Sister Theresa Rand, RSM

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Theresa Rand, RSM, age 73, who died May 30 after a long illness. Sister Theresa was born in Portland on June 14, 1946, the 12^th of 13 children born to Roy and Elizabeth (O’Brion) Rand.

She was brought up in a devout Catholic family in the Munjoy Hill section of Portland. She attended Cathedral Elementary and High School, graduating in 1964. Sister Theresa entered the Sisters of Mercy that same year and was welcomed to the religious community by her aunt, Sister Mary Rose O’Brion, RSM. She began her religious studies as well as attending St. Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish where she received a B.S. in education. She then earned her M.S. in education from Boston College.

Sister Theresa’s love of children contributed to her dedication as an educator. Her career in education spanned decades.  She taught at St. Joseph School in Lewiston, Public School in Benedicta, St. Mary’s School in Houlton, and Indian Island School in Old Town. She served as principal at St. Joseph and Cathedral School in Portland and then at Holy Cross School in South Portland.  She was known as a strong advocate for children and families, always striving to ensure everyone had access to a Catholic education.

Sister Theresa also ministered at St. Elizabeth’s Child Development Center in Portland and was director of religious education at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Augusta.  She also served on several diocesan boards and committees and on committees for her religious community.

Sister Theresa is survived by her brothers, Richard, Robert and Thomas Rand, and her sisters, Elizabeth Cyr and Judith Comeau, along with many nieces and nephews and other beloved family members.

Please keep Sister Theresa, her family, and members of her religious community in your prayers.