August 14, 2019

OBITUARY: Sr. Ruth Virginia Quinn, SSJ

REGIONAL

HOLYOKE – Sister of St. Joseph Ruth Virginia Quinn, (formerly Sister Margaret Mary) 88, member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died at the Marian Center in Holyoke on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

A native of Worcester, Mass., she was the daughter of Peter and Nora (Marrinan) Quinn.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. John Parish, Worcester, in 1948. She graduated from Ascension High School in Worcester. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee and a master of education degree in special education from Fitchburg State College, where she was the recipient of the Joseph P. Kennedy Scholarship. 

She taught for several years at the former Sacred Heart School in Holyoke and at the former Holy Family School in Springfield. From 1972 to 2017 she served at Holy Name Parish in Springfield as teacher for many years and as secretary for the religious education program. She also established 13 diocesan learning centers to help children with special learning needs receive training in religious education.

She was a faithful volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House. In 2004 she received the Points of Light Award from President George W. Bush for her devoted volunteerism and in 2006 she was honored by Holy Name Parish for her many years of dedicated service. In her retirement, she continued to offer her services in companion ministry.

In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by several generations of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and four sisters, including Sister of St. Joseph Ruth Dolores.

All services for will take place in St. Joseph Chapel at Mont Marie in Holyoke on Friday, Aug. 16. 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 11a.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.