May 18, 2020

OBITUARY: Sister Margaret Crowley, SSJ

REGIONAL

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Sister of St. Joseph Margaret Crowley (formerly Nora Francis), 85, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham on May 16. A native of Springfield, Mass., she was the daughter of Francis and Nora (Buckley) Crowley.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Holy Family Parish, Springfield, in 1959. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee and a master of arts in English from Westfield State College.

She began her teaching ministry at St. Mary School in Southbridge, Mass., before serving in many schools in the Springfield Diocese. She taught at Sacred Heart in Holyoke; St. Agnes in Dalton; St. Thomas the Apostle in West Springfield; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Hope, and Cathedral High School, all in Springfield; St. Matthew’s in Indian Orchard; and Mt. Carmel in Chicopee. She also served as a tutor at Holy Name School in Chicopee.

In addition to her sisters in community, she leaves brothers Francis (Myrna) and Edmund; her sister Mary Ellen Colton (Fred); her sister-in-law Marjorie; several generations of nieces and nephews; and her friend, Sister of St. Joseph Connie Cawley. Sister Crowley was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James, and her nephew Edward.

A graveside service and private burial will take place in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

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