R.I.P., Sister Maria Cordata, M.I.C.M.

STILL RIVER/HARVARD — Sister Maria Cordata, nee Rose Mary Eugenia Baravella, 85, of the Sisters of St. Benedict Center, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Monday, March 30, after a brief illness.

She is survived by her sister, Gloria Brackett and her husband, Charles, of Jaffrey, N.H.; 22 nieces and nephews, of whom six are also in religious life, three as Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; 27 great-nieces and nephews; 14 great-great nieces and nephews; and her Sisters and Brothers of St. Benedict Center. She is predeceased by two brothers, John and Anthony Baravella.

Sister Maria Cordata was born in East Boston, to the late Primo and Eugenia (Valenti) Baravella. She did much charity work in the Clinton area throughout her life. She was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Roxbury and later studied to be an LPN.

In 1949, she entered St. Benedict Center in Cambridge. The community relocated to Saint Ann’s House in Still River and Sister Maria Cordata celebrated her 61st anniversary in religious life this January. She was noted for her great zeal for the faith and very affable and joyful manner.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 6, from 2 until 4:30 p.m. and 6 until 9 p.m. at St. Ann’s House, Sisters of St. Benedict Center, 254 Still River Road, Still River (Harvard). A Requiem Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7, in St. Ann’s House Chapel. Burial will be held at a later date at the St. Benedict Center Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Sister Maria Cordata, MICM, to the Sisters of St. Benedict Center, 254 Still River Road, Still River, MA 01467. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.