MARLBOROUGH - Sister Rita Marie Mastropaolo, a Sister of the Good Shepherd, Contemplative Community, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 at St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham after a short illness. She was 91 years of age and had been a Contemplative Sister for 71 years.
In 1939, Sister Rita entered the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Contemplative Community in Providence, R.I. She professed her First Vows July 22, 1943 and her Final Profession of vows was July 22, 1953. Sister Rita spent her life praying for all the people of the world, especially those whom the Good Shepherd Sisters serve. Sister served the community in many ways throughout her life. For years, she was the community cook and loved to cook many types of food for all the Sisters. Sister Rita also spent several years in the altar bread department, making host for parishes throughout New England and many other states in the U.S. Sister Rita entered our Contemplative Community, one dedicated to prayer, but always had time for a conversation with any Sister she met. After beginning her religious life in Providence and before returning to New England in 2004, Sister Rita spent her life in several of our communities: Providence, Brooklyn, Dix Hills and Peekskill, N.Y., Trenton, N.J., and in Marlborough on her return to New England. Due to failing health Sister Rita went to St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham for the physical care she needed, and it was here that she returned to her Lord.
A native of Cranston, R.I., she was the daughter of Ernest and Adalgisa (Storri) Mastropaolo. Sister Rita leaves cousins and her devoted Religious Community, Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Good Shepherd Center, 406 Hemenway St., Marlborough, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m., at Good Shepherd Center. Instead of flowers donations may be made to Sisters of the Good Shepherd Retirement Fund, 406 Hemenway St., Marlborough, MA 01752. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd, a worldwide Congregation, were founded in France by St. Mary Euphrasia in 1835. They came to Boston in 1867 and to Marlborough in 1964.