Sr. Rita Ann Wade SP

Sr. Rita Ann Wade SP, age 92, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022. Sister Rita Ann Wade was born in 1930 to Anna Wade and James D. Wade. She and her younger brothers, Jim and Joe, grew up in St. Joan of Arc parish where they attended the parish school. They enjoyed life, growing up in the light of a loving, happy, Irish family and a strong, close-knit neighborhood.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Jim Wade, Jr. and sister-in-law, Margaret Duffy Wade. She is survived by her brother, Joseph P. Wade, her Sisters of Providence, countless friends, and her Miracle Place Family.

Rita entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence in January of 1948. She was a teacher and/or principal in the Chicago area, Washington D.C., and Fort Wayne before returning to Indianapolis to teach at St. Luke and Holy Cross Grade Schools. Sister Rita Ann loved her students, establishing friendships and maintaining contact with many of them throughout the years.

In 1978, Sister Rita Ann became a chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital where she was the beloved presence for many patients and their families. After twenty-two years as chaplain, in 2000, Sister Rita and Sister Barbara founded Miracle Place, a ministry of outreach and hospitality on the near eastside.

Sister Rita Ann gave of herself totally to others. She touched people in a profound way with her compassion and loyalty. As one of our former “Miracle Place Kids” expressed: “Sister Rita was always so kind, so very kind. Maybe we can all try to be a little kinder each day to keep her spirit alive in our world.”

Visitation will be held Monday, May 16, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Joan of Arc, 4217 Central Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46205, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Additional services will be held at St. Mary of the Woods with her burial to follow in the Sisters of Providence Convent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miracle Place.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.feeneyhornakshadeland.com for the Wade family.