Sr. Mary Agnes O'Brien, Fcj

Portsmouth, RI - Sister Mary Agnes OBrien, FCJ, 92, of St. Philomena Convent, Portsmouth, RI, formerly of Fitchburg, MA and Providence, RI, died Sunday, August 1, 2010 at Grand Islander Health Care Center, Middletown, RI. Born Bridget Mary Teresa OBrien in County Limerick, Ireland on April 14, 1918, she was the third of seven children of Patrick and Mary OBrien OBrien: all of whom are now deceased. She is survived by her dearly beloved niece Mary Hartnett and nephew Michael OCallaghan and some cousins all of whom live in Ireland.Sister Mary Agnes attended the local elementary school in her home town and then was a boarder with the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus at St. Marys Convent in Bruff, County Limerick. In September 1935 she became a postulant with the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus at the international novitiate in Brussels, Belgium where she made first vows on April 4, 1938. Three months later she was missioned to the United States. She taught at St. Josephs School in Fitchburg MA until 1948 when she was sent to Blessed Sacrament Covent in Providence RI and to teach at St. Patricks High School until 1954. From there she returned to Fitchburg where she taught middle school students for two decades. In 1974 she came to St. Philomena School for a year before returning to Fitchburg to serve as principal of St. Josephs School for seven years. Here final missioning brought her back to Portsmouth where she continued to be active giving religious instruction in St. Anthonys parish and serving as an aide in the library at St. Philomena School.Sister Mary Agnes will be deeply missed by the religious Sisters in her community as well as by all those who experienced her strong faith and beautiful smile. We are especially grateful to the staff of the Homestead Unit at the Grand Islander Center for their loving care of Sr. Agnes.Calling hours will be held on Wednesday. August 4, 2010, from 5-8 in St. Philomena School chapel, 324 Coreys Lane, Portsmouth, RI with a prayer service at 7PM.Her funeral will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2010, at 10:00 am in St. Philomena School Auditorium, 324 Coreys Lane, Portsmouth.Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.