Sister Elizabeth Griffin, RSM - , RI

(01/10/14) Griffin, Sister Elizabeth Ann (formerly Sister Mary Seumas), 86, a Sister of Mercy and a former child care provider, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at Mount St. Rita Health Centre, Cumberland, RI. Born Elizabeth Griffin in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Annie (Lavelle) Griffin. As one of 12 Griffin children, she grew up on “Corky Row” in Fall River where she developed the Irish wit and work ethic that were characteristic of her life. She brought both to the Sisters of Mercy when she joined the congregation on September 8, 1947 and where she later professed perpetual vows on August 16, 1953. Sister Elizabeth’s early ministries involved convent service at Mount St. Mary Convent in Fall River and then at St. Vincent Home in Fall River. In 1957, she was assigned to St. Vincent Home where she worked for a number of years with the children and then continued as a group supervisor. In 1965, Sister returned to convent responsibilities and then in 1967, she was assigned to work with the boarders at St Mary Academy – BayView in East Providence. Sister retired to St. Cecilia Convent in Pawtucket, RI, and then to Franklin Court Assisted Living in Bristol, RI. When Sister’s health required more care, she moved to Mount St Rita Health Centre where, though a resident, she found and loved a ministry of visiting those who were frail and of praying with those who were dying. In addition to her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Elizabeth leaves nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Lucy Bissette, Catherine Springer, Veronica Wilson, Rita Taylor, Margaret Mallor, Dorothy St. Martin, and Claire Griffin, along with her brothers, Daniel, James, and Edward Griffin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, at 11 am in Mount St. Rita Chapel, Cumberland. There will be no visitation. Friends are invited to express condolences with the family from 10:30 a.m. till Mass time in the Warde Room at Mount St Rita. Interment will be in St Patrick Cemetery, Fall River, MA, with the procession leaving Mount St Rita at 12:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mount St. Rita Health Centre, 15 Sumner Brown Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 or to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864 will be appreciated. www.galloglyfuneralhome.com