News & Happenings

Sister Mary Justin was in the 65th Year of her Religious Life

Sister Mary Justin Crowley, SP, died on October 16, 2025, in the 65th year of her religious life. Born Virginia A. Crowley in Worcester, Mass., she was the daughter of the late P. Joseph and Margaret (McGuan) Crowley and a graduate of St. Stephen’s High School in Worcester.

Sister Mary Justin was a registered nurse, a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, when she entered the Community in 1961. Having completed her novitiate training, she continued her education receiving her master’s degree in nursing from Boston College in 1966.

She pursued her health care ministry at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester where, over the course of thirty years, she served as associate director of the St. Vincent Hospital nursing school (1967), assistant director of nursing services/surgical division and instructor (1971). Other ministries included Director of Nursing – People’s Church Nursing Home in Worcester (1975), and assistant director of curriculum at the nursing school (1978).

Though professional in her manner with students, Sister Mary Justin had a fine sense of humor and caring heart.

She was elected to the General Council of the Sisters of Providence (1981-1985) and served as Assistant Health Care Coordinator for the Providence Community members in Holyoke. Re-elected in 1989, she assumed the role of Administrator of the Providence Mother House until 1993. She continued as Health Care Coordinator until 1999.

A member of the National League for Nursing, Sister Mary Justin also was a board member for the Worcester Diocesan Council of Catholic Nurses and member of its By-laws Committee, a member of the St. Vincent’s Alumni Association, SP Associates Membership Board, Centennial Core Committee, and SP Communications Committee.

Following her retirement, she served as volunteer archivist for the Sisters of Providence for several years. She moved to Mary’s Meadow in 2020 where she engaged with the residents there and was known for her skills with puzzle books.

Sister Mary Justin is survived by her Sisters in Community, and her four nieces.

The Wake will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 9:00 – 9:45 am at Providence Place, 5 Gamelin Street, Holyoke, Mass. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in the Providence Place Chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 5 Gamelin St., Holyoke, MA 01040.

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.