George Benedict Qualey Obituary

  Bangor Daily News Friday, June 7, 2002 P. B7

 Sister Mary Agnes Qualey
 Portland - Sister Mary Agnes Qualey, RSM (nee Evangeline Rita), 86, died Thursday morning, June 6, 2002, at her home, St. Joseph's Convent, Stevens Avenue, Portland.  She was born in Benedicta, the daughter of Albert and Mary Gormley Qualey. The unexpected death of both parents, within one week, left five children, ages 1 1/2 years to nine years, to be cared for.  It was their Uncle Will Qualey who offered to care for the children and run their farm.  Sister always said that it was from her Uncle Will that she developed the deep desire to care for children.  As a Sister of Mercy, she could fulfill this desire.  Sister Mary Agnes was a graduate of St. Benedict's High School, Benedicta.  After entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1937, Sister attended St. Joseph's College and received a bachelor's degree in education. Sister served in several diocesan parochial schools, including St. Mary's, Biddeford, St. Mary's, Calais, where she was principal, St. Mary's, Houlton, St. Joseph's and St. Dominic's, Portland. Sister also ministered for a long time in the field of religious education in Brownsville Junction and was Superior of St. Michael's Home in Bangor. Within her religious community, Sister servedas Directress of Temporary Professed in was elected for a term in leadership as First Counselor in 1967. Upon retirement from active ministry, Sister generously contributed to work within the Motherhouse, assisting for a time as the bakery cook where her culinary skill shown and directed the Motherhouse clolding supply for the needy.  Sister Mary Agnes in 1997 celebrated her diamond Jubilee as a Sister of Mercy.  While illness in her later years prevented her from active ministry, Sister continued to remain attentive to the mission of the Sisters of Mercy through prayer, reading and conversation with those in active ministry.  Two brothers, James and Joseph; and one sister, Mary Ellen McAvoy, predeceased her.  She is survived by two sisters, Dora Gilbert, New Canaan, Connecticut and Elizabeth Cignatta, Baltimore, Maryland; a sister-in-law, Agatha Qualey of Connecticut; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her Religious Community, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Portland.  Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at St. Joseph's Convent, 605 Stevens Ave., where the wake service will be conducted at 7 PM.  A celebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be said 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2002, at St. Joseph's Convent Chapel, with the most, Michael Richard Cote, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Portland as principal celebrant. Interment will be 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.  Arrangements are by Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street Portland