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4/14/2008
Before she entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary she was a piano student of a famous Russian composer and conductor who wished her to be orchestra accompanist of the Providence Symphony. She entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Dec. 13, 1933, at Providence where she pronounced her first vows June 13, 1936. As an accomplished musician, throughout her religious life, she served as organist and choir directress in communities in New York, Cincinnati, Boston and Providence. She was sent in mission to St. Francis Sanatorium, now known as St. Francis Hospital, in Roslyn, N.Y., where she became a licensed practical nurse caring for children with rheumatic fever.
She pronounced in final vows June 13, 1942, at St. Francis Chapel in Roslyn. In Divine Providence Shelter she taught art to the Mission Circle and acted as receptionist and Girl Scout director. She also was a gifted artist and her work in art took form in portraits, calligraphy and the ornamentation of vestments and accessories. She was sent to teach in St. Anthony’s School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she taught classroom music and orchestra. Her ministries included visits to the homes of her neighbors in an underprivileged segment of society. A highlight during this part of her life was the study of Gregorian Chant with Father De Deo, O.F.M., liturgist and composer, then teaching at Cincinnati’s Teachers’ College. During her convalescence from an illness, she spent a year at Our Lady of Charity in Providence. Her time was given to doing fine embroidery as well as painting. When St. Clement’s Eucharistic Shrine in Boston opened, Hedwig was sent there to be organist and choir directress. She also helped in the sacristy and, on occasion, was privileged to assist with the Byzantine Liturgy, which gave her knowledge and experience in this beautiful and intricate rite. Her other works again included painting and calligraphy. In 1966, Sister Hedwig returned to Holy Family in North Providence where she served as organist and did hand printing on documents and citations.
She leaves a sister, Mary Warriner in Kansas, and several nieces and nephews,
Visiting hours are Tuesday, April 15, from 4-8 p.m. with a wake service at 7 p.m. in the Holy Family Chapel, 399 Fruit Hill Ave., North Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 16, at 11 a.m in the Holy Family Chapel. Burial will be in the Holy Family Cemetery. Arrangements are by Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home. www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
