Sister Teresa Rose Carchidi, 99, Venerini sister

Sister Teresa Rose Carchidi, MPV, 99 of Worcester passed away peacefully March 30. Sister Teresa dedicated more than 60 years to religious life as a Venerini Sister.  

She was born on August 3, 1925, in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Dominic and Teresina (Verano) Carchidi, who immigrated from the Southern region of Calabria, Italy. The 13th of 15 children, Sister Teresa, graduated from St. Bernard’s High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College. She then began her career molding young minds in the Athol Public School and Leominster Public School systems. She earned her master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College.  

In August of 1959, Sister Teresa joined the Venerini Sisters and made her first profession in 1962. She was assigned to the Venerini school Mount Carmel in Gloversville, New York. In 1965 Sister Teresa made her final vows and returned to Gloversville as principal of Mount Carmel. After two years as principal, she was transferred to Schenectady, New York, and became principal of St. Anthony School. It was not until 1977 that Sister Teresa returned to the Worcester Diocese entering parish ministry in many roles. She was director of religious education at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Fitchburg and St. Catherine of Sweden in Worcester. Later she became pastoral associate for Immaculate Conception Parish in Lancaster and Prince of Peace Parish in Princeton. During this time, Sister Teresa earned a second master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Boston College. In 2017, Sister Teresa was elected Provincial of the United States before retiring in 2020.  

Sister Teresa is preceded in death by her parents, Dominic and Teresina Carchidi; brothers, Father Rudolph Carchidi, Charles, George, Samuel, Joseph and Dominic; sisters, Mary Frisina, Augusta Picone, Antonetta DiRusso and Katherine Grieci; as well as four infant siblings including a sister, Rose. Sister Teresa is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends she has made over the years across the United States and Italy.

Sister Teresa enjoyed music, playing the piano, reading mystery novels, and sudoku puzzles.  
Calling hours are today from 4-7 p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Anna Church, 194 Lancaster Street, Leominster. Msgr. F. Stephen Pedone and Father Michael C. Broderick will concelebrate. Burial will follow in the Venerini community cemetery section in St. Bernard Cemetery in Fitchburg.

In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Venerini Sisters Retirement Fund, 23 Edward Street, Worcester 01605.