Mary S. Grondin, SP
January 3, 1937 - November 14, 2018
Obituary
MARY GRONDIN, SP
(Sister Terrence)
Sister Mary Grondin, age 81, a Sister of Providence for 62 years, died November 14, 2018, at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, WA. Vigil Service: Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 6:30 PM, at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Avenue SW, Seattle. Funeral Mass: Monday, November 26, 2018, at 6:00 PM, at St. Therese Parish, 900 – 35th Ave, Seattle, followed by a reception. Burial will be on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 9:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, WA. Bonney Watson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Grondin was born January 3, 1937 to Hubert and Geraldine (Blovitz) Grondin, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the fourth oldest of seven children. Mary entered the Sisters of Providence in July 1955 at Mount St. Vincent, Seattle, Washington, and in January 1956, she became a novice. In July 1957 she professed first vows and received the name Sister Terrence, and in August 1962 she professed final vows.
Mary graduated in 1955 from Villa Cabrini Academy, Burbank, California. In 1963, Sister Terrence (Mary) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology/sociology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing both from Seattle University. In 1972, she received her Masters of Arts degree in Elementary School of Counseling, and Masters of Education both from the University of San Francisco, California. She also earned teaching credentials from Holy Names College, Oakland, California.
For her first ministry in 1959, she taught at St. Catherine School in Seattle, WA, then entered the nursing program at Seattle University.
From 1964-83 Sr. Mary held nursing positions in Washington: Port Townsend – St. John Hospital; in Oregon: Medford – Providence Medical Center, and Portland – St. Vincent Medical Center. After obtaining her counseling degree, she ministered as nurse/counselor in Seattle, WA, at St. John School and St. George School. During these years she also spent time in the Formation program for the religious community.
In 1974 Sr. Mary was chosen as one of 36 religious women internationally to participate in an eight-month theology-community life program in Rome sponsored by the Apostolic Religious Congregations (ARC) where she also travelled to Assisi and the Holy Land.
From 1984-2007 Sister Mary became involved in ministry in low income housing management, first in Washington: Seattle – Vincent House, helping to set up the house as well as managing it for twelve years; Chehalis – Providence Place; and Olympia – Providence St. Francis House. She also oversaw the construction and management of Providence House in Oakland, California. In Portland, Oregon she managed the early stages of Women’s Intercommunity Aids Resources.
Sr. Mary, after returning to St. Vincent House in Seattle, then retired in June 2007. She continued her ministry in Seattle as an active volunteer board member, director and advisory chair/president of numerous housing ministries, as well as a long-time member pf Providence Medford Medical Center Board.
In October 2018 she moved to St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, where she enjoyed and cherished spending time with family, friends and her sisters in community.
Sr. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Bertyn Marron, Nancy Shallengerger and Elizabeth Grondin, and brother, Hugh Grondin. She is survived by her sister, Gerry Ann Bowser, and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016.
What a fun, wholesome and wonderful person. I met Mary when she worked at the Vincent House. I remember her as being full of life and ready for whatever comes.
I will miss seeing her especially her smile! It was wonderful.
Mary
Freed up to go in peace!! Mary, you have so thoroughly loved and served the Lord and all the rest of us. No other has touched my heart like you. Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with us. xoxo Love, love and more love!!
The Heuer Nation will miss you dearly! We were always so proud of the great work you did, taking care of others. We always thought of you as part of our family. We will miss your great laugh, Cousin.