News & Happenings

Sister Mary Angela was in the 72nd year of her religious life

Sister of Providence, Sister Mary Angela Haggerty, died on April 12, 2024 in the 72nd year of her religious life. Born in Springfield, Mass., she was the daughter of the late John and Lillian (O’Brien) Haggerty. A graduate of Cathedral High School, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1953 and completed her novitiate formation.

Sister Mary Angela began her ministry in the admitting and administration offices of several Sisters of Providence institutions including Providence Hospital, Our Lady of Providence Children’s Center (Brightside), the former St. Luke’s Hospital in Pittsfield, and St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Later in 1966, she worked in the accounting office at Mercy Hospital in Springfield and then as supervisor of the Business Office.

In 1972, Sister Mary Angela began nursing studies at Springfield Technical Community College where she received an Associate Degree in 1974. She then served as a staff nurse at Providence Hospital from 1975 to 1980 when she resigned to seek her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford. Upon graduating in 1982, she ministered at the Sisters of Providence Infirmary at Providence Hospital and as a public health nurse with the Springfield Visiting Nurses Association from 1982-86. She also returned to St. Joseph College to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Development with a Concentration in Gerontology which she received in 1986.

After attending the Wellsprings Program for Christian Ministries, Sister became for several years the Local Coordinator at Providence Mother House (1988-98). She then assumed the role of Health Care Coordinator for the Congregation from 1999-2002. Next, she provided pastoral care in the Infirmary at Providence Hospital and served as sacristan, and in 2009, continued providing sacristan services and pastoral care at Mary’s Meadow Skilled Nursing Facility until her retirement in 2019.

Sister Mary Angela is survived by her Sisters in Community, her devoted niece Jean Bracci and her husband Vincent and nieces Patty Hamilton, Peggy Hamilton and nephew Edward Hamilton. The Wake will be held on Mon., April 15 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm at Providence Place Chapel, 5 Gamelin Street, Holyoke, MA.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tue., April 16 at 10 am in the Providence Place Chapel.

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.