SISTER MARIA CABRINI PULSONI

SISTER MARIA CABRINI PULSONI SOUTH PORTLAND – Sister Maria Cabrini Pulsoni died the evening of July 5, 2007, at the Convent of the Diocesan Sisters of Mercy, Cottage Road. She was born Sept. 30, 1923, in Portland, a daughter of Francesco and Rosaria Miccarone Pulsoni. Sister Maria Cabrini received her early education at St. Dominic’s School and St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland. In 1943, Maria Domenica Pulsoni entered the Sisters of Mercy, Portland, to become Sister Maria Cabrini. Sister made her final profession of vows in 1949. Sister Maria earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s College, Standish, and a Master of Science from the University of Maine. Her principal ministry throughout her many years of religious life was the education of youth in the schools of the Portland Diocese; in Portland at Cathedral School, St. Joseph’s and St. Dominic’s; in Bangor at St. Mary’s and St. John’s; in South Portland at Holy Cross; in Augusta at St. Mary’s; in Rumford at St. Rose; and in Benedicta at St. Benedict’s. Sister Maria’s interest in her students extended far beyond the classroom into their adult lives. In the words of one who knew her, “How satisfying it must be for you to realize that you played an important role in preparing so many children to take their place in the community as responsible, well educated Christians adults!” Countless former students have contacted Sister during her months of illness with loving words of appreciation and gratitude. In 1991, Sister Maria retired from her ministry in education, but not from her ministry to people. She delighted in her family, her friends and the Sisters of her Community, with an unusual capacity to appreciate the value and uniqueness of each individual. Over the years, a phenomenal circle of friends of all ages and walks of life gathered around her. The continued attention of these friends throughout the long months of illness brought her much comfort. She was predeceased by her parents; and four brothers Dominic, Victor, Antonio and Francesco Pulsoni. Sister Maria Cabrini is survived by two sisters, Clara Valente of Westbrook and Mary Toderico of Portland; a sister-in-law, Mary Pulsoni of Portland; nephews, nieces, cousins and the Sisters in her religious community. Visiting hours will be held 2-9 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at the Convent of the Diocesan Sisters of Mercy, 265 Cottage Road, South Portland. Because of limited parking space at the Convent, permission has been granted to park along Cottage Road and in the two parking lots of the First Congregational Church on Cottage Road. A concelebrated Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, July 9, at Holy Cross Church, South Portland. Burial will be after at New Calvary Cemetery. The Diocesan Sisters of Mercy extend their appreciation and gratitude for the excellent care provided by the VNA Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Craw-ford Funeral Homes, Portland and South Portland. Online condolences may be sent to www.ctcrawford.com