Sister Marlene Laliberte, RSM

Marlene Laliberte, RSM, 90 years old and a Sister of Mercy for 71 years died peacefully at St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield, RI on August 26, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Alice (Lenois) Laliberte. She was preceded in death by her brother Raymond of Falmouth, MA; her sister Maris Stella Laliberte, RSM; and her nephew Steven. She is survived by her niece Susan Russell of Falmouth and her nephews Mark, David, and Tommy Laliberte.

Marlene graduated from St. Xavier Academy in Providence and entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1952. She earned a BA in Education from Catholic Teachers College in Providence, RI; a MA in French Literature from Assumption College in Worcester, MA and a MS in Educational Management from Leslie College in Cambridge, MA. She also earned a Certificate of Advanced Study from the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

A quiet, determined woman who knew how to get things done and also how to involve others in the work, her power to innovate was apparent in her first mission to Our Lady of Mercy School as a teacher. She coordinated the Junior High Program and when schools initiated the foreign language program for grade K-8, Marlene organized the French classes for the school.

The importance of religion and service for young people had her initiate a Sodality for high school students in the parish.

The next 21 years would see her taking her talents for innovation to St. Mary Academy- Bay View. As Department Chairperson and Vice-Principal, her first four years saw her prepare for a successful accreditation by New England Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as serving as Director of Admissions. She also taught French in the high school.

The next 17 years she was Principal for a staff of 90 teachers and support staff. She was responsible for the education, health, and safety of 1,000 girls in grades 7 through 12. These years saw the institution of out-of-school career program that prepared students or making educational choices. She initiated a guidance program and developed a sports program with eight varsity teams and a junior varsity program. She also managed the budget.

In 1988, as a true daughter of Catherine McAuley, Marlene saw that the huge influx of refugees from Southeast Asia found people with survival needs. She began Genesis

Center to assist with English as a Second Language. The program grew to include preparation for citizenship. During her time over 5,000 people became American citizens from 22 countries. Much of her work involved writing grants and securing money which she did because she brought people to volunteer with the program and saw the needs. She began the Food Service Program that gave people work opportunities. The program received national honors as one of three “Model Family Literacy Programs” by Laubach Literacy, USA and was the First Collaborative Leadership in Action Award by Non-Profit Resources for Opportunity Knocks.

In 2000, called by the Regional Community of Providence, she became part of the last administrative team to serve before the merger to the Northeast Community. As a member of the team, Marlene organized ways of moving our sisters to better residences as the needed more care. These six years were spent understanding how our lives would change as we moved into different governing structures. Marlene’s support was vital at this time.

After leaving leadership, Marlene spent her time in Mission Advancement and serving on Boards of various Mercy ministries. Her last years were spent at St. Antoine’s where she brought her listening ear and kind words to her companions. In the last days of her life, she lay quiet as family, friends, Sisters and staff sat, prayed and talked with her. The Sisters of Mercy and Marlene’s family are grateful to the staff of the Special Care Unit who embodied the spirit of Catherine McAuley as the cared for her with great tenderness. In her own way, she slipped quietly into her next home, saying to her God the words of her motto, “They Will be Done.” Marlene lived her life seeking to do God’s will.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at St. Aidan-St. Patrick Church, 1460 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a Mercy Prayer Service at 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, 261 W. Wrentham Road, Cumberland, RI.

In place of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI, 02864. www.sistersofmercy.org or to St. Antoine Residence, Special Care Unit, 10 Rhodes Avenue, North Smithfield, RI 02896.

Information and condolences please visit www.galloglyfuneralhome.com

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