Sr. Mary Gratia Harnois, R. S. M.

Sr. Gratia was born in Portland, July 12, 1923, the daughter of Arthur Harnois and Marie Evangeline Giboin Harnois. Sister graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1942 from St. Joseph’s Parish, Portland. Her sister, Sr. M. Therese Harnois, who recently predeceased her, joined her as a Sister of Mercy in 1947.

Sr. Gratia received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the College of

Our Lady of Mercy located on Walton St., Portland. This was the forerunner of St. Joseph’s College, Standish, Maine. Sr. Gratia began her ministry in elementary education at St. Dominic’s School in Portland and then went on to serve at St. Joseph’s School, Lewiston; St. Mary’s School, Augusta; St. Athanasius School, Rumford; St. Teresa’s School, Brewer; St. Mary’s School, Houlton; Holy Cross School, South Portland and retired from teaching from Cathedral Junior High, Portland.

In 1974, Sr. Gratia became a Certified Nurses Aide and subsequently served

at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse Infirmary as well as the Eagle Lake Nursing Home in Northern Maine. In 1982, she returned to the Motherhouse and became Director of the

Altar Bread Department until it closed. Sr. Gratia then assumed the position of secretary

at St. Joseph’s Parish for ten years. While there, she also directed the RCIA for seven of those years. She felt privileged to instruct others in the Catholic faith which she said strengthened her faith as well.

After a life of joyous service in teaching and nursing, Sr. Gratia began internal

ministry as the Motherhouse receptionist and assistant Music Director. Having come from a musical family, Sister had a special talent for playing the wooden flute. In 2001, Sr. Gratia had a desire to go to Andros Island, Bahamas, where the Sisters of Mercy had a mission at Fresh Creek. While there she assisted with religious instructions, visited those who were sick and also gave music lessons. She loved this experience and treasured the memories she made there.

Sr. Gratia was a woman of many gifts which she shared lovingly with all those with whom she worked. She lived her motto, Love Serves, for 71 years as a dedicated religious and touched many lives during that time.

In addition to her beloved parents, Arthur and Marie Evangeline, she was predeceased by her siblings, Ernestine Harnois, Evangeline DeRoche, Pierre Harnois,

Sr. M. Therese Harnois R.S.M., Rosemarie Taliento, and Yvonne Hagerty. She is survived by many devoted nieces and nephews and their families; as well other relatives.

Her wake will be held at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, Woodfords Street, Portland, on Monday from 4 – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A Concele- brated Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Pius Church with Rev. Robert Regan, S.J. presiding. Burial will be in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland, following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Sr. M. Gratia’s memory to:

Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund

966 Riverside Street

Portland, Maine 04103