts to those around her. Her peacefulness with death as a natural part of life made her final time peaceful as Mary would bring her to Jesus as she had so often asked her to do for others.