Sister Mary Margaret Souza

Sr. Mary Margaret Souza, SSD

Rhode Island - Sister Mary Margaret Souza, 74, passed away on May 10, 2019, at Rhode Island Hospital.

Beloved daughter of the late Margaret (Sylvia) and George Souza, Sister Mary Margaret was born in New Bedford, MA, and is survived by her brother, Retired Air Force Col. George Souza II and his wife Marisa of Alexandria VA, and three nephews, Paul, Peter, and Christopher Souza, with their wives and six great-nephews and nieces.

Sr. Mary Margaret entered the Sisters of St. Dorothy, July 1962 and professed her perpetual vows, August 20, 1972. Having completed her studies in education at Catholic Teachers’ College in RI, and Fordham University in NY. Sr. Mary Margaret taught at St. Elizabeth School in Bristol, RI. and the Academy of St. Dorothy, Staten Island, NY. She returned to St. Elizabeth as principal and then to the Academy of St. Dorothy, as principal, a position she held until attending Emmanuel College for a Sabbatical, completing a Master’s Degree in Spirituality. She then became principal of Our Lady of Fatima High School in 1991 and remained in that ministry until its closure in June 2012. During her time at Our Lady of Fatima High School, Sr. Mary Margaret completed her Doctor of Ministry Degree at the Graduate Theological Foundation in IN. ln 2012, Sr. Mary Margaret entered the ministry of Spiritual Director at LaSalette Shrine in MA, and Brighton, MA, until her retirement, due to illness.

Sr. Mary Margaret, throughout her years of Religious life, was a dedicated educator who through this ministry and her counseling of families and youth shared the Gospel values of Jesus in a profound and meaningful way. She had a strong and determined personality which contributed to her leadership skills and made her both loved and respected by those to whom she ministered.

Calling hours are Monday, 5-8 PM, at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St., New Bedford, MA. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, May 14th, 10:30 AM at Mt. Carmel Church in New Bedford, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dorothy Mission Fund, 13 Monkey Wrench Lane, Bristol. RI 02809.

Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.