PORTLAND – Sister Mary Madonna Fowler, RSM, Lillian Jane, 85, a gifted poet, died peacefully June 1, 2007. Her pre-graduate education was within the Orono educational system, as well as Orono Catholic High School. She entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Mary’s Parish, Orono, in 1942, after being employed as a childcare worker. Sister obtained a degree in education from St. Joseph’s College, Standish, and ministered in the field of education for nearly 40 years, spending much of the time within the Diocesan school system. Among the schools in Maine where she taught were, Kavanaugh, St. Patrick’s and Cathedral, Portland; St. Joseph’s, Lewiston; St. Mary’s, Augusta, Biddeford, Houlton and Orono; St. John’s, Bangor; and St. Athanasius, Rumford. She also taught in the Maine Indian education system at both Pleasant Point, Perry; and Peter Dana Pont, Indian Township. Sister was also in pastoral ministry at St. Joseph’s Manor, Portland and Eagle Lake Nursing Home, Eagle Lake. Sister returned to St. Joseph’s Convent, Motherhouse, in 1990, where she generously served as a telephone receptionist and in other ministries as needed. She was well known for her gentle spirit, her quick smile, her contemplative manor and her spontaneous visits to people she met on daily walks. Many of Sister Madonna’s poems were published in the former Church World. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur W. and Lillian Graham Fowler of Orono; her brothers, Francis, Joseph and Brother John Fowler, C.S.S.; and her sister, Evelyn Bull. Surviving are her sisters, Hilda Ryan of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Margaret Waddell of Clovis, N.M., and Theresa Woznik of Eddington; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins; and her sisters in Community. Visiting hours were held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 3, with a prayer service 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Convent, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 4, at St. Joseph’s Convent. Burial was at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Memorial gifts may be made to the Northeast Community of the Sisters of Mercy, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103. Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland.
SISTER MARY MADONNA FOWLER, RSM, LILLIAN JANE
