Sr. Rita Marie Hickey, OSC  passed away at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center on January 25, 2023 following a lengthy illness. Sister was a member of the Order of St. Clare at St. Clare Monastery in New Orleans for almost 38 years. She was born in Teaneck, NJ. She grew up in Tenafly, NJ. 

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Sr. Rita began her religious life as a Sister of Charity of Convent Station, NJ.  After coming South as a civil rights worker, she served for several years in Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, as teacher and principal.  After leaving the Sisters of Charity, she taught religion at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama, and then served in the admissions office at Spring Hill College, also in Mobile. 

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Sr. Rita entered the New Orleans monastery in 1985.    Sr. Rita served the community in many capacities over the years, as vocation director, formation director, Councilor, and sacristan.  She was very creative, enjoyed cooking, gardening, making ceramics and ornaments for our gift shop,  Sr. Rita was also active in an interfaith group that studied the Koran. 

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Sr. Rita's funeral Mass was held on February 4, 2023, followed by interment in the Mortuary Chapel on the monastery grounds.  May she rest in peace.

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