September 20, 2023

OBITUARY: Sister Mildred Marengo, SSJ

REGIONAL

SPRINGFIELD – Sister of St. Joseph Mildred Marengo (formerly Sister Maria Peter), 94, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died on Sept. 19.

A native of Holyoke, she was the daughter of Alexander and Helen (Murphy) Marengo. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Holyoke, in 1946. After graduating from Holy Rosary High School, she earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee; a master of science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester; and furthered her education at the University of Notre Dame.

She served as an educator for 33 years in the Springfield and Worcester dioceses, including 21 years as a teacher and associate principal at Cathedral High School, Springfield. She was proud to be the first woman appointed to serve in campus ministry at the Newman Catholic Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She served the congregation as vocation education coordinator and as a grant writer and fundraiser for both Mont Marie Health Care and Child Care Centers, as well as Weston Rehab Center.

She was a lifelong sports fan, with a special fondness for Notre Dame football. She loved people and actively supported human rights. She was equally known for her sharp wit, candor, and faith that “all will be well.”

In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Helen Walsh, Lillian Foley, William Marengo, Mary Marengo and Claire Marengo.

All services will take place in Blessed Sacrament Church, Holyoke, on Monday, Sept. 25. She will be waked from 9 a.m., with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 10 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.