Sister Mary Polworth

Sr. Mary Polworth, SSJ

Sr. Mary Polworth (John Joseph), 89, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died on November 10, 2016 in Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, VT. Born in Manchester, NH she was the daughter of Robert and Sophronia (Dubie) Polworth.

Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland from Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Parish, Burlington, VT in 1952. She became a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield (Mass.) in 2001 when the two Communities merged. She was graduated from Cathedral High School, Burlington, VT and earned her B.S. degree from Trinity College, Burlington.

Sister was a faculty member and Chair of the Business Department at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, Rutland and a faculty member at St. Joseph College, Bennington, VT. She briefly served as Executive Secretary at the Southern Vermont Computer Center, Bennington before being named President of the College of St. Joseph the Provider in Rutland, a post in which she served from 1974-83. Sister Mary ministered in many capacities in the Congregation: as Vice President, Director of Development, and Secretary to the President. She also was a member of the Burlington Diocesan School Board and the Bishop’s Commission on Women. She served on the boards of many other educational, business, and civic organizations in Vermont. In 2004 she retired to St. Joseph’s Residence in Rutland.

In addition to her Sisters in Community, she is survived by her sister, Elsa Polworth of South Burlington, VT. She was predeceased by her sister, Sr. Jean Polworth, C.S., and by her brothers, James and John Polworth.

The wake will take place on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 134 Convent Avenue, Rutland. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Rutland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Arrangements entrusted to Clifford Funeral Home, Rutland, VT