NORTH KINGSTOWN — Sister Margaret Mary Laffey, C.P., 93, a Sister of the Cross and Passion, died peacefully on Oct. 24, 2023, at the Lakeside Nursing Home in North Kingstown.
Born Rita Ann Laffey to the late Thomas and Hannah Donoghue Laffey in Wakefield, Rhode Island, on January 5, 1930, she entered the Passionist Community in 1948 and was finally professed in 1954. Educated in local schools she was ever loyal to her South Kingstown High, Class of 1948.
Initially an educator in community staffed schools, she constantly challenged her students to excel. Teaching young children to read was her gift and her passion. Later she was educated for and involved in pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Providence especially serving in St. Gregory’s Parish in Warwick and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.
In addition to her parents, Sister is predeceased by her sister, Theresa Newton, and brothers Joseph and Ambrose. She is survived by her sister, Mary McBride, and many nieces and nephews.
Margaret Mary’s prayer life and devotion to the Sacred Heart was evidenced by her ability to share her faith with everyone she encountered and especially those with whom she lived at Lakeside Nursing (South County Nursing Center).
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 31, in St. Francis of Assisi Church, with burial in St. Francis Cemetery in Peace Dale.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of the Cross & Passion Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 17372, Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917.
