Sister Hilda Ponte, MPV, 91

Sister Hilda Ponte, MPV, 91, of Worcester passed away peacefully on July 6 after a life of service to the Catholic faith.

Sister Ponte was born on June 11, 1933, in East Providence, Rhode Island, where she was raised. She was one of seven children of Antonio and Maria Ferreira (Mathias) Ponte. She 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 a bachelor’s degree in education from Anna Maria College and a master’s degree and certificate of advanced graduate studies in counseling from Assumption College.

Sister Ponte began a life of service, teaching grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Venerini Academy in Worcester, St. Anthony School in Fitchburg, St. Anna Elementary School in Leominster, as well as in schools in Pittsfield and Schenectady, New York. Sister Ponte then focused her ministry on directing retreats at the House of Prayer in South Dartmouth, and as an assistant director at a drug rehab in Schenectady, New York. She additionally served as formation director at the House of Affirmation in Whitinsville, the Religious Venerini Sisters and in consultation services for the Sabbath Center in Attleboro. Notably, Sister Hilda also served on the Venerini Congregation General Council in Rome for six years. Sister Ponte was Regional Coordinator for the Venerini Sisters, USA Province from 1993 to 2001 and from 2009 to 2017. Sr. Ponte did a lot of work on translating from Italian to English for the Congregation.
 
Sister Ponte is survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and her Venerini Sisters congregation. In addition to her parents, three brothers: John, Anthony and Manny Ponte, and three sisters: Edie Charland, Virginia and Mary Ponte predeceased her.  

Sister Ponte was a member, Eucharistic minister and lector of St. Patrick Church in Rutland.  She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening and music.

A period of calling hours will be held Wednesday, July 10 from 4 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held on Thursday, July 11 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 a.m.  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.