August 21, 2017

OBITUARY: Sister Christine Swords, SSJ

REGIONAL

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Sister of St. Joseph Christine Swords, 88, known in religion as Sister Marie Christine, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham, Mass., on Aug. 20.

Born in Springfield, she was the daughter of Raymond L. and Josephine (Noonan) Swords. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Holy Family Parish, Springfield, in 1950. She graduated from Cathedral High School, Springfield. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, and an master of arts degree in Spanish from Boston College.

She spent many years teaching Spanish at Cathedral High School in Springfield. In addition, she served as director of novices and also served on the Executive Board/Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph. After her retirement from Cathedral High School in 1994, she worked in the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by her sister, Margaret Swords of East Longmeadow; and several generations of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Father Raymond Swords, John Swords and Mary Swords.

All services will take place in St. Joseph Chapel at Mont Marie in Holyoke on Wednesday, Aug. 23. She will be waked from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a prayer service at 10 a.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mont Marie Cemetery.

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