Sr. Emilie M. Duchaney, FMM

Emilie was born in Dorchester, MA on August 13, 1937, one of seven children. Before entering the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, she volunteered at Kennedy Memorial Hospital where her generous spirit was challenged but not frightened by the arduous duties entailed in the care of young handicapped children. She also had the experience of working in an office and as a salesperson for a department store.

Emilie entered the Institute September 15, 1956 at Fruit Hill, North Providence, RI. After pronouncing her First Vows, June 13, 1959, she was missioned to Divine Providence Shelter in New York City to be a group mother to the children who lived there. Her next mission in 1961 was to teach in the FMM Montessori Nursery School, Bell Street Providence. At Fruit Hill, she pronounced her Final Vows on June 13, 1963 and was then missioned to Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook, NY, where she cared for young handicapped children and was a supervisor for their care. In 1980, after studying at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, Emilie earned a BA in psychology. She continued working with children in Millbrook and also took some renewal programs in Rye Beach, NH, with the Franciscan Fathers in 1979, in Bethany Renewal Center in Fruit Hill, North Providence in 1985 and Sorgente in Rome for one month, in 1994.

After this time, Emilie was missioned to Waukegan, Illinois to St. Bartholomew Convent where she did home care for babies and young children from 1995. In 2004, Emilie’s new mission was to provide pastoral care for our elderly sisters and others at St. Antoine’s residence in North Smithfield. She was most attentive to the needs of the elderly and was endeared not only by the FMM sisters but other resident and staff members. Emile was well known and appreciated in every mission where she served.

Emilie loved children of all ages and equally loved the elderly. She cared well for all of them. With her great sense of humor, people enjoyed her company and felt very much at ease in her presence. A great Red Sox fan, she followed the games when she could and could even occasionally be heard praying for the players as she watched the game.

Emile once shared that she felt her vow of poverty meant she should share all that she has and is. Surely, she lived that to the full where she gave herself generously to community life and with her great sense of humor brightened dull days and brought joy and relaxation to many.

Emilie was a true servant and was active in her mission at St. Antoine’s right up to the time of her death when she passed away peacefully in her community of Ein Karim on July 24, 2026. May she rest in peace.

Visitation for Sr. Emilie will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, 399 Fruit Hill Ave, North Providence with a service at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Missionary. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.