September 19, 2011

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Sr. Marie Cecilia Carvelli (born Rose Theresa), 95, of 400 Pratt St., died Saturday, Sept. 17, at Samaritan Keep Home where she had been a resident for the last year. 

Born Aug. 30, 1916, in Dorchester, Mass., a daughter of Pasquale and Domenica Caruso Carvelli, she graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School and attended Boston Clerical Business School at night . 

She was employed by the Navy in Civil Service before entering the Precious Blood monastery in Manchester, N.H., on April 9, 1943. 

Sister Cecilia was perpetually professed as a Sister Adorer of the Precious Blood on November 23, 1947. In 1963, Sister became a foundress of the Watertown monastery when it was established here in Watertown. 

She served her community in a multitude of tasks, including portress, infirmarian, secretarial and art work as well as director of novices. Sister was the community organist for many years. 

In 2009, Sister Cecilia, was cared for by the Sisters of St. Joseph until her health demanded she be moved to Samaritan Keep Home. 

Eldest of four children, all three of her siblings survive her. Dr. Robert (Mary) Carvelli, Belmont, MA, Dr. William (Margaret) Carvelli, Vero Beach, Fla., and Sister Bette, S. M., a Marist Missionary Sister stationed in Waltham, Mass.; two nieces and several grand nieces and nephews. 

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Precious Blood Monastery. A funeral Mass will be said 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Motherhouse with Bishop Terry LaValley, bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, and Monsignor Paul Whitmore, chaplain, officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. 

Arrangements are with the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. 

Information provided by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home and Newzjunky.com, Watertown