Saint Vincent's Mourns the Passing of Sister Monice Houston

It is with sadness and a sense of loss that we share with you the passing of Sister Mary Monice Houston, RSM, 97 years of age, on Friday, September 24, 2010 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, RI.

Born Evelyn Margaret Houston in Pawtucket, RI, she was the daughter of the late Ambrose and Eva (Pariseau) Houston.  She entered the Sisters of Mercy on February 2, 1934 and professed her vows on August 15, 1939.

Many children and youth who are now grown adults with, in many cases, grown children and grandchildren of their own have fond memories of Sister Monice.  She was assigned to Saint Vincent's Home in Fall River in 1938 where 45 boys were awaiting her care.  After 55 years of ministering at Saint Vincent’s, Sister Monice retired.  In 1999 Sister Monice received Saint Vincent's Mission Award for her significant contribution to the children and youth for whom she cared.

In addition to her religious family, the Sisters of Mercy, she leaves many nieces and nephews.  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, September 28th at Mount St. Rita Chapel with burial held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Several of her "boys" attended her services and offered memories of her while they were at Saint Vincent’s.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Monice’s memory may be made to Saint Vincent's, 2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720.  In Sister Monice’s memory, Saint Vincent’s will list her name in the Memorial Book in the Chapel on our campus so that she will be remembered at the Masses celebrated throughout the year.