News & Happenings

Sister Mary Martin was in the 74th year of her religious life

Sister Mary Martin de Porres died on September 26, 2025 in the 74th year of her religious life. Born Constance Grisé in Ware, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Adrian and Ella (DeBois) Grisé.

After graduating from North Brookfield High School and the Becker Business School in Worcester, Mass., she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1952. Her sister, Sister Mary Adrianella Grisé, already had joined the Sisters of Providence in 1943.

Sister Mary Martin de Porres ministered (1955–1960) in medical records rooms at Mercy Hospital in Springfield and the Providence Hospital in Holyoke, and in the admitting office of Our Lady of Providence Children’s Center (later known as Brightside) in West Springfield. Following studies at Cardinal Cushing College where she received her Associates Degree, she graduated from Newton College of the Sacred Heart with a Bachelor of Science Degree in sociology in 1969.

Sister Mary Martin de Porres served in social services at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester and as local coordinator for the Sisters at St. Vincent Hospital Convent until 1973. Having completed the C.O.R.D. Program at Mercy Center in Madison, Conn. in 1974, she joined the Pastoral Care Department at Providence Hospital in Holyoke as a Pastoral Associate.

She was elected as a General Councilor of the Sisters of Providence for two terms (1977–1985) and became the Providence Mother House retirement coordinator, after receiving a certificate in retirement gerontology having completed a 9-month course at St. Mary of the Woods College, Ind.

She then served as vocation director until 1990.

She enrolled in a clinical pastoral care program offered by the Interfaith Health Care Ministries in R.I. in preparation for her move to St. Joseph of the Pines, N.C. where she became the Director of Pastoral Care from 1991–1998.

She returned to Providence Place in Holyoke as Local Coordinator for the Sisters until 2003.

Sister Mary Martin de Porres was loved by all who encountered her compassionate demeanor, smiling countenance, and contagious laugh. Through the years, she served on several boards including the SP Ministry Advisory Board, the Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association; as a director for Community Health Foundation of Western Mass.; Vice-President, Inter-community Retirement Board; and on the boards of the SPHS Corporate Network, Center for Spiritual Direction, and member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

She is survived by her Sisters in Community and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; she was predeceased by her sister, Sister Mary Adrianella (2019), and her 11 other siblings.

The Wake will be held on Wed., October 1, 2025 from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel at Providence Place, 5 Gamelin Street, Holyoke, Mass., followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Providence Place Chapel.

The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton, Holyoke, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To send your condolences, please email the Sisters of Providence President’s Office. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 5 Gamelin St., Holyoke, MA 01040.