Sr. Hilda Ponte, MPV

Sr. Hilda Ponte, MPV, 91, of Worcester passed away peacefully and went home to the Lord in heaven on Saturday, July 6, 2024, after a life of service to her catholic faith.

 Born on June 11, 1933, in East Providence, Rhode Island, one of seven children of Antonio and Maria Ferreira (Mathias) Ponte. She was raised in East Providence and entered the Venerini sister’s congregation in September of 1951, made her first profession in 1953 and professed her final vows on August 19, 1959. She earned her a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Anna Maria College and her master’s degree and CAGS in counseling from Assumption College. Sr. Hilda began a life of service, teaching elementary education to grades 5,6,7 & 8 at Venerini Academy, St. Anthony’s in Fitchburg, St. Anna’s in Leominster, as well as in schools in Pittsfield and Schenectady, NY. Sr. Hilda then focused her ministry on directing retreats at the House of Prayer in South Dartmouth, and as Assistant Director at a drug rehab in Schenectady, NY. She additionally served as Formation Director House of Affirmation in Whitinsville, the Religious Venerini Sisters, and in consultation services for the Sabbath Center in Attleboro. Notably, Sr. Hilda also served on the Venerini Congregation General Council in Rome for six years. Sr. Hilda was Regional Coordinator for the Venerini Sisters, USA Providence from 1993 to 2001 and from 2009 to 2017. Sr. Hilda did a lot of work on translating from Italian to English for the Congregation. 

 Sr. Hilda is survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and her Venerini Sister’s congregation. In addition to her parents, three brothers; John, Anthony and Manny Ponte and three sisters; Edie Charland, Virginia and Mary Ponte predeceased her. 

 Sr. Hilda was a member, Eucharistic minister and lector of St Patrick’s Church in Rutland. She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening and music.

 A period of calling hours will be held Wednesday, July 10th from 4 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, July 11th with a procession from the funeral home beginning at 9:20 am to St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St, Rutland where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg. Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Venerini Sisters Retirement Fund, 23 Edwards Street, Worcester, MA. 01604.