Obituary of Sr Mary (Sr Xavier Marie) Persico

Sister Mary Persico (Sr. Xavier Marie) died at the St. Julie Billiart Residential Care at the age of 96 on May 1, 2017. Sr. Mary had lived her life as a Sister of Notre Dame for the past 72 years. She was the daughter of Salvatore Persico of Naples, Italy and Amalie Olivella of Tostany, Italy. She is predeceased by her sister Raffaela Morabito. Sister is survived by her nieces Theresa Moore and Mary Quinn, her nephews James, John and Anthony Morabito. Before entering her religious life, Sr. Mary attended English High School and Boston Business School which prepared her for her work in the business field as a young woman. After entering Notre Dame, she graduated from Emmanuel College and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy and Theology Degree from Caymarie University in Rome, Italy. Sister’s early assignments were at Holy Rosary, Lawrence, St. Mary, Cambridge, and St. Gregory, Dorchester. While still a young religious, Sr. Mary volunteered for the overseas missions of the Congregation and was sent to Rome, Italy. For nineteen years she worked with Italian children in several sites outside Rome. Upon her return to the U.S., Sr. Mary served the community in internal ministries before retiring to her home in Ipswich. She was deeply respected and loved by all who knew her. Wherever she went she brought her gentle spirit, her warm smile and her constant gratitude for the least service rendered. Sr. Mary’s life will be celebrated at the Mary Queen Chapel at 30 Jeffreys Neck Road in Ipswich on Wednesday, May 3rd. The wake will begin at 1:00 pm and at 2:00 pm there will be a prayer service of remembrance. At 3:00 pm the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The burial will follow the services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund at Ipswich.