Sister Anne Louise Fitzpatrick

PORTLAND – Sister Anne Louise Fitzpatrick, R.S.M., 82 years, died on June 2, 2023, from complications of COVID 19, surrounded by her Sisters in community at St. Joseph’s Residence, Portland. Sister Anne was the daughter of Virginia (Patterson) Fitzpatrick and Eugene Fitzpatrick and was born in Houlton on April 12, 1941.

Sister Anne graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland, in 1959, and that same year entered the Sisters of Mercy, Portland. She then began her religious and college studies graduating from St. Joseph’s College, Standish, and earning a master’s degree in theology from Providence College, Rhode Island.

Sister Anne served in a variety of ministries, using her many gifts and talents. In addition to her teaching in many parochial schools, Sister Anne was a Director of Religious Education in several parishes before taking the position as Director of Region One in the Diocesan Office of Catechetics.

She served on the Diocesan Board of Religious Education, Diocesan Ecumenical Board, Advisory Council of Women Religious, Pastoral Ministry Team and Mercy Life Team. She also ministered in her religious community as Director of Novices and Formation, Director of Mercy Associates and was a member of the General Council.

Sister Anne loved the outdoors. Her family’s camp on Shin Pond in Houlton, under the shadow of Mount Katahdin, was one of her favorite places. Sister Anne and her friends climbed this special mountain and fulfilled her lifetime dream!

In 1980, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Sister Anne never let her disability define or defeat her. She worked hard at maintaining a positive attitude and was grounded by her deep faith in a loving God. Sister Anne exuded a spirit of joy evident in her laughter and Irish smile.

As her MS progressed, Sister Anne adjusted to a life of confinement to her wheelchair. She felt fortunate that she was able to receive a specialized one from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. As her arms and legs deteriorated, she was able to propel herself by using her chin that enabled her to continue her ministry. With her power wheelchair, she was able to attend Mass, visit other residents, conduct a women’s spirituality group, attend her book club, and other indoor and outdoor activities, allowing her more independence.

Sister Anne received the Remember ME Award from the State of Maine in recognition of her ministry and kindness with the nursing home residents during these twenty years.

Sister Anne’s spirit, though confined, knew no boundaries. Her voice-activated computer provided her the means of staying connected with family and friends. She was particularly grateful to all who helped keep her technology up to date. Sister Anne often said, “I am unusually blessed to continue to have my mind and heart.”

Sister Anne loved life! Despite her limitations, she was always ready to join her friends for outings of any kind. She was doubly blessed when it came to friends. Each seemed to know what Sister Anne would enjoy or need and would take care of it.

The people whose lives she touched were countless. One of Sister Anne’s favorite quotes was “To live is holy, to be is a blessing.” This she was to so many!

Sister Anne was predeceased by her parents, Virginia and Eugene Fitzpatrick; and her brothers, Eugene “Mickey” Fitzpatrick and John Fitzpatrick.

She is survived by her brother, David Fitzpatrick and wife Barbara of Rumford; her sister-in-law, Pamela Fitzpatrick of Arizona; several nieces and nephew and their families.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday, June 8, from 3 – 6 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 6 p.m., at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view the livestream of the Prayer Service, please visit http://www.facebook.com/ConroyTullyWalker. On Friday, June 9, prayers will be recited at the funeral home chapel at 9:15 a.m. An 11 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at St. Pius X, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. To view the livestream of the Mass, please visit https://ladyofhopemaine.org. To view Sister Anne’s memorial page, share an online condolence, or to view the links for the livestreams, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Sister Anne was deeply grateful for the care she received at St. Joseph’s Residence, Portland. The staff from maintenance, food service, activities and nursing gave Sister Anne the freedom to pursue her life’s ministry. A special thank you to Dr. Richard Marino who cared for Sister so tenderly.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 966 Riverside Street, Portland, Maine.



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