Sister Lourdette Harrold, RSM

Sister Marie Lourdette Harrold, RSM

A retired teacher and administrator, Sister Lourdette passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Bethany Home in Providence, RI.  Born Ann Therese Harrold, she was the daughter of the late Anna (Mitchell) Harrold and Hugh B. Harrold.  She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1946 and professed her vows on August 16, 1952.

She was a 1946 graduate of St. Xavier Academy.  She earned a B.A. from the former Catholic Teachers College, Providence and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI.

During her 60 years of ministry in the Fall River Diocese, she taught at Holy Family School in New Bedford, and St. Joseph School and Nazareth Hall in Fall River.

In 1960 Sister was missioned to St. Vincent's Home, Fall River, MA where she remained until her retirement in 2009.  Sister Lourdette gave herself completely to her ministries and responsibilities throughout her life.  These ministries and people over the years brought her call to religious life deep fulfillment, but none more so than her life at St. Vincent's Home.  She loved everything and everyone at St. Vincent's and formed lasting relationships with many people there.  One of her proudest ministry moments was when, to recognize a lifetime of ministry to St. Vincent's, a Group Home was dedicated as Harrold House in her honor.  In 2003 Sister received the St. Vincent's Mission Award for her significant contribution to the service of children.

Sister Lourdette loved her mission wherever she was called, and understandably, none more than the love of her life, St. Vincent's Home and all it encompassed.  She had the opportunity to enjoy many different ministries through her life as teacher and Certified Ombudsman at hospitals and skilled nursing Centers throughout the area.

Throughout her sixty years of ministry in the Fall River Diocese, she taught at Holy Family School, New Bedford, St. Joseph School and Nazareth Hall in Fall River. 

In addition to her religious family, the Sisters of Mercy, she leaves 31 nieces and nephews, grandnephews and nieces, and great-grand nieces and nephews.  She was the sister of the late Marie Diamond, Catherine McCrory, Helen Varney, Selene Harrold and brothers Hugh, Joseph and Daniel Harrold.

In her last few years she was a resident of Bethany Home in Providence.  She was happy and dearly loved and respected by the Staff of Bethany.  She was comforted by the fact that she was cared for with deep tenderness and compassion until her final days. The Sisters of Mercy, with Sister Lourdette's loving and attentive family are grateful for the professional care that was offered to her.

Sister’s funeral will be celebrated Thursday, May 7, 2026 at St. Stanislaus Parish, 36 Rockland St., Fall River.  Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with a Mercy Prayer Service at 10:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sisters of Mercy www.sistersofmercy.org/donate or St. Vincent's Home, 2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720. 

For information and condolences, please visit: www.galloglyfuneralhome.com

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